CLIA Thanks Irish Trade Partners, highlighting Irish cruise passengers are getting younger as holidays at sea continue to thrive.

Andy Hammer (UK & Ireland MD) and David Sanders (PR Manager) hosted a reception for CLIA – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Lennan’s Yard on Dawson Street attended by a mix of trade, cruise line representatives and travel media, with Declan Mescall (Features Editor) flying the flag for Travelbiz. The event was held to go through the 2024 Irish cruise passenger numbers and trends.

Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) latest annual passenger study has revealed that Irish cruisers are getting younger, with the average guest age dropping to 46.3 years in 2024 from 46.7 in 2023.

The finding comes as overall Irish cruise passenger numbers increased last year by 11.3% to 65,000, the highest total recorded.

The Mediterranean remains their destination of choice, with 61.3% of all voyages taken. The Caribbean came in second at 17.7%, while northern Europe was at 6.1%. The latter scored a 25% uplift in overall journeys taken, representing the highest growth among the main cruise itineraries.

The average length of a sailing is 7.9 days. For the first time, the CLIA-member cruise line fleet exceeds 310 ocean-going vessels. Overall capacity increased by 3.4% across 2024.

Andy Harmer said: “Cruise is thriving among Ireland passengers, with the convenience and value-for-money a holiday at sea offers shining through. As the average age continuing to drop, and with more choice available than ever before, these are very exciting times for the local market.

“We’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone in Ireland for their support, including all the local travel agents, who we will continue to back by investing in their training, resources and events.”