Cruise Market
Description
Cruise Market Summary
The global cruise market size was estimated at USD 9.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 25.06 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2026 to 2033. The global cruise industry has experienced a growing demand, driven by a confluence of consumer preferences, broader tourism trends, and evolving perceptions of experiential and luxury travel.
According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the sector is recovering steadily from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger volumes continuing to grow and forecasts indicating further increases in 2025. In 2024, the industry catered to approximately 34.6 million cruise passengers, and this figure is expected to rise to 37.7 million in 2025, reflecting increased traveler engagement with cruise travel formats.
A primary factor underlying increased demand in the cruise market is the growing consumer preference for all-inclusive and experience-rich travel offerings. Ocean cruises provide a comprehensive vacation framework in which accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment are integrated into a single itinerary, appealing to travelers seeking simplified planning, predictable costs, and curated onboard experiences. Leading operators in the carnival cruise market and other major cruise lines continue to enhance ship-based amenities, entertainment, and service personalization, further strengthening the value proposition of cruise travel.
In parallel, the river cruise market is benefiting from rising interest in culturally immersive and slow-travel experiences. River cruises offer access to multiple inland destinations through centrally located ports, allowing travelers to explore historic cities, cultural landmarks, and regional cuisine with minimal logistical complexity. The combination of destination-rich itineraries, smaller vessel experiences, and premium service positioning has made river cruising an attractive alternative for travelers seeking a more intimate and culturally focused travel experience.
The broader rise in global travel and tourism also contributes to cruise industry growth. Following pandemic-related travel restrictions, there has been a strong revival in discretionary tourism purchases, with travelers prioritizing leisure and memorable experiences over routine vacations. Industry surveys and tourism commentary highlight growing interest in slower, more immersive forms of travel that allow for deeper engagement with destinations and cultures. Cruise itineraries that include accessible tours, shore excursions, and themed experiences reflect this demand for meaningful travel encounters. In 2024, U.S. tourism broadly rebounded, with domestic trips exceeding 2.4 billion and international visitors estimated in the low to mid70 million range, while cruises generated several billion dollars in U.S. market revenue and remained a key, fast‑growing segment of American leisure travel.
In addition, the cruise ship market is witnessing a growing shift toward cruise formats that cater to evolving lifestyle and personal travel preferences, including solo travel and small-ship or expedition cruising. Travel advisor networks report rising interest in flexible cruise travel options within the cruise ship market, such as off-peak sailings, solo-friendly itineraries, and routes designed around moderate climates and distinctive, experience-led destinations. These trends reflect broader changes in leisure travel behavior within the cruise ship market, where travelers increasingly prioritize personalization, flexibility, and freedom of choice over traditional mass-market cruising models.
Moreover, the intersection between cruise travel and luxury experiential tourism further reinforces the market’s expansion. Cruises are increasingly positioned as premium leisure experiences, offering enhanced amenities, specialized services, and bespoke activities that resonate with affluent travelers seeking exclusivity and comfort.
Global Cruise Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cruise market report based on type and region:
The global cruise market size was estimated at USD 9.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 25.06 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2026 to 2033. The global cruise industry has experienced a growing demand, driven by a confluence of consumer preferences, broader tourism trends, and evolving perceptions of experiential and luxury travel.
According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the sector is recovering steadily from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger volumes continuing to grow and forecasts indicating further increases in 2025. In 2024, the industry catered to approximately 34.6 million cruise passengers, and this figure is expected to rise to 37.7 million in 2025, reflecting increased traveler engagement with cruise travel formats.
A primary factor underlying increased demand in the cruise market is the growing consumer preference for all-inclusive and experience-rich travel offerings. Ocean cruises provide a comprehensive vacation framework in which accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment are integrated into a single itinerary, appealing to travelers seeking simplified planning, predictable costs, and curated onboard experiences. Leading operators in the carnival cruise market and other major cruise lines continue to enhance ship-based amenities, entertainment, and service personalization, further strengthening the value proposition of cruise travel.
In parallel, the river cruise market is benefiting from rising interest in culturally immersive and slow-travel experiences. River cruises offer access to multiple inland destinations through centrally located ports, allowing travelers to explore historic cities, cultural landmarks, and regional cuisine with minimal logistical complexity. The combination of destination-rich itineraries, smaller vessel experiences, and premium service positioning has made river cruising an attractive alternative for travelers seeking a more intimate and culturally focused travel experience.
The broader rise in global travel and tourism also contributes to cruise industry growth. Following pandemic-related travel restrictions, there has been a strong revival in discretionary tourism purchases, with travelers prioritizing leisure and memorable experiences over routine vacations. Industry surveys and tourism commentary highlight growing interest in slower, more immersive forms of travel that allow for deeper engagement with destinations and cultures. Cruise itineraries that include accessible tours, shore excursions, and themed experiences reflect this demand for meaningful travel encounters. In 2024, U.S. tourism broadly rebounded, with domestic trips exceeding 2.4 billion and international visitors estimated in the low to mid70 million range, while cruises generated several billion dollars in U.S. market revenue and remained a key, fast‑growing segment of American leisure travel.
