2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook and Cruise Travel Trends Forecast

The global headquarters of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the 2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, detailing a steady pace of cruise travel interest and significant investment in the industry. CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, is also predicting the top eight cruise travel trends that will have an impact on the industry in the coming year. 

Increase in cruise travel is expected to continue throughout 2017, with an estimated 25.3 million passengers expected to sail in 2017, a strong surge from 15.8 million just 10 years prior (2007).

More ships will set sail in 2017 as well, with CLIA reporting that cruise lines are scheduled to debut 26 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2017 for a total investment of more than US$6.8 billion in new vessels*.

From 2017-2026 the industry is expected to introduce a total of 97 new cruise ships totalling an estimated investment of US$53 billion through 2026*.

“The cruise industry is responding to global demand and we are highly encouraged by both the short-term and long-term outlook,” CLIA global President and CEO Cindy D’Aoust said.

“From technological advancements and deployment of new ships to new ports and destinations around the world, the industry continues to respond to desires of today’s travellers resulting in steady growth and strong economic impact around the world.”

Cruise industry expenditures generated US$117 billion in total output worldwide, supporting 956,597 full-time equivalent employees who earned US$38 billion in income in 2015.

As part of the 2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, CLIA has forecast the top eight cruise travel trends that are set to have the most impact on the cruise industry this coming year.

New Generation Takes to the Water – A recent study found that younger generations—including Millennials and Generation X — will embrace cruise travel more than ever before, rating it as better than land-based holidays, all-inclusive resorts, tours, holiday house rentals, or camping.

Travel Agent Use Increases – CLIA is forecasting that travel agents will continue to be the matchmakers between travellers and cruise lines in 2017. Today, there are more than 25,000 CLIA-member travel agents globally compared to 12,000 in 2010. CLIA also found that cruisers report high levels of satisfaction with their travel experience when assisted by an agent. 

River Cruise Demand Increases – River cruises offer travellers a unique and intimate travel experience. Due to demand, CLIA cruise line members currently deploy 184 river cruise ships with 13 new river cruise ships on order for 2017, an increase of about 7 per cent.

More Private Islands on Cruise Itineraries – As more cruise lines introduce private island destinations, travellers are responding and booking these itineraries. In 2017, cruise lines offer ports on a total of seven private islands.

New Cruisers Will Take to the Sea – Interest in ocean cruising is projected to remain strong in 2017.

Drivable Port Locations in Favour – The cruise industry offers a variety of small and large market port location options across the United States and internationally. Citing the advantages of myriad

Locations, seven out of ten (69 per cent) non-cruisers believe the greatest benefit is cost savings and three-quarters (74 per cent) of cruisers like the convenience of driving to a cruise ship.

Lure of Celebrity Chefs – Cruise travellers are embracing specialty dining and will continue to consider cruise dining experiences based upon celebrity chefs.

Demand for Expedition Cruises – According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, adventure travel is growing at a record pace and CLIA is reporting that cruise expeditions are seeing the impact. In fact, itineraries for Antarctica regularly sell out.

For more information on CLIA’s 2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, please visit http://cruising.org/about-the-industry/research/2017-state-of-the-industry/ .

For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.


* This represents the entire cruise industry, not only CLIA cruise line Members

Studies, reports and methodology available at cruising.org

World's fourth largest ship makes Sydney homeport debut

Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Ovation of the Seas has arrived in her hometown of Sydney, marking a momentous occasion for Australian cruising.  The newest, largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to ever call Australia home ushers in a new era of holidays for Australians – known as SuperCruising.

"Ovation of the Seas is an absolute game changer for cruising down under. SuperCruising is a holiday experience unlike anything else you can find in Australia – and it can only be found on Royal Caribbean," said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Australia & New Zealand.

"Over the last decade we have committed to bringing the biggest and best cruise ships to our doorstep – and today is the climax of that story. This occasion marks the first time that a cruise line has ever based a brand new ship in this market."

"At 348m long, 18 decks high, weighing in at 168,666 tons and with capacity for 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew, Ovation of the Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world, making her the largest cruise ship to sail Australian waters, and by far the largest ship ever home-ported here."

