Cruise shipping will return to pre-COVID levels next year

Cruise shipping will bounce back to pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

That optimistic report was shared by Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association.

Craighead, in a recent interview with Cruise Ferry, said a return to normality is coming. Noting that the cruise industry has been positively recognised for its response to the pandemic, she said, “We are now moving with the same focus and determination against our ambitious long-term sustainability goals.

“More than 100 markets worldwide have reopened to cruising, and most cruise ships are back in service. We expect the full fleets of all CLIA cruise line member ships to be back in service by the end of summer 2022. The enthusiasm of travellers for cruise is evident in increasing passenger volumes, which are forecast to return to 2019 levels next year. We expect cruise to return to its original pre-pandemic growth forecast and fill the demand gap of 4.7 million passengers by 2025,” she said.

What’s more, the executive added that the industry has proven its resilience over the past five decades, evident in its early return to some destinations, such as Europe, during the pandemic. “About 10 million people have sailed worldwide since cruising resumed and today, the intent to cruise among both travellers who have cruised before and those who are considering it for the first time, is higher than it was prior to the pandemic.”

In Jamaica, cruise ship arrivals have steadily increased since cruise tourism was reopened in August 2021. There were 226 cruise calls between August 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022, according to figures shared with Shipping Industry by the Port Authority of Jamaica. That number is 58 per cent below the last similar non-pandemic periods of August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019. However, it is expected to increase following adjustments to the island’s health protocols and general improvements globally as the acute impacts of the pandemic wane.

That notwithstanding, the pandemic will continue to be part of daily life for the immediate future, Craighead said, but cruise lines have shown their ability to mitigate risks onboard ships. With the adjusted protocols and improving public health environment, Craighead said the easing of travel restrictions will help the industry recover.

As for the outlook of the industry, she said “cruise will return to being one of the strongest sectors of the travel and tourism industry in 2023”. Additionally, the rebounding industry will help to lead the pursuit of net-zero emissions and responsible tourism practices as the wider sector pursues an ambitious environmental agenda. “Cruisers can expect lines to continue prioritising health and safety, while delivering a best-in-class experience. From new amenities onboard to new ships, to advancements in environmental technologies and practices, and strong partnerships with ports, destinations, and the travel trade, cruising is the best way to see the world.”

CLIA represents 15,000 of the world’s largest travel agencies, over 54,000 travel agents, and approximately 95 per cent of ocean-going cruise capacity.