Cruise is Sailing to a Better Future
Cruise lines are leading the way toward a more sustainable future, investing in innovative technologies building the future of sustainable cruise travel in their ships today - with new engines that offer fuel flexibility and the ability to run on new, more sustainable energy sources as they become available at scale.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) unites the global cruise community, including prestigious ocean, river, and specialty lines, maritime leaders, ports, destinations, shipyards, and the largest network of cruise travel professionals.
Fleet
310 Cruise Ships
The total number of ships in the 2025 CLIA cruise lines member global fleets.
Environmental
16% Emissions Reduction
On average there was a reduction in CO2 emissions per cruise ship since 2018 by ships in Europe.
Sustainability
267 Freshwater Producing Ships
State-of-the-art systems enable cruise lines to produce up to 90% of water on board rather than draw from areas where resources are limited
Economics
$168.6 Billion Economic Impact
In 2023, the cruise industry generated $168.6 billion in total economic impact globally, a 9% increase over 2019
Global Markets
With 34.6 million passengers cruising to all 7 continents, the global cruise industry is supported by diverse source markets, growing regional demand, and expanding infrastructure, contributing to its resilience and long-term growth potential.
61%
Percentage of global capacity are fitted to operate on Onshore Power Supply (OPS)
100%
Percentage of waste some ships can repurpose by transferring surplus heat from machinery to heat water for showers and pools and significantly reduce food waste by using bio-digesters
60%
Percentage of ships able to produce water equivalent to their total water consumption needs
15%
Percentage of cruise ships entering service in the next five years will be equipped with battery storage to allow for hybrid power generation once available
Membership
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) provides a unified voice for the global cruise community, which includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; an expansive group of maritime leaders who provide technical expertise, products and services to the cruise sector; leading ports, destinations, shipyards; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialize in cruise travel.
CLIA unites the global cruise industry by providing a strong collective voice for cruise lines, valuable connections and insights for Executive Partners, and training, resources, and support for the travel trade community.
59
Cruise Lines
CLIA provides a unified voice for the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines that operate around the world.
350+
Executive Partners
CLIA provides organizations industry exposure, market insights, community affiliation, education, and networking to unite the cruise industry
70,000+
Travel Trade
CLIA provides the official industry training and certification, unique resources, and inspiring events to support the travel agent community.
Why Is Expedition Cruising Became Travel’s Hottest Ticket
Why Is Expedition Cruising Became Travel’s Hottest TicketYou’re hovering at the waterline in an inflatable Zodiac off your expedition cruise, exploring one of the most remote corners of the world. You could be in arctic waters as a humpback whale breaches, close enough that you can count its barnacles. Or you’re snorkeling in the Galapagos, encountering a playful pack of sea lions. Expedition cruises bring you close to unspoiled wonders of the world with unmatched convenience and ease.These small ship cruises aren’t just a trend; they’re redefining modern travel by bringing the furthest corners of the world within reach. The sector is experiencing significant growth. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports a 150% increase in global capacity for expedition and exploration ships from 2019 to 2029 (including ships on order), with more than 40 small ships sailing today that are specifically built for this type of cruising. Among the many staggering statistics that point to the meteoric rise in popularity of expedition and exploration cruising, there was a 22% rise in passengers from 2023 to 2024, alone.This booming new cruise sector has become the go-to for ultimate, bragworthy adventures worldwide.Experiencing the OceanDriven by a traveler fascination with exploration and first-hand encounters, expedition cruises have never been more popular. The industry has seen a rapid increase in customer demand not just to see the world, but to adventure through its outermost frontiers. New, boutique-sized ships are equipped with advanced technology and reinforced hulls, enabling them to navigate waters that were once unavailable for consumer travel. Expedition cruises are often the only way to reach remote places such as South Georgia Island, the North Pole, or the Northwest Passage, easily and safely.For passengers who have explored the world's most popular ship routes and newbies alike, expedition cruises offer unique, off-grid itineraries. Immersive, adventure-focused excursions, always bespoke given the unpredictability of nature, are the highlights of these sailings. Whether you’re kayaking alongside penguin colonies in Antarctica from a luxurious Seabourn expedition ship or snorkeling alongside sea turtles and stingrays in the Galápagos