By
Laura Hyde |
First-time cruise passengers are driving industry growth, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report. In the last two years, 31 per cent of cruise passengers were new to cruising, while 68 per cent of international travellers are considering taking their first cruise.
Figures released in the report reveal 34.6 million passengers cruised in 2024, making up 2.7 per cent of the international travel and tourism sector. The report also predicts 37.7 million passengers will cruise in 2025.
According to the report, 82 per cent of those who have cruised intend to cruise again, with Generation X and millennials among the most enthusiastic passengers. They are attracted to the sector by the variety of experiences provided, the ability to visit multiple destinations and the value of a cruise holiday. The report revealed nearly one-third of cruise passengers sailed with three or more generations in 2024, highlighting the opportunity cruises provide for multigenerational travel.
The fastest-growing segments of cruise were identified as expedition and exploration, with 22 per cent more passengers choosing these voyages in 2024 compared with 2023.
CLIA member lines will welcome 11 new ships to the global fleet in 2025 with 56 ocean-going ships on order from CLIA members for 2025-2036, which represents a $56.8 billion investment. The report spotlights the sustainability efforts of member lines, with more than 61 per cent of CLIA’s existing fleet currently equipped to connect to onshore power, and 72 per cent set to do so by 2028. Also by 2028, 50 per cent of all new cruise ships will have engines able to run on alternative fuels such as LNG and methanol. These ships will also be able to switch to bio- or synthetic LNG with little or no engine modifications.
Despite representing just under three per cent of international travel and tourism, the cruise industry has significant economic impact in communities around the world, says CLIA. In 2023 the industry generated over $168 billion in global economic impact. The industry benefits communities around the world through local sourcing of goods and services. The report also found 69 per cent of passengers contribute to local economies with pre- and post-cruise stays with one or more nights in a hotel. Additionally, six in 10 cruisers return to a destination they first visited by cruise, extending the economic impact of cruising to communities.
“CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report shows cruising continues to be one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors in tourism, growing in line with strong demand for cruise holidays, particularly among younger generations and new-to-cruise travellers,” said Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA. “The industry is also an essential economic driver, contributing over $168 billion to communities around the world, supporting 1.6 million jobs and investing tens of billions today in the sustainable fleet of the future.”
Read the full 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report on the CLIA website.