Royal Caribbean to Lead Cruise Market Through 2033

Royal Caribbean International is set to remain the cruise industry’s largest brand by annual passenger volume through 2033, according to the 2025 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

The brand is projected to carry 7.7 million guests annually at double occupancy, surpassing Carnival Cruise Line, which is expected to reach 6.9 million passengers.

While Carnival will operate more ships—34 compared to Royal Caribbean’s 32—Royal Caribbean's fleet consists of larger vessels. The brand will offer roughly 130,000 berths across its ships, slightly more than Carnival’s estimated 125,000. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is allocating more of its larger ships to the short-cruise segment.

Other major cruise brands expected to rank among the top global operators by passenger volume in 2033 include MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa, AIDA, TUI, P&O UK, and Holland America Line.