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Global Cruise Passengers Carried and Growth Rates, 1990-2022

ocean cruise passengers statistics

Source: adapted from Cruise Market Watch. Note: Growth rates not depicted for 2020 (-74.2%) and 2021 (+96.1%).

The global cruise market has witnessed continuous growth throughout the last three decades, a growth that was interrupted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 1990s and the 2000s, the size of the global cruise markets doubled about every 10 years, representing an annual growth rate of about 7%. Growth rates were relatively lower since the financial crisis of 2008-09. Yet, despite geopolitical difficulties (i.e, the Arab Spring that affected cruising in the Meditteranean) or the negative image produced by the Costa Concordia accident in Italy), the cruise industry has demonstrated a capacity for uninterrupted growth, the pace of which was faster than that of other transport or tourism industries. Only the COVID-19 pandemic represented a major setback.

In 2019, almost 30 million single passengers enjoyed a cruise on one of the 400 cruise vessels calling at one of the main cruise regions of the world (North America, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean, North Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa), generating more than 150 million passenger movements in world cruise ports. At the turn of the century, the number of persons who took a cruise was just over seven million.

The global cruise industry remains relatively small compared with the tourism industry, which accounted for 1 billion arrivals in 2011. For instance, it was estimated that about 37 million people visited Las Vegas in 2010, while the global cruise industry carried about 18 million passengers the same year. However, this observation must be nuanced because most cruises typically involve 3 to 5 ports of call with the corresponding number of visits per passenger. So, more than 29 million passengers account for several visits each during a cruise. Second, the industry remains fundamentally derived from the supply of ships and itineraries. Thus, the strategy is to fill the ships, which are a fixed supply, and when the demand is weaker, discounts are offered to keep the ships full. Third, the customer base of the cruise industry tends to be of a higher income level than the customer base of the tourism industry at large. This market segment is usually less impacted by economic downturns. Further, the growth in income levels in many countries, including developing economies, has expanded the customer base susceptible to taking a cruise. In light of this context, there is little evidence about the full extent of the market potential of the cruise industry and when a saturation point could be reached.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented global health and economic crisis. In February-March 2020, COVID-19 outbreaks associated with three cruise ship voyages caused more than 800 confirmed cases among passengers and crew. The whole industry voluntarily suspended worldwide operations, with the timing and the conditions of return remaining questionable. In late April 2020, all global destinations had COVID-19 travel restrictions, while the 2020 prospects suggested a decline in arrivals of 60%-80%. Six months later, the second wave of the pandemic resulted in the postponement of cruise calls in most world ports, including the regions (e.g. in Europe and Japan) that have seen a restart of cruising. As the post-COVID-19 new normal evolves, a precise assessment of the longer-term implications is challenging. 2020 turned out to be the most disastrous year in cruise shipping history, with the number of passengers dropping from 27.5 million in 2019 to just above 7 million. This represented a 75% drop in traffic.

After more than one year of hiatus, cruise operations resumed in the Caribbean in June 2021. Some test cruises took place in the Mediterranean market in the summer of 2020. Throughout 2021, occupancy rates remained low, around 50%, with the number of passengers bouncing back to 13.9 million. In 2022, occupancy rates improved to around 78%, with 20.4 million people taking a cruise. However, 2022 brought new challenges for the industry with an increase in the price of food by 20%, an important cost component in a cruise offering. Further, the war in Ukraine impacted Baltic cruises as St. Petersburgh, Russia, could not be called, inciting a redeployment of ships to other markets. Labor shortages were also experienced as Russian and Ukrainian seafarers were much less available.

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Cruise Industry: 100+ Statistics, Facts, and Trends [2023]

ocean cruise passengers statistics

Over 32M passengers were expected to go cruising in 2020. 

Only a handful of 400 cruise ships ready to hit the water could take passengers onboard due to COVID-19.

The result? Over $60B in losses. 

So if you’d like to learn more about the cruise industry, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this data-driven roundup, we’ve compiled the most relevant and up-to-date stats and facts on the topic to help you catch the essence.

Let’s dive right in:

Top 10 Cruise Industry Stats and Facts to Know in 2023   

General cruise industry statistics & facts, wonder of the seas, working onboard a cruise ship, cruise ships: a general overview, cruise industry demographics, cruise ships pollute but are good at recycling, covid-19 impact on cruise tourism.

top 10 cruise industry statistics for 2023

  • The cruise industry made $18B in revenue in 2022.
  • The total number of cruise ship passengers stood at 13M+ as of 2021.
  • The cruise industry is expected to reach $25.1B in revenue by the end of 2023.
  • The cruise industry supports over 1M jobs.
  • A cruise costs an average of $214 per passenger daily. 
  • The world’s fleet of cruise ships totals 430.
  • US nationals made up the majority (43%) of all cruise passengers in 2021.
  • US nationals made up 43% of all cruise passengers in 2021.
  • The cruise industry seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
  • A cruise ship emits more greenhouse gasses daily than 13M cars.
  • The global revenue of cruises is set to reach $30B by 2024.
  • Only 22% of cruise tickets are purchased online. Instead, 78% of the sales come from offline channels (e.g., ticket offices).
  • Wonder of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean Group., is the world’s largest cruise ship.
  • 1.7M passengers cruised to the Caribbean region in 2021.
  • The US, Canada, and Mexico make up half of all cruise passengers.
  • Crime rates on cruise ships are 95% lower than on land.
  • Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. It’s 1,188 feet long and 209 feet wide (362 x 64m).
  • Wonder of the Seas can take up to 7K passengers and 2.3K crew members onboard.
  • The Wonder of the Seas ship was ordered in 2016 and completed in 2022, with a construction cost of $1.3B.
  • Wonder of the Seas has a Central Park (the first ever park at sea) with over 20K natural plants.
  • The Wonder of the Seas ship has four thrusters with 7.5K horsepower each, which help it reach the cruising speed of 22 knots (25 mph).
  • Wonder of the Seas has 24 bars and dining facilities.
  • There are eight specially designed neighborhoods on the Wonder of the Seas ship.

