CLIA Global Snapshot Predicts Robust Growth in 2015

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its annual State of the Cruise Industry Report projecting another year of strong growth for the global cruise industry with a record 23 million passengers expected to sail in 2015.

With passenger numbers up more than a million from the 2014 forecast of 21.7 million cruisers, the CLIA report shows that cruise lines are enticing more global travellers to sea with new, exotic locations, and the debut of 22 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2015 - a total investment of more than $4 billion by member cruise lines.

In great news for the local industry, CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the report earmarked Australia and neighbouring Asia as regions set for more robust growth in 2015.

“This year is set to be another big step forward for the entire industry as our members continue to strive to make cruising the best overall holiday experience for Australian travellers,” Mr Jardine said.

As part of the report, the global cruise association collated research from around the world to reveal its key industry outlooks:

• Cruise passengers intend to continue cruising. CLIA member ocean passenger volume is projected to increase to 23 million in 2015, a 4 per cent increase over 2014 estimates.
• Size doesn’t matter. Five years ago, the largest cruise ship in the world was introduced with a 6,300-passenger capacity. With 22 new ocean, river and specialty cruise ships scheduled for debut this year, the focus is less on size and more on unique design and amenities.
• Specialty cruises continue to thrive. Sophisticated ships, luxury yachts, elegant ocean liners and the newest river cruises all continue to experience double digit passenger growth with specialty cruises growing by 21 per cent annually from 2009 to 2014 estimates.
• The Caribbean is Queen. The Caribbean remains the top cruise destination with more than a third of the global deployment capacity market share in 2015.
• Travellers are expanding horizons. Regions including the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia are set to grow. In 2015, 52 ships will offer 1065 Asian cruises with capacity for 2 million passengers.
• Oh, the places we will go. The cruise industry is seeing an increase in passengers looking for global experiences. As a result, cruising has made the world more accessible than ever. CLIA’s member cruise lines offer nearly 1000 ports around the globe, including many areas that fall within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Travel agents are key. While the Internet and mobile devices have overtaken how consumers make purchases, travel agents continue to be the most popular and best way to book a cruise.
• Passengers are at the helm. When it comes to travel, consumers are in control more than ever before. The cruise industry is excited, motivated and responding with key innovations that are meeting the needs of today’s passengers, such as bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and phone connectivity, multigenerational appeal, themed cruises and “foodcations”.

CLIA Australasia will release its 2014 Australian and New Zealand source market report later in the year.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au

Information supplied by: CLIA Australasia.

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