The continuous evolution of the cruise industry drives growth in the sector in 2016

The cruise industry anticipates nearly 24 million passengers in 2016.
Cruise travel continues to grow globally and evolve at a record pace.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today released its State of the Cruise Industry report, revealing that cruise travel continues to grow globally and evolve at a record pace.
The industry shows no signs of slowing down and expects to reach nearly 24 million passengers in 2016, a dramatic increase compared to the 15 million passengers ten years ago (2006), or even the 1.4 million passengers in 1980, when CLIA began tracking the number of passengers embarking on cruises. CLIA also revealed that its member cruise lines will launch 27 new ships with a total investment of more than $6.5 billion (€6.1 billion). Furthermore, eight out of ten travel agencies, members of CLIA, have indicated that they expect an increase in cruise sales in 2016 compared to last year.
“In a continuous effort to make cruise tourism the ultimate vacation experience, the industry continues to evolve to demonstrate that there truly is a cruise for every travel style and budget,” stated Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA’s interim president. “The evolution, appeal, and value of cruise travel continues to drive the industry’s global growth through the construction of unique ships and the ability to create new experiences and offer destinations around the world.”
Cruises also generate a positive economic impact globally. The industry's global economic contribution in 2014 was $119.9 billion (€112.7 billion), supporting 939,232 full-time jobs and generating $39.3 billion (€36.9 billion) in revenue.

CLIA has identified 13 cruise industry trends that demonstrate how the sector has transformed to adapt to the styles and preferences of today's travelers:
1. Increased River Cruises. The popularity of river cruises is growing, creating a unique travel experience highly valued by new passengers. CLIA member cruise lines currently operate 170 river cruise ships and will add 18 new ships next year, representing an increase of more than 10%.
2. More Ships, More Choices. In 2015, there are currently a total of 471 cruise ships*, with 27 new transatlantic, river, and specialty vessels set to launch in 2016.
3. Expanding Horizons. Five years ago, cruise travel was virtually unknown in Asia. Today, it is the fastest-growing region in the industry. Between 2012 and 2014, passenger volume increased from 775,000 to nearly 1.4 million passengers, representing an annual growth rate of 34%.
4. A Great Time for Cruises. While Asia is growing rapidly, Australia is also experiencing record growth. In fact, the Australian cruise industry achieved a major milestone in 2014, surpassing one million passengers in a single year. In 10 years, the number of cruise passengers in Australia has increased sixfold, from 158,000 in 2004.
5. Cruise Specialists: The cruise industry continues to rely on the expertise of cruise specialists. Today, there are more than 30,000 travel agents worldwide who are members of CLIA, a remarkable increase from the 12,000 in 2010.
6. Cruising and Connectivity: The cruise industry has prioritized consumers' desire to stay connected while traveling. Most cruise ships now offer a wide range of data connectivity options, Wi-Fi, and instant messaging onboard.
7. A Love of Luxury: The demand for luxury travel continues to grow. Cruise lines specializing in this type of service are offering their passengers onboard sports experiences, concierge services, exclusive tours, gourmet , and personal butler service.
8. Top Brands at Sea. Cruise lines are leveraging the appeal of brand promotions to attract new passengers. From names like LEGO and Dr. Seuss to luxury brands like Hermès and Veuve Clicquot Champagne, or even culinary options like Johnny Rockets and Margaritaville, brands are also embarking on cruises.
9. The Ships Are the Destination. While cruises were once considered a means of transportation to reach a specific destination, today, for many people, the ships themselves offer the experience of that desired destination. Newer ships offer unprecedented onboard experiences with a multitude of amenities for travelers and entertainment ranging from Broadway productions to designer shops and even bumper cars.
10. Overnight Stays. Many lines are offering their passengers the opportunity to spend the night in certain ports of call so they can enjoy the experiences offered by the different destinations.
11. Trips for the Whole Family. Intergenerational cruising has become a very popular choice among families who choose to embark on a cruise as an unforgettable vacation or for family reunions. With onboard services designed to meet the needs of passengers of all ages, from young children to seniors, cruises offer the unity (and independence) necessary for these types of family trips to be a complete success.
12. Cruises and “Volunteering Tourism.” In 2016, more volunteer tourism options will be offered, with ships providing excursions to help in the regions of the world that need it most. These cruises offer passengers a great opportunity to make a significant difference in those areas most in need and enjoy a unique experience that allows them to discover the local culture while positively impacting it. 
13. Culturally Personalized. Cruise lines are continually personalizing their ships, taking into account the customs and culture of their passengers. The ships are being equipped to serve their customers and pay homage to their ports of call by taking into account the most popular preferences in shopping and dining.