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  • The cruise industry provided 1.7M jobs in 2019.
  • It takes 24 passengers to support one full-time job on a cruise ship.
  • The cruise industry has average employee turnover rates: 25–35%.
  • A cruise ship may require over 2K crew members.
  • Cruise ships have a strict, military-like chain of command: officers > staff > crew members.
  • 70% of cruise ship crew work in the hotel division.
  • Most cruise companies (70%) hire employees via foreign agencies.
  • A typical cruise ship employment form is a 6-month-long contract.
  • Cruise ship crew are on call around the clock.
  • An average cruise ship member in the US makes $29K annually.
  • 72 new ships were manufactured in 2021.
  • The average cost of building a cruise ship is $600M.
  • There were 65 ocean cruise lines as of 2022.
  • The three leading cruise companies made 85% of the global revenue in 2021.
  • Only 11% of cruise ships can accommodate more than 4K passengers.
  • Most cruise ships (32%) can take 2–3K tourists onboard.
  • 371 out of 430 cruise ships operated in 2022.
  • Here’s a look at the highest-rated cruise lines:
  • The cruise ship’s passenger capacity is projected to reach over 38M in 2027.
  • The average age of a cruise ship is 14.
  • The world’s longest cruise ship (~1,188 ft or 362m) is just 6.5 ft (2m) longer than the fifth longest ship (853 ft or 260m).
  • Royal Caribbean has all five longest cruise ships in its fleet.
  • The most expensive cruise ships are Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. The former cost 1.5B to build, and the latter’s price tag was 1.4B.
  • Here’s a breakdown of the world’s largest cruise ships:
  • 57% of cruisers are college graduates.
  • 83% of cruise passengers are married. 
  • Cruisers spend around $385 in the port city before boarding a ship.
  • During a typical cruise, passengers spend an average of $750 per person in port cities.
  • Cruise passengers are 47 years old, on average.
  • 85% of Millennials plan to cruise in the future, compared to 82% of Gen Xers and 79% of Gen Zers.
  • Eight in 10 cruisers are likely to book their next vacation on a cruise ship.
  • ~70% of cruisers are willing to board a cruise ship next year.
  • Almost 60% of people who have never cruised say they are likely to cruise in the next few years.
  • 70% of cruisers have an annual household income greater than $80K.
  • 17% of Americans have cruised at least once.
  • Most cruisers (77%) travel with a spouse.
  • 30% of cruise passengers travel mainly with under-aged children.
  • A quarter of cruisers generally travel with friends.
  • A 3K-person cruise ship generates an average of 150K gallons (567 liters) of sewage per week.
  • Cruise ships dump as much as 1B gallons (3.7B liters) of bacteria, heavy metals, and nutrients into the sea yearly.
  • Here’s an overview of the waste produced by a 3K-passenger cruise ship during one week voyage:
  • The cruise line industry dumps 285K gallons (1M liters) of wastewater into the sea every day.
  • 75% of solid waste is incinerated on cruise ships, and the ash is typically discharged at sea.
  • 24% of the solid waste generated by all ships comes from cruise ships.
  • Cruise ships recycle 60% more waste daily than people on land.
  • Cruise lines recycle 80K tons of paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass each year.
  • The global revenue from cruises dropped by 88% in 2020.
  • The cruise industry made just $3B in 2020 compared to 27B in 2019.
  • The revenue growth in the cruise market is expected to plateau at 3% by 2026.
  • The number of cruise passengers globally dropped by 84% in 2020.
  • The cruise industry expected to carry 32M passengers in 2020.
  • The number of ocean cruise passengers stood at 7M in 2020.
  • Only 5M people went ocean cruising in 2021.
  • The number of cruise passengers from North America dropped from 15M in 2019 to 3M in 2020.
  • In 2021, the cruise industry declined by 25% compared to 2020.
  • In the Middle East, the number of cruise passengers declined by 92% in 2020, followed by a 160% increase in 2021. 
  • In North America, the number of cruise passengers dropped by 80% in 2020 and continued to decline by another 25% in 2021.
  • Leading cruise companies saw a 90% drop in revenue in 2021 compared to 2019.
  • Here’s a look at the net income of the largest cruise companies between 2019 and 2021:
  • The cruise industry’s economic contribution in 2019 was $154B.
  • In 2020, the economic contribution of the cruise industry dropped by 59% to $63B.
  • Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, cruise industry-supported jobs shrank by 50%.
  • The number of cruise passengers will surpass the 2019 levels by 2024.

Stacking It All Up

There you have it.

A comprehensive list of cruise industry statistics, facts, and trends to help you better understand the market and its direction.

Was there a statistic you found particularly surprising? Or maybe there are other cruising stats you’d like to see?

Let us know in the comments.

Is the cruise industry growing?

Before 2019, the cruise industry had a 3–5% yearly growth, but in 2020, the market saw a drop of over 80% due to COVID. In 2021, the market got back on track, seeing a 300% increase in revenue and 50% in passenger numbers.

How big is the cruise line industry?

There are over 60 ocean cruise lines, operating a total of 430 ships. In 2019 (before coronavirus), these cruises brought $27B in revenue. By the end of 2023, that number is expected to reach $25B.  

Who are the biggest players in the cruise industry?

Three companies made 85% of the total revenue in the cruise industry in 2021. These are Carnival Cruise ( 45%) , Royal Caribbean Group ( 25% ), and Norwegian Cruise Line ( 15% ).

