Europe, UK & Ireland
The European cruise market is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and scenic cruising experiences. Europe serves as both a major source market for cruise passengers and a top destination, attracting travelers from around the world.
Passengers
8.2
In 2023, 8.2M Europeans sailed on cruises
GDP
€25.7 Billion
€25.7 Billion in gross domestic product (GDP) the European economy in 2023
Total Impact
€55.3 Billion
€55.3 Billion in total impact to the economies of Europe in 2023
Percent
90%
To facilitate the delivery of new cruise vessels €8.2 billion was spent in 2023 in Europe, representing 90% of global shipbuilding activity
Europe Regions
The cruise industry is committed to pursuing net zero emissions by 2050, and supports the long-term objectives of the EU Green Deal. By driving innovation through shipbuilding in Europe, the industry can help to enable European green growth, as set out in the Green Deal and EU recovery plans.
Made in Europe
Cruise is a European success story. About 97% of the world’s fleet of cruise ships was built in Europe, and 98% of ships on order, based on cost, will be built here. The total investment cruise lines are making in new ships built in Europe from 2024 to 2036 is currently €57 billion, with additional orders anticipated.
Most of the world’s cruise ships are also retrofitted and refurbished at European shipyards. Together, tens of thousands of full-time workers and subcontractors are involved in new ship construction and ship refurbishment in Europe.
A diverse supply chain of small and large companies specialises in outfitting and providing cruise ships with European-made products, supporting jobs throughout Europe. With these investments, the cruise industry is essential to Europe’s maritime infrastructure, and beyond.
Cruise industry looks ahead to European Cruise Week 2025 in Rotterdam, in partnership with local and regional leadership
CLIA returns with the second annual Cruise Week Europe from 12-14 March 2025Cruise Week features the annual European Summit and an Innovation ShowcaseRegistrations to attend Cruise Week Europe 2025 are openInnovation Showcase Exhibition sales are selling fastBrussels, 9 January 2025 - Registrations are open for the highly anticipated CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025, taking place in Rotterdam from 12-14 March 2025. Held in Europe’s largest seaport, this premier event brings together decision-makers from across the cruise industry, along with policymakers, business partners, and suppliers, to shape the future of cruising.In partnership with the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam and Cruise Port Rotterdam, Cruise Week Europe 2025 will bring together top cruise line executives, industry innovators, and political leaders to showcase the industry’s commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism solutions. The event will highlight the cruise industry’s contributions to the European maritime sector and its leading role in environmental and technological advancements.Cruise Week Europe 2025 will feature an Innovation Showcase, a unique platform for companies supplying or interested in supplying the cruise industry, with a focus on maritime innovation, technology, new build and design and hospitality development. New in 2025 will be a platform to connect exhibitors with cruise line buyers through scheduled 1:1 appointments, special promotional sessions introducing new products and services, and a series of workshops for new to cruise sellers.Jason Liberty, global Chair, CLIA, and president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group said: “Rotterdam’s strong maritime heritage makes it an ideal location for Cruise Week Europe 2025. Europe is a leader in maritime technology development and cruise lines are making enormous investments to lay the foundations for a future of low to zero carbon fuels.CLIA’s annual European Summit is anopportunemoment for the industry and our partners to come together to discuss jointissues, share innovations,andagree on a pathway forward.”Mai Elmar, Executive Director, Cruise Port Rotterdam said: “The cruise sector is thriving with innovation, and collaboration is key. Cruise Week Europe is an opportunity for our community to come together to exchange ideas, learn from each other and showcase the best of our sector. We look forward to seeing more of the groundbreaking work being done by companies across the maritime cluster in sustainability and technology at the Innovation Showcase.”Samuel Maubanc, Director General Europe, CLIA, added: “The cruise sector is a key part of the European maritime transport industrial cluster. Cruise lines are driving innovation, investing in the development and use of new technologies and sustainable energy solutions that will apply across the maritime sector. We look forward to constructive and fruitful debates on how cruise can contribute to the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Europe’s maritime sector.”For more information, contact: Philomene Bouchon, CLIA, at pbouchon@cruising.orgFor details on how to exhibit at the CLIA Innovation Showcase: click