2023 Saw Record Passenger Numbers, Reports Cruise Industry

The global cruise industry achieved a record number of passengers in 2023, marking a significant recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic downturn.

In 2023, cruise ships transported 31.7 million passengers, a 7% increase over the previous record set in 2019, as reported by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The United States saw the largest growth, maintaining its position as the world's premier cruise market with a 19% increase from 2019, adding approximately 2.7 million passengers.

According to the CLIA's 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, the fastest-growing segments within the industry are expedition and exploration cruises, which saw passenger numbers increase by 71% from 2019 to 2023.

The cruise sector generated a total economic impact of $138 billion globally in 2022, supporting 1.2 million jobs and providing $43 billion in wages. CLIA anticipates the 2023 figures, which are to be released later this year, will reflect even more substantial growth due to a 50% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2022.

The report also indicated strong ongoing interest in cruising, with 82% of people expressing an intent to take a cruise. Over the next five years, cruise capacity is expected to grow by 10%. The industry currently has 56 new cruise ships on order, worth a combined total of $38 billion.

Sustainability efforts are also emphasized in the report, with 32 pilot projects testing alternative fuels underway. Currently, four ships are operating using renewable biofuels, with another four new ships being designed to utilize this energy source. 

Additionally, five ships are planned to run on green methanol and two on green hydrogen. About 15% of the new ships entering service within the next five years will feature battery storage and/or fuel cells, enabling hybrid power generation.