Cruise Industry Investment in Ship Innovations; Varied Market Segments Yield Impressive Outlook
As the cruise line industry continues to strengthen its global presence and with the economy in an ongoing recovery mode, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its cruise line members are looking forward to a positive year of growth with a 2014 passenger forecast of 21.7 million worldwide guests on CLIA?s 63 member lines, according to data released today in the association?s annual State of the Cruise Industry findings. To meet demand, these member lines will introduce 24 new ships in 2014-2015 adding a total passenger capacity of 37,546, representing a capital investment of approximately $8 billion in ocean going and river cruise categories.
?The global cruise industry is at an exciting juncture with strong consumer interest in cruising and significant cruise line investment in a diversity of exciting ships that travel to the most exotic locations in the world and offer one-of-a-kind vacation experiences,? said Christine Duffy, CLIA President & CEO.
Industry Growth?
CLIA 2013 global passenger numbers are estimated at 21.3 million, with a 2014 forecast expected to reach 21.7 million passengers. North America is the world?s biggest cruise market (55.1 percent passenger source share) ? with significant growth of internationally sourced passengers ? especially Europeans at 6.4 million.
Global Passengers
While North America remains the dominate source for cruise passengers, international source markets are demonstrating accelerated passenger demand for cruising:
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