Cruise is Sailing to a Better Future
Cruise lines are leading the way toward a more sustainable future, investing in innovative technologies building the future of sustainable cruise travel in their ships today - with new engines that offer fuel flexibility and the ability to run on new, more sustainable energy sources as they become available at scale.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) unites the global cruise community, including prestigious ocean, river, and specialty lines, maritime leaders, ports, destinations, shipyards, and the largest network of cruise travel professionals.
Fleet
310 Cruise Ships
The total number of ships in the 2025 CLIA cruise lines member global fleets.
Environmental
16% Emissions Reduction
On average there was a reduction in CO2 emissions per cruise ship since 2018 by ships in Europe.
Sustainability
267 Freshwater Producing Ships
State-of-the-art systems enable cruise lines to produce up to 90% of water on board rather than draw from areas where resources are limited
Economics
$168.6 Billion Economic Impact
In 2023, the cruise industry generated $168.6 billion in total economic impact globally, a 9% increase over 2019
Global Markets
With 34.6 million passengers cruising to all 7 continents, the global cruise industry is supported by diverse source markets, growing regional demand, and expanding infrastructure, contributing to its resilience and long-term growth potential.
61%
Percentage of global capacity are fitted to operate on Onshore Power Supply (OPS)
100%
Percentage of waste some ships can repurpose by transferring surplus heat from machinery to heat water for showers and pools and significantly reduce food waste by using bio-digesters
60%
Percentage of ships able to produce water equivalent to their total water consumption needs
15%
Percentage of cruise ships entering service in the next five years will be equipped with battery storage to allow for hybrid power generation once available
Membership
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) provides a unified voice for the global cruise community, which includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; an expansive group of maritime leaders who provide technical expertise, products and services to the cruise sector; leading ports, destinations, shipyards; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialize in cruise travel.
CLIA unites the global cruise industry by providing a strong collective voice for cruise lines, valuable connections and insights for Executive Partners, and training, resources, and support for the travel trade community.
59
Cruise Lines
CLIA provides a unified voice for the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines that operate around the world.
350+
Executive Partners
CLIA provides organizations industry exposure, market insights, community affiliation, education, and networking to unite the cruise industry
70,000+
Travel Trade
CLIA provides the official industry training and certification, unique resources, and inspiring events to support the travel agent community.
CLIA celebrates latest river and expedition 'Cruise Champions'
Over 60 agents who successfully completed a seven-month CLIA training programme have been officially recognised as river or expedition ‘Cruise Champions’The agents received their certification at a graduation ceremony in Birmingham.The programmes, now in their second year, are aimed at agents who are new or have limited experience of the river or expedition sectors. Training includes a mix of classroom learning, monthly webinars, assessments and digital catch-ups.The content was rolled out alongside CLIA member operators and covered topics including destinations, product awareness and sales techniques.Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: "Manycongratulationsto all our Cruise Champions. These programmes have helped them build specialist expertise in two of the fastest-growing cruise sectors and the graduates should be very proud of what they have accomplished."Throughout the courses, agents have shared real-life experiences, customer success stories and practical insights, helping to create a genuinely collaborative learning environment. It's been particularly rewarding to see their knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm develop, equipping them to better support customers and grow their cruise business."Many thanks to our cruise line members for their continued support in helping deliver training and expertise. We look forward to welcoming another trade cohort later this year and continuing to invest in the development of cruise professionals."The next round of programmes will launch in November and again cover either river and expedition cruise. Applications will open in August. 29 June, 2026
CLIA announces host of agent events and initiatives at annual conference
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has today (June 4, 2026) made a number of announcements and updates at its annual conference in Southampton.Over 800 delegates from across the trade heard from Andy Harmer, managing director UK & Ireland, who confirmed:* The second cohort of CLIA Cruise Champions will graduate on June 26 in Birmingham, following the successful completion of their expedition cruise or river cruise programmes. Applications for the class of 2027 will then open in September.* The Expedition Showcase will return for a second year to Svalbard in July. Five ships will be available for attendees to visit:- Greg Mortimer, AE Expeditions- HX Spitsbergen, HX Expeditions- Silver Endeavour, Silversea- SH Vega, Swan Hellenic- Le Commandant Charcot, PonantA full day of business sessions, a coastal wildlife boat trip, sightseeing tour, dining at local restaurants and a visit to the world’s northernmost brewery will be on offer. Delegates will be accompanied throughout by the expedition suppliers.* A Luxury Cruise Summit will be held on September 4 in Southampton. The event will comprise a guided ship visit of Oceania Marina, business sessions onboard and a networking dinner the previous evening.