GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cruise Ship Industry Statistics

Cruise industry rebounds post-pandemic, focusing on growth, sustainability, and technology.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The cruise industry employs approximately 1.17 million people globally

Statistic 2

The average age of cruise crew members is 39 years old, with a majority being from developing countries

Statistic 3

The typical onboard crew to passenger ratio is approximately 1:2.5, ensuring personalized service

Statistic 4

The percentage of women working onboard cruise ships increased to 24% in 2022, reflecting efforts toward diversity and inclusion

Statistic 5

The total number of crew onboard cruise ships worldwide exceeds 900,000, with many ships employing over 1,000 crew members

Statistic 6

The global cruise industry generated approximately $53.3 billion in revenue in 2019

Statistic 7

Over 30 million passengers traveled by cruise ships worldwide in 2019

Statistic 8

Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise operator in the world, with a market share of about 46% in 2020

Statistic 9

The cruise industry's global cruise ship fleet comprised over 300 ships in 2020

Statistic 10

The highest-grossing cruise ship in history is the Symphony of the Seas, with a revenue estimate of $1.3 billion annually

Statistic 11

The average cruise ticket price in 2022 was approximately $690 per person

Statistic 12

The cruise industry saw a decline of 81% in passenger numbers in 2020 due to COVID-19

Statistic 13

Over 75 cruises are scheduled to set sail from the U.S. ports in 2023

Statistic 14

The cruise industry has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 under the Cruise Industry Environmental Charter

Statistic 15

The average occupancy rate of cruise ships in 2022 was around 80%

Statistic 16

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of over 60% of scheduled cruises in 2020

Statistic 17

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth in cruise tourism, with a CAGR of over 7% from 2020 to 2025

Statistic 18

The total global cruise ship passenger capacity was approximately 2.1 million beds in 2021

Statistic 19

The luxury cruise segment accounts for approximately 10% of the total cruise market, with ships costing over $1 billion each to build

Statistic 20

The cruise industry’s global GDP contribution in 2019 was estimated at $150 billion

Statistic 21

In 2021, the global cruise industry market size was valued at around $15 billion, projecting steady growth

Statistic 22

The top five cruise lines account for over 70% of the global cruise market share

Statistic 23

The most common cruise ship class is the 'Mega-ship,' with over 200 ships exceeding 3,000 passengers capacity

Statistic 24

The cruise industry is projected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with passenger numbers reaching 30 million again

Statistic 25

The average onboard gratuity charge is approximately $17-20 per passenger per day

Statistic 26

The global cruise industry is investing over $15 billion in new shipbuilding from 2022 to 2024, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region

Statistic 27

The most frequent onboard injuries are slips, trips, and falls, accounting for approximately 35% of incidents

Statistic 28

In 2020, the cruise industry’s environmental initiatives prevented the emission of over 1 million tons of CO2

Statistic 29

The average cost per cruise passenger to comply with environmental regulations is approximately $150

Statistic 30

Cruise ships generate about 1.8 million tons of solid waste annually, with ongoing efforts to improve waste management

Statistic 31

The proportion of eco-friendly cruises increased by 20% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting rising consumer demand for sustainable options

Statistic 32

The average passenger capacity of new cruise ships ordered in 2023 is around 4,000 passengers, reflecting the trend toward larger vessels

Statistic 33

The most common reason for cruise passenger complaints is related to onboard dining, accounting for approximately 30% of issues raised

Statistic 34

International tourism via cruise ships contributed over $25 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, including port fees and onboard spending

Statistic 35

The global top five cruise ports handle over 15 million passengers annually, with PortMiami and PortEverglades being the busiest

Statistic 36

The most common reason for cruise cancellations is adverse weather, accounting for about 35% of cancellations in 2022

Statistic 37

The cruise industry’s total spend on health and safety measures increased by 200% during the COVID-19 pandemic period, reflecting heightened safety protocols

Statistic 38

Alaskan cruises contribute approximately $1 billion annually to the local economy, supporting tourism and employment

Statistic 39

The average waiting time for a cruise ship to dock at popular ports is around 2 hours during peak seasons, indicating high port congestion

Statistic 40

The global cruise ship repair and maintenance market is valued at over $10 billion annually, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%

Statistic 41

The number of new cruise ship builds during 2021-2023 is expected to surpass 35 ships annually as demand recovers, according to industry reports

