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Growth of the Ocean Cruise Line Industry

Worldwide, the ocean cruise industry experienced an annual passenger compound annual growth rate of 5.9% from 1990 to 2024.

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the ocean passenger cruise industry to a standstill for nearly two years, it also prompted the accelerated retirement of numerous older ships. Simultaneously, new additions to fleets adopted a more modern and environmentally friendly approach. In 2024, passenger numbers are expected to surpass the pre-COVID levels of 2019.

Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 10 new ships, with a combined passenger capacity of 25,450, are set to be added (refer to the tables below). 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% increase over 2023 and a 9.2% increase over 2019.

Shipbuilding Summary

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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Cruise in 2022: the state of the industry 

Using the latest thematic insights from GlobalData, Peter Nilson looks at the state of the cruise industry.

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At the beginning of the year, many companies, governments, and travel authorities had predicted a stronger recovery for the cruise market in 2021. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

The pandemic has proven unpredictable, with many cruise destinations going into second and third lockdowns during 2021 after a global surge in Covid-19 cases .

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The walt disney co, carnival corporation & plc, expedia group inc, norwegian cruise line holdings ltd.

While the cruise industry has experienced a 96% Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of passengers, reaching 13.9 million, it still does not compare to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, where there were 29.7 million passengers globally. It has been an even worse year for travel intermediaries specializing in cruise holidays.

These companies are the primary selling points for cruise trips and are often responsible for selling upgrades, premium drinks packages and excursions. Global spending across 60 major cruise markets increased by 65% YoY, resulting in total revenues of $19.4bn. Nevertheless, this was still far from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, which were approximately $29.8bn, 35% higher than 2021’s figure.

To reduce costs, many ships were retired between 2019 and 2021. Cruise ships are the most expensive assets, making this practice a necessity for many firms to stay afloat.

However, more optimistic times lie ahead for the sector. During the pandemic, the cruise industry has witnessed new innovative cruise ships and a brand-new competitor in the form of Virgin Voyages . Many cruise liners have come good with orders for new cruise ships built before the pandemic, resulting in an exciting time for loyal cruise holidaymakers to try new ships, services, and onboard experiences.

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Global cruise passengers and revenue

2021 provided a tough lesson for the cruise industry, with businesses aiming to make a swifter recovery from the latest round of lockdowns.

The cruise industry’s recovery rate was modest in 2021. Although a 96% YoY increase sounds positive, it is still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, only 13.9 million passengers went on a cruise, 53% lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

With the fluctuations of global passengers, revenues will generally follow a similar pattern unless there is a substantial shift in consumer behaviour. Usually, the most significant impacts on a travel company’s revenues, aside from passenger flows, are an economic recession, foreign exchange, or a change in booking trends.

During the pandemic, it has become clear that the latter affected cruise intermediary revenues. In 2021, revenue generated for cruises from intermediaries reached $19.5bn, a 65% YoY increase from $11.8bn. However, cruise passenger flows increased by 95% YoY, which is a significantly higher rate of improvement.

According to the CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, Richard Fain, this was not unexpected. The world’s fourth-largest cruise company has seen intermediaries such as online travel agencies (OTAs) and high street agencies lose a proportion of their market share, with customers opting to book directly with the cruise operator rather than a third party.

The same sentiment was echoed by Norwegian Cruise Lines CEO Frank Del Rio, who said the company had witnessed a similar booking pattern. The result is not surprising. Many agencies have had to cut back on their workforce due to poor revenue performance in 2020, resulting in fewer sales agents to capture the rising demand in 2021. This has led to more customers booking directly with cruise companies.

Research from GlobalData also supports this, when comparing two consumer surveys from 2019 and 2021. In 2019, 44% of respondents said they typically book via an OTA. However, in a Q4 2021 survey, only 24% of respondents said they booked their last holiday via this booking method. In addition, respondents who said they booked directly increased from 32% to 36%.

New cruise ships and trends for 2022

There are many new cruise ships scheduled to set sail in 2022. Many of these boast a more contemporary feel to their décor and interior, moving away from the traditional looks of the past cruise ships and moving to a more fashionable boutique hotel design.

The motivation for this stems from the fact that cruise operators need to attract a younger market. This evolution is necessary for making cruise businesses more resilient in the future by drawing the next generation of cruise tourists.

According to a 2020 GlobalData survey, 37% of Gen Z and Millennials said that they ‘strongly’ or ‘slightly’ agreed with the notion that they would book an international trip this year. In comparison, only 22% of those older than 35 responded with the same sentiment, highlighting that the younger generation may be more likely to travel in today’s travel climate.

Furthermore, cruising has also become more popular with younger adults. In GlobalData’s Q3 2019 and 2021 global consumer surveys, the percentage of Gen Z and Millennial respondents who typically take a cruise holiday increased from 17% to 21%, indicating changes in consumer tastes.

The importance of Covid-19 safety protocols on cruise ships has never been more critical. According to GlobalData, there is a demand from consumers to receive information about Covid-19 initiatives. This data shows that consumers need substantial levels of communication from cruise providers, and that cruise companies will need to develop robust communication strategies, which need to be scaled over the next few years.

Many travellers are opting to book directly with the operator rather than via an intermediary such as an OTA. According to a Q3 2019 GlobalData survey, 44% of consumers said they typically book via an OTA.

However, this has fallen substantially over the last two years. In a Q4 2021 survey, only 24% of respondents said they booked their previous holiday via an OTA.

In addition, respondents who said they booked directly with a travel supplier increased from 32% to 36%, showing that booking directly with the supplier is becoming more trustworthy and popular.

Nevertheless, this booking behaviour could well be a temporary result, with some cruise operators expecting intermediary trade to pick up again in 2022.

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Cruise Tourism Market

An Analysis of the Cruise Tourism Market by Adventure Cruises, Classic Cruises, Luxury Cruises, River Cruises, and Others

Cruise tourism is becoming increasingly popular since it is an opulent mode of transportation that incorporates an all-inclusive vacation aboard a ship for at least 24 hours.

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Cruise Tourism Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

The cruise tourism industry held a market worth of US$ 5.3 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated that it will reach a market value of US$ 17.8 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2023 to 2033.

Cruise tourism is a huge business industry, according to a certain study, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020; the cruise industry across the world hosted 29.7 billion passengers. This generated jobs for nearly 1.8 billion individuals across the globe and gave approximately US$ 150 billion to the world’s economy.

The cruise tourism market has become the swiftest growing segment in the entire travel industry across the globe and there is plenty of variety of cruises on offer these days. Cruise tourism is fundamentally a form of enclave tourism, and it incorporates all the aspects of the tourism industry such as transportation, accommodation, attractions, and hospitality

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Cruise Tourism Market Historical Analysis (2018 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global demand for cruise tourism market is projected to increase at a CAGR over 12% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033, reaching a total of US$ 4.6 billion in 2018, according to a report from Future Market Insights (FMI). From 2018 to 2022, sales witnessed significant growth in the global cruise tourism Market, registering a CAGR of 8.3%.

The global cruise tourism market is said to grow exponentially during the forecast period due to the increasing disposable income of individuals along with the latest development in the cruises’ facilities and offers onboard.

More pioneering services, themes, amenities, etc., that are offered in many cruise liners nowadays are anticipated to propel the demand for the cruise tourism market during the forecast period. Several cruise companies these days are offering services such as in-room spa treatments, skydiving simulators, adventurous activities, water coasters, etc., these activities are said to attract tourists and are anticipated to escalate the share of footfalls in the future.

What is primarily driving the Global Market for Cruise Tourism Market?

Remarkable Expansion of the Cruise Industry in Emerging Areas

One of the key aspects influencing the cruise tourism business is the expanding cruise industry. Several businesses are emerging, offering a range of amenities to draw clients to meet the need for maritime cross-border travel. The infographic claims that in December 2022, 239 ships entered commercial service, a 15-fold increase over December 2021.

The top 10 cruise brands account for 105 of the 239 cruise vessels that will depart in December. MSC Cruises, having 13 active ships along with 50,326 beds, is ranked first on the list, followed by Carnival Cruise Line having 17 ships along with 54,364 berths, and Royal Caribbean International having 20 sailing ships along with 71,800 berths. Immense growth in the sector as these is anticipated to open up new opportunities in the market in the years to come.

Others Factors that can have a Positive Impact on the Growth Curve

There is an increasing demand for cruise tours amongst individuals of all age groups, as there are multiple fun activities for every age group. New inventive ships are being launched with the latest technologies coupled with more onboard fun for travelers to attract larger crowd. These factors positively impact the cruise tourism market growth.