hereOr contact one of our team members: Emanuela @ emanuela.castagnetti@naylor.com (EMEA); Joe@ joe.zuccerella@naylor.com (Americas, Asia)About CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025:CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025 will gather decision-makers from cruise lines, senior representatives of shipyards, classification societies, ports and destinations, as well as government officials, experts in maritime technologies, and existing and potential cruise suppliers. The event will focus on fostering collaboration, sharing intelligence, and exploring new solutions for a sustainable future.For more information about this exciting event and to learn how your company can get involved, please visit www.cliacruiseweek.comThe Innovation Showcase:The Innovation Showcase is an exclusive exhibition organized to support the European Summit as part of CLIA Cruise Week.This premier event brings together cruise industry leaders, policymakers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to address cruise industry challenges and opportunities, offering participants unprecedented access to: senior industry leadership:Offering direct engagement with decision-makers shaping our industry, including top executives from major cruise brands and ship builders;Networking opportunities - providing focused opportunities to build lasting partnerships with buyers, suppliers, and executives in a single venue;Market insights - delivering first-hand knowledge of trends, innovations, and sustainability initiatives driving future growth in cruising and maritime businesses. 09 January, 2025
Commissioner Tzitzikostas and MEPs engage with the travel and tourism industry for a sustainable and resilient future
Brussels, 10 December 2024 — Today, 10 leading European travel and tourism organisations convened in the European Parliament for a high-level meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard and other Members of the Tourism Task Force, as well as European Commission and EU Member States representatives. This meeting builds on the work initiated in Rhodes earlier this year, continuing efforts to foster collaborative dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers, with a focus on advancing the sector’s efforts towards enhanced sustainability, resilience and effective climate change mitigation.The event follows the landmark Joint Declaration EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era signed in April 2024 by the coalition of 10 industry organisations. Launched in Rhodes, the Declaration spells out the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation, enhancing cross-sector collaboration and deepening engagement with policymakers to achieve a sustainable and competitive future for the travel and tourism sector.On this special occasion, Commissioner Tzitzikostas highlighted the critical role of tourism in Europe and pledged to introduce a Sustainable Tourism Strategy as well as appropriate EU funding to help the sector adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change.During the discussions, industry representatives detailed their progress towards emission reduction targets. They emphasised the concrete steps being taken to support environmental commitments and drew attention to important challenges for an effective and timely transition.Travel and tourism leaders stressed the importance of maintaining open dialogue between public and private sectors, with the aim of clarifying and reducing compliance reporting requirements, identifying funding opportunities, and sharing effective best practices across industries.MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta), Member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group, stated: “The climate-related legislative packages have been adopted, and now our focus must shift to implementation. Sustainable targets are essential, but we must also safeguard the competitiveness of the industry. Economic growth and sustainability can and must go hand in hand. It is vital that our policies deliver tangible benefits for workers, businesses, and the environment alike.”Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC, on behalf of the Coalition, commented: “The industry has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through substantial investments across multiple areas. From advancing sustainable aviation fuels and developing energy-efficient technologies to creating comprehensive sustainability certifications and robust emissions measurement methodologies, we have laid the groundwork for meaningful change. Yet, we recognise that realising our full potential requires significant policy support, targeted funding, and engagement with policymakers to ensure that our smallest businesses, the true backbone of our sector, can fully participate in this transformative journey.”Today’s meeting sets the stage for a closer partnership between policymakers and the travel and tourism sector, ensuring that shared goals for a sustainable and resilient future can be achieved together.–ENDS–The organisations mentioned below endorsed the Joint Declaration:Airlines for Europe (A4E)Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA)European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA)European Regions Airline Association (ERA)European Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes (HOTREC)The Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA)International Road Transport Union (IRU)European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR) 11 December, 2024
