Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027

The number of global ocean cruise passengers rose significantly in 2022 over the previous year, following a dramatic decline in the first two years of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the sharp annual increase, the volume of global cruise passengers remained below pre-pandemic levels, totaling 20.4 million in 2022. This figure was forecast to reach 31.5 million in 2023, surpassing the peak reported in 2019.

Where are cruise passengers traveling?

Cruises travel to nearly all parts of the world, from local coastal destinations to remote places such as Antarctica. Some cruises may last only a few days, but others may last weeks or even months as they travel across entire oceans or sometimes the world. In 2022, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda were the most popular cruise destinations worldwide. That year, Central and Western Mediterranean countries reported the second-highest passenger volume.

Which are the leading cruise companies?

Two of the most well-known cruise companies worldwide are Carnival Corporation & plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, both based in the United States. In 2022, the global revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc amounted to roughly 12 billion U.S. dollars, growing significantly year-on-year but remaining way below the peak reported in 2019. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s global revenue also bounced back, but it did not catch up yet with pre-pandemic figures, amounting to 8.8 billion U.S. dollars.