WASHINGTON, May 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the cruise industry has surpassed 2016 ocean cruise passenger projections, reaching 24.7 million cruise passengers globally up from a projection of 24.2 million. For 2017, based on current new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, CLIA is projecting another positive year of growth for the industry with a passenger forecast of 25.8 million.
“One of the many reasons that the cruise industry continues to thrive is because of the personalization it is able to offer to its guests from around the world,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “Never before have I been a part of or seen an industry that is so good at listening and reacting to what its customers want, and this is why we are going to see our industry continue to grow.”
Top Cruise Destinations in 2016
- Caribbean (35 percent)
- Mediterranean (18.3 percent)
- Europe w/o Med (11.1 percent)
- Asia (9.2 percent)
- Australia/New Zealand/Pacific (6.1 percent)
- Alaska (4.2 percent)
- South America (2.5 percent)
Much of the industry’s growth can be attributed to the continuing development of the Asian market, with ocean capacity rising to 9.2 percent in 2016, a 38 percent increase from 2015. The increased capacity in the region, combined with travelers in this region going on shorter, and more frequent cruises, has kept this marketplace at the top of emerging markets within the cruise industry.
New Ships
Globally, the 2016 CLIA fleet was comprised of 458 ships and welcomed nine new ocean ships and 17 new river vessels for a total of 26 new ships. These new ships represent an additional 28,000 passenger capacity.
| Cruise Line | Ship |
| AIDA Cruises | AIDAprima |
| AmaWaterways | AmaStella |
| AmaWaterways | AmaViola |
| Amadeus by Luftner | AMADEUS Silver III |
| American Cruise Lines | America |
| APT Group | RV Samatha |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Vista |
| CroisiEurope Cruises | MS Elbe Princesse |
| CroisiEurope Cruises | MS Daniele |
| CroisiEurope Cruises | MS Deborah |
| Crystal Cruises | Crystal Mozart |
| Emerald Waterways | Emerald Belle |
| Holland America Line | ms Koningsdam |
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Explorer |
| Royal Caribbean International | Harmony of the Seas |
| Royal Caribbean International | Ovation of the Seas |
| Scenic Tours | Scenic Amber |
| Scenic Tours | Scenic Azure |
| Scenic Tours | Scenic Spirit |
| Scenic Tours | Scenic Aura |
| Seabourn | Encore |
| Star Cruises (Genting HK) | Genting Dream |
| Tauck River Cruises | ms Grace |
| Tauch River Cruises | ms Joy |
| TUI Cruises | Mein Schiff 5 |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection | Ganges Boyager II |
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About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA's mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for the more than 24 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services, committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4658546-3c61-411a-aa97-a395bc2ab104