A sudden increase in the popularity of cruise tourism in emerging countries is anticipated to generate robust opportunities for all cruise service providers worldwide during the forecast period. Several cruise companies are planning to expand their business in these regions in order to capture untapped markets of developing economies. These companies launch exclusive offers and attractive discounts to drive the sales of their cruise businesses.

The cruise tourism sectors’ trends are significant as they are said to experience complete power go-ahead mode distinguished by trends such as group-oriented cruises, advancements in cruise ships, generating novel experiences, culinary delights, etc.

One of the largest growing sectors in the tourism industry is the cruise industry. Even during the time of economic recession in the 2000s, the cruise industry steadily grew. The demand for cruise tourism continues to expand and growth into new destinations. There is a considerable increase in repositioning cruises, meaning moving a cruise ship from one destination to another. The tourists’ interest in such repositioning inculcates exploration of new destinations and their price advantage as compared to regular cruising. Cruising is extremely popular across all generations, it is no longer meant just for the adult population.

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What can hinder the Growth of the Global Cruise Tourism Market?

Severe Weather Conditions may have a Serious Impact on the Market

The cruise tourism segment is inspired by several macroeconomic factors, i.e., the consumer’s sureness is affected by the financial crisis. There are many natural disasters that cannot be controlled by us, humans. These factors pose a threat to the global cruise tourism market. A possible reason which affects the growth of this market is the presence of pirates in the Gulf of Aden and several other areas.

Another crucial factor that affects the cruise tourism market is the condition of the crew members. Passengers are given best privileges and facilities at the crew members’ expense. This leads to low social security, and low salaries for the crew onboard a cruise ship.

Category-wise Insights

Which tourism type is likely to gain traction during the forecast period.

River Cruises are anticipated to hold a Significant Market Share in 2023

In 2022, the river cruises segment by tourism type was estimated to hold over 35% market share. It is projected that river cruising, which allows passengers to take in the landscape along the banks, would have a beneficial effect on the market during the course of the projection period.

Onboard features on river cruises are many. Staterooms are often river-facing and have hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, refrigerators, individual climate controls, safes, and TVs. Higher cabin grades may have French balconies, verandas, and separate bedroom and sitting rooms. A room can range in size from 150 to 600 square feet. The crew members onboard deliver exceptional, customized service to visitors. Additionally, ships provide free WiFi, eating options, pubs, and lounges. There are stores, sun decks, swimming pools, and libraries on certain ships. The aforementioned amenities draw a sizable number of visitors, fueling the market expansion of the river cruise segment.

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Comparative View of the Adjacent Markets

Cruise Tourism Market:

Alaskan Cruises Market:

European Cruises Market:

Region-wise Analysis

What is likely to drive the sales in the north american market for cruise tourism.

Rising Middle-Class Families to Boost the Sales in the Cruise Tourism Market

In the global cruise tourism market, North America is responsible for the dominant market share owing to the luxury taste of the population and the constantly increasing economy. The North American region is likely to hold a 33.5% market share of the global cruise tourism market.

Increasingly more people are choosing to cruise as a holiday choice in North America. The ease, comfort, and elegance of cruising have drawn a lot of interest, which has helped the sector expand. The baby boomer group is prevalent in North America, and they are more likely than younger generations to go on cruises. Demand has also been boosted by the increasing middle class families in North America, which has increased the number of individuals who can afford to go on cruises. Cruise ships can visit a variety of locations in North America, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, and Canada.

What can be expected from the European Market for Cruise Tourism from 2023 to 2033?

Rising Cases of River Cruising along with Increased Cruise Capacity to Boost Growth

In 2022, the European market cruise tourism was estimated to have acquired a 28.9% revenue share. Europe’s low market penetration strategy renders several opportunities for ship cruising. In Europe, countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom are the two biggest source markets for cruises. Spain, France, and Italy are also some of the other large source markets in Europe.

The cruise tourism market will be expanding at a considerable rate during the forecast period owing to the rise in river cruising in this region. The Netherlands has portrayed rising demand for cruise ships due to more interest in people. Every year, the river cruises segment is growing exponentially, especially in Germany. The capacity of the passengers on the main European rivers is also increasing, with the emergence of new operators while the existing operators regularly renovate or expand their fleets by constructing next-generation boats.

Market Competition

The key players in this market include:

• AmaWaterways LLC
• Ambassador Cruise Holidays Ltd.
• American Cruise Lines, Carnival Corp., and Plc
• Compagnie du Ponant
• Cosmos Tours Ltd.
• Genting Hong Kong Ltd.
• Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corp. Ltd.
• LaVista Travel
• MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Key players operating the cruise tourism market are adopting innovative growth strategies and some of the key developments in the cruise tourism market are:

• In March 2019, Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri launched the Costa Venezia, a massive new cruise ship with a capacity of over 5,200 guests. With 135,500 tons and 323 meters in length, the Costa Venezia will be the largest-ever ship introduced by Costa to the Chinese market.
• In June 2022, Carnival Corp.’s Carnival Cruise Line collaborated with Costa Cruises, which is Italy’s favorite cruise line by creating a novel concept for Carnival’s North American guests when COSTA® by CARNIVAL® debuts in the spring of 2023 and Costa Venezia TM joins the Carnival fleet sailing from New York. Costa Venezia will be followed by Costa Firenze TM arriving in the spring of 2024 to sail from Long Beach.
• In November 2022, the prestigious Ganga Vilas project in India was unveiled. It calls for the launch of a cruise service with a 4,000-kilometer travel route. Starting in 2023, the luxury vessel will travel from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh via Dibrugarh in Assam through Bangladesh.
• In 2022, the India-based business Cordelia Cruises said that it would spend more than US$ 1 billion by 2025 to buy at least three cruise ships in order to focus on the Indian market, which boasts the third-longest coastline in the world at 7,500 km. The government's prediction of a 10-fold increase in the sector over the following ten years is consistent with Cordelia Brand's optimistic view.

Report Scope

Key segments profiled in the cruise tourism market, by cruise type:.

• Adventure Cruises
• Classic Cruises
• Luxury Cruises
• River Cruises

By Tourist Type:

• Independent Traveller
• Package Traveller
• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• South Asia and Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the cruise tourism market.

The market is valued at US$ 7.1 billion in 2023.

Who are the Key Cruise Tourism Market Players?

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises are key market players.

Which are the Key Asian Countries in the Cruise Tourism Market?

India, Japan, and China dominate the Asian market.

How Big Will the Cruise Tourism Market by 2033?

The market is estimated to reach US$ 17.8 billion by 2033.

Which Region holds high Lucrativeness?

North America is projected to emerge as a lucrative market.

Table of Content

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The Cruise Industry Is Set to Double Its Value by 2028

It will hit $15.1 billion in value by 2028

Like all travel industries, cruising was hit hard by the pandemic. And despite restrictions lasting longer in cruising than in hospitality or aviation, its rebound has been meteoric.

A new report by market intelligence company Grand View Research, Inc. values the cruise industry at $7.67 billion in 2022 but anticipates significant growth over the next six years. By 2028, the company predicts the cruise industry to be valued at $15.1 billion with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 percent.

The report cites multiple factors that will contribute to that growth. The established cruise companies in the field, such as Carnival Corporation & Plc. and Royal Caribbean Group, have been attracting new audiences with incentives like themed sailings and multi-generation family packages. 

The plan seems to be working so far. Per the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 58 percent of international cruisers are first-timers.

But it's not only the ocean cruise sector that will contribute to the industry's growth. The report suggests that river cruising will grow most over the next six years. Like the big ocean cruise lines, river cruise lines are also finding ways to attract new customers. Uniworld River Cruises, for instance, has launched a series of "mystery cruises," in which passengers aren't told where they're heading until they're at the airport. One mystery cruise offered in 2023 sold out in just 48 hours .

The demographic of cruisers will change over the six years, too. In 2022, North Americans comprised nearly 50 percent of the market, with Europe following around 25 percent. But the Asian market is being incentivized to book cruises. In India, the government reduced berth charges by 70 percent in 2020 to encourage more cruise tourism.

Gen Z is also a factor. Over the next six years, the generation is expected to spend increasing money on leisure travel, including cruising. CLIA anticipates Gen Z to eclipse Millennials as the top consumers of cruise travel. As Gen Z places increased value on sustainable tourism, they're turning to smaller cruise lines for more environmentally friendly and "authentic" experiences, which should spur growth in that sector through 2028.

