Cruise passenger volume is forecast to reach 106% of 2019 levels in 2023—with 31.5 million passengers sailing.This compares to the UNWTO forecast t(January 2023) that international tourist arrivals in 2023 will be 80% to 95% of 2019 levels.

Cruise lines are following a path to decarbonisation with advancements in technology, infrastructure, and operations.

• Multiple pilot projects and collaborative initiatives are underway.
• New engines and propulsion technologies are actively being planned and tested for use on cruise ships.

Cruise lines are utilizing LNG now as a transitional fuel while cruise lines explore sustainable marine fuels and propulsion technologies.

• LNG is currently the cleanest fuel available at scale while cruise lines are exploring sustainable marine fuels, including advanced biofuels and other renewable energy solutions, such as synthetic fuels, methanol, hydrogen, fuel cells and batteries.
• LNG-fueled vessels and infrastructure can use and deliver bioLNG and renewable synthetic LNG once these fuels become more broadly available

The number of CLIA-member cruise ships with shoreside power capability will more than double by 2028.

Every CLIA-member ship being built today through 2028, except expedition, is scheduled to be fitted with shoreside power capabilities

• Currently, 30% of ships, representing 40% of capacity, is plug-in ready; 30% to be retrofitted

29 cruise ports worldwide have at least one berth with onshore power; 20 additional ports funded or planned (by 2025)

• Less than 2% of the world’s cruise ports have on-shore power; by 2025, 3% will have shoreside power

CRUISE LEADERSHIP IN RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Cruise is a model for responsible and sustainable tourism

Managed tourism

• Active collaboration with ports and destinations helps maximize the benefits of tourism for communities.
• Ship arrival and departure schedules are established with ports up to three years in advance—and most passengers participate in shore excursions organized by the cruise lines with local providers—providing destinations with advance information about tourism flows so they can plan accordingly.
• Collaborative, sustainable tourism initiatives led by the cruise industry, destinations, ports, community organizations, and stakeholders are helping to achieve mutual objectives to preserve the integrity, cultural heritage, and beauty of the world’s most treasured destinations for future generations.

Responsible sourcing for food and supplies

• Cruise lines are working with organizations to source food responsibly (e.g., Marine Stewardship Council, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, and others).
• Prioritizing local sourcing of food and other supplies:
  • Reduces the carbon footprint of the supply chain by reducing the distance food and supplies need to travel to get to the ships.
  • Supports local businesses and communities and, as a result, helps improve lives and the quality of life in the destinations our member-line ships visit.

Water production and conservation

• Cruise ships produce up to 90% of fresh water onboard and, through state-of-the-art systems and practices, conserve and repurpose water rather than draw from areas where resources are limited.

Sustainable and locally sourced tour excursions

• Many cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursion programs that are focused on sustainability and are pursuing sustainable tour excursion certification with respected conservation organizations and other groups based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Industry Standard criteria.
• The wide range of sustainable shore excursions include those that take travelers to national parks, wildlife rehabilitation centers, biodynamic farms and sustainable businesses, as well as support species and habitat protection.
• In addition, many excursions include carbon-free walk, cycle, paddle or sail experiences rather than a coach tour.
• And because shore excursions are locally sourced, they create jobs that benefit local communities.

Ocean and marine life protection

Cruise lines have a range of dedicated programs for ocean and marine life protection. Examples include:

• Coral reef restoration
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems that rival
• land-based systems
• Agreement by CLIA cruise line members to avoid or voluntarily reduce vessel speed in sensitive areas or when marine life is observed
• Underwater noise and vibration reduction systems, including specially designed hulls, propellers, and noise suppression devices
• Partnerships with a variety of research and ocean and marine life protection organizations
• On-board scientists to support important research for the benefit of the ocean and marine life

1. CRUISE UPDATE & FORECAST
2. CRUISE LEADERSHIP IN RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
3. CRUISE FACTS, FIGURES, & TRENDS
4. THE PRESENT AND FUTURE VALUE OF CRUISE TOURISM
5. THE 2023-2028 ORDERBOOK