Cruise tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, breaking records and redefining the vacation experience. According to the 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 2023 saw a staggering 31.7 million passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7%.
With 82% of travellers expressing intent to cruise and a projected 10% capacity growth from 2024 to 2028, the future of cruising looks brighter than ever. In Asia alone, the number is increasing, with nearly 2.4 million passengers recorded this year.
India stands out as a key contributor, accounting for 16% of this growth and showing an amazing 86% year-on-year increase. Cruise Travel | This surging popularity is not just about numbers—it reflects the exceptional appeal of cruise vacations, which offer travellers the unique opportunity to explore multiple destinations in one seamless journey. With sustainability efforts, including net-zero emissions targets by 2050, cruising is also adopting a greener future, making now the perfect time to dive into the cruise tourism world.
"We as a worldwide cruise line organisation at Royal Caribbean can definitely claim that the cruise industry is redefining what it means to vacation by offering an immersive travel experience that's a destination in itself," said Chad Grospe, Vice President of APAC at Royal Caribbean International. "It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation and exploration th.