Cruise lines on course for continued growth at ITB Berlin
The cruise market is set for strong growth in the years ahead, and the presence of the segment at ITB Berlin this year reflects this upward trend.
Cruises are gaining in popularity around the world. According to the report of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) published in May 2024, the global cruise market attracted 31.7 million passengers in 2023, up 6.8% over 2019 numbers. North America represented the bulk of the cruise market in 2023 with a total of 18.1 million passengers (up 17.5% over 2019), followed by Europe with 8.2 million passengers (up 6.5% over 2019) and Asia with 2.3 million passengers (down 37.3% over 2019).
The impact of cruises according to CLIA remains tremendous and is poised for further growth in the years to come as the demand remains strong. In a study over the global economic impact published last November, CLIA revealed that the cruise industry generated $168.6 billion (roughly €160.4 billion) in total economic impact globally, a 9% increase over 2019. Cruises also contribute $85.6 billion (roughly €81.42 billion) to global GDP, with growth outpacing that of the global economy.
As the cruise sector continues to grow, so does the industry’s commitment to sustainable tourism and destination stewardship. CLIA is working to optimise cruise tourism in the destinations they visit and applying solutions in line with the sustainable development goals of the sector.
This dynamic of the sector is meanwhile reflected in the high number of cruise lines at ITB Berlin 2025. Hall 25 features a dozen or so cruise companies, including AIDA, Carnival Corporation, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and more. Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Disney, Arosa and Hurtigruten are also present with larger stands this year. Other cruise companies are located by geographical locations in various halls across the show.
