Some 32 mill people are expected to cruise this year, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2020 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report, compared with an estimated 30 mill last year and 28.5 mill in 2018.
In 2018, this figure sustained 1.2 mill jobs, which equalled $50.24 bill in wages and salaries and $150 bill total output worldwide in 2018.
Cruise lines are responding to a shift in passenger demographics by offering studio cabins, single-friendly activities, eliminating single supplements and solo-lounges.
In 2018, North America led the way by providing 14.24 mill pax, followed by Western Europe with 6.73 mill and Asia with 4.24 mill.
To meet ongoing demand, CLIA Cruise Lines are due to receive 19 new deepsea ships this year, which will result in 278 CLIA members’ ships forecast to be in operation by the end of 2020.
Around $22 bill is being invested in new energy efficiency technologies and cleaner fuels.
For example, 44% of newbuildings will rely on LNG for primary propulsion and 75% of non-LNG fuelled newbuildings will have exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS). All newbuilds will have advanced waste water treatment systems fitted, and 88% percent will be fitted or designed for shore power (cold ironing).
One of CLIA’s aims is to reduce the rate of cabin carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, compared with 2008.
