Ireland cruise passenger numbers continue to rise

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has revealed that holidaymakers from Ireland took almost 60,000 cruise holidays last year, surpassing the highest previous annual number.

In data published today (17 May, 2024), CLIA announced that:

• A total of 57,973 people from Ireland set sail on a cruise in 2023. The highest previous total was 48,276 in 2019
• 41,589 holidaymakers took a cruise in 2022, meaning there was a near 40% increase year-on-year

Last month, CLIA announced that combined figures for both Ireland and the UK show:

• The Mediterranean remains the number one destination for cruise travellers. Of the top three destinations in 2023, 35% of passengers travelled to the Mediterranean, 29% to Northern Europe and 12% to the Caribbean.
• Exploration destinations have seen a 53% increase in passenger numbers year-on-year.
• The average age of cruisers is decreasing: at 55.1 years old in 2023 it is down from 56.1 in 2022.
• The average cruise length increased to 10.1 days, up from 9.8 the previous year.
• 28% of cruisers are part of a wider multigenerational party, comprising three or more age groups
• 65% of passengers enjoyed a pre-cruise stay in their departure destination, while 52% stayed on after their sailing.

In terms of sentiment, perception and intent, a corresponding survey of 4500 international holidaymakers revealed:

• 82% of cruise passengers say they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 3% increase from 2019.
• 71% of those who have never cruised before would consider doing so.

Meanwhile, over 300 ships are set to sail this year, the first time the global CLIA member fleet has surpassed this number. Overall capacity will increase by 3.6% as a result.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Cruise holidays have never been more popular in Ireland and our latest figures reflect this increasing demand. A sea escape has clearly captured the imagination of a wide range of travellers and we’re anticipating that upward trend to continue.”