Asia cruise industry continues to grow at record pace

Washington, USA – Asia has been confirmed as the world’s fastest growing source of cruise passengers, with a new Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report showing the region experienced an unprecedented 24 per cent increase in passenger numbers last year.

 

According to CLIA’s Asia Cruise Trends study, the cruise industry in Asia is growing at a record pace, with 2.08 million people from the region taking an ocean cruise in 2015.

 

The report shows that China accounted for almost half the region’s cruise passengers, with 986,000 passengers from mainland China taking a cruise in 2015, up 40 per cent from 703,000 in 2014. This figure makes China the world’s fastest growing source nation for cruise passengers in 2015, with Australia ranking second with 14.6 per cent growth.

 

The report also confirms the continued growth in sailings in the region with 1560 sailings scheduled for 2016, up 43 per cent on last year.

 

“The cruise industry has been nimble and responded quickly to the demand for cruise travel in Asia by delivering cruise ships with amenities and experiences tailored to Asian travellers,” CLIA President and CEO Cindy D’Aoust said.

 

“Asian cruise travel has also become an enticing way for international guests to visit Asia’s fascinating destinations in a comfortable and convenient way.“

 

Commenting on the study, CLIA Australasia Managing Director Neil Linwood said the strong growth in the Asian region was good news for the local Australasian cruise industry.

 

“The growing number of people in Asia discovering the joys of a cruise holiday, means more potential customers for cruise ships sailing in our waters. It also opens the way for more ships, including newer and larger ships, to be deployed in Australia seasonally, complementing their Asian deployments,” Mr Linwood said.

 

Other key findings from the Asia Cruise Trends report include:

– Cruise ship increase – This year, 60 ocean cruise shipswill sail in Asia versus 43 ships in 2013, 15 per cent more ships than the 52 operating in 2015. Of the ships sailing this year, 14 operate year-round while another 12 have extended deployments in Asia.

 

– More cruises offered – There has been a significant increase in the number of days cruise ships are in operation, from 4307 operating days in 2013 to 7918 in 2016.

 

– Capacity boost – The capacity to carry passengers continues to grow, surging by 51 per cent in 2016. As a result, the overall passenger capacity on ocean cruise ships will reach 3.2 million in 2016.

 

– Increase in Chinese cruisers – From 2012 to 2015, the number of Chinese passengers grew at an annual compounded rate of 66 per cent.

 

– Shorter cruises preferred – Passengers from the region continue to prefer shorter ocean cruise lengths. In 2015, almost 30 per cent of passengers continued to choose cruises two to three nights in length and half chose four to six night cruises (83 per cent of those originating in China). Almost a fifth of passengers chose extended cruises of seven to 13 nights. As a result, the average length of cruises offered in the region has increased slightly from 5.2 nights in 2014 to 5.3 nights in 2015.

 

– Destination demand – Cruising in the region includes more than 204 destinations across 17 countries, making travelling by cruise ship one of the easiest ways to see multiple destinations throughout Asia. While the introduction of new ports throughout Asia is great for travellers, it is also great for local economies, bringing more visitors to Asian destinations.
 

– Japan is again the biggest destination country with 1526 port calls in 2016, followed by China (850), South Korea (745), Vietnam (466) Malaysia (422) and Singapore (391).
 

– The most visited port in 2016 will be Jeju Island, South Korea (460 calls), closely followed by Shanghai (437), Singapore (391) and Fukuoka (258).

 

– Asian exploration– While Asian outbound tourism is exploding around the world, the study found that Asian cruisers are primarily exploring Asian destinations. More thaneight out of ten Asian passengers(84 per cent) cruised within Asia. The remaining 16 per cent flew to cruise destinations outside the region, primarily in Europe with 74 per cent of the international volume, followed by Alaska and the Caribbean. From Japan, 23 per cent are travelling outside Asia, along with 30 per cent from India. Only 3.6 per cent of Chinese cruisers travel outside Asia.

 

– Under 40 cruisers–38 per cent of all cruisers in the region are aged below 40 years.

 

– Attracting the Asian traveller– Cruise lines have recognised the need to bring their best ships and amenities to the region. New onboard offerings tailored to the Asian guests include inclusive onboard activities aimed at multi-generational families, high-end shopping, languages,adapted menus to include familiar favourites and regional cuisine, cabin amenities and high-tech features.