Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2022, by source market

The global volume of cruise travelers bounced back in 2022, after falling sharply with the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the significant annual increase, the number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide remained below pre-pandemic levels across all major source regions. In 2022, North America was the leading source market for the global cruise industry, with around 12.6 million passengers. That year, Western Europe reported the second-highest figure, with roughly 5.4 million cruise passengers.

What are the leading ocean cruise destinations worldwide?

While North America was the major source market for global cruise tourism in 2022, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda were the leading ocean cruise destinations worldwide that year, welcoming approximately nine million passengers. Central and Western Mediterranean destinations followed in the ranking in 2022, reporting 2.6 million cruise travelers.

What are the leading global cruise companies?

In 2021, Carnival Corporation & plc held the highest market share of the cruise industry worldwide, generating nearly half of global revenue. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line were also among the leading players in that market. Overall, between 2019 and 2022, the revenue of leading global cruise companies declined dramatically due to the impact of COVID-19.