The global cruise industry set a passenger record in 2025, carrying 37.2 million cruise passengers, with Australia among the standout performers showing 9.5 per cent growth.
The 2026 State of the Cruise Industry report, released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), on 15 April 2026 points to sustained growth across all major cruise regions, a broadening passenger profile and continued investment in new ships and greener technology.
Australia holds fourth place in global cruise rankings
The Australasia region grew 7.4 per cent to 1.5 million passengers in 2025. Australia’s 9.5 per cent growth outpaced the global average of 7.5 per cent. Key figures from the report:
- 37.2 million global ocean-going passengers in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024 (+7.5 per cent)
- Australia: 1.4 million passengers, increase of 9.5 per cent year-on-year
- Australasia region: 1.5 million passengers, increase of 7.4 per cent
- Asia: fastest-growing region with increase of 15 per cent, reaching 3 million passengers
- Australia ranks fourth globally, behind the United States (20.6 million), Germany (2.8 million) and the United Kingdom and Ireland (2.5 million)
- Nearly 90 per cent of cruisers surveyed intend to sail again, the highest level CLIA has ever recorded
For Australian agents, the intent-to-sail figure is worth noting. Repeat business sustained year after year, points to cruising having unusually strong holding power.
The report also shows that passengers from the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region tend to cruise longer than most other source markets, averaging more than eight days at sea against a global average of 7.0 days. The average age of the Australian cruiser sits around 47, close to the global mean of 46.7.
The passenger profile is shifting. About one-third of all cruise passengers globally are now under 40, and approximately one-third of voyages are multigenerational, creating a clear opening for agents building family and group itineraries.
Expedition and luxury lead segment growth
Demand for luxury cruising, expedition travel and exploration itineraries continued to grow in 2025. The CLIA report also points to increased appetite for curated shore excursions, cultural engagement and more time in destinations, alongside the enduring pull of private island experiences.
Significant data that is driving cruise industry trends for 2026:
- 325 CLIA-member ocean-going ships are in service globally
- Around 690,000 fewer berths than the prior fleet count, reflecting the retirement of older ships
- Nearly all ships now entering service carry fuel-flexible engines
- Net-zero emissions target remains 2050
“Cruising is sailing toward the future with exceptional momentum and strength,” said Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA.
“Record demand, growing interest from new cruisers and sustained confidence in the cruise experience are being matched by innovation, technological advancements, and destination partnerships. At the same time, we’re seeing a meaningful shift in recognition that cruise is a leader in sustainable operations.”
The economic weight behind the numbers
Cruise tourism’s global economic impact in 2024, according to CLIA’s Global Economic Impact study:
- $198 billion in total global economic impact
- 1.8 million jobs supported worldwide
- $60 billion in wages generated globally
- The majority of impact flows through shoreside spending at ports and in local communities
For Australian operators and agents, the market is growing faster than the global average, the passenger base is broadening, and nearly nine in 10 cruisers are already planning their next voyage. The pipeline, on the evidence, is there.