Passenger counts dropped 80 percent during the pandemic, but it seems that the setback was short-lived—cruising is ready to make an extraordinary comeback.

Grand View Research. "Cruise Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Ocean Cruises, River Cruises), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2028." Accessed Oct. 24, 2022.

Cruise Lines International Association. "2021 State of The Cruise Industry Outlook." Accessed Oct. 24, 2022. Page 10.

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• In May 2023, Atlas to Expand to Three Ships in Antarctica, With Atlas Ocean Voyages taking over the World Voyager from sister brand Nicko Cruises, and the company will deploy three ships in Antarctica for the 2023-24 season. The 200-guest ship will start revenue operations for the Mystic brand in November.
• In February 2023, Port of Los Angeles request for proposals on cruise terminal development. The Port is already experiencing a post-COVID cruise industry rebound, with 229 cruise ship calls in 2022, the most since 2008. Such calls are expected to rise to an estimated 250 by 2026 and include larger ships carrying more passengers.
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The global cruise ship market size was valued at $8 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $16.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2031.

A cruise ship is a luxurious passenger ship used for recreational and pleasure voyages and has all the amenities, entertainment options, activities, and attractions present only for the purpose of enhancing the passenger’s experience. It is available in various sizes, with the largest ones capable of transporting thousands of people. Cruise rides are known to be an excellent method of attracting tourist. The size and technology of a cruise ship determine its distance-traveling capabilities. Presently, cruising is a very popular aspect of the tourism industry, and most cruise ships have come to resemble floating cities.

Nowadays, ships are coming with innovations and numerous exciting fun activities and theme cruises such as yoga themes, kid themes, mystery themes, and others for the travelers. Such innovations are gaining massive popularity among the targeted population, which in turn drives the growth of the cruise ship market. Also, the adoption of new technological capabilities such as artificial intelligence and machine learning augmented with different software, support the solutions offered in the market. Various cruise ship businesses that operate a fleet of small luxury cruise ships are opening to automation. For instance, in September 2019, Windstar Cruises announced to re-engine its Star-class vessels which will involve new automation and control systems, tank monitoring systems, upgraded boilers, and ballast water treatment systems. This will be sourced by Fincantieri who provides ship automation and navigation systems for Naval vessels, Cruise ships, Ferries and Yachts.

Furthermore, the cruise ship industry is experiencing an increase in spending from global players. Most of the vacationers select cruise as it offers an all-in-one experience, several entertainments, and dining options, and the availability for families to stay together while enjoying separate vacations. For instance, in October 2022, Silversea Cruises upgraded its newest ship Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition vessel, with four signature restaurants, as well as the cruise line’s Arts Café and 24-hour in-suite dining. The exceptional culinary offering aboard Silver Endeavour helps to discern the ship as the most luxurious expedition vessel in the world.

Also, digital freight forwarding services are becoming beneficial for cost-sensitive customers who seek an extensive variety of high-quality products with faster delivery timelines. Thus, an increase in trading activities due to globalization propels the demand for digital freight forwarding services, which in turn fuels the cruise ship market share. The U.S. currently has around 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries in force. UK and India are expected to sign an Early Harvest Agreement by March 2022, which permits both nations to establish selective benefits in commodities and services. Thus, all these factors are expected to increase import-export activities, which, in turn, is projected to create growth opportunities for cruise ships in the logistics industry during the forecast period.

The factors such as rise in tourism & hospitality industry, growth in marine safety norms and increase in international marine freight transport supplement the growth of the cruise ship market. However, rise in concerns regarding environmental pollution & high costs of cruises and fluctuations in transportation & inventory costs are the factors expected to hamper the growth of the market. In addition, the anticipated trend of automation in marine transportation and the growth of the digital freight forwarding industry creates market opportunities for the key players operating in the market.

The cruise ship market is segmented on the basis of type, application, size, and region. By type, it is divided into mainstream cruise ships, ocean cruise ships, luxury cruise ships, and others. By application, it is fragmented into transportation, entertainment, and others. By size, it is categorized into small, mid, and large. By region, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

The leading players operating in the cruise ship market are AmaWaterways, DSME Co. Ltd., Fincantieri S.P.A., Hyundai Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Meyer Werft Gmbh & Co. Kg, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. Ltd., MSC Cruises S.A., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., and Silversea.

Rise in tourism & hospitality industry

The hospitality & tourism industry has grown multiple folds in the last few decades. Countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, and others have eased norms to open up investment opportunities for the largest hospitality companies in the world. Also, technological developments is one of the most significant factors in the increasing tourism & hospitality industry, which leads to the adoption of more airlines and cruises. At the beginning of 2020, ocean cruise ships were one of the fastest-growing sectors of the travel industry. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise companies are progressing on existing fleet expansion projects and restarting shipyard operations that were put on hold in 2020. For instance, in 2021, according to the Australian government, the total income of the marine industry increased substantially in the two years (by almost 28%), driven by growth in offshore natural gas production (up 79%), shipbuilding & repair (up 57%), and marine tourism (up 11%). Moreover, domestic travel, especially the leisure segment, marked the popularity of cruise ship in the tourism industry, contributing toward the market growth during the forecast period.

Increase in international marine freight transport

Marine transportation is one most prominent modes of transportation, especially for freight transportation, owing to its cost-effectiveness. In recent years, the seaborne trade has witnessed significant growth. For instance, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2020, international seaborne trade volume reached 10.7 billion tons. Furthermore, according to the UNCTAD organization report, in November 2021, the global trade for merchandise goods increased in exports and imports. In 2021, the import of goods increased by 13.3% globally and the export of goods increased by 14.3% globally. Moreover, according to the UNCTAD organization, international maritime trade was increasing during the past years (2010–2019); in 2010, the global maritime trade was 8,408 million tons loaded; and, in 2019, it reached 11,076 million tons. Moreover, surge in demand for maritime freight transportation has led to rise in demand for cruise line vessels. According to the UNCTAD, commercial cruise shipping fleet of 100 gross tons and above reached around 99,800. Thus, demand for maritime transport services and the growth of international maritime freight transport is expected to fuel demand for the global cruise ship market during the forecast period. 

Rise in concerns regarding environmental pollution & high costs of cruises

Cruise ships, which are often hundreds of feet long and carry thousands of passengers and crew and have been compared to floating cities. The ships are a combination of hotel operations, restaurants, entertainment, bars, amusement park, and theatre all rolled into one. Meanwhile, the cost of a cruise ship depends on many factors, including size, amenities, and decor. For instance, in 2022, Carnival launched the Carnival Celebration at the cost of $1 billion. In the same year, Norwegian Prima debuted at a cost of around $850 million. Royal Caribbean's Oasis was the most expensive cruise ship ever built, which cost $1.4 billion. Cruise passengers and crews generate a significant amount of waste and pollutants. Ocean cruise ships are responsible for approximately 77.0% of marine pollution globally. Thus, the increase in awareness activities by environmental organizations and expensive costs coupled with cruises are expected to hamper the market growth.

Anticipated trend of automation in marine transportation

The steps toward automation in the field of marine, along with the demonstrations & testing of cruise ships of giant companies, have led various countries to develop automated cruise vessels. For instance, in September 2019, Windstar Cruises announced to re-engine its Star-class vessels which will involve new automation and control systems, tank monitoring systems, upgraded boilers, and ballast water treatment systems. Moreover, in July 2019, a UK cruise business, Saga Cruises of Europe, developed new Spirit-class passenger ships, which integrate navigation, automation, propulsion management and safety systems costing USD 400m. The vessel will have a safety monitoring and control system (SMCS) integrated into the ship automation and navigation systems supplied by Kongsberg Maritime. Thus, the integrated trend of marine automation systems and the vast majority of the players functioning continuous innovation in cruise ships to improve the performance in scalability and automated tracking is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the global cruise ship market.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

• This study presents analytical depiction of the global cruise ship market analysis along with current trends and future estimations to depict imminent investment pockets.
• The overall cruise ship market opportunity is determined by understanding profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold.
• The report presents information related to the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the global cruise ship market with a detailed impact analysis.
• The current cruise ship market is quantitatively analyzed from 2021 to 2031 to benchmark the financial competency.
• Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.

  Cruise Ship Market Report Highlights

Analyst Review

Increase in leisure trips and voyages with the surge in preference of a high population to live a luxury life, is contributing toward the market growth. The rise in popularity of the river cruises is likely to drive the growth of the cruise ship market. River cruises offer attractive packages that allow for travel inside the countries and not just the coastal areas. These types of river cruises are gaining popularity in the European countries. For instance, in August 2022, AmaWaterways launched its award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaLucia, with a festive ceremony in Rüdesheim, Germany. This ship offered comfortable affair lined with 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer river views and private balconies.

