The cruise industry is on a growth spurt, largely due to young travellers, with millennials and Generation X now accounting for nearly half of all passengers.
Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), told Anadolu Agency that the dramatic change in traveller demographics is driving demand and helping the industry recover and surpass pre-pandemic coronavirus levels.
She stated: “Today, nearly 30 per cent of guests are first-time cruisers and the average age of a cruise guest is now just 46 years,” highlighting the growth in younger passengers, particularly Generation X and millennials. The variety of experiences on offer, from onboard entertainment to exciting shore excursions, are key factors.
Young passengers prioritise experiences over material possessions, resulting in cruise companies responding accordingly by offering a wide range of activities on board and at each destination. Culinary experiences, cultural explorations or wellness offerings, onboard and shore activities are key to meeting the needs of today’s cruisers.
The recovery from the pandemic highlights the resilience of the industry, having put in place strict health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. Plus, the industry is a significant economic contributor globally, as it generates over $154 billion annually and supports 1.2 million jobs worldwide. The local economy also remains strong as 75 per cent of cruise activity takes place on land, boosting tourism and creating jobs in port cities.
In 2023, the global cruise industry reached a record 31.7 million passengers and this is forecast to rise to 34.1 million by the end of 2024. She said the future of cruising looks promising, especially in growth markets such as the Mediterranean.
Craighead emphasised the importance of achieving net zero waste emission percentages. New ships are 20 per cent more efficient than their predecessors, and many are already testing advanced biofuels, synthetic fuels and other environmentally friendly technologies.
Cruise companies are aiming to achieve zero emissions by 2050 and are investing billions of dollars in new ships and engine technology as part of this strategy, which is also in line with the ambitions of the International Maritime Organisation.
