50 INTERVIEW Cruising is more popular than ever. Figures from Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2026 State of the Cruise Industry Report indicate that 37.3 million passengers cruised in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024. Nearly 90 per cent of those who sailed in 2025 intend to do so again in future, and annual global passenger numbers are forecast to hit 42 million in 2029. To keep pace with this growth, cruise operators are expanding their fleets. Today, CLIA has 327 vessels in its oceangoing fleet and there are a further 86 ships representing a $98 billion capital investment in the current order book. As the number of ships increases, ports and destinations are facing increasing pressure to ensure they have the infrastructure and strategies in place to carefully manage cruise tourism. We ask CLIA president and CEO Bud Darr how its members are working with stakeholders across the industry to drive sustainable growth and manage tourism responsibly in the destinations they visit. How is the global order book evolving? We’re seeing more demand from multigenerational groups and younger guests, as well as consumers looking for adults-only products or niche options like expedition cruising. At the same time, established brands are expanding their fleets and new entrants are building their first vessels. This is driving growth across the entire spectrum of cruise ships, with brands ordering small, medium and large ships and evolving their designs substantially to keep pace with guest demand. Every time I go on a ship, I’m Demand for cruising is rising. Bud Darr discusses with Rebecca Gibson why stronger partnerships between cruise lines and ports will be key to managing the growing pressures on destinations and local communities Growing the cruise sector responsibly Leaders from the Port of Madeira and the city of Funchal have worked closely together to minimise the disruption caused by cruise tourism and ensure locals happily welcome guests Photo: iStockphoto/Aleh Varanishcha
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