Also, marine transportation is one of the most prominent modes of transportation, especially for freight transportation, owing to its cost-effectiveness. Thus, it has always been recognized that the best way of improving safety at sea is by developing international regulations. The cruise industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries with robust, clearly defined standards. The average ship undergoes dozens of announced and unannounced safety inspections per year, involving hundreds of man-hours and the implementation of thousands of specific requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other authorities. This includes various treaties dealing with cruise ships safety for its design and construction, Navigation Communications Search and Rescue (NCSR), ship system equipment, and pollution prevention and response. Such implementation of treaties regarding marine safety are expected to drive the growth of the cruise ship market in the near future.

In addition, leading market players of cruise ship industry offer services in the ocean cruises for  intercontinental trips such as exciting tour packages, amenities, and entertainment activities which boost the market revenue share. In addition, a large customer base prefers ocean cruises over other cruises as it provides spacious areas as compared to the others. For instance, in December 2022, MSC Cruises S.A. launched MSC Seascape to its fleet of innovative and glamourous ships. The ship features 2,270 cabins with 12 different types of staterooms & suites,11 dining venues, 19 bars & lounges, six swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool, an expansive waterfront promenade, and a spectacular bridge of sighs on deck 16 with a breath-taking view of the ocean.

Among the analyzed regions, North America is the highest revenue contributor, followed by Europe, LAMEA, and Asia-Pacific. On the basis of forecast analysis, Asia-Pacific is expected to lead during the forecast period, due to cheaper wages, strong government backing, and strong forward & backward linkage industries. In addition, surge in disposable incomes is expected to drive the demand for imports of commodities and finished goods, which is projected to supplement seaborne trade in emerging economies, in turn, propelling the growth of the market

• Cold Chain Logistics
• Container Shipping
• Courier Services
• Fourth Party Logistics 4pl
• Freight Forwarding
• Import And Export Compliance
• Inventory Management
• Third Party Logistics 3pl
• Transportation Management Systems Tms
• Warehouse Management Sy

The cruise ship market is estimated to reach $16,694.20 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2031.

AmaWaterways, DSME Co. Ltd., Fincantieri S.P.A., Hyundai Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Meyer Werft Gmbh & Co. Kg, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. Ltd., MSC Cruises S.A., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., and Silversea are the top companies to hold the market share in cruise ship.

The luxury cruise ship is the leading application of cruise ship market owing to the growing trend of usage of small luxury yachts and small-ship cruises for luxury tourism.

Rise in tourism & hospitality industry, anticipated trend of automation in marine transportation and the growth of the digital freight forwarding industry are the upcoming trends of cruise ship market in the world.

North America is the largest regional market for cruise ship.

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Cruise Ship Market

Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031

New Ships to Drive Luxury Cruise Market Growth

• March 9, 2023

The luxury cruise market is projected to carry just over 1 million guests this year, up from over 600,000 in 2019, and heading for 1.5 million by 2030, according to the 2023 Luxury Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

New players, new ships and an expanding market is the overarching theme for the luxury cruise segment through the end of the decade.

Approximately half of 2023’s class of new cruise ships are smaller luxury ships. They are as diverse as ever, ranging from 930-guest ships for Viking to a 100-passenger yacht-like vessel for Emerald, according to the 2 023 Luxury Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

Commanding some of the highest ticket prices in the industry, luxury ships are under 1,000 guests, offer more exotic and longer itineraries, and a more refined, five- to six-star product aboard that is mostly all-inclusive.

Coming out of the pandemic that sidelined all of travel, but singled out the cruise industry which was the first to shutdown and last to recover, the small ships may be in the best position going forward.

Smaller ships, more space per passenger, and higher-net-worth guests, which are mostly wealthy Americans, may be the right recipe going forward.

The modern day cruise industry has been a story of growth since its start out of Miami in the mid-1960s.

This theme is backed into the luxury operators, which have grown since Royal Viking Line and Crystal Cruises got things started. Since then, it has been more operators and more ships.

To some extent, the market will continue to grow no matter what. Four shipyards in Europe that specialize in building cruise ship can offer attractive government-backed financing.

If existing cruise lines don’t buy new ships, new players will.

New players are among the trends heading into the rest of the decade. Joining The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons is next in 2025, followed by Orient Express in 2026. Other rumors suggest more luxury properties are looking at licensing deals with white-label cruise startups.

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The Pros and Cons of Cruises

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A cruise can satisfy the greatest wanderlust, satisfy your favorite (and newfound) food cravings and open new horizons and interests you never thought possible. But you can also fall for tourist traps or miss the authentic culture of the places you visit.

If you’ve never cruised, talk to others who have more firsthand insights. Their perspective can shed even more light on the experience you can expect.

Going on a cruise has pros and cons, and it may be worth reviewing them before your next sailing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cruises.

A good deal

Cruises can be costly, but you get more than just a great view of the ocean. Cruise bookings often include your:

Accommodations.

Some drinks.

Entertainment.

Recreational amenities like pools and waterslides.

Other onboard activities.

You can step aboard the ship and not spend a penny if you play your cards right.

There are plenty of ways for cruises to pull more money out of your pocket on board (think: spa, specialty restaurants, upgraded drink packages, shore excursions, shops and casino), but you can still have plenty of fun without spending an additional dime.

Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.

For the most part, however, if you find a good price on the cabin, the number of inclusions that come with it can quickly drive down the cost of an overall vacation. Of course, the more you spend on the cabin (some of those luxury suites, for example), the lower the bargain you'll get.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Entertainment and education galore

You read that right — you can learn something educational on a cruise.

Many cruises have port talks, destination immersion lectures covering the history and culture of a place, art galleries and trivia games. You can learn something on board, and then when you’re ashore, you can explore the destinations you visit.

Cruises are a great way to learn more about the world, meet new people and learn from them, too.

And there is more entertainment than you can shake a stick at on board and ashore. From musical performances to game shows and cinemas, you can easily fill up your schedule.

Every ship is different, so it is important to review what is available on your sailing if staying busy is your goal. Otherwise, bring a book and watch the world float by from the deck.

On sea days (when the ship is traveling between ports), it’s like having your own resort with pools and activities included in the overall cost of your vacation.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Maximize your time

A cruise can introduce you to many places at once without your worrying about unpacking and repacking between destinations or paying for transportation between cities.

You unpack once and then are on your way, with all of the details handled for you — from immigration protocols to where to go and when.

The cost of a cruise includes a preplanned journey to some of the most popular points within a region and your transportation between them.

For example, your itinerary may have multiple Mediterranean cities or several European capitals.

There’s something quite relaxing about waking up each morning in a new city. And when you return after a day of exploring, housekeeping has cleaned your room.

A cruise may be a great option for less-frequent travelers because the cruise line is essentially “holding your hand” along the way.

Even better, some stops may be hard to reach by land — like many Alaskan ports — or expensive to reach independently, like some Greek islands or pricy ports in the Caribbean like St. Barts.

» Learn more: 6 cruises where you don't need a passport

Family and group travel come easy

Cruises are an easy option for groups traveling together. Unlike on land, where it can be hard to find restaurant reservations for large groups or find one activity that suits every interest, cruises have something for everyone.

People can branch off to do what they like on the ship and then meet back up an hour later without worrying about traffic or safety issues for kids.

» Learn more: What's the best deck on a cruise ship?

Lots of people

While this varies by ship — some enormous ships have so much space that there are plenty of areas where you’ll be one of only a few people — crowds may flood popular areas.

For example, people vying for their moment in the sun may swarm the pool deck and families may descend on the water park area simultaneously.

Lines can form at popular buffets or restaurants at meal times, and when it’s time to go ashore (or disembark after the cruise), you’ll be one of many waiting in line.

If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. Menus change daily, but the setting does not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz.

If you make an effort, it is possible to find different things to do each day on almost all larger ships. River cruises, on the other hand, are much smaller and tend to feel more repetitive.

The same premise appears with the destinations for repeat cruisers. Because the cruise line plans itineraries, you may visit places you have been to multiple times if you sail often enough. It becomes harder to exclusively visit “new-to-you” places.

If it’s the latter you’re after, planning your own trip may be a better option.

» Learn more: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which is right for you?

One price is not always just one price

If you loosen your purse strings easily, spending more than you realize aboard a ship is possible.