Ovation of the Seas' 6,500 passengers and crew makes her bigger than the towns of Yamba, Bega and Glenn Innes.

"With that size comes unprecedented variety: more space for relaxation, 18 different dining options, and more of the big unique amenities that Royal Caribbean is famous for, like iFly, North Star and bumper cars. Whether you're an adventure-seeker or looking for some R&R, there is truly something for everyone, all in one magnificent megaliner," Armstrong added.

Ovation of the Seas becomes Royal Caribbean's fifth locally-based cruise ship, joining sister ships Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, and making Royal Caribbean the single largest cruise line operating in Australia this season.

She will deliver significant economic benefits at each of her ports of call.  Her two-day visit to Sydney is expected to inject over $3.3 million in passenger spend alone, while her maiden Australian season is expected to inject more than $35 million into the national economy.

Astor's back for another summer of fun

Fourth season based Down Under and she's still proving popular



The cruise ship Astor arrived safe and sound into Fremantle Port on Friday morning to commence her fourth summer based in Australia.

There is no rest for her though. After 54 nights of sailing from London to Perth, via the iconic Panama Canal, she headed off for a fun-filled weekend off the West Australian coast.

Astor has 16 return itineraries planned from Fremantle this season and then she will head to Adelaide for three return cruises departing from the City of Churches.

This addition to her regular schedule is already proving popular, as are the two relocation cruises to/from Adelaide and Fremantle.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages is proud to be able to base the 620-passenger Astor in Australia again this summer, where she will remain until she leaves Fremantle on her 39-night journey back to the UK, via South Africa, departing 15 March 17.

Astor offers comfortable and traditional cruising and enjoys an extremely high satisfaction rating and return booking rate. Astor offers short cruises for those who are unable to escape their normal lives for too long; return cruises that for many removes the extra financial burden of flights; and overnight in port events where potential passengers can check out Astor's features, or find out first hand what cruising is all about.

Astor's schedule

#Silversea awarded the ‘Best Luxury Cruise Line’

Silversea Cruises, the world's leading luxury cruise line, has again been awarded the 'Best Luxury Cruise Line' by Cruise Passenger Magazine at the 2016 Readers' Choice Awards.

Amber Wilson, Silversea's Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, says:

"We are extremely honoured to again be named Best Luxury Cruise Line at this years' annual Reader's Choice Awards.  It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to help create incredible travel memories for all our guests, enabling them to sail to all seven continents and explore breathtaking destinations, all in the space, elegance and comfort Silversea is known for."

"I would like to express my appreciation to our guests and key travel partners who voted for us.  2017 is set to be another amazing year, with the new flagship, Silver Muse, set to launch in April 2017, as well as the conversion of Silver Cloud into the expedition fleet.  We look forward to adding to our incredible fleet and continuing to push boundaries and provide our guests with extraordinary voyages, unparalleled experiences and ultra-luxurious services."

For more information, contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

First images of new #Seabourn Encore

The world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has unveiled the first images of its newest all-suite vessel, Seabourn Encore, which launched in Marghera, Italy, earlier this month.

Designed by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany, the 40,350-GRT vessel features modern design elements and innovations in keeping with Seabourn’s reputation for understated elegance.

The ship’s 600 guests, who reside in 300 elegantly appointed suites each with a private verandah, are treated to the line’s extraordinary levels of personalised service, with a high staff to guest ratio.

Seabourn Encore will be officially christened at a ceremony in Singapore on January 7, 2017, before sailing to Australia where she will spend almost two months cruising local waters.

When Seabourn Encore arrives down under on January 22, it will be the youngest ultra-luxury ship to visit Australia.

Seabourn Encore will return to Europe in April 2017 to spend the northern summer cruising the Mediterranean.

A sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, will join the fleet in 2018.

For more on Seabourn Encore visit http://encore.seabourn.com/

What's so special about Silversea?

