Research on Developments in Global Cruise Industry in 2018–2019: Size Beyond Expectation, Industry Reconstruction, and Enhanced Economic Contributions

Abstract

In 2019, despite the significant increase in the risks and uncertainties of the world economy, the global cruise tourism market keeps a steady growth. According to the forecast of the CLIA, the global cruise passenger throughput is expected to reach 30 million in 2019, up 5.19% year-on-year. This will be the first time for passenger throughput to exceed 30 million and it is expected to reach 37.6 million in 2025, indicating that the international cruise market enjoys good projects and potential. North America is still the world’s largest cruise market. In 2018, its passenger throughput reached 14.2 million, up 9% year-on-year. The cruise passenger throughput in Caribbean reached 11.3 million, up 6% year-on-year, continuing to be the world’s No. 1 cruise destination. The cruise passenger throughput in Alaska exceeded 1 million, up 13% year-on-year. The cruise passenger throughput in Euro-Mediterranean Area exceeded 4 million, up 8% year-on-year. Asia has become the fastest growing region in the global economy, providing a more solid foundation and development potential for the cruise economy. In 2018, the cruise passenger throughput in Asia reached 4.2 million, up 5% year-on-year, and there is a large room for growth in the future. It is becoming the most promising important part of the global cruise market. There is an increasing demand for cruise construction market. By 2027, there will be 114 new cruise ships ordered worldwide, with 247,600 new seats available, most of which are cruise ships with a tonnage above 130,000. As China become more engaged in the whole industry chain of cruise economy such as cruise design and construction, cruise operation and cruise industry supporting services, the world cruise industry is gradually adjusting its development pattern to further boost the sustained prosperity of the global cruise economy and enhance the status and influence of Asia-Pacific in the global cruise market.