2023 marked a historic year for the cruise industry, with record passenger volumes reported.
- A total of 2.3 million cruise holidays were taken by UK and Ireland holidaymakers, showing a significant increase from previous years.
- Globally, 31.7 million passengers embarked on cruises, exceeding expectations and pointing to a robust recovery for the industry.
- The Mediterranean remained the most popular destination, with a noteworthy rise in exploration cruises as well.
- Clia projects further growth, with passenger numbers expected to rise to 39.7 million by 2027.
The Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) has declared 2023 as a landmark year in the cruise industry, underscoring a remarkable recovery and growth in cruise holidays. According to the recent State of the Cruise Industry report, British and Irish holidaymakers embarked on a record 2.3 million cruises, significantly up from 1.7 million in the previous year and surpassing the pre-pandemic figures of 2019.
In a global context, the cruise industry saw 31.7 million passengers in 2023, a figure that slightly exceeded prior expectations. Clia’s projections suggest that by 2027, this number could rise to nearly 40 million, reflecting robust confidence in the industry’s continued expansion and ability to attract new passengers.
Andy Harmer, managing director of Clia UK & Ireland, attributed this growth to a resurgence in travel demand and a significant uptake among first-time cruisers. During the launch of a new report focusing on potential future cruisers, compiled in partnership with MMGY Travel Intelligence and Travelzoo, Harmer emphasised the rapid rebound of cruise compared to other types of travel.
The Mediterranean remained the favoured destination for UK and Irish cruisers, attracting 35% of the passenger base. Meanwhile, cruises to northern Europe accounted for 29%, and the Caribbean attracted 12% of the market. Notably, exploration destinations experienced a 53% year-on-year increase in passengers, indicating a growing interest in diverse travel experiences.
Demographic shifts were also observed, with the average age of cruisers declining from 56.1 years in 2022 to 55.1 in 2023. The trend towards multigenerational travel continued, with 28% of passengers voyaging in groups comprising three or more age groups, while the traditional party of two accounted for 38%.
Pre- and post-cruise stays have become popular, with 65% of holidaymakers extending their trips at the departure location and 52% opting to stay beyond the cruise duration. This trend highlights an increasing desire for comprehensive travel experiences.
The survey of 4,500 international potential travellers revealed a promising outlook for the industry, as 71% indicated an openness to cruising, a sentiment that peaked at 73% during the early months of 2023. This marks a significant rise in interest compared to the pre-pandemic period, offering a substantial opportunity for cruise lines to capture new markets.
Clia’s report outlines considerable investment in expanding fleet capacity, with 300 ships set to sail in the current year alone. The diversity within fleet sizes—ranging from smaller vessels with up to 1,000 berths to those accommodating over 3,000—is poised to cater to varying passenger preferences.
With continued investment and increasing passenger interest, the cruise industry is poised for sustained growth into the future.
