5 minute read
As someone who has sailed on more than 60 cruises, executive producer at Cruise News, and built a dedicated cruise YouTube channel, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of this industry. Over the years, I’ve watched firsthand how ships, destinations, and guest expectations have shifted—and in 2025, it’s clear that the cruise industry is stronger than ever. What was once considered a niche corner of the travel world has now emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most resilient segments of global tourism. According to the latest Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report, more than 34.6 million people sailed in 2024—a record-setting achievement that underscores the power of cruising to rebound, adapt, and expand.
For travelers, cruise professionals, and industry insiders, the big question isn’t whether cruising is back—it’s how the industry will shape the future of global travel.
A Market That’s Still Just Getting Started
Despite the headline growth, cruising is still remarkably under-penetrated in the broader travel market. CLIA reports that cruises currently represent only 2.7% of the international travel and tourism sector. That leaves enormous runway for growth, especially as the industry continues to attract new-to-cruise travelers.
In fact, 31% of cruise travelers in 2024 were first-timers—a significant jump from 27% in 2023 and 24% in 2019. This surge in “new-to-cruise” customers is evidence that outreach, marketing, and word-of-mouth are paying off. Friends, family, and travel advisors remain the top influences when it comes to convincing someone to take their first sailing.
Put simply: the pie is expanding, and cruise lines are preparing for even bigger slices.
Generational Shifts: The Younger Traveler Arrives
The stereotype of cruises as the exclusive domain of retirees is rapidly fading. Today, the average age of a cruise traveler is 46.5 years, and 36% of passengers are under 40. Gen-X, Millennials, and Gen-Z are proving to be the most enthusiastic demographics, with 81% of Millennials and 84% of Gen-Xers planning to cruise again.
The implications are huge. Younger travelers prioritize experiences over possessions, demand digital connectivity, and value sustainability more than any previous generation. Cruise lines are already responding with shorter itineraries, immersive shore excursions, more inclusive dining and beverage packages, and Wi-Fi infrastructures that allow guests to stay connected.
If the industry wants to capture long-term loyalty, adapting to the tastes of these younger passengers will be non-negotiable.
The Growth Trajectory: Capacity, Fleet, and Demand
The global cruise fleet is growing steadily. By 2025, the CLIA-member fleet has surpassed 310 ships with more than 650,000 lower berths available. For the first time, global fleet capacity is over 650,000 lower berths, representing a 92% share of the world’s ocean-going capacity.
And the outlook is bright. Passenger volume is projected to hit 42 million by 2028, with steady, sustainable growth driven by a mix of new megaships and smaller, niche vessels. Importantly, more than 70% of the fleet remains small- and mid-sized ships, ensuring that the market stays diverse and not overly reliant on “bigger is better” models.
Cruise Trends Driving 2025
Several key trends are shaping cruising this year and beyond:
- Solo Cruising on the Rise: In 2024, 12% of passengers sailed solo, up from just 6% in 2023. Cruise lines are adding more single-occupancy cabins to meet demand.
- Multi-Generational Travel: Nearly one-third of cruises include three to five generations traveling together. Grandparents are increasingly investing in shared family experiences.
- Luxury and Expedition Expansion: The luxury cruise fleet has tripled since 2010, and expedition cruising is booming with 22% growth in 2024 alone. By 2028, 1.5 million travelers are forecast to choose luxury cruises.
- Longer Voyages: Nearly half of travelers intend to take longer cruises this year than the last. With the average sailing at 7.1 days, expect growth in extended itineraries.
- Booking Further in Advance: Travelers are locking in trips earlier than ever, with 42% of North American clients now booking 12–18 months out.
Sustainability: A Critical Path Forward
The cruise industry knows its survival depends on embracing sustainability. Cruise lines are investing billions in new propulsion technologies, shore power connections, and alternative fuels. Already, ships are trialing green methanol, bioLNG, hydrogen fuel cells, solar, and wind power.
Shore power—allowing ships to plug into the grid instead of running engines while docked—is expanding worldwide, with more than 30 ports already offering Onshore Power Supply (OPS). Studies show OPS can cut emissions at berth by up to 98%.
For governments and fuel suppliers, the challenge is scaling renewable energy production to meet cruise line demand. Without large-scale access to low- or zero-emission fuels, the industry’s net-zero by 2050 goal will remain aspirational. But if any travel sector has the capital and incentive to innovate, it’s cruise.
Economic Powerhouse
Cruising is more than leisure—it’s an economic engine. In 2023, the global cruise industry generated $168.6 billion in economic impact, supported 1.6 million jobs, and contributed $85.6 billion to global GDP.
In the United States alone, the cruise sector delivered a $65.4 billion economic impact in 2023, supporting 290,000 jobs. Europe followed closely, contributing €55.3 billion and 440,000 jobs. These numbers reflect not only the spending power of passengers but also the vast ecosystem of suppliers, port cities, and local businesses that benefit from cruise activity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cruising
Cruising in 2025 is defined by strength, adaptability, and opportunity. It’s an industry still clawing market share from the wider tourism space but doing so with incredible momentum. The future will hinge on three key areas:
- Generational Relevance – Winning loyalty from younger travelers while continuing to serve Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers.
- Sustainability Leadership – Meeting environmental expectations through innovation, partnerships, and fuel transformation.
- Market Diversification – Balancing the growth of megaships with luxury, expedition, and niche offerings to appeal to all traveler types.
The forecast of 42 million passengers by 2028 is ambitious, but with high traveler satisfaction scores, growing fleet capacity, and strong intent-to-cruise indicators, the goal is within reach.
For those watching the industry, one truth is clear: cruising isn’t just back. It’s leading the way in how people want to experience the world—connected, multi-generational, sustainable, and more accessible than ever.
Sources
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025