What’s the #1 cruise line in the world?

Carnival Cruise Lines is the #1 cruise line in the world in terms of revenue ( $12.168B ). However, Royal Caribbean has five of the world’s largest cruise ships in its fleet.

How much money does the cruise industry make?

The cruise industry made $18B in revenue in 2022. It’s also set to reach $30B by 2024. 

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  • Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “Summary of Cruise Ship Waste Streams”
  • Comparably, “Cruise Ship Salary”
  • Condé Nast Traveler, “Top Cruise Lines: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022”
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  • Cruise Industry News, “31.7 Million Cruise Passengers Possible in 2022”
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  • Cruise Lines International Association, “Security At Sea”
  • Cruise Lines International Association, “State Of The Cruise Industry Outlook 2019”
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  • Cruise Lines International Association, “State Of The Cruise Industry Outlook 2021”
  • Cruise Lines International Association, “State Of The Cruise Industry Outlook 2022”
  • Cruise Market Watch, “Financial Breakdown of Typical Cruiser”
  • Cruise Market Watch, “Passenger Origins”
  • Friends of the Earth, “ 2022 Cruise Ship Report Card”
  • Grand View Research, “Cruise Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Ocean Cruises, River Cruises), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2028”
  • Indeed, “How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make?”
  • Scherb M., “Improving Employee Retention Rates in Cruise Industry by Assessing Living and Working Conditions”
  • Ship Technology, “Wonder of the Seas Cruise Ship”
  • Statista, “Cruise Passenger Volume Index Worldwide in 2019 and 2020, with a Forecast until 2026, by Scenario”
  • Statista, “Gross Tonnage of Cruise Ships in the Global Order Book In 2021, by Region”
  • Statista, “Largest Cruise Ships Worldwide as of February 2022, by Length”
  • Statista, “Leading Countries in the Cruise Industry Revenue Worldwide from 2019 to 2022”
  • Statista, “Most Expensive Cruise Ships Worldwide in 2022, by Building Cost”
  • Statista, “Net Income of Carnival Corporation & Plc Worldwide from 2008 to 2021”
  • Statista, “Net Income of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Worldwide from 2011 to 2021”
  • Statista, “Net Income of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Worldwide from 2007 to 2021”
  • Statista, “Number of Ocean Cruise Passengers Worldwide from 2009 to 2021”
  • Statista, “Number of Ocean Cruise Passengers Worldwide from 2019 to 2021, by Region”
  • Statista, “Percentage Change in Revenue of Leading Cruise Companies Worldwide during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in 2020 and 2021”
  • Statista, “Revenue Growth of the Cruise Industry Worldwide from 2018 to 2026”
  • Statista, “Revenue of the Cruise Industry Worldwide from 2017 to 2026”
  • Statista, “Revenue Share of Sales Channels of the Global Cruise Industry from 2017 to 2026”
  • Statista, “Worldwide Market Share of Leading Cruise Companies in 2021”
  • Statista, “Year-Over-Year Percentage Change in Cruise Passengers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Worldwide in 2020 and 2021, by Source Region”
  • Wander Eat Write, “What Working on Cruise Ships Is Really Like: Pros & Cons”
  • Wikipedia, “Environmental Effects of Shipping”
  • Wikipedia, “List of Cruise Lines”
  • Wikipedia, “List of Largest Cruise Ships”
  • Wikipedia, “Wonder of the Seas”

ocean cruise passengers statistics

Adam is an SEO & Digital PR writer with a child’s curiosity about the surrounding world. His superpower to dig out juicy facts got him citations in Forbes, Social Media Today, and 90+ other news outlets. Adam enjoys snapping pictures and won the national Huawei Next Image Award.

109 Incredible Cruise Ship Facts and Statistics 2023

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Accounting for over 30 million passengers every year, the cruise industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of global tourism. Every single cruise voyage is the result of incredible feats of engineering, a hardworking crew, and a long history of sea travel.

We’ve put together a list of shocking cruise ship facts and statistics. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, you are bound to learn something new and fall in love with the incredible cruise ships on our list.

Table of Contents

Cruise Industry Statistics

ocean cruise passengers statistics

  • At its peak in 2019, the cruise industry catered to over 30 million passengers
  • The total guest capacity of the cruise ship industry is almost 500,000 guests
  • The cruise industry is the fastest-growing sector of the leisure travel market, with 7.4% year-over-year growth since 1980
  • A quarter of US citizens have taken a cruise vacation.
  • Cruisers average about 3.5 years between cruise vacations.
  • Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise operator in the world with an estimated 45% of passenger volume. The cruise operator owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland Americal Line, Seabourn Cruises, Cunard Line, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, and P&O Cruises Australia. ( Statista )
  • Carnival Cruises, the largest cruise line by passenger volume, accounts for 21.3% of all cruise passengers.
  • The second-largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, accounts for 16.67% of cruise passengers.
  • MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise operator .
  • Many cruise ships undertake world cruises which can take in more than 100 days at sea.
  • Many cruise ships undertake “repositioning cruises,” where they travel to a new homeport and even a different continent. Passengers can typically book a cabin on these cruises at a reduced rate.
  • One study found that in 2014, cruise ships dumped more than one billion gallons of sewage into the ocean.
  • Your average cruise ship produces between 140,000 and 210,000 gallons of sewage per week. Eww!
  • Around 300 ocean sailing cruise ships are currently in operation, and the number grows yearly.

