Cruise passenger volume is expected to recover and surpass pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023, new research from Clia has claimed.
At Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami on Tuesday (26 April), the association shared new findings which claimed passenger levels are also expected to recover 12% above 2019 numbers by the end of 2026.
The research also found intent to cruise is rebounding, after 63% of cruisers or potential cruisers indicated they were “very likely” or “likely” to cruise in the next two years, while 69% of respondents that have never cruised said they are open to cruising.
"Millennial cruisers" are the most enthusiastic about taking another cruise, with 87% indicating they will take a cruise in the next few years, followed by Gen X at 85%.
Kelly Craighead, president and chief executive of Clia, said the future of the cruise industry is "bright" with the support of an "incredibly resilient community".
"Cruising is accessible, responsible, and experiential – making it the best way to see the world for people of all ages and interests," she added.
Clia’s ocean-going members also committed to pursue net-zero carbon cruising by 2050 during the event.
By 2035, all ships calling at ports where shoreside electricity is available will be equipped to use the technology, allowing engines to be switched off while berthed at port.
Where shoreside power is not available, the ships will use available alternative low-carbon technologies required by ports.
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