Cruise Lines International Association has updated the official global cruise industry numbers confirming 2017 ocean cruise passenger growth and another positive year for the cruise industry.
The industry has surpassed the 2017 ocean cruise passenger projections, reaching 26.7 million cruise passengers globally up from a projection of 25.8 million.
For 2018, based on the new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, CLIA is projecting another positive year-over-year growth for the industry with a passenger forecast of 28 million.
“Once again, the cruise industry has raised the bar and exceeded projections and expectations,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president, CLIA.
“I am proud to be a part of this dynamic industry that continues to grow and evolve bringing the cruise vacation experience to millions each year.”
Asia, accounting for about 15 per cent of total global ocean passenger volume in 2017, experienced a 20.5 per cent increase last year in comparison to 2016.
Domestically, the US and Canada saw impressive ocean passenger growth in 2017 with a five per cent increase over the prior year.
Australia also experienced some positive growth at around five per cent.
Europe also remains strong with recording a 2.5 per cent global passenger growth over 2016.
North America represented the largest ocean passenger volume in 2017 (49 per cent) with a total of more than 13 million ocean cruise passengers followed by Europe (26 per cent) with nearly seven million ocean cruise passengers.
New analytics also reveal the average age of global ocean passengers last year was 47 years old.
These passengers also preferred cruising for an average of 7.2 days, two per cent lower than the average cruise length in 2016.
Cruise Lines International Association is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community.
As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.