Cruise Ship Facts and Figures

Costa Cruise Ship Sailing

  • The world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas , measures 236,857 gross tonnes
  • The longest cruise ship in the world is twice the length of the Washington Monument
  • The largest cruise ships in the world are as tall as a 16-story building
  • More than 25 commercial cruise ships are currently being built worldwide.
  • Most cruise ships skip deck 13 – due to superstitions
  • Similarly, the Italian cruise line MSC cruises tends to omit deck 17 – due to Italian superstitions surrounding the number.
  • A cruise ship can sail more than 73,000 nautical miles every year.
  • Cruise ships sail an equivalent distance of three times around the world each year
  • Cruise ships travel at an average speed of 18 to 20knots . That’s equivalent to 23mph or 37kph on land.
  • The original Titanic would be barely half the size of most modern cruise ships .
  • And the Oasis of the Seas is five times bigger than the Titanic in gross tons.
  • Cruise ship godmothers include the Duchess of Cambridge, Julie Andrews, and the Queen.
  • Cruise ships are roughly the same size under the surface of the sea as they are above.
  • Many kitchens are located below sea level
  • The Queen Mary 2 operates a kennel club so cruise ship passengers can travel with their pets .
  • Cruise ships have onboard morgues .
  • And almost all cruise ships have onboard jails .
  • Any ship with more than 50 passengers must have a hospital.
  • The Norwegian Epic has an onboard ice bar where guests can enjoy cocktails in sub-zero conditions – even when sailing through the Caribbean.
  • A number of cruise ships offer AA meetings to ensure cruise ship passengers enrolled in the program don’t give in to temptation on the high seas.

Cruise Ship Building Facts

Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas under construction

  • A cruise ship can take anywhere from two to four years to build .
  • Cruise ships are built-in blocks, or sections, that are assembled like legos into the finished ship.
  • The average cruise cabin block manufacturer can produce 12,000 cabins per year.
  • It costs over $1 billion to build a mega-cruise ship.
  • Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is the most expensive cruise ship ever built at $1.6 billion.
  • The Royal Princess took 3 million man-hours to build.
  • Cruise ship anchors can weigh more than 17 tons or the weight of four elephants.
  • The average cruise ship has more than 16 miles of sprinkler piping, six miles of fire hose, 5,000 sprinkler heads, 4,000 smoke detectors, five firefighting teams, and 500 fire extinguishers.
  • The average cruise ship uses around 18.3 gallons of fuel per minute or 1100 gallons per hour.
  • The cruise ship’s fuel efficiency is roughly 0.004 miles per gallon
  • A large cruise ship can hold between 1-2 million gallons of fuel .
  • Modern diesel-powered cruise ships have between four to six medium-speed (500 revolutions per minute) engines ( Source )
  • Each engine has around 25,000 horsepower.
  • The world’s largest cruise ship has enough electrical wiring to stretch from coast to coast in the US. Over 3,000 miles of electrical wiring.

Destinations

Woman on cruise ship overlooking Basseterre, St. Lucia

  • The Caribbean/Bahamas is the world’s most popular cruise destination, accounting for over one-third of cruise itineraries
  • The Mediterranean is the second most popular cruise destination
  • Mainland Europe, Australasia, and Alaska make up the rest of the top five destinations.
  • More than 2,000 ports worldwide can be visited by cruise ships.
  • Almost half of all cruise ship itineraries depart from Florida
  • It’s no surprise that the port of Miami is the world’s busiest cruise homeport.
  • However, Nassau in the Bahamas is the busiest overall port.
  • The average cruise itinerary is seven days.

Cruise Passenger Statistics

Cruise ship passengers relaxing on deck chairs

  • The average age of cruise passengers is 50.
  • 86% of cruise passengers are college/university graduates .
  • 62% of cruise passengers are married and work full-time.
  • 40% of passengers report returning to a destination more than once
  • Famous cruise fans include David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Sharon Stone, and Meryl Streep.
  • Most cruise ships have fake funnels for aesthetic purposes
  • The average passenger gains a pound per day on a cruise
  • Half of all cruise passengers reside in North America
  • Three-quarters of people use a travel agent when booking a cruise
  • There are many retirees living permanently on cruise ships

Jobs in the Cruise Industry

Chilean Fjords, Costa Luminosa Captain and his officers are doing a difficult manoeuvre along the south chilean region of the fjords.

  • The industry generates around 400,000 jobs throughout the country, paying $17.4 billion in wages.
  • The cruise industry creates approximately 4,000 new jobs every year.
  • Some ships have over 2000 crew members.
  • Many crew members sleep in cabins below sea level
  • A cruise ship captain’s salary is, on average, $96,000 per year, in a salary range that varies from $48,485 to $180,308
  • The Monarch of the Seas was the first ship to have a female captain, Captain Karin Stahre Janson.
  • Cruise ship crew members have secret code words to communicate.
  • The average salary for a cruise ship worker is $16,000 to $20,000.
  • The crew has their own bars and dining rooms on the crew decks.

Food & Alcohol

woman eating breakfast from room service on cruise ship suite balcony enjoying morning view of Caribbean ocean.