A few cocktails by the pool each day, an extra tour or specialty restaurant dinner another, and before you know it, you’ve paid twice as much as you thought. It’s wise to board a ship with a budget in mind and plan your sailing accordingly so you don’t overspend without realizing it.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Tourist traps

Cruise lines are often important economic engines for destinations. You may find yourself dealing with tourist traps, such as shops by the port, and beginner tours organized by the cruise line.

If you want the most authentic experience, it might be worth studying local guides and tour options online in advance to find something more authentic without falling for what’s waiting for you right at the port.

If you’re going on a shore excursion through the cruise line, you can count on being carted to places designed for large groups rather than hidden gems. Many tours often include a stop at a local shop or business that may be presented as authentic, but locals will tell you it is not.

This trend is amplified because travelers usually have only one day at each destination. As a result, time is of the essence to visit the most important sights without wasting it at tourist traps.

Frequent cruisers, however, will tell you that you should use a cruise to determine places you want to return to by using it as a sampler to explore many destinations. They also suggest planning what you want to do so you can hit the ground running.

Exploring independently or with a local guide (not booked through the ship) can often be your best bet. It also has the added benefit of directly supporting a local business or guide rather than funneling that cash through the cruise line.

The pros and cons of cruises, recapped

It’s unfair to decide how you feel about a cruise without trying one. Even those who insist they wouldn’t like one may end up having a good time.

Perception is not always reality, and you can be better prepared by considering all of the pros and cons of a cruise in advance. Talk with people on either side to get answers to your questions.

Not every type of travel is for everyone, but the ever-expanding cruise industry keeps adding amenities, perks and destinations. That alone speaks for itself.

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8 things that happen when you have a cruise ship (almost) all to yourself

Have you ever wished you could have your own private cruise ship? I've felt that way, especially after sailing on vessels at just 25% capacity following the COVID-19 industry shutdown. Something special happens when you're one of only a few passengers on board — something you can experience by staying on the ship during port days.

It might sound counterintuitive, especially if you cruise to see new places. After all, you don't have to take a voyage to lie in the sun, read a book or sleep in; you can do that at home for free. However, if you find yourself in a port you've already visited, and you're craving some relaxation, I highly recommend hanging back while most of your fellow passengers head ashore.

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

If you're skeptical, here are eight things, both good and bad, that happen when you skip port days and have a cruise ship almost all to yourself.

There are no lines

On a recent sailing, I waited 20 minutes one sea day afternoon to grab a slice of pizza by the pool. It was delicious and worth every second I stood in line, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have liked the wait to be shorter.

The following day, I stayed on the ship when it docked in a port I had been to several times before, and I was able to walk right up to the counter at lunchtime and snag a pie without any wait time at all.

I saw no lines for the usually popular waterslides, and trivia wasn't standing room only as it had been the day before.

You can find quiet spaces

As libraries become a relic of the past on many new vessels, it's increasingly more difficult to find quiet spaces outside of your cabin to read, do puzzles or simply take in the scenery — especially on crowded megaships and on sea days.

When most passengers are on land, many of the public areas transform into quiet spaces by default. Lower decibels make for a more soothing, peaceful atmosphere that lends itself to relaxation. Although certain bars might be closed, their adjoining lounges offer respite from the usual ship hubbub.

You'll never fight for a deck chair

As any avid cruiser knows, it can be downright impossible to snag a sun lounger near the pool on busy sea days. Each morning, some people rise early, slink from their cabins and claim prime poolside real estate by placing their belongings on deck chairs in the most sought-after locations. Then, they return to bed.

These passengers, known as chair hogs , have caused cruise lines to instate time limits. If a chair isn't actually occupied by a person for a certain amount of time, crew members are allowed to remove any items placed on them in order to free up space for other people to use.

You'll never run into this problem when a ship is in port, even on the nicest of days. Most passengers will leave the vessel in search of a beach on which to hog loungers instead; this leaves the pool nearly deserted for anyone who stays on board to enjoy.

Spa appointments abound

You must book certain activities and experiences before you board your sailing if you have your heart set on them. Spa treatments aren't generally one of them.

However, if you find that you're having trouble with the availability of certain treatments after you board or you're looking to score a discount, schedule something on a port day. With fewer people on the ship, more appointments are available; onboard spas and salons will often knock a percentage off the cost of services to entice people to show up when business is slow.

You can peek behind the curtain

One of the most interesting aspects of staying on board when most other cruisers don't is the chance to see some of what the average passenger misses when they're ashore.

Although you won't be able to directly participate in crew drills, you'll likely hear them announced during port days. If you're in the right place at the right time, you might be able to watch from your cabin balcony or an upper deck as lifeboats are launched and tested.

If you're listening closely, you might hear announcements directing the crew to a particular restaurant, bar or public space for faux medical or fire emergencies. If you just so happen to make your way to that area after the call (while staying out of the way, of course), you could see mock CPR rescues or fire responses; some of these practice scenarios are conducted on dummies like Ryan, pictured pre-rescue on Norwegian Viva .

On other ships, you might also be able to catch members of the entertainment crew as they rehearse for that night's show. Theaters are often closed to the public during rehearsals, but sometimes, you can quietly sneak in on the top floor and sit in the back to watch.

On some ships, such as the ones in Carnival Cruise Line 's new Excel Class , the secondary theater is open, and rehearsals can't be blocked off from passenger view. Royal Caribbean 's AquaTheater (on Oasis and Icon Class ships) is also in public areas that guests can access at all times. Grab a coffee or a cocktail, find a seat and get a preview of the show.

You'll miss a day in port

Obviously, if you stay on the ship in port, you won't be ashore, which means you'll miss one of the places on your itinerary. That's why I only recommend skipping port days in places you've already visited.

It definitely can be a bummer when you stay on board only to have your travel companions return to the ship at the end of the day and gush about what a fantastic time they had on a shore excursion or exploring on their own.

Of course, you can always spend part of your day on board before heading to land. Perhaps you sleep in, order room service or have brunch in the dining room, then hit the gym or have a spa treatment. Afterward, you can disembark to enjoy a bit of beach time or a tasty early dinner. That only works if your ship is docked for a significant chunk of time, but it's a nice compromise that won't make you feel like you missed out. It can also help your day to feel less exhausting.

You'll have limited food options

On port days, you won't find as many daytime food choices on board as on sea days. That's because many passengers will take all-day excursions or opt to dine ashore instead of on the vessel, so the ship doesn't need so many eateries to be open for lunch.

On port days, you're likely to be limited to the buffet and a handful of other casual choices like grill fare or pizza. The main dining rooms and specialty restaurants are likely to be closed; if you're hoping for a nicer sit-down lunch, you'll want to plan that for a day at sea.

You'll have fewer choices of onboard activities

A port day is a fantastic time to stay on board and avoid crowds in places like the gym, minigolf course, basketball court, pools and waterslides; these tend to be open regardless of the day. However, you can't avoid lines for every activity — largely because many onboard experiences aren't open on port days (or have limited hours starting in the afternoon).

Closed attractions or ones with reduced hours might include the go-kart track , ropes course, rock-climbing wall, roller coaster or surf simulator . Additionally, you might find yourself out of luck if you were hoping to grab a port-day slot for a hard-to-book escape room or test out a virtual reality ride.

Your options for crew-led events will also be limited, with fewer activities on the daily schedule. The number of trivia sessions might be cut from five or six to two, and you won't find daytime jewelry or spa seminars or art auctions. The ship's bands won't be playing music live by the pool or in the bars, and you're unlikely to find pool deck activities like bellyflop contests scheduled because not enough people are around to participate.

The same applies to the onboard kids club . Although it might be open, the scheduled events will likely be less structured (think movies, video games, and arts and crafts). Keep that in mind if you're cruising with kids and planning not to disembark.

Bottom line

If you're on a cruise and feel drained or sick of the crowds on board, it's OK to skip a port day in favor of resting, relaxing and enjoying a vessel that will make you feel almost like you're the only person on a cruise ship. This is especially true if you hang back in a port you've already visited.

When you stay on board as others disembark, you'll experience a quieter atmosphere, fewer crowds and more opportunities to take advantage of activities and amenities — such as spa treatments, trivia and waterslides — that can be crowded or difficult to book on busy sea days.

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board
• Man overboard: Cruise ship overboards and how they happen
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• Gentlemen hosts: These men cruise to make sure single ladies have a great time
• What is the Jones Act and how does it impact cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise ship concierge and a butler?

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‘Urgent and necessary:’ Port Canaveral CEO announces new cruise terminal

Expansion coming to north side of port.

