North America
The North American cruise market is the largest and most influential in the global cruise industry, accounting for a significant share of passenger volume, cruise line headquarters, and key departure ports. The region includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the U.S. being the dominant player in cruise travel.
Passengers
18.1 Million
In 2023, there were 18.1M total passengers sailing from North America
Global Market
57%
North America accounts for nearly 60% of global cruise passengers, with millions of travelers embarking each year
Total Impact
$65 Billion
the sum of the direct, indirect, and induced impacts from cruise activity on the US economy in 2023
GDP
$36 Billion
$36 Billion in gross domestic product (GDP) the US economy in 2023
North America Regions
Hawaii
Canada East Coast & New England
Economic Impact
The cruise industry is a major economic driver in North America, contributing $36 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, making it the top-ranked cruise market globally. It supports over 290,000 jobs across the U.S., fueling employment in tourism, hospitality, and maritime sectors. In Canada, the industry contributed CA$5.2 billion to the economy, ranking 7th globally, while supporting over 23,700 jobs. Alaska alone saw a $2.1 billion economic impact, creating more than 10,500 jobs, showcasing the cruise sector’s vital role in regional economies across North America.
GDP
$36 Billion
$36 Billion in gross domestic product (GDP) the US economy in 2023
Jobs
23,700
The cruise industry supports more than 23,700 jobs in Canada
Total Impact
$2.1 Billion
Alaska’s cruise industry generated a total output of $2.1 billion
Key Departure Ports
- Florida (Largest Cruise Hub) – Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
- Other Major U.S. Ports – Los Angeles, Galveston, New York, Seattle, New Orleans
- Canada & Alaska – Vancouver (gateway to Alaska), Montreal, Halifax
- Mexico – Ports like Cozumel and Ensenada serve as key stops for North American cruises
Popular Destinations
- Alaska – A major seasonal market with departures from Seattle and Vancouver.
- Mexico & West Coast – Itineraries from California to Baja, Mexican Riviera, and Panama Canal.
- New England & Canada – Fall foliage cruises from New York and Boston.
- Hawaii – Year-round and seasonal cruises, often from California or inter-island sailings.
Cruise industry data shows continued progress toward sustainability goals
WASHINGTON, DC - 7 September 2024 - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, today released its annual Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, showing continued progress by the sector in advancing its environmental and sustainability agenda, including investments in ships and technologies for the uptake of transitional and alternative fuels.“Cruise lines are continuing to reduce their emissions at sea and at berth in pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association. “This year’s environmental technologies report demonstrates their progress, with the industry investing in engine technologies with conversion capabilities that will allow ships to use more renewable energy sources as they become available and making important incremental steps to employ a range of other environmental technologies and practices to advance the industry’s wider sustainability initiatives.”Highlights from the industry’s 2024 Environmental Technologies and Practices Report include:Fleet ProfileThe CLIA member ocean fleet includes 303 ships and a total capacity of 635,000 lower berths operated by 45 cruise line brands representing 90% of capacity — an increase of 3.6% and 3.34% respectively, compared to the prior year.Analysis of the current CLIA member cruise line fleet indicates that the majority of ocean-going ships operated by CLIA member cruise lines are small to mid-size ships, with ship size distribution across the fleet as follows:35% of ships are small ships (fewer than 1,000 lower berths)38% of ships are mid-size ships (1,000 to fewer than 3,000 lower berths)26% of ships are large ships (upwards of 3,000 lower berths)Fuel FlexibilityCLIA member cruise lines are investing in new ships and engines that allow for fuel flexibility. This includes capability to use renewable biodiesel, investments in the capability to use green methanol when available, and liquified natural gas (LNG). Ships designed with engines and fuel supply systems able to operate on LNG will be able to switch to zero and near-zero fuels such as bio or synthetic LNG in the future, with no engine modifications.19 ships (representing 7% of the fleet and 13% of the fleet’s global capacity) are using LNG for primary propulsion.LNG has virtually zero sulfur emissions and particulate emissions, reduces NOx emissions by approximately 85% and achieves up to a 20% reduction in GHG emissions. Multiple reports confirm that methane slip (small amounts of escaped methane) – an acknowledged issue with LNG engines – is on a path to be nearly eradicated, with some industry stakeholders claiming that slip values of less than 1% is achievable within the next few years.Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology (SCR)71 ships, representing 25% of the fleet and more than 20% of global capacity, have SCR systems — an increase of 34% from 2023.Selective Catalytic Reduction technology (SCR) reduces particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions, thus helping ships to meet IMO Tier III classification standards for nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx).Onshore Power Supply (OPS)—also referred to as Shoreside Electricity (SSE) CapabilityPlugging in to OPS when ships are in port allows ships’ engines to be switched off, achieving significant overall pollutant emissions reductions of up to 98%, depending on the mix of energy sources, according to studies conducted by a number of the world’s ports and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Across the CLIA cruise line member fleet:147 ships are able to connect to OPS (52% of the total number of ships and 61% of capacity) — 23% more than the prior year and 167% more since 2018.By 2028, 239 ships that are able to connect to OPS are expected to be in service (based on the number of ships scheduled to be retrofitted and new ships on the order book specified for OPS connectivity). This includes 64 ships currently in service and each of the 28 CLIA member cruise ships on the 2024- 2028 order book — all of which are specified for OPS connectivity.CLIA champions the advancement of onshore power infrastructure as an important component in the industry's work to reduce emissions and supports continued development of cost-effective infrastructure for clean shoreside electricity in cruise ports when the net impact delivers an overall emission reduction.Currently 35 of the ports worldwide where cruise ships call (fewer than 3%) have a cruise berth with OPS.22 additional cruise ports are funded for OPS infrastructure and 16 cruise ports are planning to install OPS — a total of 38 ports.In 2022, CLIA announced that its ocean cruise line members made a commitment that all ships calling at ports capable of providing OPS will be equipped to either use shore power by 2035 or be able to use alternative low-carbon technologies, as available, to reduce emissions in port.As part of the EU’s Fit for 55 decarbonization regulations, by 2030 major ports in Europe will be required to have shoreside power, which will further accelerate port infrastructure investment in that region.Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)The majority of CLIA member cruise ships sailing today utilize advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), which are capable of exceeding MARPOL Annex IV requirements and perform better than shoreside treatment plants in some coastal cities. In addition, as part of their overarching sustainability focus, cruise lines have committed to not release untreated sewage anywhere in the world during normal operations.Across the CLIA cruise line member fleet, 225 ships (80% of the total, representing 84% of global passenger capacity) are equipped with AWTS (an 11% increase from 2023 and a 65% increase from 2018).More than one-third of the ships equipped with AWTS are capable of meeting the more stringent wastewater release standards of the Baltic Sea Special Area.Freshwater ProductionThe majority of CLIA members produce their own fresh water onboard their ships, with 267 ships (representing more than 94% of reporting ships and 96% of global capacity) able to do so — of which 172, nearly 60% of the fleet, are capable of producing enough water to match their total consumption.For more information, please visit https://cruising.org/en/environmental-sustainability. 07 September, 2024
Indigenous culture takes the spotlight in New Wave magazine
September 06, 2024 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Big Splash Media have released the latest edition of their annual sustainability magazine New Wave, putting a focus on Indigenous tourism among cruise industry initiatives in destination stewardship and sustainability.The glossy magazine highlights some of the many ways cruise tourism brings social and economic opportunities to communities around Australia and New Zealand, as well as the role cruise lines are playing to support well-managed tourism worldwide. It also outlines the latest environmental advances being made by cruise lines as they work towards net-zero emissions by 2050.CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the fourth edition of New Wave provided insight into some of the many initiatives underway among cruise lines to support the communities they visit.“Sustainability is the single most important issue across the global cruise sector, and this includes being a positive contributor to local communities in destinations around the world,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise lines bring enormous opportunities to the destinations they visit, and many of their initiatives are aimed at creating lasting benefits for local people and cultures.”The cover of this year’s New Wave celebrates the contribution of the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia, who became the first Indigenous community to act as godparents to a major cruise vessel with the maiden visit of Seabourn Pursuit in July.“Australia’s rich Indigenous culture is being embraced in ways that provide extraordinary experiences for cruise visitors while at the same time creating opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Mr Katz said. “The Wunambal Gaambera are among a growing number of Indigenous people in Australia who are working with cruise lines to share culture with visitors while fostering tourism benefits within their community.”The latest edition of New Wave is the fourth produced in Australasia, outlining cruise line advances including the latest alternative fuels, new sources of clean energy and the latest initiatives to protect the marine environment.It also features wildlife protection projects, marine scientific studies, community development efforts and sustainable food supply initiatives.New Wave is available now and has been produced in partnership with Big Splash Media. It is distributed in the current edition of Cruise & Travel magazine and will be provided to CLIA member travel agents and industry stakeholders as part of CLIA’s Cruise Month initiative in October.The magazine can also be viewed and shared online via CLIA’s sustainability page. 06 September, 2024
