Cruise Market Report 2026

The cruise market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $8.74 billion in 2025 to $9.77 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increase in global tourism, rising disposable incomes, expansion of cruise fleets, demand for leisure travel, growth of destination tourism.

The cruise market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.49 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to post-pandemic travel recovery, sustainability-driven ship upgrades, demand for immersive onboard experiences, digital booking platforms, expansion into emerging destinations. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of experiential and luxury cruises, rising demand for themed cruises, expansion of river cruise tourism, integration of smart onboard technologies, focus on sustainable cruising.

The growing preference for luxury travel is expected to propel the growth of the cruise market going forward. Luxury travel refers to premium, exclusive experiences, services, and accommodations designed for affluent travelers seeking exceptional comfort and sophistication. Luxury travelers seek unique and transformational experiences, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, seeking authenticity, and engaging in activities that enrich personal insights. Cruises in luxury travel offer a combination of luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and immersive travel experiences, often in exotic destinations, providing an all-inclusive, high-end vacation option. For instance, in March 2023, according to Flywire, a U.S.-based payments enablement and software company, out of 600 luxury travelers surveyed, 84% expected longer vacations, and 83% planned to increase their travel spending in 2023 by 11%. Moreover, during spring, luxury trip spending increased from $3,728 in 2022 to $4,848 in 2023. Therefore, the growing preference for luxury travel is driving the growth of the cruise market.

Major companies operating in the cruise market are focusing on eco-friendly innovations, such as LNG-powered cruise ships, to reduce environmental impact and emissions. LNG-powered cruise ships use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their primary fuel instead of traditional marine fuels, offering increased energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, in February 2024, Princess Cruises, a U.S.-based cruise line, introduced two LNG-powered ships, including the Sun Princess, featuring advanced LNG propulsion systems. The Sun Princess LNG system consists of two tanks, each holding 70,000 ft³ of LNG, helping reduce the vessel’s carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. These developments support environmental sustainability goals within the cruise industry.

In January 2025, Ponant, a France-based luxury cruise group, acquired Aqua Expeditions for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows Ponant to strengthen its position in the global luxury expedition cruise segment, expand its fleet and destination offerings across remote waterways, enhance premium travel experiences with high-end small-ship expeditions, and accelerate long-term growth in the luxury adventure tourism market. Aqua Expeditions is a Singapore-based luxury cruise operator specializing in immersive river and ocean expeditions across destinations such as the Amazon, Mekong, and the Galápagos.

Major companies operating in the cruise market report include TUI Group, MSC Cruises SA, Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Disney Cruise Line, Hurtigruten Group, Windstar Cruises, Grand Circle Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises Inc, Genting Hong Kong Limited, CroisiEurope, Compagnie du Ponant, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Tauck River Cruises, Viking River Cruises Inc, Seabourn Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, Crystal Cruises Inc, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Azamara Cruises, American Cruise Lines Inc, Paul Gauguin Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Island Queen Cruises, Silversea Cruises Ltd.

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

The cruise market includes revenues earned by companies operating cruise ships that offer leisure voyages to passengers, often including accommodations, meals, entertainment, and other onboard services. 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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