Charting a New Course: The Truth About Cruising in 2024
After recently attending Cruise360 -I returned energized and inspired by the dynamic state of cruising today. Held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, Cruise360 brought together thousands of travel professionals, cruise line executives, ports, destinations, and key suppliers for a week packed with professional development, networking, and firsthand industry insights. As part of my commitment to ongoing education as a travel advisor, I immersed myself in CLIA’s industry-leading seminars, hands-on workshops, and meetings with top suppliers, all designed to keep advisors ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry. One of the highlights was the chance to sprinkle a little Disney Magic into my week with an exclusive ship tour of the Disney Magic-Disney Cruise Line’s beloved original vessel-where I experienced firsthand how classic nostalgia and innovative amenities come together to create unforgettable family vacations.
Busting Myths with the 2024 CLIA State of the Cruise Industry Report
The cruise industry is surrounded by myths-about who cruises, how sustainable ships are, and whether the sector has truly bounced back. The 2024 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry report offers a data-driven reality check. Let’s bust some of the biggest misconceptions with the latest facts and trends.
Myth #1: The Cruise Industry Is Still Struggling to Recover Post-Pandemic
Reality: The cruise industry has not only recovered but is now surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 31.7 million people took a cruise-a 7% increase over 2019, the last full year before the pandemic. CLIA forecasts 35.7 million cruisers in 2024, and nearly 40 million by 2027. Demand is so strong that global cruise capacity is set to grow at least 10% between 2024 and 2028, with 56 new ships on order.
Myth #2: Cruises Are Only for Retirees
Reality: The average age of a cruise traveler is now 46, and the industry is seeing a youth movement. Millennials (32%), Gen Z (33%), and Gen X (23%) now make up the largest proportion of cruisers, with 36% of all cruise guests under 40. Millennials are the most enthusiastic about planning cruise vacations, and new-to-cruise travelers are up 12% in the last two years.
Myth #3: Cruises Don’t Offer Unique or Adventurous Experiences
Reality: Expedition and exploration cruises are the fastest-growing segment, with a 71% increase in passengers on these itineraries from 2019 to 2023. These trips take guests to remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic, offering adventure and enrichment beyond the traditional cruise experience.