In addition, the cruise ship market is witnessing a growing shift toward cruise formats that cater to evolving lifestyle and personal travel preferences, including solo travel and small-ship or expedition cruising. Travel advisor networks report rising interest in flexible cruise travel options within the cruise ship market, such as off-peak sailings, solo-friendly itineraries, and routes designed around moderate climates and distinctive, experience-led destinations. These trends reflect broader changes in leisure travel behavior within the cruise ship market, where travelers increasingly prioritize personalization, flexibility, and freedom of choice over traditional mass-market cruising models.
Moreover, the intersection between cruise travel and luxury experiential tourism further reinforces the market’s expansion. Cruises are increasingly positioned as premium leisure experiences, offering enhanced amenities, specialized services, and bespoke activities that resonate with affluent travelers seeking exclusivity and comfort.
Global Cruise Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cruise market report based on type and region:
- Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
- Ocean Cruises
- River Cruises
- Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- Singapore
- Central & South America
- Brazil
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
Table of Contents
70 Pages
- Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
- 1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
- 1.2. Market Definition
- 1.3. Information Procurement
- 1.3.1. Purchased Database
- 1.3.2. GVR’s Internal Database
- 1.3.3. Secondary Sources & Third-Party Perspectives
- 1.3.4. Primary Research
- 1.4. Information Analysis
- 1.4.1. Data Analysis Models
- 1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
- 1.6. Data Validation & Publishing
- Chapter 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Market Outlook
- 2.2. Product Outlook
- 2.3. Competitive Landscape Outlook
- Chapter 3. Cruise Market Variables, Trends & Scope
- 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
- 3.2. Industry Value Chain Analysis
- 3.2.1. Profit margin analysis
- 3.3. Market Dynamics
- 3.3.1. Market driver analysis
- 3.3.2. Market restraint analysis
- 3.3.3. Industry challenges
- 3.3.4. Industry opportunities
- 3.4. Industry Analysis Tools
- 3.4.1. Industry Analysis – Porter’s
- 3.5. Market Entry Strategies
- Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis
- 4.1. Demographic Analysis
- 4.2. Consumer Trends and Preferences
- 4.3. Factors Affecting Buying Decision
- 4.4. Observations & Recommendations
- Chapter 5. Cruise Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 5.1. Cruise Market, by Distribution Channel: Key Takeaways
- 5.2. Type Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2025 & 2033
- 5.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Type, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 5.3.1. Ocean Cruises
- 5.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 5.3.2. River Cruises
- 5.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- Chapter 6. Cruise Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 6.1. Cruise Market: Regional Outlook
- 6.2. Regional Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2025 & 2033
- 6.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Regional, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.1. North America
- 6.3.1.1. North America cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.1.2. U.S.
- 6.3.1.3. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.1.4. U.S. cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.1.5. Canada
- 6.3.1.6. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.1.7. Canada cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.1.8. Mexico
- 6.3.1.9. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.1.10. Mexico cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2. Europe
- 6.3.2.1. Europe cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2.2. UK
- 6.3.2.3. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.2.4. UK cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2.5. France
- 6.3.2.6. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.2.7. France cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2.8. Germany
- 6.3.2.9. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.2.10. Germany cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2.11. Italy
- 6.3.2.12. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.2.13. Italy cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2.14. Spain
- 6.3.2.15. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.2.16. Spain cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.3. Asia Pacific
- 6.3.3.1. Asia Pacific cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.3.2. India
- 6.3.3.3. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.3.4. India cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.3.5. China
- 6.3.3.6. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.3.7. China cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.3.8. Japan
- 6.3.3.9. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.3.10. Japan cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.3.11. Australia
- 6.3.3.12. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.3.13. Australia cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 6.3.3.14. Singapore
- 6.3.3.15. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.3.16. Singapore cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.4. Central & South America
- 6.3.4.1. Central & South America cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.4.2. Brazil
- 6.3.4.3. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.4.4. Brazil cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.5. Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- 6.3.5.1. Middle East & Africa cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- 6.3.5.2. Saudi Arabia
- 6.3.5.3. Key country dynamics
- 6.3.5.4. Saudi Arabia cruise market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Million)
- Chapter 7. Competitive Analysis
- 7.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants
- 7.2. Company Categorization
- 7.3. Participant’s Overview
- 7.4. Financial Performance
- 7.5. Service Portfolios
- 7.6. Company Market Share Analysis, 2025 (Value % Share)
- 7.7. Company Heat Map Analysis
- 7.8. Strategy Mapping
- 7.9. Company Profiles
- 7.9.1. Carnival Corporation & Plc
- 7.9.1.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.1.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.1.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.1.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.2. Royal Caribbean Group
- 7.9.2.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.2.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.2.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.2.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.3. MSC Cruises S.A.
- 7.9.3.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.3.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.3.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.3.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.4. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
- 7.9.4.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.4.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.4.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.4.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.5. Disney Cruise Line
- 7.9.5.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.5.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.5.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.5.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.6. Genting Hong Kong Limited
- 7.9.6.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.6.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.6.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.6.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.7. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- 7.9.7.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.7.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.7.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.7.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.8. Cruiseaway
- 7.9.8.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.8.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.8.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.8.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.9. Island Queen Cruises
- 7.9.9.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.9.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.9.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.9.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 7.9.10. Luxury Cruise Connections
- 7.9.10.1. Company Overview
- 7.9.10.2. Financial Performance
- 7.9.10.3. Service Portfolios
- 7.9.10.4. Strategic Initiatives
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