Travelbiz E-Zine
17
May
2024

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.”

 

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Maurice embarks on a new Journey!!
    01st November 2024

    Maurice embarks on a new Journey!!

    Maurice shares his breaking news with you all this morning. After an Incredible Journey with Click&Go Holidays, I’m Embarking on a New Adventure. After three great years as Head of Sales with Cl...

    Read more
    Irish Travel Agents Association statement on weather conditions in Spain
    01st November 2024

    Irish Travel Agents Association statement on weather conditions in Spain

    Many areas in the east and south of Spain are experiencing severe flooding and extreme weather conditions, with transport links adversely affected. Clare Dunne, CEO of the ITAA said, “The ITAA a...

    Read more
    Jamaica Attractions and Adventures
    01st November 2024

    Jamaica Attractions and Adventures

    Travelbiz brings you more to see and do in Jamaica. Our trade partner overview is for you to copy and share with your customers and colleagues. Discover Jamaica with Travelbiz today.
    Jamai...

    Read more
    Attraction Ticket Store invite Irish trade partners to register today.
    01st November 2024

    Attraction Ticket Store invite Irish trade partners to register today.

    Welcome to www.AttractionTicketStore.com our rebranded Travel Trade Tickets and Tours website, providing a one-stop-shop for USA, Canada and European attraction ticket admissions, city sightseei...

    Read more
    That’s an Air Canda Sales Blitz Wrap!
    01st November 2024

    That’s an Air Canda Sales Blitz Wrap!

    Bláithín O’Donnell, Air Canada, Sales Manager, Ireland and Bernadette Goldsmith, inside sales coordinator Air Canada Ireland, along with the Air Canada sales team recently completed their annual...

    Read more
    First look at spectacular Christmas and New Year’s festivities with MSC Cruises
    01st November 2024

    First look at spectacular Christmas and New Year’s festivities with MSC Cruises

    Today, MSC Cruises is announcing a lineup of Christmas festivities for the 2024 winter itineraries. This year, all of MSC Cruises ships, including MSC Preziosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa...

    Read more