Cruise Tourism Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029

The global cruise tourism market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.02% from 2023 to 2029.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• By Cruising: The ocean cruising segment holds the largest market share. The segmental growth is due to rising demand for unique route destinations and the increasing popularity of multi-destination travel options.
• By Tourism: The specialty tourism segment shows the highest growth, with a CAGR of 8.51%, driven by the rising popularity of luxury & wellness cruises, increased awareness about theme cruises, and the rise of river-cursing.
• By Capacity: The mega & large cruise segment holds the largest market share of over 61%. The segmental growth is due to extensive onboard amenities such as theaters, large entertainment areas, water parks, and multi-dining options.
• By Duration: The medium and small cruises segment shows the highest growth, as they appeal to travelers with limited time, and often over weekends or long weekends.
• By Geography: North America dominates & holds the largest market share of over 42%. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the strong popularity and long history of cruising, with many major companies based in North America.
• Growth Factor: The global cruise tourism market is set to grow due to growing travel & tourism activities and the growing popularity of river cruises.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Growing Popularity of River Cruises

The growing popularity of river cruises is a major trend in the global cruise tourism market, due to several factors including rising demand for immersive & intimate experiences, scenic & relaxing journeys, destination focus, growing interest in historical & cultural tourism, and appeal to the wider demographic. River cruises offer a more immersive and intimate experience of travel as compared to large ocean cruises. Smaller ships allow consumers for more personalized atmosphere and a closer connection with the environment. The river cruises delve deeper into the culture & natural beauty of the regions and emphasize exploring inland destinations. River cruises provide easy access to key landmarks and attractions.

Cruising along the scenic rivers gives the best view of picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and charming villages. River cruises include shore excursions, onboard activities, and meals in the fare, which simplifies travel planning. The journey itself is a major part of the appeal. River cruises attract a diverse range of tourists such as couples, solo travelers, and families, seeking a more culturally immersive and relaxed vacation. In Europe, river cruises on the Rhine, Douro, Danube, and Seine are immensely popular. They offer access to charming towns and iconic cities like Germany, France, Hungary, Austria, and Portugal. The popularity of the Mekong River cruises through Cambodia to Vietnam is rising significantly.

Diverse Itineraries and Small-Cruises

Diverse itineraries and small cruises are a major trend in the global cruise tourism market, due to several factors including growing demand for unique experience, rising themed cruises, growing focus on specific regions, rising demand for intimate experience, and exploration beyond popular ports. Travelers are looking for off-the-beaten-path and authentic experiences.

They want to try local cuisine, and new cultures, and engage in various activities that are known for being unique to the destinations they visit. Consumers are showing interest in cruises with gastronomy, music, or history which has increased the popularity of theme cruises. These cruises often feature unique shore excursions and itineraries tailored to the theme.

There is a growing desire to explore lesser-known regions and ports across the world. It helps travelers to avoid crowds and discover hidden gems. The Many cruises offer adventure travelers to encounter wildlife and explore pristine landscapes from remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, or the Arctic. The demand for river cruises on less-traveled waterways like the Amazon or Mekong Delta.

Small cruises cater to busy travelers who may not have more time for longer trips. They offer 3-4 days itineraries which offer more frequent escapes. The demand for smaller cruises is growing significantly for personalized and intimate experiences. It offers flexibility, more frequent travel, and appeals to new cruisers. Thus, it leads to drive the demand for cruise tourism in the global market, during the forecast period.

Growing Travel & Tourism Activities

Growing travel & tourism activities are a significant driver in the global cruise tourism market, due to several factors including shifting consumer preference, infrastructure development, increased disposable income, growing promotions & marketing activities, and rising emerging markets. Travelers are increasingly focusing on booking experiential and unique vacations. Cruise tourism offers a convenient package of diverse activities, entertainment, and destinations, which fulfill the desires of travelers. As global economies are growing significantly, people have more disposable income to spend on travel and entertainment activities. It directly transfers more consumers to cruise lines.

Investments in tourism infrastructure are rising significantly across the globe, such as terminals and ports. It makes it easier for cruise companies to access and operate new destinations. The companies are focusing on effective marketing campaigns by creating awareness and stimulating the cruise vacations’ demand. The cruise industry contributes significantly to the overall travel & tourism sector. Cruise companies are generating revenue for local businesses, tour operators, and ports in the destinations they visit. Many cruise companies are offering investments in the development of tourist infrastructure in destinations, to improve attractions and facilities. One of the largest growing sectors in the tourism industry is the cruise industry.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Health and Safety Concerns

Health and safety concerns are a significant challenge in the global cruise tourism market. It includes infectious diseases, accidents & injuries, medical emergencies, food safety, crime, and mental health. While at sea access to specialized medical care may not be sufficient, and evacuation may be expensive or difficult. Cruises may encounter storms, rough seas, or any other natural hazards that can pose risks to passenger safety. Cruise ships, with their shared spaces and close quarters can be vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

It can lead to illness among crew and passengers, damage to the reputation of the cruise industry, and disruption in itineraries. Accidents can happen on board, including trips, falls, and slips. Ensuring passenger safety is very important. Modern cruises carry thousands of passengers which increases the risk of disease transmission and makes it difficult to manage emergencies. It may hinder the market growth of cruise tourism during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY CRUISING

The global cruise tourism market by cruising is segmented into ocean cruising and river/canal cruising. The ocean cruising segment holds the largest market share. The ocean cruising segment features larger ships equipped with a wide range of onboard amenities. It dominates the cruise tourism market by offering diverse itineraries that cover major destinations and multiple countries across various oceans and seas. Ocean cruises appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers, from luxury seekers to families, thanks to the variety of price ranges, cruise lengths, and destinations.

