An increase of more than 4% is expected compared to 2024 with Civitavecchia, Naples and Genoa on the podium of the busiest ports. Further increase in 2026
New record for Italy’s cruises this year. According to Cemar Agency Network forecasts, 2025 will be characterized by “further growth in cruise traffic in Italian ports, confirming a trend already highlighted in 2024, as a consequence of the strong recovery in demand by the market”
A rise in the tourism industry
A rise in the tourism industry typically reflects increased travel demand, economic growth, and improved consumer confidence. Cruise tourism significantly boosts global tourism by offering unique travel experiences and contributing to economic growth through port-related activities and expenditures.
Office for National Statistics
For instance, in May 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based national statistical institute, the UK saw a rise in overseas visitors, with 38.0 million trips compared in 2023 to 31.2 million in 2022.
Related :Cruises in Italy towards a new record with 15.3 million passengers
$39.99 billion (£31.1 billion
These visitors spent $39.99 billion (£31.1 billion), an increase of $5.91 billion (£4.6 billion) from the previous year. Conversely, UK residents took 86.2 million trips abroad, up from 71.0 million in 2022, and spent $93.07 billion (£72.4 billion) and $17.87 billion (£13.9 billion) more than the previous year. Therefore, the expansion of the tourism industry is driving the growth of the cruise tourism market.
Global Cruise Tourism Market Major Players
Major companies operating in the cruise tourism market are Royal Caribbean International, Princess Crusies Ltd., Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Hurtigruten, Genting Hong Kong Ltd., Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Windstar Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Compagnie du Ponant, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, AmaWaterways LLC, P&O Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Holidays Ltd., Kerala Shipping, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises
Global Cruise Tourism Market Trend: Advanced Booking Web Portals Transforming The Market
Major companies operating in the cruise tourism market are developing advanced solutions, such as booking web portals, to enhance booking efficiency and provide real-time access to inventory and fare information.
A booking web portal
A booking web portal is an online platform that allows travel agents and customers to search, book, and manage cruise itineraries with real-time access to inventory and pricing. For instance, in February 2024, Resorts World Cruises, a Singapore-based company, launched the RW CruiseBuddy platform in India, designed to empower travel partners with direct access to real-time inventory and fare details.
Web portal offers
This cutting-edge tool is set to transform how travel partners book and manage cruise itineraries. The user-friendly web portal offers a convenient and seamless experience, simplifying booking management and providing up-to-date information.
Italy firmly maintains its primacy
Italy firmly maintains its primacy as the most important cruise destination in the Mediterranean Sea. There are undoubtedly many factors that contribute to this constant growth in terms of passengers handled and number of calls: among these, the policy of deseasonalization plays a key role, also implemented by American companies that for some years have chosen to be present in the Mediterranean not only in the summer but also in the winter months.
Ecological latest-generation ships
At the same time, thanks to increasingly ecological latest-generation ships, the cruise industry has made significant steps forward in terms of sustainability, drastically reducing emissions and committing to the protection of our Mediterranean Sea” commented Senes
