Cruise Industry Investment in Ship Innovations; Varied Market Segments Yield Impressive Outlook
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued today a press release to announce that the state of the cruise industry in this year sees global growth in passenger numbers and product offerings.
As the cruise line industry continues to strengthen its global presence and with the economy in an ongoing recovery mode, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its cruise line members are looking forward to a positive year of growth with a 2014 passenger forecast of 21.7 million worldwide guests on CLIA’s 63 member lines. To meet demand, these member lines will introduce 24 new ships in 2014-2015 adding a total passenger capacity of 37,546, representing a capital investment of approximately $8 billion in ocean going and river cruise categories.
“The global cruise industry is at an exciting juncture with strong consumer interest in cruising and significant cruise line investment in a diversity of exciting ships that travel to the most exotic locations in the world and offer one-of-a-kind vacation experiences,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA President & CEO.
Industry Growth
CLIA 2013 global passenger numbers are estimated at 21.3 million, with a 2014 forecast expected to reach 21.7 million passengers. North America is the world’s biggest cruise market (55.1 percent passenger source share) – with significant growth of internationally sourced passengers – especially Europeans at 6.4 million.
Cruise Ship Deployment
The leading cruise destination in terms of ship deployments remains the Caribbean, accounting for 37.3% of all global itineraries followed by the Mediterranean (18.9%), Northern Europe (11.1%), Australia/New Zealand (5.9%), Alaska (4.5%), Asia (4.4%) and South America 3.3%).
In 2014, markets experiencing increased ship deployments include the Caribbean (+12%), Northern Europe (+5.2%), Asia (+31.6%) and Australasia at +22%.
New Ships
Globally, the 2014 CLIA fleet is comprised of 410 ships, up from 393 ships last year, and includes a wide variety of vessels – from large- and mid-sized to small and intimate. The fleet covers all line categories: contemporary, premium, niche and destination focused, river cruises, expedition and adventure. Additionally, in 2014 and 2015, CLIA lines will introduce 24 new ships, representing a total capital investment of approximately $8 billion. Twelve additional new CLIA global and regional ships (Confirmed Orders and Options) for 2016 to 2018 represent an additional 33,192 passenger capacity and an investment estimated at $7.9 billion in ship development.
Cruise Industry Trends
Top 2014 cruise trends identified by CLIA, its member lines and travel agents include:
- Improved technology to lower the cost of onboard communications and provide more efficient passenger servicing
- First-time passenger growth coming from younger generation travelers – especially Millennials
- More luxury cruising (luxury category ships, onboard upgrades) stimulated by an improving economy and increased consumer confidence
- Growth of multigenerational and celebration travel as well as social/affinity groups
- More all-inclusive options and packaging in accommodations, services and amenities
- Active vacations at sea with extreme and soft-adventure excursions, longer stays in ports for added sightseeing and high-energy onboard facilities
- Exotic locations driving new itinerary competition and cruise ship deployment
- Hot destinations for 2014 according to CLIA cruise line members include: Trans Pacific, World Cruises, U.S. Rivers, South America, Antarctic, Middle East, Canada/New England, Africa and Exotic Rivers
