Fort Lauderdale, FL As the cruise line industry continues to strengthen its global presence and with the economy in an ongoing recovery mode, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its cruise line members are looking forward to a positive year of growth with a 2014 passenger forecast of 21.7 million worldwide guests on CLIA’s 63 member lines, according to data released today in the association’s annual State of the Cruise Industry findings. To meet demand, these member lines will introduce 24 new ships in 2014-2015 adding a total passenger capacity of 37,546, representing a capital investment of approximately $8 billion in ocean going and river cruise categories.
“The global cruise industry is at an exciting juncture with strong consumer interest in cruising and significant cruise line investment in a diversity of exciting ships that travel to the most exotic locations in the world and offer one-of-a-kind vacation experiences,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA President & CEO.
Industry Growth
CLIA 2013 global passenger numbers are estimated at 21.3 million, with a 2014 forecast expected to reach 21.7 million passengers. North America is the world’s biggest cruise market (55.1 percent passenger source share) – with significant growth of internationally sourced passengers – especially Europeans at 6.4 million.
Global Passengers
While North America remains the dominate source for cruise passengers, international source markets are demonstrating accelerated passenger demand for cruising:
“The global cruise industry is at an exciting juncture with strong consumer interest in cruising and significant cruise line investment in a diversity of exciting ships that travel to the most exotic locations in the world and offer one-of-a-kind vacation experiences,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA President & CEO.
Industry Growth
CLIA 2013 global passenger numbers are estimated at 21.3 million, with a 2014 forecast expected to reach 21.7 million passengers. North America is the world’s biggest cruise market (55.1 percent passenger source share) – with significant growth of internationally sourced passengers – especially Europeans at 6.4 million.
Global Passengers
While North America remains the dominate source for cruise passengers, international source markets are demonstrating accelerated passenger demand for cruising:
2013* Top Ten CLIA Cruise Passenger Source Market Overview *2013 Passenger estimates (ooo’s) | ||||
Country
|
2013 Passengers
|
Global Passenger Share
|
5 Year % Change
|
2013 Passenger Source Rank
|
United States
|
11,016
|
51.7%
|
15.1%
|
1
|
UK & Ireland
|
1,719
|
8.1%
|
16.4%
|
2
|
Germany
|
1,637
|
7.7%
|
80.5%
|
3
|
Italy
|
860
|
4.0%
|
26.1%
|
4
|
Australia
|
760
|
3.6%
|
130.3%
|
5
|
Canada
|
734
|
3.4%
|
1.3%
|
6
|
Brazil
|
732
|
3.4%
|
84.8%
|
7
|
Spain
|
600
|
2.8%
|
20.7%
|
8
|
France
|
520
|
2.4%
|
67.7%
|
9
|
Scandinavia & Finland
|
350
|
1.6%
|
184.6%
|
10
|
Cruise Ship Deployment
The leading cruise destination in terms of ship deployments remains the Caribbean, accounting for 37.3% of all global itineraries followed by the Mediterranean (18.9%), Northern Europe (11.1%), Australia/New Zealand (5.9%), Alaska (4.5%), Asia (4.4%) and South America 3.3%).
In 2014, markets experiencing increased ship deployments include the Caribbean (+12%), Northern Europe (+5.2%), Asia (+31.6%) and Australasia at +22%.
New Ships
Globally, the 2014 CLIA fleet is comprised of 410 ships, up from 393 ships last year, and includes a wide variety of vessels – from large- and mid-sized to small and intimate. The fleet covers all line categories: contemporary, premium, niche and destination focused, river cruises, expedition and adventure. Additionally, in 2014 and 2015, CLIA lines will introduce 24 new ships, representing a total capital investment of approximately $8 billion. Twelve additional new CLIA global and regional ships (Confirmed Orders and Options) for 2016 to 2018 represent an additional 33,192 passenger capacity and an investment estimated at $7.9 billion in ship development.
The leading cruise destination in terms of ship deployments remains the Caribbean, accounting for 37.3% of all global itineraries followed by the Mediterranean (18.9%), Northern Europe (11.1%), Australia/New Zealand (5.9%), Alaska (4.5%), Asia (4.4%) and South America 3.3%).
In 2014, markets experiencing increased ship deployments include the Caribbean (+12%), Northern Europe (+5.2%), Asia (+31.6%) and Australasia at +22%.
New Ships
Globally, the 2014 CLIA fleet is comprised of 410 ships, up from 393 ships last year, and includes a wide variety of vessels – from large- and mid-sized to small and intimate. The fleet covers all line categories: contemporary, premium, niche and destination focused, river cruises, expedition and adventure. Additionally, in 2014 and 2015, CLIA lines will introduce 24 new ships, representing a total capital investment of approximately $8 billion. Twelve additional new CLIA global and regional ships (Confirmed Orders and Options) for 2016 to 2018 represent an additional 33,192 passenger capacity and an investment estimated at $7.9 billion in ship development.
Travel Agent Initiatives and Outlook
CLIA's 13,500 global travel agency members who reach over
50,000 agents are the primary distribution channel for cruise sales. In 2014, CLIA's agent initiatives will
include continuing the redesign of its agent educational curriculum and agent
certification programs to ensure that both education and certification remain
highly relevant for today's agents. In addition, CLIA will actively promote
CLIA certification to consumers, reminding them of the benefits and importance
of working with a certified CLIA professional.
Highlights of a December 2013
survey of 500 CLIA agents showed positive
indicators and optimism for 2014
customer cruise interest and sales, including:
More than 60 percent of survey
respondents say their 2013 overall travel sales ranged from good (steadily improving over the
recent past) to excellent (thei best year ever)92 percent anticipate that their
overall business in 2014 will be good or better than 2013 More than 70 percent expect their
cruise sales to range from good to excellent in 2014 87.7% reported similar or
increased new cruiser sales
Cruise Industry Trends
Top 2014 cruise trends identified
by CLIA, its member lines and travel agents include:
Improved technology to lower the
cost of onboard communications and provide more efficient passenger servicing First-time passenger growth
coming from younger generation travelers – especially Millennials
More luxury cruising (luxury
category ships, onboard upgrades) stimulated by an improving economy and increased consumer
confidence
Continued interest in
multigenerational and celebration cruises as well as social/affinity group travel
More all-inclusive options and
packaging in accommodations, services and amenities. Exotic locations driving new
itinerary competition and cruise ship deployment. Hot destinations for 2014: Trans
Pacific, World Cruises, U.S. Rivers, South America ,
Antarctic, Middle East , Canada /New England, Africa and Exotic
CLIA Globalization
After its first successful year
as a global association, CLIA, serving as the voice and advocate of the
worldwide cruise industry, has increased its presence in Europe with additional
associations established in German and Spain ,
with Italy
to follow later in 2014. The primary objective of CLIA's global operation is
'One Industry, One Voice' approach to policy development, advocacy, communication,
issues management and industry promotional activities.
New for 2014 is the formation of
a CLIA Global Ports Committee comprised of itinerary planning and port
development executives of the cruise lines and chaired by Giora Israel , Senior
Vice President of Ports and Destination Development for Carnival Corporation.
The committee will focus on creating opportunities to develop dialogue with
port operators, port authorities, government and port-related service providers
on issues of mutual interest.