* CLIA has announced a'Seattle Awaits' fam trip, new for 2026. Arranged in partnership with the Port of Seattle, Visit Seattle, Virgin Atlantic and Delta, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Travel Weekly, it will have a destination theme and is aimed at senior sales, commercial and product managers.Including return flight options from London, attendees will be invited to explore Seattle with a three-night city stay. The schedule will include ship visits to Eurodam and Star Princess as well as hosted evenings. A three-night stay in Washington state will then take place, with hosted activities, guided tours and dining.The event opens for applicationsshortly.* A River Cruise Forum in Manchester on October 6 and a Yacht & Small Ship Forum in Birmingham on October 7 have been arranged. Both will have a full day of business sessions and product training.CLIA Conference runs to June 6. It is the largest UK travel agent of its kind in Europe and today includes business sessions and a networking trade fair. The business sessions were joined by Rob Rinder MBE, professional criminal barrister, media personality and author; and Carly Telford, retired goalkeeper, former Lioness and media pundit.The next two days feature a sailaway party and up to two ships for delegates to visit, from an overall choice of six:- Queen Anne, Cunard- Britannia, P&O Cruises- Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises- MSC Virtuosa, MSC Cruises- Oceania Insignia, Oceania Cruises- Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas CruisesAn optional 'New to Selling Cruise Day' was yesterday on offer to agents.In addition, yesterday also saw over 60 colleagues from across the cruise industry take part in a New Forestbike ride, in aid of the Family Holiday Charity. It marked the highest ever turnout of riders, with participants cycling either 100km, 50km or 20km and a target to raise £10,000.Andy Harmer said: "The range of initiatives announced today underlines our ambition to make 2026 our most impactful year yet for trade engagement. Whether via ship visits, specialist training, networking opportunities or flagship events, we're continuing to invest in helping agents develop their expertise and unlock new sales opportunities across every cruise sector."It's also fantastic to see such strong attendance at this year's conference and a record number of participants taking part in our charity cycle ride. The cruise community is built on collaboration, and events such as these demonstrate both the strength of the industry and the willingness of colleagues to come together, support one another and give something back."To donate to the Family Holiday Charity cycle ride, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/clia-nf26 04 June, 2026
Destination Spotlight: South America
The South America/Panama Canal region plays a crucial role in making several cruise itineraries possible. Cruise guests may explore the continent on South America-focused cruises that visit such key port cities as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires or destinations such as the Chilean Fjords. They may explore the continent on world cruises, some sailing around Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the continent. Or they may experience the continent on Caribbean and South America itineraries visiting, for instance, Colombia and Central American countries.Adventurous travelers might opt for a bucket list expedition cruise to the Galapagos Islands or visit Argentina or Chile as gateways to Antarctica. Others might hop on a river ship, sailing along the Peruvian Amazon or Colombia’s Magdalena River.Panama Canal itineraries embarking from ports in Florida or California, offering cruisers a first-hand look at an engineering marvel as they sail through the legendary waterway. Cruise lines traverse the canal seasonally as they reposition vessels from Florida to the Pacific Coast and Alaska, while providing guests access to, for instance, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico.According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in 2025, 1.20 million* cruisers sailed in the South America/Panama Canal region, making the region the 8th largest cruise destination in the world (*The number does not include the Galapagos Islands).In addition to international appeal, South America has strong regional appeal. According to CLIA, in 2025, 1.12 South Americans took an ocean-going cruise, many staying close to home in South America or the Caribbean.A Perfect Winter DestinationMost South American countries are in the southern hemisphere and remain warm all year due to their tropical climate. Even the region’s coldest temperature locations are at their warmest between November and March – which is winter in the northern hemisphere. South America during this time provides the opportunity for those from northern regions to escape the chill.Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, Santos and Salvador; Lima, Peru; Argentina’s Buenos Aires; Chile’s Valparaiso and Santiago; and Uruguay’s Montevideo and Punta del Este, are featured cruise ports on world cruises and other South America itineraries. The Falkland Islands offer a bit of British flavor in the region, and the mighty Amazon as it runs through Peru provides opportunity to explore inland on a fascinating river cruise. River cruise line AmaWaterways recently inaugurated the Magdalena River in Colombia as a new cruising destination in South America.Ecuador’s lush and largely untouched Galapagos Islands archipelago is a prime expedition cruise region, featuring animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos penguins and Darwin’s finches, which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Most islands are uninhabited and cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, HX Expeditions, and Silversea Cruises ferry passengers ashore in inflatable boats for wet landings that take them straight onto the sands of pristine beaches. Many passengers begin their cruises with a visit to Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador. A popular add-on is an inland