  • Passengers aboard a single cruise ship can consume more than 5,000 eggs daily.
  • Of the 5,000 eggs used daily, 1,956 are scrambled, 984 are used in omelets, 480 are eaten soft-boiled, 552 are served sunny side up, and 976 are made into other dishes.
  • As well as 2,000 steaks and 1,000 baked potatoes every day.
  • For any average 7-day cruise, approximately 5,040 pounds of lamb, 1,680 pounds of sausage, 24,236 pounds of beef, 7,216 pounds of pork, 10,211 pounds of chicken, 4,500 pounds of veal, and 3,156 pounds of turkey are consumed by passengers.
  • And 400 bottles of champagne are drunk every week aboard a cruise ship.
  • During a world cruise, more than 312 bottles of gin, 840 bottles of vodka, and 285 bottles of scotch will be drunk.
  • Several celebrity chefs have restaurants aboard cruise ships, including Jamie Oliver, Atul Kochhar, and James Martin.
  • A large cruise ship can go through 20,000 ice cream cones each week!
  • And 600 gallons of ice cream.
  • Approximately 17 tonnes of fruit will be consumed on an average week-long cruise.
  • All this food consumption means that approximately 10,000 glasses, 12,500 plates, and 15,000 items of cutlery need to be washed up every day.
  • The food is eaten off of 8,000 tablecloths, with 16,000 napkins.
  • An average of 4,000 cups of coffee is served on a cruise ship daily.
  • Carnival Cruise Line used to place over 10 million chocolates on passenger pillows annually before eliminating pillow chocolates.
  • This is in addition to the 500 kilos of chocolates consumed on a 7-day cruise.
  • Cunard Cruise Line purchases $500,000 worth of caviar in a single year.

paper ship hundred dollar bill floating in water

  • Passengers spend an average of $220 per day onboard a cruise.
  • The most expensive cruise holiday could cost you millions. The Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises offers packages costing a cool £1m.
  • The most expensive cruise, The Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises, offers packages costing over $1 million dollars.
  • The P&O Britannia’s $1 million art collection includes more than 8,000 individual pieces.
  • The most expensive cruise ships are Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas at $1.4 billion each.
  • The average cruise passenger spends $385 in port before boarding a cruise.
  • It costs around $500,000 to prepare a cruise ship before passengers can board.

Historical Cruise Industry Facts

Prinzessin Victoria Luise world's first cruise ship

  • An Australian billionaire plans to build a replica of the Titanic, appropriately named Titanic II.
  • Docked Cruise ships have served as hotels for major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and The Olympics.
  • They even served as makeshift shelters in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
  • Futuristic cruise ship amenities include robot bartenders and skydiving simulators.
  • Several cruise ships were used during World War One, World War Two, and other major wars.
  • It used to be common for ships to have topless sunbathing decks .
  • P&O Cruises is the world’s oldest cruise operator – tracing its history back to 1837.
  • In its history, more than 100 ships have sailed for Cunard Cruise Line.
  • The first cruise ship to set sail was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise in 1900.
  • The first swimming pool on board a cruise ship didn’t appear until 10 years later, in 1910.
  • The first cruise ships had cows onboard to produce fresh milk for passengers

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Some interesting facts. FYI # 88 is incorrect. Carnival stopped putting chocolates on pillow around 2018. There were low quality and usually got thrown away anyway, I don’t miss them 😉

Thank you for pointing that out!

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Cruise Market Watch

Passenger Origins

2021 cruise market source region.

Where do the 13.9 million annualized ocean cruise passengers carried come from? Refer to the chart below for estimated region of origin and contribution to the $23.8 billion in cruise revenue.

2012 Passenger Destinations

Where did the 21.6 million annualized ocean cruise passengers in 2012 sail to? Refer to the adaptation of Cruise Pulse data by Hofstra University in the charts below for ports of destination and embarkation globally.

ocean cruise passengers statistics

Estimates based on ticket, tour and onboard spend. Assume post COVID-19 sailings begin March 1, 2021 at 50% capacity and reach 90% capacity by end of year (pre COVID-19 sailings were at 105%-109% capacity).

Norwegian Cruise Lines includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, acquired in 2014 from Prestige Cruise Holdings. Silverseas was acquired by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in 2018. TUI Cruises is a German-based joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Sources: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Carnival Corporation and plc, NCL Corporation Ltd., Thomson/First Call,  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) ,  The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) , DVB Bank and proprietary Cruise Market Watch  Cruise Pulse  data.

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US cruise ship finally allowed to dock in Mauritius after tests show no cholera aboard

FILE - The cruise ship Norwegian Dawn is docked on May 22, 2015, at the Black Falcon Terminal in Boston. The U.S.-owned cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew onboard was finally allowed to dock in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius on Monday Feb. 26, 2024, having been quarantined offshore over fears of an outbreak of the cholera disease onboard. (Mark Garfinkel/The Boston Herald via AP, File)

FILE - The cruise ship Norwegian Dawn is docked on May 22, 2015, at the Black Falcon Terminal in Boston. The U.S.-owned cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew onboard was finally allowed to dock in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius on Monday Feb. 26, 2024, having been quarantined offshore over fears of an outbreak of the cholera disease onboard. (Mark Garfinkel/The Boston Herald via AP, File)

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A U.S.-owned luxury cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew was allowed to dock Monday in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius after being quarantined offshore for a day over fears of a possible cholera outbreak onboard, authorities said.

The Mauritius government cleared the Norwegian Dawn, which is owned and run by the Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line company, to dock at the harbor in the capital, Port Louis, after health officials found no traces of cholera in tests conducted on the ship’s water.

Mauritius authorities blocked the ship from docking Sunday because 15 people onboard were ill with vomiting and diarrhea. The Mauritius Ports Authority said it took the decision “in order to avoid any health risks,” and sent officials onboard to collect samples to test.

The Mauritius government said the sick passengers who had been isolated after falling ill in fact had mild cases of the viral infection gastroenteritis.

Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement that there were “a small number of guests experiencing mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness” and there were “no confirmed cases nor any evidence of cholera.”

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2006 file photo, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army Joseph Kony answers journalists' questions following a meeting with UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland at Ri-Kwangba in Southern Sudan. International Criminal Court prosecutors will present evidence against notorious fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony at the global court’s first ever in absentia hearing later this year. (AP Photo/Stuart Price, File)

The Mauritius government “required testing in an overabundance of caution,” it added.

