2022 cruise industry outlook shows optimism

 

After a highly challenging couple of years, the latest report from the global cruise industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shares what appears to be smooth sailing ahead for the overall cruise industry. With the removal of CDC risk advisories and the pandemic setbacks behind the industry, the report shares the latest economic impact data, including critical insight.

Here’s what all Travel Advisors should know about the state of the cruise industry outlook.

A complete recovery projected in 2023

The cruise industry has proven its resilience throughout its more than 50-year history. In the baseline forecast, CLIA Tourism Economics expects passenger volumes to recover and surpass 2019 levels by 2023. In the upside forecast, passenger volume is expected to increase to 101% of last year’s levels by 2022. In all scenarios, passenger volume is projected to recover more than 12% above 2019 levels by 2026.

Cruise line protocols are a public health role model

Cruise line protocols demonstrate responsible cruise tourism, representing some of the most critical actions of any industry. Today cruise ships are one of the most highly vaccinated, tightly controlled environments travelers will experience globally. As the pandemic continues, cruise industry protocols continue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and virtually eliminate severe outcomes.

Cruise lines at the forefront of environmental stewardship

Another way the cruise industry continues to lead the way in responsible tourism is by pursuing net carbon neutrality by 2050. The following proactive solutions are creating a significant impact:

• Energy-efficient ship designs
• Advanced recycling
• Reverse osmosis water filtration systems
• They seek fuel alternatives like shoreside power connectivity and using LNG natural gas, which is much less harmful to the environment than HFO (heavy fuel oil) in diesel engines and MGO (marine gas oil) for gas turbine engines used in the past.
• Supply chain sustainability programs.

Cruising popular for every age group but millennials most enthusiastic

The stereotype used to be that cruising was for more mature adults, but that is quickly becoming a thing of the past. With more Millennial-friendly options and packages that are often all-inclusive, young adults are now booking cruises at a higher rate. According to the CLIA Global Market Report, 32% of Millennials have already taken a cruise in the last five years, and 85% of cruise passengers who plan to cruise again are also Millennials. And these young adults are becoming more sophisticated travelers, opting for more customized itineraries beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all tours and activities.

Please click here to view the 2022 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report. 1000 Mile Travel Group is a proud member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and a strong supporter of the organization.

We partner with various cruise industry suppliers, including Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Avalon, Uniworld, Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America, and Viking.