Global cruise passengers to reach...

Rise represents a 9% year-on-year increase, reports CLIA

Fuelled by strong demand, record bookings and higher pricing, the cruise industry soared to new heights in 2024, but this year looks even better, with the global sector set to attract 37.4 million ocean-going passengers in 2025, up 9%, according to the recently released State of the Cruise Industry Report from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Cruise passenger numbers are forecast to reach 41.9 million by 2028, with this strong short-term forecast based on new ships being added to the global fleet, with a further 56 new ships to be launched in the next decade.

The ability to visit multiple destinations and value for money are the top reasons travellers say they book cruises, according to CLIA, and the average age of passengers is now 46.5 years, with 36% under the age of 40.

Over the past two years, the number of first-time cruisers accounts for 31% of passengers, up from 24% from 2019. Of those who have already cruised, 82% say they will cruise again, while 68% who have never cruised would consider it.

Perhaps surprisingly, Gen X and Millennials are the most enthusiastic cruisers and likely to cruise again (84% and 83% respectively), which is good news for those targeting GCC markets, whose populations are younger than average.

While the report paints a picture of the cruise sector in robust health, there is little to be gleaned on the burgeoning Middle East market, which as a relative newcomer is considerably smaller than established cruising destinations such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

CLIA data does show a slight decline in cruise passengers in Middle East and Africa region in 2024, down 3.9% compared to 2023 to 517,000, largely down to cruise operators cancelling Red Sea sailings and repositioning cruises due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, the Middle East has seen the average number of cruise days increase overall by 12% between 2019 and 2024.

With tensions easing and ships returning to the region, CLIA recognises the Middle East has unique appeal, emerging destinations and untapped potential. A key opportunity in the region are Arabian Gulf cruises, calling at tourism hotspots including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. These shorter itineraries are proving popular with inbound tourists and also GCC residents who are taking 'cruisecations'.

In 2024, Celestyal debuted its Arabian Gulf season, which it extended in January 2025 to meet "unprecedented demand". That demand will see Celestyal return to the Gulf with two ships in December 2025 for the winter season sailing until March 2026 on three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia itineraries (lead image).

Celestyal in Dubai

The State of the Cruise Industry Report highlights that younger guests sailing from the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula take the shortest cruises globally.

Travellers from the Middle East are also looking further afield for their cruise holidays, many taking to the high seas for the first time. This presents a major opportunity for travel agents in the region, especially with 79% of cruisers saying travel agents have a meaningful impact on their decision to cruise, according to CLIA, with net promoter scores (NPS) consistently higher among those who book via a travel advisor.

CLIA says 52% of travel agents regard cruise holidays as experiencing higher growth than any other travel segment, with expedition and exploration the fastest-growing segment: 22% more passengers chose these voyages in 2024.

Lakshmi Durai, CEO of Middle East cruise agency CruiseXplore, confirmed that demand for destination-focused, experiential cruising has been growing year-on-year and that Middle Eastern guests look for different destinations where they can engage with history, people, culture and food.

Addressing such regional demand, CruiseXplore has partnered with Norwegian line Hurtigruten, positioning its year-round authentic, immersive travel experiences in Norway to GCC agents and travellers.

Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord in Norway

Also recognising the growing importance of cruise to the travel industry, Jacobs Media has announced the launch of the inaugural Connections Cruise Arabia event in March 2026. The landmark two-day event will bring together more than 300 senior leaders and influencers from across the global cruise and travel ecosystem to shape the future of cruise.

The event will explore both inbound and outbound cruise opportunities, showcasing the Gulf’s vast potential for cruise lines, ports, DMCs, investors and government bodies. The event will feature pre-scheduled B2B meetings, a ‘New to Cruise’ training platform and insightful thought leadership content.

For more information, visit cruising.org