Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its annual State of the Cruise Industry report for 2025, showing record levels of cruise tourism internationally and the number of first-time cruisers also continuing to increase.
“Cruising is more popular than ever and the diversity of experiences now available to cruise guests is phenomenal,” CLIA managing director in Australasia, Joel Katz, said.
“Cruise lines have been investing billions of dollars in new ships, new innovations and new experiences, allowing them to cater to increasingly diverse tastes among their guests.
“The outlook for cruising remains strong and cruise lines are preparing to enhance their fleets with a further 56 new ships to be launched into the next decade. At the same time, they are making huge investments in the technologies and propulsion systems that are taking our industry towards its net-zero emission goals.”
State of the Cruise Industry 2025 key points
34.6 million people took an ocean cruise worldwide during 2024, a 9.3 per cent increase over 2023.
Passenger numbers are forecast to continue to grow, rising to 37.7 million in 2025 and 41.9 million by 2028.
While cruising continues to thrive, cruise passengers represent only 2.7% of tourism worldwide. Cruise ships represent less than 1% of the world’s commercial maritime fleet.
The intention to cruise among international travellers remains strong. Of those who have cruised in the past, 82 per cent say they will cruise again. Of those who have never cruised before, 68 per cent say they would consider taking a cruise.
Generation X and Millennials are the most enthusiastic cruisers. Of Gen X who have cruised before, 84 per cent say they will cruise again. Of Millennials who have cruised before, 83 per cent say they will cruise again.
The number of first-time cruisers continues to increase: 31 per cent of cruisers over the past two years were new to cruise, up from 24 per cent in 2019.
Eleven new ocean-going ships will be released by CLIA cruise lines during 2025, worth more than US$10 billion. A total of 56 new ships are on order for CLIA cruise lines through to 2036, worth US$56.7 billion.
More than 70 per cent of ships sailing now and through to 2036 are small- and medium-sized ships.
