The cruise industry is expected to introduce a total of 97 new cruise ships from 2017-2026 totaling an estimated investment of USD 53 billion through 2026, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports in its 2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook.
In 2017 alone, cruise lines are scheduled to debut 26 new ocean, river and specialty ships for a total investment of more than USD 6.8 billion in new vessels, according to CLIA.
The growth of cruise travel industry is expected to continue throughout 2017, with an estimated 25.3 million passengers expected to sail in 2017, a strong surge from 15.8 million recorded in 2007.
“The cruise industry is responding to global demand and we are highly encouraged by both the short-term and long-term outlook,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA.
“From technological advancements and deployment of new ships to new ports and destinations around the world, the industry continues to respond to desires of today’s travelers resulting in steady growth and strong economic impact around the world.”
Cruise industry expenditures generated USD 17 billion in total output worldwide, supporting 956,597 full-time equivalent employees who earned USD 38 billion in income in 2015.