Several countries in mainland southern African have experienced serious outbreaks of cholera over the last year, possibly leading to the concern from authorities in Mauritius, an island nation of about 1.2 million people off the east coast of Africa that’s a popular tourist destination.

Cruise ships were problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of them reporting outbreaks of that disease and having to be quarantined at ports.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says there’s a cholera epidemic in southern Africa, with a total of around 188,000 cases and 3,000 deaths in eight countries since January 2023.

Cholera spreads through food or water contaminated with the bacteria that causes it. Health officials were also testing the food onboard the Norwegian Dawn for cholera. Those tests results hadn’t yet come back but authorities said they were satisfied that there was no cholera threat after the water tests were negative.

There were 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members onboard the Norwegian Dawn when it arrived in Mauritius, the ports authority said. Around 2,000 of those passengers were due to disembark in Mauritius and end their cruise and 2,279 new passengers were due to get onboard.

Everyone leaving the ship would still be screened by health officials, said Dr Bhooshun Ori, the director of health services at the Mauritius ministry of health.

Norwegian Cruise Line said passengers would now disembark the ship on Tuesday.

The 294-meter (964-feet) long Norwegian Dawn has 14 decks, with a casino, a theater and a video game arcade among its facilities.

A regular cabin starts at around $2,000 per person for a 12-day cruise, according to the company’s website. For $47,000, you can have a 3-bedroom Garden Villa that comes with a private garden, a hot tub, an outdoor dining area and your own butler service.

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

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US cruise ship finally allowed to dock in Mauritius after tests show no cholera aboard

A U.S.-owned cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew onboard was finally allowed to dock in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius on Monday having been quarantined offshore over fears of an outbreak of the cholera disease onboard

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- A U.S.-owned luxury cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew was allowed to dock Monday in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius after being quarantined offshore for a day over fears of a possible cholera outbreak onboard, authorities said.

The Mauritius government cleared the Norwegian Dawn, which is owned and run by the Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line company, to dock at the harbor in the capital, Port Louis, after health officials found no traces of cholera in tests conducted on the ship's water.

Mauritius authorities blocked the ship from docking Sunday because 15 people onboard were ill with vomiting and diarrhea. The Mauritius Ports Authority said it took the decision “in order to avoid any health risks," and sent officials onboard to collect samples to test.

The Mauritius government said the sick passengers who had been isolated after falling ill in fact had mild cases of the viral infection gastroenteritis.

Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement that there were “a small number of guests experiencing mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness” and there were “no confirmed cases nor any evidence of cholera."

The Mauritius government "required testing in an overabundance of caution,” it added.

Several countries in mainland southern African have experienced serious outbreaks of cholera over the last year, possibly leading to the concern from authorities in Mauritius, an island nation of about 1.2 million people off the east coast of Africa that's a popular tourist destination.

Cruise ships were problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of them reporting outbreaks of that disease and having to be quarantined at ports.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says there's a cholera epidemic in southern Africa, with a total of around 188,000 cases and 3,000 deaths in eight countries since January 2023.

Cholera spreads through food or water contaminated with the bacteria that causes it. Health officials were also testing the food onboard the Norwegian Dawn for cholera. Those tests results hadn't yet come back but authorities said they were satisfied that there was no cholera threat after the water tests were negative.

There were 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members onboard the Norwegian Dawn when it arrived in Mauritius, the ports authority said. Around 2,000 of those passengers were due to disembark in Mauritius and end their cruise and 2,279 new passengers were due to get onboard.

Everyone leaving the ship would still be screened by health officials, said Dr Bhooshun Ori, the director of health services at the Mauritius ministry of health.

Norwegian Cruise Line said passengers would now disembark the ship on Tuesday.

The 294-meter (964-feet) long Norwegian Dawn has 14 decks, with a casino, a theater and a video game arcade among its facilities.

A regular cabin starts at around $2,000 per person for a 12-day cruise, according to the company's website. For $47,000, you can have a 3-bedroom Garden Villa that comes with a private garden, a hot tub, an outdoor dining area and your own butler service.

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Number of cruise passengers sourced from the UK and Ireland 2010-2022

Number of cruise passengers sourced from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

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Ireland, United Kingdom

2010 to 2022

Data prior to 2016 were taken from reports published by CLIA and IRN Research. Figures for 2016 onwards are by CLIA only. No information is provided on the comparability between the older and newer data sets, therefore caution is advised when comparing figures from 2016 with the earlier data.

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Statistics on " Cruise industry in the United Kingdom (UK) "

  • Revenue of the cruises industry in the UK 2019-2028
  • Revenue growth of cruises in the UK 2019-2028
  • European cruise passenger volume 2019-2022, by source country
  • Leading European cruise passenger markets 2011-2022
  • Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the UK and Ireland 2011-2022
  • Leading cruise destinations for British and Irish passengers 2019-2022
  • International cruise passenger movements at UK ports 2010-2022
  • International cruise passenger movements at UK ports 2019-2022, by month
  • International cruise passenger arrivals at UK ports 2016-2022
  • International cruise passenger departures at UK ports 2016-2022
  • Leading cruise ports in the UK 2019-2022, by passenger movements
  • Cruise passenger movements at Southampton port in the UK 2003-2022
  • Cruise passenger movements at Dover port in the UK 2003-2022
  • Passenger capacity of Cunard cruise ships 2014-2022
  • TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand
  • Travel product bookings in the UK 2023
  • Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023
  • Share of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland 2022, by age
  • Share of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland 2022, by length of trip
  • Most popular amusement, cruise, and travel brands in the UK Q4 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Cruise industry in the United Kingdom (UK)