Statistic 42

The cruise industry has invested heavily in health screening and quarantine facilities since 2020, with total investments reaching over $300 million

Statistic 43

The most common onboard health complaints are digestive issues, followed by respiratory problems, representing about 15% of health incidents

Statistic 44

The cruise industry’s total waste management efforts have diverted approximately 70% of waste from landfills in 2022, through recycling and waste-to-energy programs

Statistic 45

The number of ports worldwide that actively encourage cruise tourism is increasing by about 10% annually, as countries seek to attract revenue

Statistic 46

The top five European cruise ports handle over 10 million passengers annually, with Barcelona being the busiest

Statistic 47

The average age of cruise passengers in 2021 was 47 years old

Statistic 48

Approximately 70% of cruise passengers originate from North America

Statistic 49

The average daily passenger spending onboard is approximately $150

Statistic 50

Approximately 75% of cruise passengers are repeat travelers, indicating high customer loyalty

Statistic 51

Nearly 50% of cruise passengers are aged between 45 and 64 years, indicating a mature demographic

Statistic 52

Approximately 25% of cruise passengers are first-time travelers, indicating growth potential for the industry

Statistic 53

Over 65% of cruise bookings are made online through official cruise line websites or travel agencies

Statistic 54

The average cruise passenger travels with 2.2 family members or friends, indicating group travel is common

Statistic 55

The majority of cruise ship passengers (about 60%) prefer to dine at specialty restaurants onboard rather than the main dining room, indicating preferences for diverse cuisines

Statistic 56

Over 25% of cruise passengers are travelers aged 65 and above, highlighting the aging demographic trend

Statistic 57

The majority of cruise vacation bookings are made during the first quarter of the year, accounting for close to 40% of annual reservations

Statistic 58

The most popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska

Statistic 59

The average length of a cruise vacation is approximately 7 nights

Statistic 60

The most common onboard activities include dining, entertainment, and shore excursions

Statistic 61

The largest private island owned by a cruise line is Great Stirrup Cay by Norwegian Cruise Line, measuring over 300 acres

Statistic 62

The most popular time for cruises in the Caribbean is from December to April, peak winter season

Statistic 63

The average number of port calls per cruise voyage is approximately 3 to 4, depending on the itinerary

Statistic 64

In 2022, 85% of cruise ships worldwide were equipped with Wi-Fi services onboard

Statistic 65

Environmental regulations have led to the installation of advanced wastewater treatment systems on 85% of the fleet by 2023

Statistic 66

The percentage of passengers booking cruises through mobile apps increased to 40% in 2022, showing digital transformation in the industry

Statistic 67

The average onboard internet speed has increased to 20 Mbps, enhancing connectivity for passengers

Statistic 68

The average age of cruise ships in operation is approximately 11 years, with newer ships being more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced

Statistic 69

The rate of onboard Wi-Fi usage has increased to 55% of passengers in 2022, a significant jump from previous years, reflecting digital dependence

Statistic 70

The number of cruise ships fitted with advanced environmental control systems is expected to increase to over 80% by 2025, due to stricter regulations

Statistic 71

The percentage of cruise ships equipped with ballast water treatment systems increased to nearly 90% by 2023, reducing aquatic invasive species transfer

Statistic 72

The global cruise industry’s investment in digital marketing and online booking platforms doubled from 2020 to 2022, reflecting industry modernization efforts

Slide 1 of 72
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • The global cruise industry generated approximately $53.3 billion in revenue in 2019
  • Over 30 million passengers traveled by cruise ships worldwide in 2019
  • The average age of cruise passengers in 2021 was 47 years old
  • The most popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska
  • The cruise industry employs approximately 1.17 million people globally
  • The average length of a cruise vacation is approximately 7 nights
  • Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise operator in the world, with a market share of about 46% in 2020
  • The cruise industry's global cruise ship fleet comprised over 300 ships in 2020
  • The highest-grossing cruise ship in history is the Symphony of the Seas, with a revenue estimate of $1.3 billion annually
  • The average cruise ticket price in 2022 was approximately $690 per person
  • Approximately 70% of cruise passengers originate from North America
  • The cruise industry saw a decline of 81% in passenger numbers in 2020 due to COVID-19
  • Over 75 cruises are scheduled to set sail from the U.S. ports in 2023

