Overview

• The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) projects a record 37.7 million cruise passengers in 2025, marking a nearly 9% increase from the previous year.
• Passenger numbers surged by 9.3% in 2024, reaching 34.6 million, signaling steady post-pandemic growth in the industry.
• North America and Europe remain the largest source markets, contributing 20.5 million and 8.4 million passengers respectively.
• Top destinations include the Caribbean, with nearly 15 million visitors, followed by the Mediterranean and other European itineraries.
• Major German ports such as Hamburg, Kiel, and Rostock-Warnemünde are finalizing infrastructure expansions and shore-power systems to support rising demand and reduce emissions.