Industry overview

  • Premium Statistic Revenue of the cruises industry in the UK 2019-2028
  • Premium Statistic Revenue growth of cruises in the UK 2019-2028
  • Premium Statistic European cruise passenger volume 2019-2022, by source country
  • Premium Statistic Leading European cruise passenger markets 2011-2022
  • Premium Statistic Number of cruise passengers sourced from the UK and Ireland 2010-2022
  • Premium Statistic Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the UK and Ireland 2011-2022
  • Premium Statistic Leading cruise destinations for British and Irish passengers 2019-2022
  • Premium Statistic International cruise passenger movements at UK ports 2010-2022
  • Basic Statistic International cruise passenger movements at UK ports 2019-2022, by month
  • Premium Statistic International cruise passenger arrivals at UK ports 2016-2022
  • Premium Statistic International cruise passenger departures at UK ports 2016-2022
  • Premium Statistic Leading cruise ports in the UK 2019-2022, by passenger movements
  • Premium Statistic Cruise passenger movements at Southampton port in the UK 2003-2022
  • Premium Statistic Cruise passenger movements at Dover port in the UK 2003-2022

Cruise companies

  • Basic Statistic Number of Carnival Corporation ships worldwide 2023, by brand
  • Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of Carnival Corporation & plc ships 2019-2023, by brand
  • Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of P&O Cruises UK fleet 2014-2022
  • Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of Cunard cruise ships 2014-2022
  • Premium Statistic TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand

Passenger behavior

  • Premium Statistic Travel product bookings in the UK 2023
  • Premium Statistic Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023
  • Premium Statistic Share of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland 2022, by age
  • Premium Statistic Average cruise passenger age in the UK and Ireland 2005-2022
  • Premium Statistic Share of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland 2022, by length of trip
  • Basic Statistic Most popular amusement, cruise, and travel brands in the UK Q4 2023

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  • Premium Statistic Age distribution of cruise passengers in Canada 2016
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  • Premium Statistic Direct cruise-related expenditures in Canada in 2016, by source
  • Premium Statistic Opinions on cruise travel in the U.S. as of 2017
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  • Premium Statistic Cruise revenue, expense and profit per passenger worldwide 2011-2015
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. travelers who have taken a cruise in the past five years 2017
  • Premium Statistic Important aspects when choosing a cruise in the U.S. 2017
  • Premium Statistic North America: cruise class most commonly used as of August 2017
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  • Premium Statistic Monthly cruise passenger traffic in Barcelona 2019-2022
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  • Average cruise passenger spend in Canada in 2016, by region
  • Total number of jobs created by the cruise industry in Canada in 2016, by job sector
  • Age distribution of cruise passengers in Canada 2016
  • Number of Canadian residents purchasing cruise trips, by province 2016
  • Number of cruise passengers from South Korea 2012-2017
  • Cruise passenger arrivals in Canada 2003-2016
  • Cruise passenger arrivals in Canada in 2016, by region
  • Direct cruise-related expenditures in Canada in 2016, by source
  • Opinions on cruise travel in the U.S. as of 2017
  • Cruise calls at Mediterranean ports 2000-2022
  • Cruise revenue, expense and profit per passenger worldwide 2011-2015
  • Share of U.S. travelers who have taken a cruise in the past five years 2017
  • Important aspects when choosing a cruise in the U.S. 2017
  • North America: cruise class most commonly used as of August 2017
  • Cozumel: cruise passenger expenditure 2018, by category
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    ocean cruise passengers statistics

  6. Chart: Where Cruise Ship Passengers Are From & Where They Go

    ocean cruise passengers statistics

COMMENTS

  1. Cruise Industry and Cruise Ships

    Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2009 to 2022, with a forecast until 2027 (in millions) Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2022, by source market ...

  2. Number of cruise passengers worldwide 2009-2027

    Despite the sharp annual increase, the volume of global cruise passengers remained below pre-pandemic levels, totaling 20.4 million in 2022. This figure was forecast to reach 31.5 million in 2023 ...

  3. Growth

    Worldwide, the ocean cruise industry experienced an annual passenger compound annual growth rate of 5.9% from 1990 to 2024. ... This influx will bring the worldwide ocean cruise passenger capacity to 673,000, spread across 360 ships. These vessels are projected to carry a total of 30.0 million passengers by the end of 2024, representing a 4.2% ...

  4. Cruise Industry Analysis: Passenger Demographics & Experience

    Explore Deloitte's cruise industry analysis on the impact of cruise passenger demographics and their changing vacation preferences. Uncover cruise passenger statistics to better understand how enhancing passenger experiences can combat the potential hit to the cruise line industry.

  5. 2021 State of The Cruise Industry Outlook

    The success of these initial sailings demonstrates that the new protocols are working as designed—to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 among passengers, crew and the destinations cruise ships visit. The industry is on a path to resumption in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and elsewhere in 2021.

  6. 2021 Global Market Report

    The cruise industry has proven its resilience throughout its more than 50-year history—as is evident in the industry's responsible return ... This report is based on 2021 calendar year passenger statistics provided by the ocean-going cruise line members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), who represent nearly 90% of global ...

  7. 2019 Global Market Report

    Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world's largest cruise industry trade organization, is releasing the latest global cruise passenger statistics. Playing a significant role in international tourism, cruising continues at a paced growth around the world with a 4% increase from 2018 to 2019, totaling 29.7 million passengers.

  8. 32 Cruise Industry Statistics and Facts (2024)

    The average age of a cruise passenger is 47 years old. However, people in their forties make up only 15% of cruise passengers. Most cruises have a mix of all ages, from children to pensioners. Here is the breakdown of cruisers by age: 12 and under - 9%. 13 to 19 - 6%. 20 to 29 - 9%.