on the upscale Celebrity Flora expedition ship, these immersive nature encounters leave you with memories of a lifetime.Appealing to New GenerationsExpedition voyages have contributed to interest in cruising from younger travelers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. These guests are often first-time cruisers, seeking extraordinary experiences – with pent up wanderlust and opportunity to brag on social media driving demand for remarkable journeys. Younger travelers seek authentic travel adventures where they can travel with purpose, and are eager to learn about ecosystems, cultures, and climate through expert-led excursions.Keeping Up with the DemandThe exponential growth in expedition fleets has encompassed a remarkable roll out of new, boutique ships, new routes, and uncharted itineraries. New ships include Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson which debuted in 2025, and Quark Expeditions' plans to expand with a fourth expedition ship.Luxury brands are also expanding the expedition experience beyond the ship. Silversea will launch its first-ever hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South, in fall of 2026. The new luxury lodge is in Puerto Williams, Chile – the world’s southernmost town. The cruise line’s entrant into land-based accommodations will offer a stylish launch pad for its Antarctica sailings.The Cutting Edge of SustainabilitySustainability is a core mission of all CLIA member cruise lines, with a commitment to pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050. Passengers are eager to see expedition fleets doing their part to help protect the environment, and the cruise industry is meeting the challenge.Recent technological breakthroughs in sustainability include the LNG‑battery hybrid propulsion on Ponant’s LeCommandantCharcot (with net‑zero operations when on battery); Silversea’s first-ever Galapagos waste solution, diverting all non-organic waste away from island landfills; Quark Expeditions’ micro‑turbine energy, which delivers one of the cleanest, lowest-footprint polar expedition ships; and HX Hurtigruten Expeditions’ award-winning sustainability leadership efforts to reduce their environmental footprint with hybrid ships, shore power, and biofuels.Future Horizons A world of new exploration awaits from the North and South Poles to remote destinations in between. CLIA member cruise lines continue to meet the demand for expedition sailings, pioneering voyages that take guests on the most thrilling adventures – complemented with special interest programs targeting, for instance, birders, citizen scientists, and photographers.Expedition cruising’s popularity, blending rugged exploration with premium onboard amenities, shows no sign of slowing as small-ship fleets (and their mighty sustainability efforts) journey to the far reaches of the earth.Visit the websites of these CLIA member lines for further information:Albatros ExpeditionsAurora ExpeditionsCelebrityCoral ExpeditionsHeritage ExpeditionsHX Hurtigruten ExpeditionsQuark ExpeditionsSeabournSilversea© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026
Winter Cruises in Europe Benefit Travelers, Cruise Lines and Ports
Winter cruises in Europe benefit travelers, cruise lines and portsEurope used to be a three-season cruise market. Ocean ships would reposition from Europe in late October or November and return in early spring. River ships would sail through December’s Christmas market season then take a break until spring. But change is afoot.More cruise lines have discovered the multifaceted benefits of keeping ships in Europe year-round, both for their businesses and for their port partners. The move aligns with traveler trends around avoiding summer crowds and seeking out more authentic travel experiences.Here’s how Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines are expanding shoulder-season offerings in Europe.Winter cruises in Europe are on the rise due to guest demandA few European cruise lines, such as Costa and MSC Cruises, have long offered winter cruises in the Mediterranean. Other cruise lines have recently added itineraries too – inspired by inquiries from their guests.“Over the past few years, we’ve seen growing interest in quieter, more immersive travel experiences, especially in destinations that are traditionally busy during peak seasons,” says Janet Bava, Windstar Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer. To that end, the line trialed its first Mediterranean winter cruises in 2023.“On our inaugural sailing in December, every single travel advisor and guest on board told me ‘This is genius’,” said Bava. Windstar has since expanded itinerary options on Star Legend, including with more overnights in port, and will assign its new ship Star Explorer to winter Europe itineraries in 2026.Celebrity Cruises also dipped its toes into cooler cruise waters beginning in 2023, positioning Celebrity Infinity in Europe year-round. The ship continues to offer Canary Islands cruises from Barcelona and Greece cruises from Piraeus, during the winter.River cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways, are extending their cruise seasons as well. “In addition to an extended season in Portugal, 2026 will see more February departures aboard AmaMagna, AmaLucia, and AmaSiena,” says Catherine Powell, AmaWaterways’ CEO. “Our newest ship, AmaSofia, will also launch earlier than planned, offering 10 new Rhine sailings .”Winter cruises appeal to travelers seeking authentic experiencesTravelers today want cultural authenticity and a respite from summer crowds in popular Europe cities. Winter cruises offer just that.