European Cruise Industry: More than 6 million Europeans to a cruise vacation in 2012

Cruise Ships lined up in Istanbul harbor

More Europeans than ever booked a cruise in 2012 with the number reaching a record of 6.139 million The continuing positive growth, despite the economic crisis, has resulted in a doubling of the size of cruise market in Europe in just  8 years.

The long term trend shows strong European growth – 5 year annual average shows 8% growth in Europe compared with 6% in Caribbean and the rest of the world. Since the economic crisis in Europe began we have seen 38% growth in the number of Europeans taking a cruise. This average annual growth rate is comparable to the growth rate of China (9.3%).

As in previous years 4 out of 5 Europeans chose a cruise in Europe with the Mediterranean being the most popular destination for Europeans, which saw 3.5 million European passengers visiting the region. However, the noticeable trend in Europe was increasing popularity of ‘cool water’ cruising in Northern Europe, which experienced an increase of 10% from 1.216 million to 1.333 million passengers.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of CLIA Europe said: “2012 was a good year for the European cruise industry, especially in view of the challenges the year presented, not least the double dip recession in much of the Europe. The doubling in the number of Europeans booking a cruise in the past 8 years reflects the fact that the European cruise industry provides quality, innovation, value and great range of choice. We very much look forward to seeing that growth continue this year, and the associated economic benefits that this will bring to Europe.”

Read more: European Cruise Council