Global cruise association releases findings of its annual State of Industry Report
By
Rebecca Gibson |
A record 23 million people are expected to take a cruise in 2015, a 4% increase over the estimated 22.1m in 2014, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
CLIA’s State of the Cruise Industry Report indicated that around 62% of these cruisers will be return passengers, with 69% of the survey respondents ranking cruising as better value than a land-based holiday.
At the start of 2015, 61% of North American CLIA-certified travel agents reported an increase in travel bookings over the same period in 2014.
Industry growth is expected to be boosted by 22 new ocean, river and speciality ships, which will be launched by CLIA member lines in 2015 at a total cost of more than US$4 billion. The industry will also have a major economic impact across the globe.
“From new ports around the globe to the investment by CLIA’s member cruise lines in new, innovative ships, it’s an exciting time for the cruise industry and cruise passengers,” said Adam Goldstein, CLIA chairman, and president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This year will prove to be another step forward for the entire industry as our members continue to strive to make cruising the best overall vacation experience.”
This year, CLIA predicts that speciality cruises, which grew by 21% in popularity from 2009 to 2014, will continue to experience double digit passenger growth, while operators will prioritise the design and amenities onboard a ship, rather than its size and passenger capacity.
The research also predicted a rise in the number of operators providing bow-to-stern wifi and phone connectivity, themed cruises, ‘foodcations’ and developing new services and facilities to boost multi-generational appeal.
Although the Caribbean is anticipated to account for more than 33% of the global deployment capacity market share in 2015, CLIA’s member cruise lines will call at nearly 1,000 ports around the globe. The Mediterranean and Australia will continue to grow as destinations, while 52 ships with a total capacity for 2.17 million passengers will provide 1,065 cruises in Asia this year.
CLIA’s report also revealed that despite the growth in mobile and internet booking service, around 70% of passenger will continue to plan and book cruises through travel agents.