Tourism and government unite as CLIA hosts on-board industry forum
March 8, 2024 – Tourism industry leaders and key government officials had a first-hand taste of this year’s vibrant summer cruise season yesterday, as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) joined with Celebrity Cruises to host Austrade’s quarterly national Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum in Sydney.More than 30 representatives from national industry bodies and government agencies boarded Celebrity Edge at Circular Quay, where they gained insight into Australia’s $5.6 billion-a-year cruise industry and its role within the broader tourism sector.CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz gave an update on the success of Australia’s cruise revival and the global industry’s path to decarbonisation, while Celebrity Cruises Vice President & Managing Director of Australia & APAC Tim Jones hosted a post-meeting lunch and inspection of Celebrity Edge.“Cruising has been the star performer in Australia’s tourism recovery and the current summer season is among the most successful we’ve ever had in this part of the world,” Mr Katz said. “Bringing tourism industry leaders and government agencies on board meant we were able to provide first-hand insight into this thriving industry, while at the same time discussing issues that affect Australia’s wider tourism economy into the future.”The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum meets quarterly for direct discussions between tourism industry leaders and partners in government. Yesterday’s forum included updates from Commonwealth agencies including Austrade, Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.CLIA was joined by the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) as well as representatives from the office of the Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Australian Airports Association, Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association, Australian Business Events Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Regional Tourism, Australian Tourism Export Council, Australian Tourism Industry Council, Clubs Australia, Ecotourism Australia, International Education Association of Australia, Tour Guides Australia, Tourism and Transport Forum, Welcome to Country, and the Zoo and Aquarium Association. 08 March, 2024
Successful 2023 Canadian Cruise Season Sails into the Sunset
VANCOUVER, CANADA – With strong customer demand and support from community partners, the cruise industry is wrapping up a record year in Canada.“As we bid farewell to this extraordinary summer cruise season, we extend our appreciation to the passengers, suppliers, community partners and government agencies that made it possible,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “With consumer intent to cruise now at an all-time high, we anticipate an equally robust 2024, bringing significant economic benefit to the Canadian economy.”The number of cruise ship calls and passengers visiting Canadian ports in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels, providing a solid boost to jobs and economic impact across the country. According to the most recently available study from 2019, the cruise industry supported 30,000 jobs in Canada and $4.3 billion in GDP. With record-setting passenger levels, 2023 results could be even greater. This local return is enhanced with new measures to help further protect the environment.“Since the return of cruise in Canada, the industry has implemented additional environmental measures developed in collaboration with Transport Canada and has been actively participating in planning for new shore power facilities. In fact, between now and 2028, virtually all new cruise ships will be equipped to plug in to shore-side electricity where available, reducing emissions in port by up to 98%,” noted Ms. Craighead.The cruise industry is committed to pursuing net zero carbon cruising by 2050. To demonstrate progress towards realizing our vision, CLIA tracks the uptake of sustainable renewable fuels and energy sources by member cruise lines and publishes the data showing the deployment of environmental technologies and practices on board cruise ships. The latest information on Charting the Future of Sustainable Cruise Travel can be viewed here. 25 October, 2023
