Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has updated the official global cruise passenger numbers for 2017, confirming another positive year for the industry.

The industry has surpassed projections, reaching 26.7 million passengers globally, up from a projection of 25.8 million. For 2018, based on the new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, CLIA is projecting another positive year-over-year growth and a passenger forecast of 28 million. 

Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, said: “Once again, the cruise industry has raised the bar and exceeded projections and expectations. I am proud to be a part of this dynamic industry that continues to grow and evolve bringing the cruise vacation experience to millions each year.”

In terms of regions, Asia accounted for about 15 per cent of total ocean passenger volume in 2017, a 20.5 per cent increase compared to 2016. Domestically, the USA and Canada also saw growth of 5 per cent, with Australia also reporting growth of around 5 per cent. Europe, meanwhile, was up 2.5 per cent.

North America represented the largest ocean passenger volume in 2017 (49 per cent) with a total of more than 13 million passengers, followed by Europe (26 percent) with nearly seven million.

• North America (49 per cent)
• Europe (26 per cent)
• Asia (15 per cent)
• Australia/Pacific (5.4) per cent)
• South Central America (3.2 per cent)
• Other (1.6 per cent)

The average age of passengers last year was 47. According to the CLIA, they preferred cruising for an average of 7.2 days, 2 per cent lower than the average in 2016.