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Press Release | September 26, 2022
Demand for cruise holidays surpasses 2019 levels
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released new consumer sentiment data showing the demand and perception of cruise holidays are now greater than in 2019. The survey, of 4,000 domestic and international travellers, has also revealed the economic benefits cruise brings to the areas that ships visit.
According to the survey, intent to book a holiday at sea among UK passengers now exceeds levels from three years ago:
* 85% of respondents who have cruised previously said they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 6% increase from 2019
* Furthermore, among travellers who have taken a cruise in the last six months, 90% said they intend to cruise again
* Of those who have never cruised, 66% are open to cruising, a 0.5% increase from 2019 Overall, 69% of international cruise holidaymakers stayed at least one night in their local destination prior to embarkation, with 43% extending the stay by two or more nights. And 67% stayed at least one night after disembarkation, with 34% extending by two or more nights. 60% said they later returned to a destination they had first visited by cruise. In addition, as cruise lines continue to advance their sustainability initiatives in pursuit of net-zero carbon cruising by 2050, the percentage of international travellers who say the cruise industry is a leader in responsible travel reached 51%, a 9% increase over the past year. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “This year has been enormously encouraging for cruise, and it’s heartening to see demand for a holiday at sea is set to continue. The sheer number of repeat passengers we’re anticipating, combined with interest from those yet to sail, means the appeal of going on a cruise remains as strong as ever. “The economic advantages passengers bring to the destinations they visit is also clear, meaning local businesses - from taxis, to restaurants to hotels - benefit accordingly. And we’re delighted to see the raft of sustainability initiatives we have in place, including our 2050 net-zero carbon goal, were recognised.” The sentiment data is based on an independent, international survey of 4,000 holidaymakers in eight countries: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the USA, Canada and Australia.
* Furthermore, among travellers who have taken a cruise in the last six months, 90% said they intend to cruise again
* Of those who have never cruised, 66% are open to cruising, a 0.5% increase from 2019 Overall, 69% of international cruise holidaymakers stayed at least one night in their local destination prior to embarkation, with 43% extending the stay by two or more nights. And 67% stayed at least one night after disembarkation, with 34% extending by two or more nights. 60% said they later returned to a destination they had first visited by cruise. In addition, as cruise lines continue to advance their sustainability initiatives in pursuit of net-zero carbon cruising by 2050, the percentage of international travellers who say the cruise industry is a leader in responsible travel reached 51%, a 9% increase over the past year. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “This year has been enormously encouraging for cruise, and it’s heartening to see demand for a holiday at sea is set to continue. The sheer number of repeat passengers we’re anticipating, combined with interest from those yet to sail, means the appeal of going on a cruise remains as strong as ever. “The economic advantages passengers bring to the destinations they visit is also clear, meaning local businesses - from taxis, to restaurants to hotels - benefit accordingly. And we’re delighted to see the raft of sustainability initiatives we have in place, including our 2050 net-zero carbon goal, were recognised.” The sentiment data is based on an independent, international survey of 4,000 holidaymakers in eight countries: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the USA, Canada and Australia.