Every year we see cruising make the headlines. Whether it’s a brand-new ship making its debut, a show-stopping docuseries on expedition cruises to Antarctica, or an impressive technological advancement that has never been seen before in the industry. Cruising is innovating, diversifying, and expanding at a significant rate.

Most importantly, though, the number of people wanting to try a cruise has never been higher.

What does CLIA have to say?

New data released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows the nature of the growth within the cruise industry - and the predicted exponential growth to come:

Last year, UK and Irish holidaymakers took approximately 1.7 million cruises, which was close to the demand levels of 2019. According to the data, the Mediterranean remains the most popular destination for UK and Irish cruise travellers, with 38.4% of cruisers choosing it as their destination. Northern Europe and the Caribbean followed, with 29% and 10.6% of cruisers, respectively.

The UK and Ireland accounted for 29% of all European source passengers, while more than a quarter (27%) of those who sailed for two or more nights in the last 12 months travelled in a party consisting of three or more generations, indicating that cruises are becoming more appealing to a broader age range of holidaymakers. The average age of UK and Irish cruise guests was 55.8 years in 2022, demonstrating that the industry is successfully attracting holidaymakers of all ages.

Although the average length of a cruise by British and Irish holidaymakers in 2022 was 9.7 days, down slightly from 2019, intent to cruise is stronger than ever. According to the data, 85% of cruise passengers from the UK intend to take another holiday at sea, up 6% from 2019, and 60% plan to do so in the next two years, up from 53% in 2022. Additionally, 70% of people who have never cruised before would consider doing so in the next few years, up from 68% in March 2022.

The future of cruising

One of the most significant developments which has contributed to this is the dedication to technological innovations which cultivate a more sustainable approach to cruising.

The cruise industry is working towards becoming one of the most sustainable forms of tourism, aiming for net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. CLIA data indicates that the British public is becoming increasingly aware of sustainable tourism, with 76% of British cruise passengers who sailed in the past 12 months claiming to be much more aware of environmental and sustainable tourism.

One such cruise line which is paving the way towards sustainable cruising is Hurtigruten Expeditions. They are aiming to become carbon neutral by 2040 and their latest ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, was named the most sustainable cruise ship in 2022.

Here’s what Panache Cruises’ CEO has to say about CLIA’s latest cruising data…

"It’s great to see cruising returning to pre-pandemc levels. However, that’s just the start of the growth curve with so many new ships and even new cruise lines being launched. We are entering a golden age for cruising and by 2030 the cruise market will be a much bigger and better place. Exciting times for the cruise industry."
James Cole, Founder & CEO, Panache Cruises

Without a doubt we are entering the most exciting phase of cruising, with the industry truly flourishing and thriving since the pandemic. New developments and innovations are being anounced so frequently that it's hard to keep up! If you wish to be part of the peak era of cruising - whether you've cruised before or not tried it yet - now is the time to do so.

Whether you're looking for a luxury ocean cruise, an iconic river cruise, a bucket list expedition cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime yacht-style cruise, the team at Panache Cruises are here to help you find your dream holiday. Call us today on 0161 513 8200 for more information.