Silversea voyages and cruise expeditions sail to over 800 destinations on all seven continents, more than any other cruise line — large or small. Our itineraries include many ports with late-night and overnight departures providing you with more time to experience the local colors and cultures. For those who want to explore beyond the shore, an extensive collection of land adventures offer a convenient, seamless way to extend your travels.

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Norwegian Cruise Line's Christmas Cruising Getaway

Hit the High Seas on the Spectacular Norwegian Jewel for a 2017 Christmas Cruising Getaway with Extended ‘Free At Sea’ Offer until 5 February 2017

Swap hosting at home for festivities afloat during the holiday season aboard the iconic Norwegian Jewel – the cruise ship with all-age appeal – set to homeport in Australia during the 2017 Christmas season. Families keen to sample the joys of Christmas cruising can take advantage of Norwegian Cruise Line’s special “Free at Sea” offer representing outstanding value. The offer has been extended for all bookings made before 5 February 2017.

“Rather than spending Christmas tied to the kitchen, cleaning out the guest room, or packing and unpacking on long-haul trips, we’re inviting people to reinvent the holidays and spend it sightseeing, swimming, sipping cocktails, enjoying sumptuous meals and spending quality time with their nearest and dearest aboard Norwegian Jewel during her inaugural season down under,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Australia Managing Director, Steve Odell.

“With decorations, Christmas carols and seasonally-inspired menus on board, our festive season cruises will look and feel like Christmas, but without the fuss,” explained Mr Odell.

“Our unique style of freestyle cruising is all about flexibility and extensive choice, which means that friends and family of all ages will find a dining, pampering, fitness, entertainment and accommodation option to suit on board Norwegian Jewel, making multi-generational travel simple, enjoyable and smooth sailing,” Mr Odell added, “especially with itineraries in local waters.”

Norwegian Jewel’s 13-day Christmas and New Year roundtrip sailing from Sydney to New Zealand visits Melbourne, Burnie, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay of Islands departing 23 December 2017.



“Free at Sea” entitles guests to enjoy up to five complimentary offers including free beverage packages, specialty dining packages, 250 minutes of Wi-Fi, reduced friends and family rate and shore excursion credit, depending on the accommodation booked. Guests booking ocean view, balcony or mini-suites will enjoy two free offers, while those staying in a suite or The Haven will be treated to all five – worth up to US$2,800 added value.

Multi-Generational Christmas Vacations: Celebrating the festive season on board Jewel

Packed with activities for all ages, Norwegian Jewel can host up to 2,376 guests (and 1,069 crew) and boasts eight complimentary restaurants, six specialty dining venues with a la carte and set-menu options, as well as a bake shop, 24/7 pizza delivery service, myriad specialty bars and lounges, and the requisite poolside bar for lazy at-sea afternoon cocktails.

Renowned for her remarkable repertoire of entertainment at sea, Norwegian Jewel’s Australian guests will be treated to cirque, magic and comedy performances, as well as Australia’s own stunning ballroom extravaganza Burn the Floor, setting the ship’s stage alight during its inaugural local season.



Fitness fans, kids and young adults will enjoy the on-board outdoor court action hosting basketball, dodgeball, tennis and volleyball. Kids will adore the aqua park, Sapphire pools and age-specific kids’ clubs, while gym enthusiasts can choose from a range of classes, including Zumba and yoga. For family members looking to unwind and be pampered, the Mandara Spa and Spa Thermal Suite offer a full range of indulgent treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate passengers.

Guests will find the largest range of staterooms at sea aboard Norwegian Jewel, with options ranging from cost-effective inside staterooms to balcony staterooms, which will allow guests to enjoy superb views and private outdoor areas. Interconnecting rooms and multiple-bedroom suites are also available for families looking to stay together.

Australian families in the market for a truly indulgent experience – or seasonal celebration - will adore Norwegian Jewel’s ultra-exclusive ‘The Haven’, home to the line’s most exclusive suites and villas, with a private courtyard, spa, pool and deck area, as well as dedicated concierge services.

To book a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian’s local hotline, Australia: 1300 255 200, New Zealand: 0800 969 283, email resoffice@ncl.com or visit www.ncl.com.au