“More guests are realizing that cruising outside the traditional popular months comes with wonderful advantages: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere,” says Powell. “Our February and early March sailings have been well received.”She adds, “It’s a chance to connect with local people, enjoy seasonal traditions, and see destinations before spring really blooms.”For cost-conscious travelers, off-season sailings can be lighter on guests’ wallets. Pre- and post-cruise flights and accommodations may cost less than during summer’s peak travel times.The value isn’t just financial. Cruisers who have sailed Mediterranean cruises before can return in winter to experience the destination in a new way.“Sailing Europe in the winter and shoulder seasons gives our guests a completely different perspective. Cities like Venice or Dubrovnik feel more intimate, more local, and more accessible,” says Windstar’s Bava. “These sailings often attract seasoned travelers who’ve seen the ‘greatest hits’ and are now looking to dig deeper.”Winter cruises support sustainability goalsVacationers are not the only parties who benefit from increased off-season sailings. Winter cruises are beneficial for cruise lines and their port partners as well.For the cruise lines, deploying a ship to Europe year-round is a smart investment. “Sailing in the off-season maximizes asset utilization,” says Bava. “By avoiding long transits like ocean crossings, we’re able to increase the number of port calls and spend more time in destination-rich regions.” It also allows the lines to reduce fuel consumption.Extending the Mediterranean cruise season also supports local port economies during tourism’s slow season.“Our port partners have been very supportive,” says Powell. “They like the idea of taking the pressure off the busy summer and fall months while continuing to bring meaningful benefits to local communities throughout the year.”“Restaurants, museums, and markets in the Mediterranean are still very much alive in the off-season,” says Bava. “Our presence helps sustain that activity.”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026
How River Cruises Are Winning Over Curious Travelers
Sometimes the best view when traveling is one that’s ever-changing, new places ahead, and that’s delivered on river cruises. As with ocean cruises, you unpack once and you’re off on a journey navigating storied waterways. From Europe’s Rhine, Danube and Seine to Portugal’s Douro, Egypt’s Nile to Asia’s Mekong, and even along the mighty Mississippi, river cruises are your front row seat to spectacular inland sights.The River Cruise BoomRiver cruising has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly among travelers seeking a slower, more immersive alternative to traditional land-based tours involving buses, planes, or trains. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), river cruise bookings continue to rise as travelers discover the unique appeal of journeying through the heart of countries on water. CLIA member lines offer a diverse array of itineraries that cater to travelers seeking cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and luxurious comfort including; AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines on the Mississippi, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Scenic and Uniworld; European-centric operators such as A-Rosa, Amadeus River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Riviera River Cruises, Tauck, Trafalgar, and Viva Cruises; and small luxury lines APT and Riverside Luxury Cruises.Some river cruise guests are new-to-cruise, just discovering the joy of waterborne experiences. Others are ocean cruisers, looking to easily experience inland sights on one trip.The River Cruise Experience: Easy, Intimate, and ImmersiveThink of a river cruise as a floating boutique hotel, offering an intimate experience with fewer guests and attentive service. Staterooms are thoughtfully designed, often with views of passing riverbanks from your bed or sitting area. In Europe, head to your ship’s top deck for 360° views as you glide past storybook towns, pass through locks (essentially water elevators), and under majestic bridges. Sail the Nile and you’ll see why it’s often referred to as a floating museum tour. You’ll coast by 5,000+ years of history from grand temples and tombs to vibrant local villages.The vibe onboard river cruises is casual and relaxed, with no formal dress codes. River cruise fares cover meals, enrichment activities, shore excursions, WIFI, and entertainment. Chefs onboard draw inspiration in local flavors and ingredients, and infuse them into every meal, from buttery croissants on the Seine to phở, the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, on the Mekong.Activities onboard aim to deepen guest connection to the region. Sailings often feature guest lecturers, local artists, and wine tastings from nearby vineyards – select AmaWaterways sailings feature visiting wine experts who share fascinating insights into the region’s viticulture. Scenic’s Specialty Cruises host distinguished authors, historians, and celebrity chefs.Destinations at the Heart of It AllRiver ships often dock within steps of enchanting villages, exciting cities, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll be treated to complimentary shore excursions every day, led by local expert guides. The group sizes on these tours are deliberately kept small, allowing for more time to engage with the guide and making navigation easier. Complimentary headsets are provided, allowing you to hear your guide clearly, even if you stray a few steps behind.Shore experiences are designed to cater to a range of activity levels and interests – with active, leisure, and immersive options. You’re also free to explore on your own. Consult the Wellness Hosts on AmaWaterways for fitness-forward excursions, such as bike tours and guided runs. Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Choice Program offers guests the option of three daily excursion choices at different levels of activity. Experience the magic of a destination after dark with Uniworld’s "Nights Out" experiences, which can range from illuminated city strolls to private evening palace visits on select itineraries.New routes continue to expand the breadth of inland reach, such as CroisiEurope’s itineraries on the Loire River in the Loire Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic towns, architecture, and natural beauty. Stateside, American Cruise Lines features a dozen thoughtfully crafted itineraries along the Mississippi – as well as river journeys on the Hudson and the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia and Snake rivers.On a river cruise, there’s time to experience destinations. You’re en route on an expertly crafted itinerary that focuses on the best of (and freshest flavors from) the local region. When you aren’t off the ship exploring, enjoy sitting back and watching the world go by.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026
Christmas Market River Cruises in Europe Brighten Up the Shoulder Season
Christmas market river cruises in Europe brighten up the shoulder seasonThe weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are considered a slower travel period in Europe – but not for river cruise lines and ports along the Rhine and Danube rivers. Late November and December cruises are some of the river cruise industry’s most popular itineraries.Christmas market river cruises hit the sweet spot for modern travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and a festive holiday atmosphere. They also boost business for river cruise lines and the communities they visit during what would otherwise be a slow season.These limited-time, themed sailings sell out far in advance of the holiday season – a win-win-win for the river cruise lines, travelers and the ports they visit.Christmas market river cruises transform the shoulder seasonReinvigorating the slow travel months of November and December (with some cruises into early January) brings benefits in many ways.Christmas market cruises “allow us to extend our sailing season into January, keeping our ships and crew active during what would traditionally be a quieter time on Europe’s rivers,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. At a time when river cruise lines might be laying up ships for the winter off-season, they are instead delivering popular itineraries.At the same time, two trends have taken hold among travelers, slow-season travel, as they strive to avoid summer crowds, and seeking out cool-climate experiences. Festive holiday cruises deliver in this regard, “helping us meet strong demand for unique, off-peak experiences,” says Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways.Ports along the rivers also benefit from the extension of the river cruise season, as cruisers do their holiday shopping, indulge in gingerbread and other edible treats, visit attractions and enjoy holiday cheer.“It really is an economic driver for some of these small towns we visit” says Jennifer Halboth, CEO Riverside Luxury Cruises. “Plus, people really like to showcase their town during Christmas.”Holiday sailings attract new river cruisers and drive repeat bookingsFor the cruise lines, Christmas market river cruises are good for business. A longer cruise season means added revenue, and holiday sailings command premium prices. Also important, these cruises help river lines draw first-time cruisers with seasonal attractions and convenient seven-night itineraries.“Our Christmas Market cruises often serve as the perfect introduction to river cruising, attracting travelers who might not have considered a sailing before but are drawn to the idea of Europe during the holidays,” says Bettridge.Riverside’s Halboth notes the appeal of these itinerariesisnot just for couples, solo travelers and groups of friends but for multigenerational families looking to spend time together during the holiday season.Christmas market cruises also drive repeat bookings. Guests fall in love with the destinations, the ease of travel, the friendly crew and the beautiful ships and are persuaded to sign up for another river cruise in a different destination or time of year, the executives say.“The combination of shorter itineraries,iconic destinations and the built-in magic of the season makes these cruises a natural entry point for new guests,” says Hoffee.