The number of Italians choosing to vacation on board is also increasing, from 900 thousand in 2019 to 1 million and 150 thousand in 2024 (+28% in five years)
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) has announced that in 2024 the number of unique passengers in the world reached 34.6 million, with the prospect of reaching 37.7 million in 2025. “A record obtained thanks to an increasingly varied offer, more modern ships, alternative itineraries and innovative trends” reads a note.
According to the ‘State of the Cruise Industry’ report, the dynamism of the sector is reflected in the ‘sentiment’ of passengers: over 80% of those who have been on a cruise want to return on board soon, 66% of those who have never been on a cruise are ready to do so and, above all, for approximately a third of passengers (31%) it is a ‘first time’, demonstrating the great growth potential of the sector.
According to CLIAdata, the number of Italians on cruises is increasing, from 900 thousand in 2019 to 1 million and 150 thousand in 2024 (+28%). Europe and the Mediterranean remain central both as a market of origin for cruise passengers, which grew overall by 2.8% in 2024, and as a destination market in 2024. Cruise tourism represents less than 2% of global flows, but generates 168.6 billion dollars worldwide, of which 55 in Europe and 16 in Italy (2023 data)
Record-breaking 2024 figures
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)Â revealed that the average age of UK and Ireland cruisers has decreased again. The overall passenger figures for 2024 confirm the average cruise traveller is 54.3 years – down from 55.1 in 2023 and 57 in 2019.
The findings come as CLIA stated that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 2.4 million cruises last year, surpassing the previous highest total of 2.3 million in 2023.
35% of passengers sailed in the Mediterranean, 26.5% Northern Europe and 13% the Caribbean.
Asia & China saw the biggest passenger growth, at 96%. The Canary Islands followed with 31%
For the first time, the CLIA-member cruise line fleet exceeds 310 ocean-going vessels. Overall capacity increased by 3.4% across the year.
CLIA unites the global cruise industry by providing a strong collective voice for cruise lines, valuable connections and insights for Executive Partners, and training, resources, and support for the travel trade community.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) unites the global cruise community, including prestigious ocean, river, and specialty lines, maritime leaders, ports, destinations, shipyards, and the largest network of cruise travel professionals.
Related : Italian cruise market: Grow to almost 15 million passengers in 2025
On the other hand Expedition cruise line HX Expeditions has partnered with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to support its presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets, joining as a Regional Expedition/Ocean Cruise Line member in Australasia.
The partnership brings HX into CLIA’s wider Australasian cruise community, made up of cruise lines from around the world as well as travel agents, ports, destinations, suppliers and other industry stakeholders. HX will now be a part of CLIA’s extensive travel agent training and events program in Australia and New Zealand and will be represented in CLIA’s advocacy initiatives across government and industry throughout the region.
Sources : Shipping Italy + CLIA
