Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has shared new findings that are evidence of the cruise community’s resilience.
“As the industry resumes operations, passenger volume is expected to recover and surpass 2019 levels by the end of 2023, with passenger volumes projected to recover 12% above pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2026,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, CLIA at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida.
“Cruising is accessible, responsible, and experiential – making it the best way to see the world for people of all ages and interests. With the support of an incredibly resilient community, the future of the cruise industry is bright.”
Highlights of the consumer research:
- Intent to cruise is rebounding, with 63% of cruisers or potential cruisers indicating they are ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to cruise in the next two years.
- 69% of respondents that have never cruised said they are open to cruise, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
- Millennial cruisers are the most enthusiastic about taking another cruise, with 87% indicating they willtake a cruise in the next few years, followed by Gen X at 85%.
CLIA and its members have also announced important environmental sustainability commitments for a more efficient future including a commitment to pursue net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.
Further to that, by 2035 all ships calling at ports where shoreside electricity (SSE) is available will be equipped to use SSE.
This will allow engines to be switched off and effectively eliminate carbon emissions while berthed at port.
Where shoreside power is not available, the ships will use available alternative low carbon technologies required by ports, said CLIA in a statement.
CLIA also shared that it will join the Global Maritime Forum Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization to make zero-emission vessels the default choice by 2030.
“The cruise industry has an extraordinary ability to innovate, and we want to channel our collective expertise and commitment to help find solutions as an active partner in the effort to decarbonise shipping.
“We continue to set ambitious carbon reduction goals as an industry, and cruise lines are showing the way by partnering with fuel suppliers, shipyards, technology manufacturers and academic institutions to develop new lower-carbon fuel sources.
“We are investing in our future,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman, CLIA.
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