2024-09-07 04:18:47
Aurélien Fleurot / Photo credit: BODO MARKS / DPA / DPA PICTURE-ALLIANCE VIA AFP
06:18, September 07, 2024modified at
08:06, September 07, 2024
After a slow post-Covid recovery, the cruise sector is returning to a high pace, to the point of posting record attendance in 2024. Families, who are seeing rising air and hotel prices, are highlighting the value for money of cruising.
The sector had suffered greatly from the health crisis. But three years later, cruises are preparing to break attendance records in 2024. The growth rate observed until 2019 is being exceeded and the Clia, the Cruise Lines International Association, estimates the total number of passengers this year at 35.7 million, an increase of 17% compared to last year, which was already a record year.
These huge cruise ships, criticized by some associations for their environmental impact, are therefore attracting more and more customers. Because cruising is no longer a limited program of activities, to be followed to the letter, and sometimes restrictive. Now, a new offer attracts families, often over three generations. Enough to also rejuvenate the clientele, which is increasing from 47 years on average, to 52 five years ago.
“A floating village”
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“With the largest cruise ships, we offered a much greater diversity of activities on board: the choice between 12 different restaurants, 21 bars, two performance halls and a multitude of other activities. The large cruise ship became a floating village and that is what revolutionized modern cruising and made it successful today,” analyzes Patrick Pourbaix, general manager of MSC Cruises in France.
Families, who see the increase in airfares and hotel prices, are highlighting the value for money of cruises. The majority of the market is American with 18 million passengers, but Europe is growing, especially thanks to the English and Germans. The French are getting involved, but are still three times less numerous. And new fans are becoming regulars since 93% of cruise passengers renew their choice in the months that follow.
Finally, the sector, which knows it is under the scrutiny of environmental associations, is recalling its roadmap: zero emissions by 2050… with a 40% reduction expected from 2030.
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CLIA report 2024
The Cruise Industry: Breaking Records and Defying Expectations in 2024
The global cruise industry has made a remarkable comeback after a slow post-Covid recovery. In 2024, the sector is poised to break attendance records, with an estimated 35.7 million passengers, a 17% increase from last year’s record-breaking numbers [[1]]. This growth rate exceeds the pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant milestone for the industry.
Families Flock to Cruises for Value and Variety
One of the key drivers of this growth is the increasing popularity of cruises among families. With rising air and hotel prices, families are turning to cruises for their value for money. Modern cruise ships now offer a diverse range of activities, amenities, and accommodations that cater to multiple generations of families. According to Patrick Pourbaix, general manager of MSC Cruises in France, “The large cruise ship became a floating village and that is what revolutionized modern cruising and made it successful today” [[1]].
Expedition and Exploration: The Fastest-Growing Sectors
Another area of growth in the cruise industry is expedition and exploration cruises, which have seen a staggering 71% increase in passengers [[2]]. These types of cruises offer unique experiences, such as visiting remote and exotic destinations, which appeal to a new generation of travelers seeking adventure and authenticity.
Global Demand on the Rise
The global cruise industry expects to carry 10% more passengers by 2028 than the 31.7 million who took cruise holidays in 2023 [[3]]. This growing demand is driven by the increasing popularity of cruises among families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Industry Growth Projections
The global cruise market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a valuation of USD 7.67 billion in 2022 [[1]]. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing popularity of cruises, rising disposable incomes, and the expansion of the global middle class.
Conclusion
The cruise industry has made a remarkable recovery from the pandemic and is now poised for continued growth and success. With its diverse range of activities, amenities, and accommodations, cruises offer a unique vacation experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, it is clear that the future of cruising looks bright.
References:
CLIA report 2024
The Resurgence of the Cruise Industry: Breaking Attendance Records in 2024
After a slow post-Covid recovery, the cruise sector is experiencing a remarkable comeback, with a projected record attendance in 2024. The industry’s growth rate, which had been impacted by the health crisis, is now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the total number of passengers is expected to reach 35.7 million in 2024, a 17% increase from last year’s record-breaking numbers.
A Floating Village: The Evolution of Modern Cruising
The cruise industry’s resurgence can be attributed to the revolutionized modern cruising experience. With the largest cruise ships offering a diverse range of activities on board, families are now drawn to the value for money that cruises provide. Patrick Pourbaix, general manager of MSC Cruises in France, notes that the large cruise ship has become a “floating village,” with a vast array of options, including 12 different restaurants, 21 bars, two performance halls, and numerous other activities. This shift in the cruise experience has led to an increase in families, often spanning three generations, and a rejuvenation of the clientele, with the average age increasing from 47 to 52 years old over the past five years.
Industry Growth and Projections
The cruise industry has been experiencing steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 1990 to 2024 [1[1]. This growth is expected to continue, with J.P. Morgan Research estimating that the cruise industry will capture approximately 3.8% of the $1.9 trillion global vacation market by 2028 [2[2].
Statistical Insights
The cruise industry’s growth is reflected in various statistics. According to Statista, the number of cruise passengers has been steadily increasing, with a projected total of 35.7 million passengers in 2024 [3[3].
Conclusion
The cruise industry’s remarkable comeback is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve. With its new offerings and value for money, the industry is attracting a broader range of customers, including families and younger generations. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely to break more records and solidify its position as a significant player in the global vacation market.
References
[1] Cruise Market Watch. (n.d.). Growth. Retrieved from
[2] J.P. Morgan Research. (2024, June 7). Is the outlook for the cruise industry plain sailing? Retrieved from
[3] Statista. (n.d.). Cruise industry worldwide – statistics & facts. Retrieved from
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