Haley Coomes , Digital Content Producer

James Sparvero , Reporter

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – In order to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry, Port Canaveral announced its plan to build a new cruise terminal and parking garage.

During a press conference on Thursday, CEO John Murray said the need for a new terminal is urgent and necessary.

“All of our ports in Florida on the East Coast and south ports are full,” said Murray. “Can’t go to Miami, can’t go to Tampa, the ships are too big. Jacksonville — same issue.”

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The expansion will be located at the existing North 8 berth and adjacent to Terminal 5, an area that Murray said is underutilized. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, the North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels.

Crews will also be able to build a terminal faster on the north side as opposed to the busier south side. The new terminal would help relieve congestion in the south side community and bring it to the north side.

The announcement comes as Port Canaveral prepares for more ships in 2024: Utopia of the Seas — the world’s second-largest cruise ship — is expected to set sail in July, Celebrity and Princess cruises are expected to begin in the fall, and the Disney Treasure’s maiden voyage is set for December.

“We’re at a point where our six terminals are operating at maximum utilization and the need for a new terminal has become more urgent,” Murray said.

About 800,000 people went on a cruise in March, a new monthly record for the port.

Murray said the port is so busy it actually has to turn some ships away now.

Murray could not give details on production costs but did say the project is self-funded. The goal is to have the cruise terminal operating by mid-summer of 2026.

Previously, that was about when the port wanted to finish a terminal in the marina district, as the port said it would not renew the Cape Marina’s lease when it ends in 2026.

On Thursday, Murray reiterated the lease still won’t be renewed, but he also said fishermen are not being kicked out of the port.

“We’re going to carve out a long-term spot for our commercial fishermen,” he said. “We think of them as the fabric of our port, and we want to make sure that we protect that segment of the industry.”

Murray said building a terminal at the marinas should happen around 2030.

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About the Authors

Haley coomes.

Haley is a digital content producer for ClickOrlando.com and first started as a News 6 producer in October 2014. She's a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in journalism. She specializes in theme parks and lifestyle writing.

James Sparvero

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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• Cruise Industry Contribution to U.S. Economy Grew to 55.5 Billion in 2019, Generating More Than 436,000 American Jobs

Press Release | November 19, 2020

Cruise Industry Contribution to U.S. Economy Grew to $55.5 Billion in 2019, Generating More Than 436,000 American Jobs (USA)

Pre-pandemic industry output grew 5.3% in 2019 compared to 2018, fueled by rising popularity of cruise vacations and nearly 14 million passenger embarkations from u.s. ports.

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 (Washington, DC) —Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, announced new economic impact data from its annual report on the contributions of the cruise industry to the U.S. economy. The newly released 2019 U.S. Economic Impact Analysis underscores the tremendous growth of the cruise industry and the corresponding growth of the industry’s contributions to the U.S. economy prior to the global health emergency.

In 2019, the cruise industry generated a total of $55.5 billion in economic activity in the United States, a 5.3% increase from 2018. Moreover, growth in economic activity was accompanied by an increase in industry-supported jobs. According to the report, the cruise industry supported 436,600 American jobs paying $24.4 billion in wages in 2019—a 3.5% and 5.4% increase from 2018, respectively.

The latest figures follow nearly ten years of continued growth in the cruise industry, fueled by the rising popularity of cruise vacations. Over 13.7 million passengers embarked on cruise ships from U.S. ports in 2019, up nearly 8% from 2018 and 26% from just five years ago. 

“The pre-pandemic trends clearly demonstrate that cruising has emerged as one of the fastest growing sectors of travel and tourism,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “The cruise industry is proud to play an important role in the creation of jobs and economic opportunity for nearly half a million Americans throughout the country. At the same time, we recognize the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on our community. A resumption of cruising in the United States in 2021, with stringent measures in place and with the support of health authorities, will be critical to putting people back to work and fueling the greater economic recovery from the pandemic.”

The report highlights the cruise industry’s economic contributions across multiple sectors, from transportation and aviation, to food and beverage, lodging, manufacturing, agriculture, travel agencies and a robust supply chain that stretches across the United States. The top ten states benefitting economically from the contributions of the cruise industry include:

The full report is available here , along with corresponding infographics and fact sheets.

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Wharf expansion worth $2.1 billion boosted by Cape Canaveral's space industry could be coming

In the coming decades, the Space Coast’s booming commercial space economy may prompt a $2.1 billion northward expansion near Port Canaveral, creating a new large-scale wharf stretching parallel with the Banana River shoreline along Cape Canaveral Space Force Station property.

Thursday morning, Space Florida released a 67-page feasibility study detailing the ambitious proposal, which could require seven construction phases across a 50-year span to accommodate the space industry's future maritime needs.

Why build the wharf? Led today by SpaceX, the Cape's future launch providers will use drone ships, marine vessels and smaller boats to transport and retrieve rocket boosters, fairings and capsules. For example, one Falcon 9 launch can generate ocean recovery operations for all three of these components.

"You start to project out what SpaceX is doing now. Then you start to add other launches by companies like Blue Origin, and increasing launches from ULA with Vulcan. Plus, all of the other players like Relativity and Stoke and Firefly and Vaya, and all the companies that are out there in development right now," Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said.

Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming rocket launch schedule for SpaceX, ULA, NASA in Florida

Describing Port Canaveral's projected wharf demand by the commercial space industry, Long said, "if you're an airport, and you have too few runways to support the demand, you would add another runway."

What large-scale Port Canaveral expansion would include

Funding and timeline estimates for the conceptual expansion remain undetermined, Long said. The study proposes a long-term, large-scale expansion that would:

• Create a new wharf cutting northward through the Middle Turning Basin (Poseidon Basin) that runs along the Banana River shoreline.
• Remove some buildings and infrastructure used by the Space Force and U.S. Army — including the Sands Space History Center — which would be rebuilt elsewhere. Space Force officials declined comment.
• Realign State Road 401 along the west side of the expanded basin.

The ambitious study’s project area encompasses land or channels under the jurisdiction of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the Canaveral Port Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Today, SpaceX fairing recovery vessels and drone ships — some bearing Falcon 9 first-stage boosters — are routinely seen in the vicinity of cruise ships along Port Canaveral's North Cargo Berth area.

However, the Space Florida study projects the commercial space industry may outgrow this port area within five years because of limited space, potential congestion and lack of shipyard operations, among other factors.

Port Canaveral CEO John Murray made that clear in his latest annual State of the Port presentation to community leaders.

"This port can't handle everything," Murray said. "We alone cannot accommodate the projected maritime needs. It's that simple."

In his presentation, Murray said the port is "committed to the space industry," but also has its other cargo and cruise operations to consider. Port Canaveral is the world's second-busiest cruise port, and also has a growing cargo business, handling commodities ranging from petroleum to lumber.

"We've always grown up with them, side by side, since the 1950s," Murray said, referring to the space industry. "We do support the launch recovery operations right now from SpaceX. We have other parties that are getting ready to do the same. There could be as many as 10 more launch service providers with maritime assets."

Port expansion study involved many space companies

A kickoff meeting for the Space Florida port study took place in February 2023. Eleven commercial space companies provided input, ranging from SpaceX, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance to young ventures like Vaya Space, Phantom Space and Stoke Space.

Space companies will need cranes, office space, equipment storage space and room for other functions along the wharf. Due to the proprietary nature of operations, most companies recommend they will need 5 acres to 15 acres landside, the study said.

The Space Florida study projected that there would be a demand for 197 launch recovery operations by 2028; 571 by 2053; and 1,252 by 2073. It said each operation would require the use of four marine vessels, on average.

These projections also include potential sea-based launches from launch pads atop marine vessels. Example: Space Perspective, a Titusville company, hopes to soon start launching tourists to the edge of space aboard its hydrogen-balloon-lifted Spaceship Neptune capsule from the deck of its 294-foot ship MS Voyager.

The study also examined proposed oceanfront turning basins along the Atlantic coast at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and KSC, along with proposed basins in the Banana River. However, these options were eliminated from consideration because of environmental-permitting constraints, military operations, access issues and other challenges.

What's next with port study

Next, Space Florida said it will do a full environmental analysis of the study's near- and long-term options still on the table. Space Florida also plans to conduct a statewide study to determine how other Florida seaports can support the space industry.

Murray said it is crucial to have a solution for the space industry, and he pledged the port's cooperation toward that goal.

He said the port appreciates Space Florida taking on this study, and supports "the comprehensive effort to address the industry’s growing maritime needs. We look forward to continued collaboration with federal and state partners to realize solutions to ensure the industry’s continued success.”