  9. Global Cruise Passengers Carried and Growth Rates, 1990-2022

    Throughout 2021, occupancy rates remained low, around 50%, with the number of passengers bouncing back to 13.9 million. In 2022, occupancy rates improved to around 78%, with 20.4 million people taking a cruise. However, 2022 brought new challenges for the industry with an increase in the price of food by 20%, an important cost component in a ...

  10. Cruise Industry Analysis: Data Reveals Cruise Passengers Up 325%

    Cruise passenger numbers skyrocketed by 325% in 2022 over 2021 but are still nearly a third lower than pre-pandemic levels. Longer cruises were more popular in 2022, with the share of 8-13 day trips up by 50% and two-week cruise passengers up eightfold. The Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific region saw the most impressive passenger origin and ...

  11. Cruise Industry: 100+ Statistics, Facts, and Trends [2023]

    The cruise industry made $18B in revenue in 2022. The total number of cruise ship passengers stood at 13M+ as of 2021. The cruise industry is expected to reach $25.1B in revenue by the end of 2023. The cruise industry supports over 1M jobs. A cruise costs an average of $214 per passenger daily.

  12. 109 Incredible Cruise Ship Facts and Statistics 2023

    The average cruise passenger spends $385 in port before boarding a cruise. It costs around $500,000 to prepare a cruise ship before passengers can board. Historical Cruise Industry Facts Prinzessin Victoria Luise, the world's first cruise ship . An Australian billionaire plans to build a replica of the Titanic, appropriately named Titanic II.

  13. Number of global cruise passengers by region 2022

    Despite the significant annual increase, the number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide remained below pre-pandemic levels across all major source regions. In 2022, North America was the leading ...

  14. Cruise Passenger Demographics: Who Will Be on My Cruise?

    Alternatively, a Canada and New England cruise in the middle of September will typically skew older, as most kids are just back to school. Keep in mind, the more expensive a voyage or the smaller ...

  15. STATE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY 2023

    Source: CLIA Cruise Forecast/Tourism Economics (December 2022) Projected global cruise passenger volume (numbers represent an index of volume relative to 2019 (2019=100)) Projected global cruise passenger volume Numbers represent an index of volume relative to 2019 (2019=100) 66 91 103 109 114 69 106 120 73 111 121 124 126 127 130

  16. Cruise Passenger Statistics: Market Report & Data • Gitnux

    The largest number of cruise passengers come from North America (14.2 million in 2019). 11.3% of cruise passengers originated from Germany in 2018. In 2018, 35% of cruise passengers traveled as a couple. In 2017, 7 out of 10 cruise passengers were married. 37% of cruise passengers in the U.S. said price was the most important factor when ...

  17. Passenger Origins

    2012 Passenger Destinations. Where did the 21.6 million annualized ocean cruise passengers in 2012 sail to? Refer to the adaptation of Cruise Pulse data by Hofstra University in the charts below for ports of destination and embarkation globally. Estimates based on ticket, tour and onboard spend.

  18. Biggest cruise ship on Earth has docked in Florida. What to know ...

    Icon has 2,805 staterooms; a double-occupancy capacity of 5,610 passengers; a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers; and a crew of 2,350. It has 20 decks; weights 250,800 tons; and is 1,198 feet long.

  19. US cruise ship finally allowed to dock in Mauritius after tests show no

    FILE - The cruise ship Norwegian Dawn is docked on May 22, 2015, at the Black Falcon Terminal in Boston. The U.S.-owned cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew onboard was finally allowed to dock in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius on Monday Feb. 26, 2024, having been quarantined offshore over fears of an outbreak of the cholera disease onboard.

  20. Norwegian Cruise Ship Halted at Mauritius Due to Outbreak

    A vessel operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holding Ltd. has been halted at Mauritius — with passengers temporarily unable to disembark or board — after several people became ill.. A "small ...

  21. PDF 2019 CRUISE TRENDS & INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

    With WiFi, desks and work-friendly cafes, travelers can keep up with work while enjoying a cruise vacation. 10. With the number of female travelers growing, many tourism and travel companies are creating female-centered itineraries based on interests and connecting women with other women. Female-centered cruises can create a female empowerment ...

  22. Top global cruise destinations by passenger volume 2022

    Ocean cruise passengers in Sweden 2016, by destination area Number of cruise passengers from Australia in 2012 and 2013 Most expensive cities to buy a Club Sandwich worldwide as of May 2014

  23. More Than 2,000 Stuck On Cruise Ship Because Of Mystery Illness

    Some 2,279 new passengers were scheduled to board the ship in Port Louis on Sunday but have not yet done so, the Mauritius Ports Authority said. U.S.-based Norwegian Cruise Line said it is ...

  24. Number of cruise passengers from North America 2022

    Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2022, by source market Main global cruise destinations 2019-2022, by number of passengers Revenue of the cruises industry in the U.S. 2019-2028

  25. OCEAN & RIVER CRUISE REVIEW 2018

    A record breaking 2,009,000 ocean cruises were taken by UK and Irish passengers in 2018, an increase of 2 per cent against 2017. Surpassing the two million mark is a significant milestone for the UK & Ireland market.

  26. US cruise ship finally allowed to dock in Mauritius after tests show no

    The U.S.-owned cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew onboard was finally allowed to dock in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius on Monday Feb. 26, 2024, having been quarantined ...

  27. The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

    If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance ...

  28. European cruise passengers in Caribbean 2022

    Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2022, by source market Main global cruise destinations 2019-2022, by number of passengers Revenue of the cruises industry in Europe 2019-2028

  29. Number of cruise passengers UK and Ireland 2022

    The volume of cruise passengers sourced from the United Kingdom and Ireland rebounded in 2022, following a sharp drop with the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the significant ...