visit Peru’s Machu Picchu.With sailings starting in South America, Antarctica, a key bucket-list destination for intrepid cruisers – with its icy landscapes, penguins and whales, is most easily reached by ship. Passengers have several options for embarkation. The most common include boarding the ship in Ushuaia, Argentina, for a sailing across the Drake Passage. A newer option is flying from Chile to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, to board a vessel. Silversea is opening a hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, to accommodate its guests. Quark Expeditions offers a fly-cruise program originating in Punta Arenes, Chile.A Partnership Made in ParadiseWith their presence, cruise lines contribute significantly to local economies in the region. Cruise lines pay port fees, employ local personnel, and partner with shore excursion providers in the locations the vessels frequent. The direct, indirect, and induced impacts from cruise activity on the Brazil economy alone is more than $1 billion.More than a dozen CLIA member lines – including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Ponant Explorations, Azamara Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and Seabourn – regularly visit South America.A spokesperson for MSC Cruises, which has the largest market share in South America, notes the variety of itineraries, intuitive hospitality and culture are important draws in the market, and contribute to South America being a standout destination.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please [email protected]. 02 June, 2026
CLIA’s 2026 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards Honor Influential Advisors and Cruise Line Leaders
The Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) are known to make powerful CEOs tear up, and humble successful travel agency leaders.Each year, CLIA recognizes four outstanding individuals or organizations who have made an outsized contribution to the cruise industry. Awardees are chosen from among the North American travel trade community (including agency owners, executives, and advisors) as well as trade-facing sales and marketing leaders at CLIA member cruise lines.The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees have had a positive impact on the cruise industry and on their colleagues throughout their decades in travel sales.Two Decades of CLIA’s Hall of Fame Cruise Industry AwardsCLIA inducted its first class into the Hall of Fame in 2005. The awards can recognize any member of CLIA’s travel trade community, at any stage in their career. Inductees are honored at a gala event during Cruise360, CLIA’s biggest professional development and networking event of the year, where they receive CLIA’s Spirit of Ascension statuette. (Fun fact: It’s the same height and weight as an Oscar.)The selection process for this meritorious honor is a year-round endeavor. Recommendations come from CLIA’s North American travel trade membership, with more than 59,600 members. CLIA’s in-house trade relations team compiles a short list and discusses candidates with select members of the CLIA Trade Relations Committee. This strategic advisory committee, composed of cruise line senior vice presidents and C-suite executives from prominent travel agencies, provides perspective and helps shape each year's Hall of Fame class. Authority for final selection remains with CLIA.“Because we have such strong relationships and engagement with our community, we’re very in tune with who ought to receive the honor,” says CLIA Vice President of Industry & Trade Relations Charles Sylvia, ECC.2026 Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s class of Hall of Famers earned their recognition through decades of supporting the growth and success of the travel trade community.Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) of the Year:Wendy Franz, ECC, Trevello Travel GroupFranz is a former nurse who opened a home-based travel agency in 1997 and joined host agency Trevello Travel Group in 2008. She stood out because of her unwavering support of her fellow travel advisors.“Wendy Franz has constantly given of herself to everyone in her professional life,” says Sylvia. “Since she became a travel advisor, she has given back to her fellow travel advisors in terms of mentorship and support.” Wendy gave up her own time, sometimes putting aside her own business priorities, to nurture others in the industry, Sylvia adds.Travel Agency of the Year:Nexion Travel GroupNexion Travel Group has a history of promoting advisor education and bringing the best people into the travel business. The agency encourages its members to be active in travel industry advocacy, and its leaders set the example. President Jackie Friedman recently served as chair of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and is currently a member of the CLIA Trade Relations Committee.Nexion as a company is a huge supporter of Family Bonds, a foundation designed to financially support people within the travel space experiencing adversity, such as an illness or the loss of a home.“While Nexion is a company that looks to make a profit, it is also one of the best citizens within the travel industry and seeks to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” says Sylvia.Lifetime Achievement Award (Trade):Rick Mazza, president and CEO, Travelsavers/NestMazza is best known as the father of the modern consortium model, uniting independent travel advisors to better negotiate with providers and share marketing and training resources. He launched Travelsavers in 1970, an agency network with an enhanced focus on marketing, and grew that business from 55 agencies to more than 3,000.Mazza has since founded other consortium businesses, including The Affluent Traveler Collection, a marketing group for luxury advisors, and Nest, a network for home-based agencies, which serve to provide members with marketing tools, technology assistance, strategic partnerships, and professional training. He was also an early supporter and partner of the cruise industry.Lifetime Achievement Award (Cruise Line):Dondra Ritzenthaler, ECC, CEO of Azamara CruisesRitzenthaler has been an inspiration to many over her 40-plus years in the travel industry, including in her current role and formerly as sales and marketing executive at Celebrity Cruises and American Airlines. She earned this award for her leadership mindset that prioritizes relationships and teamwork, and for always being a strong advocate for travel advisors. Colleagues describe her as a mentor, motivator, and friend.Previous Hall of Fame inductee Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support & service at Royal Caribbean, said at the awards gala that Ritzenthaler “brings laughter into hard work, friendship into business, and heart into absolutely everything she does.”What makes the CLIA Hall of Fame honor so special is the impact it has on its recipients.