“Made in Europe” cruises generated 55 billion Euros across the continent in 2023
CLIA report: 97% of the world’s ocean cruise ships are built in EuropeBy 2036, companies will invest 57 billion euros in European shipyardsLong and complex cruise supply generate generates 400,000 jobs in EuropeBrussels, 10th December 2024 – the cruise industry is a ‘made in Europe’ supply chain which generated 55.3 billion euros and 400,000 jobs in Europe in 2023. This is what emerges from newly released data by Cruise Lines International Association. Furthermore, in the next 12 years, with an investment of 57 billion euros, 72 of the 76 ocean cruise ships will be built in European shipyards (97%) of which 40 in Italy (52.6%), 12 in Germany (15.8%) and 10 in France (13.2%).Cruise ships represent 80% of the value of commercial ship orders for European shipyards and involves European companies across the entire value chain, from suppliers of steel hull plats to hi-tech onboard equipment, to interior design.“Europe is world leading in complex and innovative shipbuilding, and our sector is a key part of this European maritime transport industrial cluster,” says Samuel Maubanc, Director General, Europe, CLIA. “As almost all the world’s cruise ships are built in European shipyards, the cruise sector is central to Europe’s ability to maintain this industrial excellence, competitiveness, and resilience. Cruise is also a driver of innovation, investing in the development and use of new technologies and sustainable energy solutions that will apply across the maritime sector in future.”These are fundamental records for Europe’s maritime security and strategic autonomy. The economic impact of cruise tourism does not end with the launch of a ship but continues for decades, multiplying the construction value of the ship itself in the area. According to CLIA, there are more than 350 ports in Europe, and every time a ship docks in one of them it generates development for the coastal communities and suppliers in the area, also as companies are committed to supporting local products. Cruise passengers are a source of direct spending, which on average almost 700 euros per passenger in port cities during a seven-day cruise.Furthermore, more than 50% of cruise passengers return to visit the locations in subsequent years, showing the longer-term impact of cruise. To this is added the companies’ spending on supplies, (11.3 billion euros per year), in shipyards (8.2 billion euros per year) and on wages (7.6 billion euros per year).EndsNote to the editor: Follow the link to have access to the full Made in Europe report and see how the industry is critical to Europe’s maritime strategic autonomyFor additional information, Press inquiries:Contact: Philomène Bouchon: pbouchon 10 December, 2024
Cruise Lines International Association names energy and transport leader as director general in Europe
Samuel Maubanc brings deep experience in climate policy and government relations leadership to the top job for CLIA in Brussels5 November 2024 (BRUSSELS) – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority of the global cruise industry, announced today that Samuel Maubanc has joined the organization as director general in Europe, effective 4 November 2024. As head of the association’s European office based in Brussels, Maubanc is responsible for driving advocacy efforts on behalf of CLIA-member cruise lines operating in Europe and championing policies that support the sector’s energy transition in pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as the cruise industry’s engagement with ports and destinations that prioritize, support and promote responsible growth.In addition to his prior experience leading an industry trade association, Maubanc has nearly two decades of experience in EU policy and public affairs, with a focus on decarbonization ambitions driven by increasing the availability of competitively priced sustainable fuels, and security of supply channels in the transportation sector.Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to CLIA and are confident his leadership and policy experience will help support and accelerate the cruise industry’s ambitious sustainability agenda. As a well-respected, and knowledgeable advocacy expert with a specialization in circular and renewable energy solutions, Sam will undoubtedly help our industry continue to build on its strong policy positions and priorities in ways that will continue to foster our member lines’ success.”