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
306 Cruise Ships
The total number of ships in the 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 31.7 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.
Cruising gets younger as average age of UK & Ireland passengers falls
Record-breaking 2024 figures highlight Asia demand is booming and Canary Islands also growing rapidlyCruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has today (May 8, 2025) revealed that the average age of UK and Ireland cruisers has decreased again. The overall passenger figures for 2024 confirm the average cruise traveller is 54.3 years - down from 55.1 in 2023 and 57 in 2019.The findings come as CLIA stated that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 2.4 million cruises last year, surpassing the previous highest total of 2.3 million in 2023.CLIA further stated:35% of passengers sailed in the Mediterranean, 26.5% Northern Europe and 13% the Caribbean.Asia & China saw the biggest passenger growth, at 96%. The Canary Islands followed with 31%.For the first time, the CLIA-member cruise line fleet exceeds 310 ocean-going vessels. Overall capacity increased by 3.4% across the year.Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Cruising continues to capture the imagination of travellers across the UK and Ireland, as more and more people embrace the diversity, value and unique experiences a holiday at sea offers. With an increasingly younger demographic onboard and more ships in the global fleet, the future of cruising has never looked brighter. And the wider benefits the industry delivers to local economies, suppliers and communities highlight the positive impact cruising has on a global scale." 08 May, 2025
CLIA expands trade support with expedition event
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland today (March 20, 2025) hosted 70 delegates from across the trade at its CLIA Expedition Cruise Forum.Held at the Courthouse Hotel London, the event featured:Business sessions, outlining the latest expedition insights and trendsProduct training and networking, via individual cruise lines and associated partnersAs part of the day, CLIA's latest expedition partner, ExplorEarth, announced it is hosting a dedicated section on its website - www.explorearth.com/CLIA - exclusively for CLIA members. It will feature a piece by expedition expert and writer Mark Stratton, plus an 'Ask ExplorEarth' section where CLIA members can ask its team sales or product questions. Recommended CLIA partner cruises will also be highlighted.In addition, CLIA stated a dedicated 'Small Ship Cruising Day' will be held for the trade on May 7. A series of tailored assets, information and webinars will be made available to help agents increase their knowledge and promote the sector, which includes yacht, ship and coastal cruising, as well as expedition vessels.It follows the recent unveiling of a new ‘River Cruise Day’, which is being held on April 3.Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: "I'd like to thank everyone from across the expedition cruise sector who supported us today, and the fantastic feedback and engagement from all the agents who joined us. Expedition travel is thriving and we're excited to help our partners enhance their sales expertise by learning more about the wealth of options at their disposal."We're also pleased to reveal plans for a further dedicated cruise day, this time focussing on the wide range of small ships available to sell. I'd encourage all agents to keep an eye out for further details on this, as well as our upcoming event next month where we'll support the trade with all aspects of river cruise sales." 20 March, 2025
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 [email protected] details on how to exhibit at the CLIA Innovation Showcase: click hereOr contact one of our team members: Emanuela @ [email protected] (EMEA); Joe@ [email protected] (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
Accomplished Global Maritime Leader Bud Darr Appointed President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Darr returns to CLIA having previously led maritime technical and regulatory affairs at the global cruise association19 December 2024 (WASHINGTON) –Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)announced todaythatits Global Executive Committee hasappointedCharles “Bud” Darr as President and Chief Executive OfficereffectiveFebruary 3, 2025.Darr succeeds Kelly Craighead, who, earlier this year, announced her plans to leave theorganization at year’s end.Darr returns to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017.He joinsCLIAfrom MSC Group where heserved asExecutive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairsfor more than seven years. He has also held positionswithin the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in theU.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.“Bud’s proven leadership and dedication to advancing the cruise industry’s policies and environmental leadership practices make him the ideal candidate to lead us into a new era of growth and innovation,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman of the Board, CLIA. “His extensive background and understanding of the maritime industry will be invaluable assets to CLIA as we set even higher benchmarks for success, and I look forward to working with him to drive our collective mission.”In his role as President and CEO, Darrwilllead thenext phase of CLIA’s global strategy atan importanttimefor the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainabilitytargets.A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Darr brings exceptional maritime experience and outstanding relationships across theglobal cruise industry and its related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers.“I am thrilled to be returning to CLIA,andI am grateful for the confidence that the Global ExecutiveCommittee andCLIA-memberlines haveplacedin me,” Darr commented.“With the dynamic changes and opportunities ahead, this industry is poised to set new pathways and raise the bar for innovation and sustainability. I am eager to harness our collective expertise to propel us toward an even brighter future. Together, we will navigate the global complexities and reach significant milestones.”Darr will draw on his extensive experience from the broader maritime community, including his involvement with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Cruise Safety and Sustainability Forum, and the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI),toenhance CLIA’s standing worldwide.Darr began his education in Submarine Nuclear Engineering and later obtained his formal undergraduate education at the US Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the US Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School. 19 December, 2024
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
