The cruise market continued its growth trajectory in 2022.
Throughout the year, intent to cruise continued to rise – surpassing 2019 levels – and cruise ships were once again bringing full ships to ports around the world and positively contributing to their local economies.
In 2022, more than 20 million people around the world chose to take a cruise holiday.
In Europe there were 5.8 million (+228% on 2021) and the three main destinations were the Mediterranean (38.4%), Northern Europe (29%) and the Caribbean (10.6%).
The sector trend is positive, also looking to the future. Indeed, according to an international survey, the “desire for cruises” continues to grow. 85% of those who have been on a cruise say they want to do it again and 73% of those who have never taken a cruise are considering the option. Within these two categories, 71% consider it “likely” or “very likely” to board in the next two years.
Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIA
The cruise industry is pursuing net zero carbon cruising by 2050 and driving efforts to become one of
the most sustainable forms of tourism. CLIA data shows the passengers are becoming more aware of sustainable tourism: 83% of cruise passengers who sailed in the past 12 months said they were ‘much more’ or ‘more’ aware of environmental and sustainable tourism.
“Despite the challenges of recent years, cruise lines have continued to carry out an ambitious environmental program and every year the fleet becomes more efficient and sustainable so as to reach the goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050” – says Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIA.
“The passenger numbers for 2023 and opinion surveys tell us that the industry’s ability to innovate, diversify the offer and become more sustainable are producing results and we can be rightly optimistic for the future”, she adds.