“I am honoured to join CLIA and support the industry’s sustainability agenda,” said Maubanc. “Never before has there been this level of momentum, complexity, and urgency for building sustainable transport pathways, in particular in the context of implementing the EU Fit-for-55 policy package. This notably includes increasing the scalability and competitiveness of renewable fuels and establishing a stable and secure supply chain for maritime as an integral part of the transportation sector.The cruise industry is an important driver of European competitiveness and maritime industrial innovation, and I look forward to working with policymakers, ports and destinations, and CLIA-member cruise lines to help take the industry’s leadership to the next level,” Maubanc added.Never before has there been this level of momentum, complexity, and urgency for building sustainable transport pathways, in particular in the context of implementing the EU Fit-for-55 policy package.Samuel Maubanc, CLIA Director General, EuropePrior to joining CLIA, Maubanc was head of EU Affairs and general manager for Neste, a leading producer of renewable fuels and circular solutions. During his tenure with Neste, Maubanc was an influential voice in policy conversations regarding sustainable energy pathways and related issues. Notably, he was at the center ofadvocacy discussions for all relevant pieces of EU legislation and regulations, which included the revision of the EU Renewable Energy Directive and the newly created EU SAF mandate under ReFUEL EU Aviation. Prior to Neste, Maubanc was general manager for Liquid Gas Europe, a nonprofit association representing the liquid gas industry in Brussels. He holds an Executive Master in Management from the Brussels Solvay Business School, and a Master in European Studies from the University of Aalborg, Denmark.ENDSContact: Philomene Bouchon:pbouchon@cruising.org 05 November, 2024
Successful Destination Assessment for the City of Kotor
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Municipality of Kotor, and the Port of Kotor in Montenegro joined forces for the destination assessment in the historic port city. The agreement was announced during CLIA’s Port and Destination Dialogue in Hamburg, Germany, last year.The GSTC Destination Assessment took place between September 2023 and July 2024 . It was conducted by the GSTC and co-funded by CLIA jointly with the Municipality and Port. The assessment process, which included local stakeholder consultation, helped the city identify priorities with respect to destination management as well as any potential gaps and key risks.Kotor is a key cruise destination in the Adriatic Sea. Nestled against stunning mountains, the city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a history that predates Homer, Kotor continues to embody the essence of its ancient past. The assessment aimed to set the foundation for a sustainability action plan for the city.The GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D) covers four pillars of destination sustainability: destination policy and planning, community involvement and benefits, management of cultural assets, and management of environmental and natural resources.The GSTC Destination Assessor, Dr. Ioannis Pappas, conducted an assessment of current tourism activities and management approaches. The assessment included a 4-day onsite visit by the assessor, who interviewed relevant authorities and stakeholders to verify compliance with the GSTC-D through 8 stakeholder group meetings and 20 site visits, concluding on 64 key stakeholders participation, including representatives from national and local government, the private sector, NGOs, academia, and local residents. There was also a kick-off meeting with the mayor and an opening and closing workshop.Dr Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region said “As the GSTC Assessor for Kotor, I commend the strong commitment of the local authorities and stakeholders in undertaking this important assessment. The collaboration between the Municipality of Kotor, the Port of Kotor, and CLIA has been invaluable in establishing a baseline against the GSTC Criteria. This assessment provides a clear understanding of Kotor’s current position and identifies the necessary actions to enhance sustainability performance in the coming years. By respecting its unique status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor is well-positioned to design strategies that preserve its cultural and natural assets while advancing sustainable tourism development.”“I want to congratulate the city and port of Kotor for the successful completion of the destination assessment. The beautiful city of Kotor has a unique cultural heritage, and this study will set the foundation for a sustainable action plan for the city.We are pleased to partner on this study as we believe that collaboration is key to responsible destination management. Cruise tourism brings positive social and economic benefits to communities, and we want to help destinations to manage tourism responsibly so that they remain great places to live and to visit,” said Julie Green, Deputy Director General, Europe, CLIA.Cruise tourism brings positive social and economic benefits to communities, and we want to help destinations to manage tourism responsibly so that they remain great places to live and to visitJulie Green, CLIA Deputy Director General, Europe“As the