This year, the Florida Legislature unanimously approved an amendment to the Canaveral Port Authority's charter specifying that the port will "take reasonable measures to support the commercial space launch industry at Port Canaveral."

Murray said the ultimate plan for accommodating launch recovery operations "could be quite complex." But he is hopeful that "there will be some positive way forward" that comes out of the Space Florida initiative.

Rick Neale  is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at [email protected] . Twitter/X:  @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

'You're not fighting the crowds' in Europe when you visit on a river cruise

Europe has no shortage of marquee tourist hot spots , but Diamond Meadows’ first river cruise there didn’t include them.

The 28-year-old graduate student took a cruise along the Rhine and Moselle rivers that took her to cities like Koblenz and Trier in Germany (she supplemented the sailing with train travel around Austria, Switzerland and elsewhere).

Meadows was traveling with her mom and her mom’s boss, who uses a wheelchair. The group chose the CroisiEurope Cruises sailing for the ease of sailing with a mobility device . But she discovered other upsides.

“It takes you exactly into the heart of the city,” said Meadows, who is based in Tennessee. Their roughly 160-guest vessel offered convenient drop-offs in smaller destinations, allowing them “to access so much more.”

Many European destinations were packed with tourists last summer . But river cruises in the continent can offer a more laid-back way to travel with small ships visiting a mix of popular and less-crowded ports.

Are river cruises better than ocean cruises?

Jen Campbell Boles, founder of the travel agency Explore More Family Travel, said that while cruising in general is a “great value for seeing Europe,” river sailings are particularly immersive. “One quote we always use in the travel industry is, ‘Ocean cruise liners take you to the destination, river cruises take us through the destination,’” she said.

Passengers visit not only major cities but also quaint villages and often disembark within walking distance of attractions. When they are done exploring, they return to a ship with an average of 150 guests.

“It's more intimate, it's cozier,” said Campbell Boles. “You're not fighting the crowds, obviously.”

That was part of the draw for Jim Jones, 57, who took Avalon Waterways river cruises with his wife in 2011 and 2014.

“The smaller cities were an attraction,” said Jones, who is based in Phoenix and works for a software company. He enjoyed visiting Avignon in the south of France, for example, which was once the seat of the papacy . “I’m a total history geek,” he said. On their first cruise, he recalled, “just about every town” they visited had a farmers’ market, allowing them to sample local food.

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Unlike ocean cruise ships, with their large casinos and plentiful bars, onboard “it was very relaxed and a much slower pace.”

River cruise vessels tend to have “less bells and whistles,” Campbell Boles said (though she added that guests get a more personalized experience as a result of their small size).

Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, echoed that. He said the cruises are less about the ship than where it’s going. “This is truly an experience about itineraries.”

Are European river cruises cheaper than land-based trips?

While travelers can find land-based accommodations that are less expensive than river cruises, there are other factors to consider.

River cruises tend to bundle more costs, such as alcohol in the fare, than a mainstream ocean cruise line, Duckworth said (though exact policies vary by line). At least one excursion per day is typically included, as well, Campbell Boles added.

She said demand for Europe is still “through the roof” and land-based pricing is particularly high. “Even if you're staying in the highest category stateroom or suite, you're spending less than an equivalent hotel,” she said.

Are luxury cruise ships worth the money? We did the math for Silversea's Silver Nova.

Would you spend $14,000 on a cruise? Here's why these travelers splurged.

Transportation from one destination to another is also built into a river cruise, whereas travelers might have to take a train or make other arrangements to visit a mix of places. “I mean that really adds up in Europe, so this is a great way to see a lot more variety,” Campbell Boles said.

Passengers can also add pre- and post-cruise stays, allowing them to “get the best of both worlds.”

“What we say is that a river cruise oftentimes can be a premium product,” added Duckworth. “But for what you're experiencing – the comfort, the (lower) stress, the luxurious experience on board – we find it to be actually the best value through Europe from our experience.”

Are European river cruises kid-friendly?

Since river cruises require a certain amount of free time – most are at least seven days long – they have tended to be popular with older guests, according to Duckworth.

But in the past couple of years, he has noticed more multigenerational travel in the sector. “We're seeing grandparents bring their grandkids, we're seeing young professionals go on a river in Europe for the first time,” Duckworth said.

Some operators have offerings that are particularly well-suited to younger guests. Adventures by Disney offers river cruises with AmaWaterways, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has a Generations Collection .

How long should I go on a cruise?: How long and short cruises compare

Even if programming is curated with kids in mind, though, Duckworth cautioned that river cruise vessels don’t offer the same breadth of amenities as large ocean ships. “If your kids want to go to a waterpark and they want to go on a FlowRider and they want to play putt-putt all day, there are great lines for you, but a European river cruise is probably not one of them currently,” he said.

Some lines also don’t allow kids or have varying age requirements, so it’s important to do some research beforehand.

For those going for the first time, Campbell Boles suggested starting with a cruise on the Danube or Rhine since they are “kind of the most iconic.”

“I mean, it’s Europe,” she added. “It’s going to be great no matter what river you go on.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Cruise industry in the United Kingdom (UK) - statistics & facts

What are the busiest cruise ports in the united kingdom, cruise passenger behavior in the uk, key insights.

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

Revenue of the cruises industry in the UK 2019-2028

Leading cruise destinations for British and Irish passengers 2019-2022

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• 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

Revenue of the cruises market in the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue growth of cruises in the UK 2019-2028

Revenue growth of the cruises market in the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2028

European cruise passenger volume 2019-2022, by source country

Number of cruise passengers sourced from Europe from 2019 to 2022, by country (in 1,000s)

Leading European cruise passenger markets 2011-2022

Leading European source markets for the global cruise industry from 2011 to 2022 (in million passengers)

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

Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the UK and Ireland 2011-2022

Year-over-year percentage change in the number of cruise passengers sourced from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland from 2011 to 2022

Number of cruise passengers sourced from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland from 2019 to 2022, by destination (in 1,000s)

• 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

International cruise passenger movements at UK ports 2010-2022

Number of international cruise passenger arrivals and departures at ports in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

International cruise passenger movements at UK ports 2019-2022, by month

Number of international cruise passenger arrivals and departures at ports in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by month (in 1,000s)

International cruise passenger arrivals at UK ports 2016-2022

Number of international cruise passenger arrivals at ports in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

International cruise passenger departures at UK ports 2016-2022

Number of international cruise passenger departures at ports in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Leading cruise ports in the UK 2019-2022, by passenger movements

Leading ports for cruise travel in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by passenger movements (in 1,000s)

Cruise passenger movements at Southampton port in the UK 2003-2022

Number of cruise passenger movements at the port of Southampton in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2003 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Cruise passenger movements at Dover port in the UK 2003-2022

Number of cruise passenger movements at the port of Dover in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2003 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

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

Number of Carnival Corporation ships worldwide 2023, by brand

Number of Carnival Corporation ships worldwide as of November 2023, by brand

Passenger capacity of Carnival Corporation & plc ships 2019-2023, by brand

Passenger capacity of Carnival Corporation & plc ships from 2019 to 2023, by brand

Passenger capacity of P&O Cruises UK fleet 2014-2022

Passenger capacity of P&O Cruises in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2022

Passenger capacity of Cunard cruise ships 2014-2022

Passenger capacity of Cunard cruise ships from 2014 to 2022

TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand

Number of passengers on TUI cruise brands worldwide from 2013 to 2023, by brand (in 1,000s)

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

Travel product bookings in the UK 2023

Travel product bookings in the UK as of December 2023

Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023

Travel product online bookings in the UK as of December 2023

Share of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland 2022, by age

Share of cruise passengers from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland in 2022, by age

Average cruise passenger age in the UK and Ireland 2005-2022

Average age of cruise passengers sourced from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland from 2005 to 2022

Share of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland 2022, by length of trip

Share of cruise passengers from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland in 2022, by length of trip

Most popular amusement, cruise, and travel brands in the UK Q4 2023

Most popular amusement, cruise, and travel brands in the United Kingdom as of 4th quarter of 2023

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10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

These are the best Greece cruises for island hopping with ease.

With its stunning beaches, rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, a trip to Greece is always a great idea. However, since the nation is home to more than 6,000 islands — some of which are only accessible by boat — your best bet is to explore via cruise. Just take it from Rob Clabbers, Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder, who tells T+L that “Greece and the Greek isles are just the perfect destinations to explore by ship” since “a cruise allows you to see more islands and gives you a unique vantage point.” Several of the best Greece cruises also include visits to neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, for example, which allow travelers to experience several cultures and countries in one action-packed trip. Intrigued? We don’t blame you: Ahead, check out our favorite Greece cruises for every type of traveler, along with itinerary recommendations and expert insight.