The cruise ship industry, a maritime giant worth over $53 billion in 2019 and booming across destinations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean, is on the cusp of a remarkable recovery and transformation after weathering an 81% passenger decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employment and Workforce Data

  • The cruise industry employs approximately 1.17 million people globally
  • The average age of cruise crew members is 39 years old, with a majority being from developing countries
  • The typical onboard crew to passenger ratio is approximately 1:2.5, ensuring personalized service
  • The percentage of women working onboard cruise ships increased to 24% in 2022, reflecting efforts toward diversity and inclusion
  • The total number of crew onboard cruise ships worldwide exceeds 900,000, with many ships employing over 1,000 crew members

Employment and Workforce Data Interpretation

With over a million souls sailing the seas—mainly from developing nations—the cruise industry employs a dedicated, diverse crew averaging 39 years old to provide personalized service at a ratio of 1:2.5, highlighting both its global reach and ongoing efforts toward gender inclusivity amidst a fleet where over 900,000 crew members keep the ships afloat.

Industry Overview and Economic Impact

  • The global cruise industry generated approximately $53.3 billion in revenue in 2019
  • Over 30 million passengers traveled by cruise ships worldwide in 2019
  • Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise operator in the world, with a market share of about 46% in 2020
  • The cruise industry's global cruise ship fleet comprised over 300 ships in 2020
  • The highest-grossing cruise ship in history is the Symphony of the Seas, with a revenue estimate of $1.3 billion annually
  • The average cruise ticket price in 2022 was approximately $690 per person
  • The cruise industry saw a decline of 81% in passenger numbers in 2020 due to COVID-19
  • Over 75 cruises are scheduled to set sail from the U.S. ports in 2023
  • The cruise industry has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 under the Cruise Industry Environmental Charter
  • The average occupancy rate of cruise ships in 2022 was around 80%
  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of over 60% of scheduled cruises in 2020
  • The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth in cruise tourism, with a CAGR of over 7% from 2020 to 2025
  • The total global cruise ship passenger capacity was approximately 2.1 million beds in 2021
  • The luxury cruise segment accounts for approximately 10% of the total cruise market, with ships costing over $1 billion each to build
  • The cruise industry’s global GDP contribution in 2019 was estimated at $150 billion
  • In 2021, the global cruise industry market size was valued at around $15 billion, projecting steady growth
  • The top five cruise lines account for over 70% of the global cruise market share
  • The most common cruise ship class is the 'Mega-ship,' with over 200 ships exceeding 3,000 passengers capacity
  • The cruise industry is projected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with passenger numbers reaching 30 million again
  • The average onboard gratuity charge is approximately $17-20 per passenger per day
  • The global cruise industry is investing over $15 billion in new shipbuilding from 2022 to 2024, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region
  • The most frequent onboard injuries are slips, trips, and falls, accounting for approximately 35% of incidents
  • In 2020, the cruise industry’s environmental initiatives prevented the emission of over 1 million tons of CO2
  • The average cost per cruise passenger to comply with environmental regulations is approximately $150
  • Cruise ships generate about 1.8 million tons of solid waste annually, with ongoing efforts to improve waste management
  • The proportion of eco-friendly cruises increased by 20% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting rising consumer demand for sustainable options
  • The average passenger capacity of new cruise ships ordered in 2023 is around 4,000 passengers, reflecting the trend toward larger vessels
  • The most common reason for cruise passenger complaints is related to onboard dining, accounting for approximately 30% of issues raised
  • International tourism via cruise ships contributed over $25 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, including port fees and onboard spending
  • The global top five cruise ports handle over 15 million passengers annually, with PortMiami and PortEverglades being the busiest
  • The most common reason for cruise cancellations is adverse weather, accounting for about 35% of cancellations in 2022
  • The cruise industry’s total spend on health and safety measures increased by 200% during the COVID-19 pandemic period, reflecting heightened safety protocols
  • Alaskan cruises contribute approximately $1 billion annually to the local economy, supporting tourism and employment
  • The average waiting time for a cruise ship to dock at popular ports is around 2 hours during peak seasons, indicating high port congestion
  • The global cruise ship repair and maintenance market is valued at over $10 billion annually, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%
  • The number of new cruise ship builds during 2021-2023 is expected to surpass 35 ships annually as demand recovers, according to industry reports
  • The cruise industry has invested heavily in health screening and quarantine facilities since 2020, with total investments reaching over $300 million
  • The most common onboard health complaints are digestive issues, followed by respiratory problems, representing about 15% of health incidents
  • The cruise industry’s total waste management efforts have diverted approximately 70% of waste from landfills in 2022, through recycling and waste-to-energy programs
  • The number of ports worldwide that actively encourage cruise tourism is increasing by about 10% annually, as countries seek to attract revenue
  • The top five European cruise ports handle over 10 million passengers annually, with Barcelona being the busiest

