The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today released its annual State of the Cruise Industry report for 2017, highlighting increased industry investment and growing traveler interest in cruise vacations. CLIA, the world's largest cruise industry association, also reveals in this report the eight key industry trends for the coming year.
The number of cruise passengers is projected to reach 25.3 million by 2017, a significant increase from the 15.8 million passengers in 2007. Furthermore, more ships will be sailing in 2017, as cruise lines will launch 26 new ocean and river cruise ships with an investment of over $6.8 billion (€6.39 billion). From 2017 to 2026, the industry is expected to build 97 new ships with an investment of $53 billion (€49.78 billion) by 2026*.
“The cruise industry is responding to global demand, and we are optimistic in both the short and long term,” said Cindy D’Aoust, President and CEO of CLIA. “With technological advancements and the deployment of new ships to ports and destinations worldwide, the industry continues to meet the desires and needs of travelers, resulting in consistent growth and a strong economic contribution globally.”.
The global contribution of the cruise industry was $117 billion (€109.898 billion), enabling 956,597 full-time jobs that resulted in economic compensation of $38 billion (€35.693 billion) in 2015.
CLIA has also identified the top eight trends for the cruise industry in 2017.
- A new generation is going on cruises.A recent study has revealed that younger generations—including Millennials and Generation X—are choosing cruises more than ever, valuing this type of vacation as better than land-based holidays, all-inclusive resorts, camping, or vacation rentals.
- Increased use of travel agents.According to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, the use of travel agents to book vacations increased by almost 80% from 2015 to 2016. CLIA predicts that travel agents will continue to be essential for booking cruises in 2017. Today, more than 25,000 travel agents are members of CLIA worldwide, compared to 12,000 in 2010. According to CLIA data, cruise passengers also report high levels of satisfaction with their travel experience when assisted by an agent.
- Increased demand for river cruises.River cruises offer travelers a unique and intimate travel experience. CLIA member companies currently operate 184 river cruise ships. Furthermore, 13 new river cruise ships have been ordered for 2017, representing an increase of approximately 7%.
- More private islands on cruise itineraries.As more cruise lines introduce private island destinations, travelers are responding favorably and booking these itineraries. In 2017, cruise lines offered ports of call on a total of seven private islands.
- New cruise passengers are coming to the sea. Interest in ocean cruises is expected to continue rising in 2017. When asked what kind of vacation might interest them in the next three years, almost half (48%) of non-cruisers expressed interest in taking a cruise, and 85% of cruisers also said they would be interested in taking another cruise.
- Variety of ports.The cruise industry offers a variety of ports, both large and small. Seven out of ten non-cruise travelers (69%) believe that the biggest benefit of this type of travel is cost savings.
- Top chefs. Cruise passengers continue to show interest in traveling on cruises that feature renowned chefs. This year, several companies are offering restaurants and dishes created by famous chefs such as Guy Fieri, Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
- Adventure cruises. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (CLIA), adventure travel is growing at a record pace, and CLIA has reported that cruise expeditions are also experiencing this trend. In fact, itineraries to Antarctica are selling out more frequently.