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations.

Megan Guinnup is a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Windstar Cruises

According to Clabbers, this small luxury cruise line is perfect for those who prefer “a smaller, more casual yacht-style experience.” Per the pro, the onboard vibes are best described as “upscale, but not stuffy or over-the-top.” It’s also worth noting that “each ship offers a water sports platform with kayaks, water trampolines, stand-up paddling, snorkel gear, floating carpets, and other ‘toys’ that are deployed (weather and location permitting, of course) at least once on most Greek itineraries.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Windstar’s Greece itineraries, Clabbers is quick to call out the popular Treasures of the Greek Isles voyage, which sets sail each week from May through October. Passengers can visit beloved ports of call like Mykonos and Santorini, along with “lesser-known (and less-crowded!) places like Monemvasia and Patmos.” As part of the experience, guests have the unique opportunity to feast among the ruins in neighboring Turkey as part of the line’s complimentary Evening in Ephesus “after-hours” event, which, per Clabbers, features a decadent five-course dinner accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Speaking of culinary offerings, it’s worth mentioning that Windstar is the official cruise line partner of the esteemed James Beard Foundation, which means you can expect some of the top eats at sea.

Explora Journeys

“A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht-inspired Explora I and, launching later this year, Explora II, ” explains Clabbers. The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Instead, says Clabbers, guests can choose from a selection of “excellent restaurants that other companies would call specialty restaurants,” as well as “four swimming pools, each with their own vibe,” and all-suite accommodations, some of which boast private plunge pools. Per the pro, it’s worth noting that “Explora Journeys is the first luxury line that offers a dedicated youth activity program and facility year-round;” as such, it’s an excellent option for multi-generational families looking to cruise Greece in style. 

Itinerary: Sailing round-trip from Athens, the aptly named eight-night A Journey from Athens to Athens itinerary includes a mix of popular ports like Mykonos and Santorini, along with hidden-gem locales like Syros, which is famous for its neoclassical architecture, a buzzy main town, and (essentially) crowd-free beaches. The cruise also visits the serene resort town of Marmaris in Turkey before heading to its final port of call, Kos , a gorgeous Greek island known for its sandy beaches, white-washed buildings, and historical sites.

Celebrity Cruises

According to Clabbers, " Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. What’s more, he says, "When you visit Greece, they are taking you to their homeland, and it shows in their passion and love of the Hellenic nation." The line offers a range of larger ships and, thus, more options between accommodations (from economical inside rooms to luxurious suites in The Retreat), itineraries, restaurants, and entertainment; as such, Celebrity is "a great option for adults and families who like more activities on their ship." 

Itinerary: The nine-night Best Of Greece itinerary cruises round-trip from Athens on select dates from May to October and takes place aboard the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity , which Clabbers described as one of the line’s “smaller and more seasoned ships.” The first port of call is Santorini, followed by Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos. “Additionally,” says Clabbers, " Infinity   travels to Volos and Thessaloniki, ports that are not typically visited by large ships.” Kavala, located in the northern part of the country, serves as the final port of call before heading back to Athens. Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Silversea offers a variety of Greece cruise itineraries, and it’s one of few truly luxe all-inclusive cruise lines. Per Clabbers, the 596-passenger Silver Moon offers all-suite accommodations and a classic small-ship feel — complete with excellent meals, beverages, and shore excursions all included in your cruise fare. Speaking of the latter, he says, “The inclusion of shore excursions also makes it easy to dive deeper into Greek culture and culinary experiences.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Silversea’s Greek itineraries, Clabbers especially recommends the seven-night Athens to Athens cruise, which “calls on highlights, but adds places like Souda Bay in Crete, Nafplion, Patmos, and Rhodes ,” where he recommends visiting the “temple ruins at Lindos, with views over the Mediterranean, and then walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders in the old town.” The cruise also stops in Nafplion, which, despite its romantic seaside setting and lovely beaches, is yet to be uncovered by most American travelers — for now, at least.

Variety Cruises

According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry , this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises.

Itinerary: Travelers craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience can book the seven-night Unexplored Greece voyage, which sails round-trip from Athens. The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Then, it’s off to Patmos, known for its fascinating history and unspoiled beaches, before overnighting in Lipsi, a laid-back isle famous for its gorgeous scenery. On board, guests can taste the destination’s famous wine, Aposperitis. The fun continues in Levintha, inhabited by a single family who raises animals and runs a restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh-caught fish. After, it’s off to Amorgos, where scenic hiking and beautiful beaches abound. The next day, you’ll stop at Panagia Hozoviotissa, a cliffside monastery dating back to the 10th century, before heading to Koufonisia, which boasts majestic caves and rock pools accessible only by boat (thankfully, Variety as you covered). The final stop of the day is the serene island of Iraklia, which offers clear-blue waters ideal for swimming. After remaining here overnight, you’ll head to the final port of call, Serifos, where guests can visit a remote beach, followed by an onboard BBQ feast to refuel before heading to Chora, a fairy-tale village.

This French-owned cruise line offers an impressive fleet of small luxury ships. Additionally, says Curry, “Most cabins have private balconies, and travelers who plan early are rewarded with excellent value for the money.” What’s especially unique about Pontant, explains the pro, is that they “partner with Smithsonian Journeys on select departures to offer an enrichment program of included lectures and shore excursions in each port.”

Itinerary: Curry especially recommends the seven-night Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean sailing, which will cruise round-trip from Athens in July and October 2025. The cruise calls on aforementioned spots like Patmos, Rhodes, and Amorgos before visiting Adamas in Milos, a volcanic island teeming with postcard-worthy white-washed towns and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Adamas itself is a tiny fishing port where colorful boats shimmer against the blue waters. Finally, it’s off to Mykonos and Napflion before finally disembarking in Athens.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is world-famous for its exciting onboard offerings for children of all ages — including character and superhero meet-and-greets, dining options themed after beloved Disney princesses, and live performances galore — making it a favorite for families hoping for a fun-filled Greece vacation.

Itinerary: "Setting sail aboard the Disney Dream on the seven-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles itinerary is nothing short of magical!" says Megan Guinnup , a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels . Cruising round-trip from Rome, the ship calls on Naples before exploring Greece. In addition to popular ports like Athens and Mykonos, you'll also visit Chania on the island of Crete, which offers a bustling harbor, exquisite architecture, and cobblestone streets that look like they were plucked straight from a (Disney) fairy tale. After exploring each locale, the fun continues back on board, where, per the pro, "there is enchantment everywhere — meeting beloved characters, enjoying deck parties with Mickey and Minnie, and indulging in exquisite cuisine."

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship line truly has it all: Flashy entertainment and onboard activities — which, depending on the ship, can include everything from water slides to zip lines — and plenty of drinking and dining offerings to appease even the pickiest eaters. Guinnup and Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, recommend setting sail aboard Odyssey of the Seas , which offers several Greek itineraries. "On board," says Guinnup, "There's a plethora of activities to enjoy, from bumper cars and roller skating to exquisite dining and a bionic bar — there's something for everyone!"

Itinerary: The seven-night Greek Isles itinerary sails round-trip from Rome with stops in Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples. Keep in mind that because the ship is so large, Santorini and Mykonos are both tender ports. With that in mind, Dillon recommends springing on The Key, an optional add-on that includes priority tender access so that you can spend as much time as possible on land basking in its beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s adults-only line has taken the industry by storm with its innovative offerings, including 20-plus restaurants instead of buffets, an onboard tattoo parlor, adult-focused entertainment offerings, and a two-story nightclub.

Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. She continues, telling T+L, “Not only does this sail to the islands of Santorini and Rhodes, but it [also] has an overnight in Mykonos, which is world-famous for its lively party atmosphere.” As a bonus, the cruise also calls on Bodrum in Turkey, which boasts beautiful beaches, flower-filled cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Celestyal Cruises

The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path. Options — including walking food tours and pottery-making demos at a local factory — abound, depending on the particular port of call.

Itinerary: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean voyage visits Thessaloniki (which offers an eclectic combination of history, nightlife, and gastronomy), Kuşadası (a popular Turkish resort town), and Heraklion (the capital of Crete) before heading to iconic isles like Santorini and Mykonos, where the ship will remain overnight. Before returning to Athens for disembarkation, you’ll also stop in magnificent Milos.

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