“These folks are such consequential, powerful people—leaders we all look up to—but when they finally find out that their industry is recognizing them, it becomes a very human and personal moment,” says Sylvia. “That has been one of the most satisfying aspects of this program.”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please [email protected]. 18 May, 2026
Winter Cruises in Europe Benefit Travelers, Cruise Lines and Ports
Winter cruises in Europe benefit travelers, cruise lines and portsEurope used to be a three-season cruise market. Ocean ships would reposition from Europe in late October or November and return in early spring. River ships would sail through December’s Christmas market season then take a break until spring. But change is afoot.More cruise lines have discovered the multifaceted benefits of keeping ships in Europe year-round, both for their businesses and for their port partners. The move aligns with traveler trends around avoiding summer crowds and seeking out more authentic travel experiences.Here’s how Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines are expanding shoulder-season offerings in Europe.Winter cruises in Europe are on the rise due to guest demandA few European cruise lines, such as Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, have long offered winter cruises in the Mediterranean. Other cruise lines have recently added itineraries too – inspired by inquiries from their guests.“Over the past few years, we’ve seen growing interest in quieter, more immersive travel experiences, especially in destinations that are traditionally busy during peak seasons,” says Janet Bava, Windstar Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer. To that end, the line trialed its first Mediterranean winter cruises in 2023.On the inaugural sailing, "every single travel advisor and guest on board told me, ‘This is genius’,” said Bava. Windstar continues winter-in-Europe cruises with itineraries exploring Southern Spain, the French and Italian Riveiras, and the Dalmatian Coast. All are on the new Star Explorer.Celebrity Cruises also dipped its toes into cooler cruise waters beginning in 2023, positioning Celebrity Infinity in Europe year-round. The ship continues to offer cruises in winter, with Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco sailings from Barcelona, before heading to Italy and Greece in March.Holland America Line is introducing late fall/winter cruising in Europe in the 2027-2028 season - including a dozen sailings on the Nieuw Startendam in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.River cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways, are extending their cruise seasons as well. AmaWaterways has February 2027 departures on the Danube aboard the AmaLea and AmaMora", says Catherine Powell, AmaWaterways' CEP. The AmaMora cruise is a themed Celebratio nof Wine sailing, hosted by a winemaker and including tastings and vineyard visits.Winter cruises appeal to travelers seeking authentic experiencesTravelers today want cultural authenticity and a respite from summer crowds in popular Europe cities. Winter cruises offer just that.“More guests are realizing that cruising outside the traditional popular months comes with wonderful advantages: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere,” says Powell. “Our February and early March sailings have been well received.”She adds, “It’s a chance to connect with local people, enjoy seasonal traditions, and see destinations before spring really blooms.”For cost-conscious travelers, off-season sailings can be lighter on guests’ wallets. Pre- and post-cruise flights and accommodations may cost less than during summer’s peak travel times.The value isn’t just financial. Cruisers who have sailed Mediterranean cruises before can return in winter to experience the destination in a new way.“Sailing Europe in the winter and shoulder seasons gives our guests a completely different perspective. Cities like Venice or Dubrovnik feel more intimate, more local, and more accessible,” says Windstar’s Bava. “These sailings often attract seasoned travelers who’ve seen the ‘greatest hits’ and are now looking to dig deeper.”Winter cruises support sustainability goalsVacationers are not the only parties who benefit from increased off-season sailings. Winter cruises are beneficial for cruise lines and their port partners as well.For the cruise lines, deploying a ship to Europe year-round is a smart investment. “Sailing in the off-season maximizes asset utilization,” says Bava. “By avoiding long transits like ocean crossings, we’re able to increase the number of port calls and spend more time in destination-rich regions.” It also allows the lines to reduce fuel consumption.Extending the Mediterranean cruise season also supports local port economies during tourism’s slow season.“Our port partners have been very supportive,” says Powell. “They like the idea of taking the pressure off the busy summer and fall months while continuing to bring meaningful benefits to local communities throughout the year.”“Restaurants, museums, and markets in the Mediterranean are still very much alive in the off-season,” says Bava. “Our presence helps sustain that activity.”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026
