Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has shared new findings suggesting evidence of the cruise community’s resilience during the past two years and vowed to “sail back better” in the post-pandemic world.
Noting that over 7.5 million passengers having already sailed in nearly 90 markets since the resumption of cruising, CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead said, “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.”
Speaking at this week’s Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, she added, “Cruising is accessible, responsible, and experiential – making it the best way to see the world for people of all ages and interests, she said, “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 will take a cruise in the next few years, followed by Gen X at 85%.
CLIA says its member lines are committed to environmental sustainability and driving innovation for a more efficient future, including at Seatrade that CLIA ocean-going members will 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, allowing engines to be switched off and effectively eliminating carbon emissions while berthed at port. Where shoreside electricity is not available, the ships will use available alternative low carbon technologies required by ports.
“The cruise industry has an extraordinary ability to innovate,” said CLIA chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and we want to channel our collective expertise and commitment to help find solutions as an active partner in the effort to decarbonize 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.”