“Once guests experience Avalon’s elevated design and excursions, many (approximately 40%) become repeat cruisers.”Christmas market cruises are in demand“Demand has been so strong that our entire Rhine, Main, and Danube fleet is dedicated to Christmas Market sailings this season— a clear indicator of how this segment continues to grow,” says KenMuskat, President of Scenic Group (USA and Latin America), parent company of the Scenic and Emerald river cruise brands. “We’re also seeing these voyages book further out.”As Christmas Market river cruises’ popularity skyrockets, cruise lines are taking advantage by adding festive-season sailings on other rivers, such as France’s Rhone and Portugal’s Douro, to give repeat cruisers more options featuring regional holiday traditions.“Our Christmas Market cruises have transformed what was once the quietest time on Europe’s rivers to one of the most in-demand seasons of the year,” says Hoffee.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026
The New Wave of Cruisers: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Redefining Cruise Culture
When it comes to young travelers, cruise vacations are all about the adventure, connection to culture, food, and most importantly, being able to capture and share experiences online. If you need any proof of that, just check out hashtags like #CruiseTok and #CruiseLife on TikTok and Instagram. Those two hashtags have collectively amassed hundreds of millions of views, offering a front row seat to the next generation of cruisers.Young travelers, especially those aged 21 to 39, are seeing those social media videos and responding with an eager curiosity for cruises. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that Millennials (22%) and Gen Z (14%) now make up roughly 36% of all cruise passengers. Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, says about half of Royal Caribbean’s guests are now Millennials or younger (including those under age 20).Among Millennials, 83% who have cruised before plan to cruise again, topped only by Gen-X (84%), according to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report.Who are young cruisers and what makes them tick?Emerging 21- to 39-year-old cruisers are digital natives, on the hunt for experience-driven travel that is socially connected. They value authenticity over luxury, prefer shorter length trips, and seek more affordable, top-value getaways.Many in this group took their first cruise with their parents as children or teens and have fond memories of their family vacations. Now, as working adults or young parents themselves, they’re returning to the sea—this time with their own kids, partners, or friends in tow.“These guests are doing their homework; they’re exploring social media, reading reviews, and leaning into peer recommendations before they ever hit 'book now,” says Stephen Hopkins, Vice President of Growth at adults-only Virgin Voyages. “They want flexibility, unexpected moments, and experiences that match their lifestyle, whether that’s a sunrise yoga class, dinner at a Michelin-inspired eatery, or dancing until dawn under the stars. They're rethinking what a cruise can be.”What do they love most?Like other travelers, Millennials and Gen Z, including young professionals and young families, appreciate that cruise fares match many budgets, and there are a variety of itineraries that easily fit into work and school calendars. They also appreciate the value of cruise fares – which cover accommodations, entertainment, activities, and culinary options.Modern ships bring elevated travel experiences, combining cuisine by top chefs, Broadway-caliber entertainment, exciting amusement attractions, and resort-style ease. They are also easy to book – whether DIY or through an experienced travel agent. Young travelers appreciate they can hop aboard, unpack once, and wake up in a new destination.How are cruise lines responding?Cruise lines have taken note of the surge in demand by younger travelers and have responded with fresh, innovative offerings. These include:More shorter cruises: Cruises are aware younger generations may be short on PTO. Many cruise lines have 3- to 5-night itineraries that pack in visits to tropical destinations, beach days, nightlife, and onboard fun – perfect for a long weekend or quick getaway.Beach club vibes: DJs and party flair fuel the late-night vibe onboard ships and at cruise line-owned destinations. Royal Caribbean’s Hideaway Beach is an adults-only beach club with a poolside DJ spinning lively beats, located at the line’s private Bahamas island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Carnival Cruise Line boasts a massive swim-up bar with DJ at its adults-only Calypso Lagoon at the new Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island. Both destinations also have extensive facilities for young families.Solo travelers: Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line now offer solo cabins designed for one person, eliminating the need for single supplement fees. Sailing solo is more popular than ever, and cruise lines now host numerous gatherings and events to help solo travelers connect. These include cocktail hours, wine tastings, and group dinners. Select Norwegian Cruise Line ships also have a solo lounge, an exclusive socializing hub for those booking solo Studio cabins.Millennials and Gen Z travelers are influencing the ships of the future, with cruise lines not only meeting their needs but also learning from them.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026
