New record for international cruises in 2025

International cruises are expected to set a new record in 2025, with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) placing the number of cruise passengers this year at 37.7 million, compared to 34.6 million in 2024.

The CLIA report highlights a striking shift in the profile of travelers: new generations – Gen-X and Millennials – are emerging as the most ardent fans of cruising. The variety of experiences, the ability to visit multiple destinations in a single trip, and the overall value that cruising offers as a form of vacation are key factors in this trend.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that 31% of passengers in the last two years were “first-time” cruise passengers – a fact that demonstrates the product’s ability to constantly attract new audiences. In fact, 82% of those who have already traveled on a cruise say they intend to do so again, while 68% of international travelers are seriously considering their first cruise experience.

Family and Multi-Generation Travel

Cruising is also redefining the concept of family travel. Almost one in three passengers travels with three or more generations, as modern ship services fully cover the needs of both children and older family members. This gives this particular form of vacation a unique character of intensity and emotional connection, which is difficult to reproduce elsewhere.

Exploration and Adventure: The Fastest Growing Trends

Expedition cruises, or journeys to remote destinations, are in high demand. In 2024, there was a 22% increase in passengers choosing this type of cruise, compared to the previous year. These options are not only aimed at nature lovers but also at a high-demand audience seeking original, culturally enriched experiences.

Sustainability and technology at the heart of growth

The cruise of 2025 is not only luxurious and adventurous, but also environmentally responsible. Companies are investing tens of billions of dollars in creating a “greener” fleet, with new propulsion technologies and the ability to switch fuels to methane or LNG. Already, more than 61% of CLIA member fleets are ready to connect to shore-based power, and by 2028, this percentage will reach 72%.

By 2028, half of the new ships added to the global fleet will have dual-fuel engines capable of running on biofuels, making cruise ships more flexible and environmentally friendly.

Economic giant of global tourism

Although it represents only 2% of global tourism, cruising has a huge economic footprint. In 2023, its contribution exceeded $168 billion, while 1.6 million jobs were supported worldwide. In the US alone, the economic footprint amounted to $65 billion, with almost 300,000 jobs and wages of $25 billion.

The boost to local economies is not limited to the duration of the cruise. 69% of passengers stay overnight in hotels before or after their trip, while 6 in 10 return to destinations they visited on a cruise later.

• North America remains the top market for cruises, with a 13% increase in 2024 compared to 2023.
• In 2024, Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda itineraries remained the most popular, with 43% of all cruise passengers traveling to the Caribbean in 2024, followed by the Mediterranean and other European destinations.

56 new ships by 2036

For 2025, CLIA predicts the addition of 11 new ships to the global fleet, while 56 more have been ordered by 2036 – an investment of $56.8 billion that demonstrates the confidence of companies in the industry. It is noteworthy that over 70% of the fleet (existing and future) consists of small and medium-sized ships, which allows for the approach to smaller destinations and enhances sustainability.

The cruise of 2025, as market players emphasize, is not just a luxury trip – it is a multidimensional experience that evolves, adapts, and stars in the new tourism narrative of the future.

Source:
tornosnews.gr
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/transport/cruises/51889-new-record-for-international-cruises-in-2025.html