Mayor of Kotor, I am pleased to say that Kotor is one of the few cities in the region that has undergone an important sustainability assessment process as a tourist destination. Together with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and CLIA, we brought together various stakeholders from public life to gather their input. All participants from public life, city government bodies, state authorities, universities, the civil sector, the economy, and entrepreneurs took part in this process. The assessment results provided us with a clear insight into the impact of tourism on our city, which will help us develop effective strategies for sustainable tourism – that is, how we should move forward regarding tourism. The study also helped us take a much more objective look at our problems, as well as our advantages. This assessment represents a significant step towards improving the quality of life in Kotor and preserving our destination.” said Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor.Ljiljana Popović Moškov, President of the Board of Directors of the LUKA KOTOR company, pointed out: “The Port of Kotor, as a socially responsible company, was very devoted partner on this important project creating the strategy for the sustainability of Kotor as a tourist destination. Our company wants to raise its services to the highest level of quality that it provides to shipping companies or cruise companies, and this project will help us greatly to do so. Kotor is a city under the protection of UNESCO and I want to express my gratitude to CLIA for recognizing the importance of our destination and including us in what is an extremely important project for us. We expect that implementation of project’s recommendations will be challenging as in its creation, but also in its realization, considering that Kotor is a city located in the most beautiful fjord in this part of Europe, has only 22,000 inhabitants, and with close to 500 cruise ship calls annually, bring over half a million passengers to our city.But no matter the challenges, the most important thing is that with this partnership with CLIA and Municipality of Kotor we want the same thing: to make Kotor a sustainable tourist destination and comfortable for the citizens in the long term. And I am convinced that we will succeed in that.”Download the full report of Kotor’s Destination Assessment here.More information about GSTC Destination Assessment is available here. 22 October, 2024
CLIA’s Cruise Investment Plan for Europe, presented at SMM 2024 in Hamburg in September 2024
CLIA also hosted a panel discussion on the European Cruise Investment Plan which we commissioned earlier this year from DNV and Ricardo.This study aims to provide the knowledge base for the investments that will be needed to decarbonize the cruise sector in Europe. The study is assessing the current and near-term decarbonization technologies, mapping cruise vessel operations, and assessing the scalability and investment requirements for the cruise industry to meet the Fit for 55 regulatory obligations and achieve the objective of net zero emissions by 2050.The session was introduced with a presentation by Tim Scarbrough, Ricardo, outlining the preliminary findings of the study.The presentation was followed by a discussion moderated by Julie Green, CLIA’s Deputy Director General in Europe, to explore some of these initial findings with expert panelists: Tom Strang, Chair of CLIA Sustainability Advisory Committee, Senior Vice President, Maritime Affairs, Carnival, Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding Director and R&D, Ponant, Moises Blanco Rios, Policy Officer in DG RTS, European Commission – Clean Transport Transitions, Gijs Streppel, Programme Manager Sustainability, Meyer Werft, and Christian Allgeier, Head of BMDV Working Group on Alternative Marine Propulsion Systems.Panelists discussed the key challenge faced by the growing demand across maritime for access to new alternative fuels – and emphasized the need for more production as well as the introduction of port infrastructure for bunkering of these fuels. CLIA’s Cruise Investment Plan for Europe provides an analysis of the geographic distribution of fuel bunkering, which will be important for planning bunkering infrastructure for future fuel.The discussion also covered the progress being made towards the introduction of zero emission vessels and the audience heard perspectives from cruise lines, shipyards and government representatives on how they are approaching this challenge and aiming to achieve this ambition.Finally, panellists also discussed funding opportunities and how operators can access funds in support of innovation projects that will help drive the maritime transition. 20 September, 2024
Europe Leadership
Samuel Maubanc
Director General, Europe
Andy Harmer
Managing Director, United Kingdom & Ireland
Julie Green
Deputy Director General, Europe
Nikos Mertzanidis
Vice President, Ports & Destinations and Taxation
Maria Deligianni
Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean
Hans Chen Braas
Regional Director, Nordics and Baltics
Francesco Galietti
National Director, Italy