The growth of the cruise industry
The global cruise industry is experiencing significant growth, with passenger numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels and reaching 37.2 million last year. Despite the industry's economic contribution, it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding safety and environmental impact.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion of the cruise sector highlights shifting global tourism trends and the economic reliance of port cities on maritime travel.
Last week Dublin Port welcomed Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Voyager, which was wrapping up a ten-night cruise from Reykjavik. The ship’s arrival also happened to mark the end of Dublin’s 2026 cruise ship season.
Meanwhile the Port of Cork will welcome three cruise liners in the coming days – bringing its season to an end.
Cruises have become an increasingly important part of the Port of Cork’s business – with the regular arrival of ships, and their thousands of passengers, estimated to contribute more than €17m to the local economy.
But cruises have become an increasingly significant part of the global tourism industry as a whole.
According to Cruise Lines International Association, there were 37.2 million passengers on ocean-going cruise ships last year.
That’s a more-than 25% increase on the numbers that travelled pre-pandemic, in 2019.
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