Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expects the number of ocean cruise passengers carried by its member lines to grow to 32 million next year from 30 million in 2019 and 28.2 million in 2018.
“Newly released data shows 32 million passengers are expected to set sail in 2020. To meet ongoing demand, CLIA Cruise Lines are scheduled to debut 19 new ocean ships in the upcoming year, resulting in a total of 278 CLIA cruise line ocean ships projected to be in operation by the end of 2020,” the organisation said in its 2020 outlook report.
In addition, it said six trends would hallmark thie industry in the near future.
Environmental Sustainability: The development and identification of new technologies and cleaner fuels is a top priority for the cruise industry, which continues to make substantial investments in reducing environmental impact. CLIA’s most recent Environmental Technologies and Practice Report shows significant progress towards the adoption of new and innovative practices, while the industry continues to explore new ways to increase efficiencies.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) – 44% of new build capacity will rely on LNG fuel for primary propulsion
Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (ECGS) – 68% of global capacity currently utilizes EGCS, while 75% of non-LNG new-builds will have EGCS
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems – 100% of new builds will have these systems in place
Shore-side Power – 88% of new build capacity will have or be configured to add this ability.
Additional Areas of Focus – battery propelled vessels, advanced recycling practices, reduced plastic use, energy-efficient lighting, solar energy, and fuel cell.
Destination Stewardship: With increased demand and growth in the cruise industry comes responsibility to foster respect and cooperation with cruise destinations. In collaboration with local communities, the cruise industry is exploring new and creative ways to manage the flow of visitors and implement the highest standards of responsible tourism including:
Partnerships with local governments
Staggered arrivals and departures
Excursion diversification
Shoreside power
Local passenger spending
Cruise and Stay: The State of the Cruise Industry Outlook found more travellers are spending time in and near cruise ports. In fact, 65% of cruise passengers spend a few extra days at embarkation or debarkation ports.
Reduce Single-Use Plastic: Travellers are taking sustainability to the seas. The study found that more than eight of ten cruise passengers recycle (82%) and reduce using single-use plastics (80%) while travelling. Seven out of ten cruisers also forego plastic straws.
Generation Cruise Positive: The attitude around cruising is changing, no matter the generation. More than 66% of Generation X and 71% of Millennials have a more positive attitude about cruising compared to two years ago.
Lone Cruisers: Marriage rates are declining and the number of single adults is growing globally. As a result, cruise lines are responding to the shift in passenger demographics by offering studio cabins, single-friendly activities, eliminating single supplements and solo-lounges.
Micro Travel: Trip durations are continuing to change, with many travellers looking for quick trips. Cruise lines are offering bite-sized cruises over a three-to-five-day period offering shorter itineraries to a variety of destinations.
