Cruise Safari Market Report 2026

The cruise safari market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.33 billion in 2025 to $2.56 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing interest in adventure tourism, growth of luxury travel segment, rising disposable income among high-net-worth travelers, expansion of river and expedition cruise offerings, growing awareness of wildlife conservation.

The cruise safari market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.72 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable and low-impact travel, rising preference for personalized safari experiences, expansion of premium expedition cruise fleets, growing digital engagement in travel planning, increasing investment in eco-friendly cruise vessels. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for experiential and nature-based luxury travel, rising popularity of small-group and expedition cruises, expansion of eco-tourism focused cruise offerings, increasing customization of safari cruise experiences, enhanced integration of digital booking channels.

The growing interest in river cruises is expected to support the expansion of the cruise safari market in the coming years. River cruises involve traveling by boat or ship along rivers, allowing passengers to explore multiple destinations while enjoying onboard amenities. The rising appeal of river cruises is linked to travelers’ search for distinctive, immersive experiences, convenient access to diverse locations, and highly personalized service. Cruise safaris complement river cruises by providing unique wildlife encounters and engaging on-shore excursions, enhancing the overall travel experience. For example, in December 2024, the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine, a France-based river navigation authority, reported that approximately 1.22 million passengers traveled on European river cruises, reflecting a strong rebound in demand compared with 2022. Therefore, the increasing demand for river cruises is contributing to the growth of the cruise safari market.

Companies in the cruise safari market are introducing innovative platforms that elevate luxury travel through immersive and personalized adventure itineraries. The concept of “infinite horizons” reflects an expansive approach that explores limitless possibilities and new opportunities for travelers. For instance, in December 2025, Zambezi Cruise & Safaris, a Zimbabwe-based luxury river cruise and safari operator, launched new multi-day cruise itineraries aboard the Zambezi Trader along the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba. These itineraries link iconic destinations such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, the Zambezi River, and Chobe National Park, combining safari and river cruise experiences that expand traditional offerings with adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration across Southern Africa.

In January 2025, Ponant Explorations Group, a France-based provider of luxury small-ship expedition cruises, acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions Pte. Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Ponant aims to expand its experiential travel offerings and strengthen its presence in the premium cruise safari and river expedition segment by combining its expertise in luxury small-ship travel with Aqua Expeditions’ established itineraries and customer base. Aqua Expeditions Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-headquartered company specializing in bespoke expedition cruises and safari voyages across regions such as the Galápagos, the Mekong River, and Southeast Asia, offering immersive wildlife and cultural experiences.

Major companies operating in the cruise safari market are Oceanwide Expeditions BV, Viking Cruises Ltd., Hurtigruten AS, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., Compagnie du Ponant, Aqua Expeditions Pte. Ltd., Pandaw Cruises Ltd., Zambezi Queen Collection, Aurora Expeditions Pty Ltd, Hebridean Island Cruises Ltd., Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd., CroisiEurope SA, Island Queen Cruises & Tours, Coral Expeditions Ltd., True North Adventure Cruises Pty Ltd, Noble Caledonia Ltd., Albatros Expeditions A/S, Poseidon Expeditions Ltd., Swan Hellenic Ltd., Antarctica21 LLC.

North America was the largest region in the cruise safari market in 2025. The regions covered in the cruise safari market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the cruise safari market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The cruise safari market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as guided wildlife safaris, luxury accommodations, onboard dining experiences, and personalized excursions. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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