State Of The Asia Cruise Industry: More Cruise Ships, Passengers And Ports 

The second and most comprehensive 2014 Asia Cruise Trends study has revealed the region’s cruise industry is experiencing robust double-digit growth with historic numbers of cruise ships, passengers and ports in the region.

In releasing the findings, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Southeast Asia Chair Ann Sherry said the study revealed exponential double-digit annual growth over the past two years across all areas including the number of ships, sailings, operating days and passenger capacity.

“CLIA Asia commissioned the study to give all stakeholders a compelling overview of cruise industry growth in Asia as an indication of its potential for further expansion,” Ms Sherry said.  

“With cruise lines hosting nearly 1.4 million Asian guests last year, a 34 per cent increase in just two years, the global cruise industry has recognised that Asia is quickly becoming a major international market in its own right.

“It is exciting for the first time to know the true size of Asian source markets and to present a stunning picture of the opportunities that cruising presents for the region. The cruise industry is responding by offering more cruises that deliver experiences especially tailored to Asian travellers but are at the same time just as attractive to international travellers wanting to experience Asia's wide array of fascinating destinations.”

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the Asia cruise boom was good news for the Australasian region.

“We welcome the continued increase in deployments in the Asian region and the potential opportunities this provides for the Australasian market, both in terms of seasonal deployments and as a source market,” Mr Jardine said.

“With more ships based in the region, Australia and New Zealand will likely see a greater number of ships as well as larger capacity ships, which would require infrastructure investment to take advantage of the growth opportunities.”

For key findings of the report, please see the second page.

As a result of Asia’s rapidly growing cruise tourism market, CLIA established CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia as the regional arms in 2014. 

CLIA in Asia commissioned the 2014 Asia Cruise Trends study to understand the quickly evolving marketplace. The research builds on a 2013 White Paper “Information, Intelligence, Insights” that was commissioned by the (former) Asia Cruise Association. Both projects were undertaken by CHART Management Consultants, global experts in cruise tourism and strategy.  Asia Cruise Trends collected three years of trending data from 13 international and regional cruise lines, representing approximately 90 per cent of Asia cruise ship capacity. The analyses exclude one-night cruises.

Key findings of CLIA Southeast Asia 2014 Asia Cruise Trends study:

1. Capacity Boost – The capacity to carry passengers continues to soar with the introduction of new and larger ships in the region. Since 2013, passenger capacity grew at a 20 per cent compound annual growth rate and is expected to reach almost 2.2 million in 2015. The Asia region has quickly progressed to fourth in passenger capacity deployment, tied with Australasia.

2. Asia Passenger Growth – With this increased ship capacity, Asians are cruising more than ever before.  Cruise lines hosted nearly 1.4 million Asian holidaymakers in 2014, a 34 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2012. 

3. Increase in Chinese Cruisers – From 2012 to 2014, the number of Chinese passengers grew 79 per cent per year.  In 2014, 697,000 passengers were from mainland China which is almost as many passengers as all other Asian markets combined (701,000).

4. Gen Y Cruisers – China’s Generation Y (aged under 35 years) made up most of the country’s outbound travel, according to statistics from the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF)1. This trend is echoed in the cruise industry. In four of the largest cruise markets – China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines – more than four out of 10 passengers were under 40.

5. More Cruise Ships in Asia – This year, 52 cruise ships will operate in Asia, a 10 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2013. The number of cruises and longer voyages in the region has also grown with 1065 sailings scheduled this year, up 11 per cent per year. There has also been a significant increase in the number of days cruise ships are in operation, from 4307 operating days in 2013 to 5824 operating days in 2015. 

6. Asian Exploration – While Asian outbound tourism is exploding around the world, the study found that Asian cruisers are primarily exploring Asian destinations. More than nine out of ten Asian passengers (91 per cent) cruised within Asia. The remaining 9 per cent flew to cruise destinations outside the region, primarily in Europe, followed by Alaska and the Caribbean. 

7. Proliferation of Ports – Cruising in the region includes more than 168 destinations across 18 countries, making travelling by cruise ship one of the easiest ways to see all that Asia has to offer. While the introduction of new ports throughout Asia is great for travellers, it is also great for local economies. With a 34 per cent increase in port calls since 2013, cruise lines are bringing more visitors to destinations in Asia having a direct impact on economic growth in the region. Japan ranks top with 646 port calls planned in 2015, followed by Malaysia (580), South Korea (377), Singapore and Thailand (374 each).

8. Short Sailings – Depending on the market, many Asian guests have limited holiday entitlements making short cruises preferable. In 2014, 48 per cent of Asian passengers chose four to six day cruises, 38 per cent chose cruises of two to three nights, and only 12 per cent opted for seven to 13 night cruises.

9. Attracting the Asian Traveller – Cruise lines have recognised the need to bring their best ships and amenities to the region. New onboard offerings tailored to the Asian guests include inclusive onboard activities aimed at multi-generational families, high-end shopping, and adapted menus to include familiar favourites and regional cuisine.

Information supplied by: CLIA. Cruise Lines International Association Of Australasia.

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