Industry Overview and Economic Impact Interpretation

Despite a turbulent pandemic-induced dip, the cruise industry's grand voyage toward sustainability, innovation, and global recovery is scheduled to resume full sail by 2024, buoyed by billion-dollar ships, eco-pledges, and a relentless pursuit of passenger satisfaction.

Passenger Demographics and Trends

  • The average age of cruise passengers in 2021 was 47 years old
  • Approximately 70% of cruise passengers originate from North America
  • The average daily passenger spending onboard is approximately $150
  • Approximately 75% of cruise passengers are repeat travelers, indicating high customer loyalty
  • Nearly 50% of cruise passengers are aged between 45 and 64 years, indicating a mature demographic
  • Approximately 25% of cruise passengers are first-time travelers, indicating growth potential for the industry
  • Over 65% of cruise bookings are made online through official cruise line websites or travel agencies
  • The average cruise passenger travels with 2.2 family members or friends, indicating group travel is common
  • The majority of cruise ship passengers (about 60%) prefer to dine at specialty restaurants onboard rather than the main dining room, indicating preferences for diverse cuisines
  • Over 25% of cruise passengers are travelers aged 65 and above, highlighting the aging demographic trend
  • The majority of cruise vacation bookings are made during the first quarter of the year, accounting for close to 40% of annual reservations

Passenger Demographics and Trends Interpretation

Despite an aging, loyal North American core aged predominantly between 45 and 64, the cruise industry’s growth hinges on attracting first-timers and digital bookings, as travelers continue to sail with their families and indulge in specialty cuisine—highlighting both seasoned comfort and untapped potential amidst a buoyant, mostly mature tide of shipshape company.

Popular Destinations and Voyage Patterns

  • The most popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska
  • The average length of a cruise vacation is approximately 7 nights
  • The most common onboard activities include dining, entertainment, and shore excursions
  • The largest private island owned by a cruise line is Great Stirrup Cay by Norwegian Cruise Line, measuring over 300 acres
  • The most popular time for cruises in the Caribbean is from December to April, peak winter season
  • The average number of port calls per cruise voyage is approximately 3 to 4, depending on the itinerary

Popular Destinations and Voyage Patterns Interpretation

With Caribbean breezes, Mediterranean charm, and Alaskan wilderness beckoning, cruise lines expertly blend adventure and leisure over week-long voyages, punctuated by private islands, world-class entertainment, and a seasonal surge during winter months—making the industry a floating tapestry of escapism and economic vitality.

Technological Adoption and Future Investments

  • In 2022, 85% of cruise ships worldwide were equipped with Wi-Fi services onboard
  • Environmental regulations have led to the installation of advanced wastewater treatment systems on 85% of the fleet by 2023
  • The percentage of passengers booking cruises through mobile apps increased to 40% in 2022, showing digital transformation in the industry
  • The average onboard internet speed has increased to 20 Mbps, enhancing connectivity for passengers
  • The average age of cruise ships in operation is approximately 11 years, with newer ships being more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced
  • The rate of onboard Wi-Fi usage has increased to 55% of passengers in 2022, a significant jump from previous years, reflecting digital dependence
  • The number of cruise ships fitted with advanced environmental control systems is expected to increase to over 80% by 2025, due to stricter regulations
  • The percentage of cruise ships equipped with ballast water treatment systems increased to nearly 90% by 2023, reducing aquatic invasive species transfer
  • The global cruise industry’s investment in digital marketing and online booking platforms doubled from 2020 to 2022, reflecting industry modernization efforts

Technological Adoption and Future Investments Interpretation

As the cruise industry charts a course toward greener waters and faster Wi-Fi, the rapid digital embrace—evident in soaring booking app usage and onboard connectivity—coupled with rigorous environmental upgrades, signals a voyage not just across oceans but also into a more sustainable and tech-savvy horizon.