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the 2023 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners. The awards identify individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry. Award winners were inducted during the CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards & Gala Dinner during the CLIA Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Thursday, April 20th, 2023.“The 2023 Hall of Fame Winners are an extraordinary group of industry leaders with incredible passion for travel and limitless dedication to their clients and guests,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA President and CEO. “They are innovators, visionaries, and a shining example of how hard work and leadership lead to success. CLIA is proud to honor their contributions.”CLIA congratulates its Hall of Fame Inductee Class of 2023LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERSAwarded to two individuals — one from the CLIA North American Travel Trade Membership and one from either a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member or River Marketing Affiliate — who are lifetime champions of cruise travel and have made monumental contributions to the cruise industry.Michael BayleyPresident and CEORoyal Caribbean InternationalAt the helm of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise line, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley leads a global team of more than 50,000 employees who deliver memorable family vacations to more than five million international guests on 26 ships that sail to more than 290 destinations.Bayley is responsible for the cruise line’s entire operation, which also includes private destinations Labadee, Haiti, and Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas – the first in a series of private island destinations around the world known as Perfect Day Island Collection. A key focus of his is to inspire every team to deliver the unrivaled and award-winning Royal Caribbean experience of innovation and excellence from ship to shore.Bayley’s responsibilities also include key operations for Royal Caribbean Group, the cruise line’s parent company. He oversees the corporation’s destination and port development, consisting of various ongoing projects in different stages around the world.Within the industry, Bayley is recognized as a thought leader and proponent of partnership across governments, cruise lines and trade organizations. He’s on the global board of directors for Cruise Lines International Association and is an executive committee member of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association as well as a co-chair of its Americas Cruise Tourism Task Force, which builds cooperative relationships with destinations.The president and CEO began his 40-year career in 1981 as an assistant purser on Royal Caribbean’s m.s. Nordic Prince. In his 10 years at sea, he worked in a variety of positions, each with increasing responsibility. His success led him to become vice president of guest satisfaction, fleet operations; senior vice president of hotel operations and onboard revenue; and later as executive vice president of operations, overseeing marine, hotel, tour and ground operations, and commercial development. He spent time based in Europe as chairman and managing director of Island Cruises, a joint venture between First Choice Holidays – a leading U.K. Tour Operator – and Royal Caribbean. Bayley also once served as vice president at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.The industry veteran has pioneered the concept of cruising in emerging markets across the globe. In 2008, as executive vice president of international sales and marketing at Royal Caribbean, Bayley opened offices in 11 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, and he was instrumental in opening and developing the China market. He was named president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises in 2012 and was responsible for improving the line’s overall financial performance when he expanded the vacation offering to guests in the premium segment. He then became president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International in 2014.Gloria BohanPresident and CEOOmega World TravelGloria Bohan has had a lifetime of groundbreaking impact on the travel industry, facilitating exciting new trends and shaping how the industry conducts business. Gloria founded Omega World Travel in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1972, providing leisure travel services to the public. Over the past 50 years, Ms. Bohan has transformed Omega’s initial one-person office into an international full-service travel management company.Now based in Fairfax, VA, Omega’s sales revenues have exceeded $1 billion a year. Omega was ranked the 4th largest privately-owned travel agency in the United States by Business Travel News (2020), is the largest woman-owned travel agency, and is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (“WBENC”). Omega’s on and off-site corporate offices, government offices, and call centers are located in cities throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Korea. Ms. Bohan also owns Cruise.com, one of the largest online cruise sellers, and TravTech, a travel technology company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the industry. In addition, Omega’s M.I.C.E. division offers an events department with hybrid meeting software that achieves maximum attendance numbers.Gloria has frequently been recognized for her achievements in the travel industry, including receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards from Northstar Travel Group’s Travel Weekly (2021), The American Society of Travel Advisors (2019), and the Executive Women’s Forum (2011). Ms. Bohan was inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame in 2011 and has been named one of the 25 Most Influential Leaders in the Travel Industry by Tour and Travel News. She has further been listed as one of the Most Powerful Women in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine and Woman of the Year by The Network of Entrepreneurial Women.Though best known for her achievements in travel, Gloria has also been an ardent supporter of education and community-orientated endeavors. Ms. Bohan began her career as a New York City Public School teacher and has long supported the Junior Achievement program which pairs participating youth with business mentors. In the early 2000s, Gloria and her late husband established the Gloria and Dan Bohan Foundation which fosters entrepreneurship and encourages more diverse participation in our economy. Ms. Bohan credits her many successes to giving others a chance to tap into their creativity, the excellent support of businesses around the world, her partnerships with the Travel and Hospitality industry, and her dedicated staff.TRAVEL AGENCY INNOVATOR AWARD WINNERAwarded to a CLIA Travel Agency Member or Premier Agency Member that has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in their approach to promoting cruise travel, growing their cruise travel sales, and supporting their affiliated travel advisors.Michael ConsoliMichael Consoli is the owner of Cruise Planners/Michael Consoli & Associates and has been a Cruise Planners franchise owner for 20 years. He is the #1 producing agent in the Cruise Planners network and had a record sales year of $24 million in 2022. Consoli has been on 250+ cruises on all different lines and strives to share these experiences with his clients through social media, video, and first-hand accounts of his travels.Consoli’s team consists of a seasoned support staff of four members who all play an integral role in helping him plan and execute countless personalized trips for his guests. Their goal is to help their guests realize their vacation dreams, assist them in planning a trip that exceeds his guests’ expectations, all while making sure his clients are provided exceptional service and value.Each year, Consoli curates several invitation-only trips, which he personally escorts for his clients. This allows him to take the agent-client relationship to a higher level, providing him the ability to better understand their travel style, and assists him in planning future trips tailored for his clients. Consoli cherishes the relationships he has built with industry executives, travel agent peers and, of course, his loyal clients. It is these relationships, combined with the exceptional service he provides his clients that allow him to continue to receive recognition as Viking’s Global Top producer, Cruise Planners’ #1 Luxury and #1 River Cruise agent as well as top producer status with Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Tauck year after year.ELITE CRUISE COUNSELLOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERAwarded to a CLIA Individual Agent Member who has demonstrated their career commitment to professional development through achievement of Elite Cruise Counsellor or Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar status – the pinnacle of CLIA certification – with the requisite sales requirements as well as significantly impacted the travel agent landscape through contributions to their agency.Diane Mason, ECCSDiane Mason was born in St. Louis, MO but has lived in many areas of the United States. While serving as an Aircraft Mechanic Hydraulics Technician (AMH2) in the United States Navy, (1983–1989), she enjoyed the opportunity of living abroad in a variety of locations, as well. While in the US Navy Reserves, Diane attended Travelers Choice School of Travel in Honolulu, HI, graduating in 1989. After successfully completing ‘comprehensive Travel Theory & Apollo Computer Reservations’, she began building her repertoire of extensive travel experience as a local island tour builder on Oahu and the outlying islands.Diane’s journey towards becoming a million-dollar corporate agent began in the 90’s with companies such as Uniglobe, Travel One and SAIC. These experiences set her up for success and were instrumental in creating The Cruise Planner, LLC (aka–The Cruise & Travel Planner). Initially starting her business in the Virginia Area in 1998, she moved back to her hometown of St. Louis, MO in 1999 until relocating to Gulf Breeze, FL in 2022.Diane earned her CLIA certification as an Elite Cruise Counselor Scholar in 2012 becoming the only ECCS in the entire state of Missouri. Diane quickly realized that CLIA Certification was an integral part of building a successful travel agency. Diane’s passion to educate, train, and grow top producing, successful travel advisors became evident when her team of independent contractors achieved various levels of certifications through CLIA, with two of them also earning ECC.Diane volunteered for many years in the Booster Club at a local high school in Missouri, assisting in concession stand sales which provided much needed funds. This resulted in safe and successful grad night events for the local youth. Being an active, highly effective business networker in the community, she not only helped to grow her own business but assisted in helping her colleagues grow their businesses as well. She is currently a member of the FBE women’s veteran group, supporting women veterans of all military services. Diane currently resides with her husband Jim and their 6-Month-old French Bulldog named Emmy Lulu. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, walks in the neighborhood and shell hunting on the most beautiful beaches along the panhandle. 30 April, 2023
