PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1942042
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1942042
The global cruise market size was estimated at USD 9.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 25.06 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2026 to 2033. The global cruise industry has experienced a growing demand, driven by a confluence of consumer preferences, broader tourism trends, and evolving perceptions of experiential and luxury travel.
According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the sector is recovering steadily from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger volumes continuing to grow and forecasts indicating further increases in 2025. In 2024, the industry catered to approximately 34.6 million cruise passengers, and this figure is expected to rise to 37.7 million in 2025, reflecting increased traveler engagement with cruise travel formats.
A primary factor underlying increased demand in the cruise market is the growing consumer preference for all-inclusive and experience-rich travel offerings. Ocean cruises provide a comprehensive vacation framework in which accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment are integrated into a single itinerary, appealing to travelers seeking simplified planning, predictable costs, and curated onboard experiences. Leading operators in the carnival cruise market and other major cruise lines continue to enhance ship-based amenities, entertainment, and service personalization, further strengthening the value proposition of cruise travel.
In parallel, the river cruise market is benefiting from rising interest in culturally immersive and slow-travel experiences. River cruises offer access to multiple inland destinations through centrally located ports, allowing travelers to explore historic cities, cultural landmarks, and regional cuisine with minimal logistical complexity. The combination of destination-rich itineraries, smaller vessel experiences, and premium service positioning has made river cruising an attractive alternative for travelers seeking a more intimate and culturally focused travel experience.
The broader rise in global travel and tourism also contributes to cruise industry growth. Following pandemic-related travel restrictions, there has been a strong revival in discretionary tourism purchases, with travelers prioritizing leisure and memorable experiences over routine vacations. Industry surveys and tourism commentary highlight growing interest in slower, more immersive forms of travel that allow for deeper engagement with destinations and cultures. Cruise itineraries that include accessible tours, shore excursions, and themed experiences reflect this demand for meaningful travel encounters. In 2024, U.S. tourism broadly rebounded, with domestic trips exceeding 2.4 billion and international visitors estimated in the low to mid70 million range, while cruises generated several billion dollars in U.S. market revenue and remained a key, fast-growing segment of American leisure travel.
In addition, the cruise ship market is witnessing a growing shift toward cruise formats that cater to evolving lifestyle and personal travel preferences, including solo travel and small-ship or expedition cruising. Travel advisor networks report rising interest in flexible cruise travel options within the cruise ship market, such as off-peak sailings, solo-friendly itineraries, and routes designed around moderate climates and distinctive, experience-led destinations. These trends reflect broader changes in leisure travel behavior within the cruise ship market, where travelers increasingly prioritize personalization, flexibility, and freedom of choice over traditional mass-market cruising models.
Moreover, the intersection between cruise travel and luxury experiential tourism further reinforces the market's expansion. Cruises are increasingly positioned as premium leisure experiences, offering enhanced amenities, specialized services, and bespoke activities that resonate with affluent travelers seeking exclusivity and comfort.
Global Cruise Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cruise market report based on type and region: