Last year, 31.5 million passengers (higher than pre-pandemic) set sail. The industry projects that 34 million will do so, this year.

Unsurprisingly, cruise fares are at an average all-time high.

Most major brands have multiple ships on order. NCL, for example has new ships scheduled for three of its brand, over the next 12 years:

8 for the Norwegian brand
2 for the luxury Oceana
2 for the ultra luxury Regent Seven Seas

The Cruise Line International Assiciation (CLIA) released some data, from recent years:

Demand continues to grow by 10% annually, and is projected to continue through 2028.

In the past two years, 27% of passengers were new to cruising.

Almost a third were traveling with at least two generations of family members; 28% were with at least three generations.

Demand for exploration and expedition cruising had grown by 71%.