The growing demand for onboard entertainment, themed cruises, adventure cruises, and a wide selection of food and beverage options has led to a rise in popularity, especially among younger travelers and multi-generational families. The demand for ocean cruising continues to grow significantly, driven by the increasing desire for unique travel experiences, the rise of multi-destination travel options, and the overall growth in travel and tourism activities.

By Cruising

• Ocean Cruising
• River/Canal Cruising

INSIGHTS BY TOURISM

The global cruise tourism market by tourism is categorized into mainstream cruises, adventure & expedition cruises, and specialty cruises. The specialty cruise segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 8.51% during the forecast period. Specialty cruises are designed around unique themes or interests, offering curated and immersive experiences, including theme cruises, booze cruises, romantic cruises, day cruises, and single cruises. River cruises, in particular, are the most popular, providing a scenic and slow-paced experience along inland waterways.

The demand for specialty cruises is growing significantly due to the rising interest in niche and personalized experiences, the popularity of luxury and wellness cruises, greater awareness of theme cruises, and the expansion of river cruising. These cruises cater to a wide range of travelers, offering cultural, historical, and culinary explorations. River cruising, especially as a slower-paced and intimate alternative to traditional ocean cruises, is experiencing increased demand, particularly from couples. Wellness, luxury, and relaxation-focused cruises are becoming more popular among people seeking retreat-like experiences, emphasizing relaxation, fitness, and health. This growing focus on health and wellness is driving the demand for wellness-oriented cruise tourism during the forecast period.

By Tourism

• Mainstream Cruise
• Adventure & Expedition Cruise
• Specialty Cruise

INSIGHTS BY CAPACITY

Based on the capacity, the mega & large cruise segment holds the largest global cruise tourism market share of over 61%. Mega and large cruises, with capacities of over 2,500 passengers, offer extensive onboard amenities such as theaters, large entertainment areas, water parks, and multiple dining options, making them particularly popular among families, groups, and first-time cruisers. These cruises are designed to be more attractive and family-friendly, featuring multiple entertainment venues, including shopping malls, and providing a resort-like experience with a strong focus on onboard activities. Known for itineraries with fewer port stops and shorter cruises, they are preferred by families seeking a bustling atmosphere.

Mega ships are constantly innovating in their design, introducing new features to attract more passengers. The demand for mega and large cruises is especially high in Europe and North America, with popular routes like the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Catering to a broader market with rising interest among families and younger travelers, these ships are driving the demand for mega and large cruises in the global tourism market during the forecast period.

By Capacity

• Mega & Large Cruise
• Midsized Cruise
• Small And Micro Cruise

INSIGHTS BY DURATION

Based on the duration, the medium and small cruises segment accounted for the largest share of the global cruise tourism market. Medium and short cruises have a duration of travel is 1 to 10 days, and are among the most popular segments in the cruise industry, often referred to as sampler cruises or weekend getaways. These cruises are designed for quick escapes, focusing on a limited number of destinations, and offer a balanced experience of time at sea and onshore exploration. Short cruises are particularly appealing to first-time cruisers, those with limited vacation time, or individuals looking to experience cruise travel.

They are ideal for quick getaways, often over weekends or long weekends, and usually stay within one or two regions, with popular destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and short coastal routes. The demand for medium and small cruises is growing, especially among families, as they align with school break schedules and provide a great experience for travelers. This trend is expected to drive the growth of medium and short cruises during the forecast period.

By Duration

• Medium And Small Duration
• Long Duration

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America dominates and holds the largest share of over 42% in the global cruise tourism market. The North American cruise tourism market has been fueled by international and domestic travelers as the domestic travel boom, and international tourism recovery. Since the pandemic, domestic travel within Canada and the US has surged due to the increased interest in road trips and local tourism.

The US dominates the region due to the growth in domestic and international visitors, rising interest in travel & entertainment activities, and increasing demand for health & wellness tourism. Cruising has a strong popularity and a long history and many of the major companies are based in North America. Demand for responsible tourism and eco-friendly practices is rising significantly among North American cruise travelers.

By Geography

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia & New Zealand
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East & Africa
  • Turkey
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global cruise tourism market report contains exclusive data on 33 vendors. The market is highly competitive with major players like Carnival Corporation & plc, Disney, Genting Group, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Royal Caribbean Group, TUI Group, and Viking Cruises dominating the industry. The cruise industry is evolving constantly and there will be fierce competition in coming years. They are focusing on adopting the changes of cruise passengers and focusing on offering personalized experiences. The companies are investing more in new ship development and launching new & unique ships to expand their market.

It helps to attract a more consumer base. They are focusing on innovative features, amenities, and technologies while launching the cruise. The major players in this market focus on targeting specific passenger segments. The companies are focusing on creating appealing and unique itineraries, offering diverse experiences, and exploring new destinations.

Key Vendors

• Carnival Corporation & plc
• Disney
• Genting Group
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
• Royal Caribbean Group
• TUI Group
• Viking Cruises

Other Prominent Vendors

• AmaWaterways
• Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.
• APT Travel Group
• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Azamara
• Celestyal Cruises
• Coral Expeditions
• Cordelia Cruises
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Globus family of brands
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Heritage Expeditions
• Hurtigruten Group
• Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation
• Mystic Cruises
• PONANT
• Quark Expeditions
• Saga Cruises
• Scenic Cruises International GmbH
• Sea Cloud Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Swan Hellenic
• The Anschutz Corporation
• Virgin Cruises Intermediate Limited

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. How big is the global cruise tourism market?
2. Which cruising segment has the largest share of the global cruise tourism market?
3. What is the growth rate of the global cruise tourism market?
4. Which region holds the largest share of the global cruise tourism market?
5. Which tourism segment provides more business opportunities in the global cruise tourism market?
6. Who are the major players in the global cruise tourism market?