In 2024, the number of global cruise passengers increased by **** percent over the previous year, totaling **** million. This figure was forecast to grow steadily in the following years, reaching an estimated **** million in 2028. What are the most popular cruise destinations worldwide? Cruises travel to nearly all parts of the world, from local coastal destinations to remote places such as Antarctica. Some cruises may last only a few days, but others may last weeks or months as they travel across entire oceans or even take a trip around the world. In 2024, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda were the most popular cruise destinations worldwide. That year, Central and Western Mediterranean countries reported the second-highest passenger volume. Which are the global leading cruise companies? Two of the largest cruise companies worldwide are Carnival Corporation & plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises, both based in the United States. In 2024, Carnival Corporation & plc's global revenue amounted to ** billion U.S. dollars, the highest figure reported by the company to date. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s global revenue also reached an all-time high, exceeding ** billion U.S. dollars.

The global cruise operations management market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing tourism, and a growing preference for leisure travel experiences. The market is segmented by age demographics (19 and below, 20-39, 40-49, 60 and above), cruise types (contemporary, premium, luxury, others), and geographical regions. While the provided data lacks specific market size figures, a reasonable estimate, based on publicly available information on the cruise industry's pre-pandemic performance and recovery trajectory, suggests a 2025 market size of approximately $30 billion. Considering a projected CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) – let's assume a conservative 7% based on industry recovery and projected growth – the market is poised for significant expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). Key growth drivers include the introduction of innovative cruise itineraries, technological advancements enhancing onboard experiences (e.g., personalized services, digital platforms), and the expansion of cruise lines into new markets. However, potential restraints include fluctuating fuel prices, geopolitical instability impacting travel patterns, and the ongoing impact of environmental concerns on the sustainability of the cruise industry. The North American market currently holds a substantial share, fueled by strong domestic demand and significant tourism from other regions. However, the Asia-Pacific region presents a compelling growth opportunity given its rising middle class and increasing interest in cruise vacations. The premium and luxury cruise segments are expected to witness higher growth rates compared to the contemporary segment due to the increasing demand for personalized and high-end services. The competitive landscape is characterized by established players like Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Corporation & plc (Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises), and Disney Cruise Line, along with emerging players vying for market share. Strategic alliances, acquisitions, and investments in new technologies are key competitive strategies. Companies are focusing on enhancing customer experiences, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring sustainability to maintain their competitive edge. The industry is also adapting to evolving consumer preferences, such as offering shorter cruise itineraries and catering to specific niche markets. A successful strategy for cruise operations management companies lies in adapting to the changing dynamics of the travel industry, while maintaining a focus on safety, sustainability, and exceptional customer service. Future growth will depend on overcoming challenges and successfully capitalizing on emerging opportunities in a dynamic global market.

China 20 Major Ports: Ship Departure Number: Passenger Cruise Ship data was reported at 1.000 Unit in 01 Dec 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.000 Unit for 30 Nov 2025. China 20 Major Ports: Ship Departure Number: Passenger Cruise Ship data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 Unit from Jan 2019 (Median) to 01 Dec 2025, with 2527 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.000 Unit in 27 Sep 2025 and a record low of 0.000 Unit in 30 Nov 2025. China 20 Major Ports: Ship Departure Number: Passenger Cruise Ship data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Transportation and Storage Sector – Table CN.TDM: Elane Shipping Statistics: 20 Major Ports: Ship Departure.

Between 2025 and 2035 the United Kingdom river cruise market is expected to rise at a massive rate due to the growing popularity of slow travel, a demand for premium and experiential tourism, as well as the growing aging population that has greater disposable income.

Metric	Value
Market Size in 2025	USD 488.6 Million
Projected Market Size in 2035	USD 1007.03 Million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	7.5%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
England	7.8%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
England	7.8%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Wales	7.4%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Northern Ireland	7.5%

Company/Organization Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Viking River Cruises UK	20-25%
Riviera Travel River Cruises	15-20%
Saga River Cruises	12-16%
Scenic River Cruises	8-12%
Emerald Cruises	5-9%
Others	30-40%

Snapshot img

Luxury Travel Market Size 2025-2029

The luxury travel market size is valued to increase USD 519.6 billion, at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2029. Increasing disposable incomes will drive the luxury travel market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 29% growth during the forecast period.
By Type - Adventure segment was valued at USD 444.60 billion in 2023
By Consumer - Domestic segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 63.62 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 519.60 billion
CAGR : 6.7%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The market encompasses a continually evolving landscape shaped by core technologies and applications, service types, and regional trends. Technological innovations, such as virtual concierge services and mobile apps, enhance the travel experience for affluent consumers. In the realm of luxury services, trends like sustainable tourism and personalized experiences are gaining traction. However, the market faces challenges, including inconsistent service quality and increasing competition. For instance, according to Skift, the luxury travel sector accounts for approximately 7% of global tourism expenditures. Trending sectors within luxury travel include sports tourism, offering unique experiences for travelers seeking adventure and exclusivity. Despite these challenges, the market presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, where disposable incomes are on the rise.

What will be the Size of the Luxury Travel Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Luxury Travel Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The luxury travel industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Adventure
  Personalized
  Cruising and yachting
  Culinary
  Others


Consumer

  Domestic
  International


Age

  21-30 Years
  31-40 Years
  41-60 Years
  60 and Above


Accomodation Type

  Luxury Hotels & Resorts
  Private Villas & Rentals
  Luxury Cruises
  Boutique Hotels


Traveler Type

  Individual
  Group


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The adventure segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the luxury travel sector, helicopter tours, five-star resorts, and personalized travel planning continue to dominate the market. According to recent statistics, luxury accommodations account for 35% of the total bookings, while helicopter tours have seen a 25% increase in demand. Cultural immersion tours, such as historical site visits and sustainable tourism practices, are also gaining popularity, with a 17% rise in bookings. Personalized travel planning, including bespoke itineraries, concierge services, and VIP airport transfers, is another significant trend, accounting for 20% of the market. Luxury cruise lines, private yacht charters, and luxury train travel cater to the high-end hospitality segment, which is expected to expand by 12% in the coming years.

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The Adventure segment was valued at USD 444.60 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Adventure travel, including safari adventures, wildlife viewing, guided hiking excursions, and adventure packages, is on the rise, with a 21% growth expectation. Luxury villa rentals, fine dining experiences, and luxury car rentals are other key offerings, contributing to the market's continuous growth. Responsible travel and exclusive travel experiences are becoming increasingly important to discerning travelers. Market players, such as Classic Journeys, are responding by offering a wide range of adventure travel packages across various countries and diverse activities. The market is poised for ongoing expansion, with a projected 18% increase in demand for luxury travel experiences.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 29% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

See How Luxury Travel Market Demand is Rising in APAC Request Free Sample

The European the market experiences continuous expansion due to several factors. With an increasing number of baby boomers in Europe, there is a growing preference for multigenerational and customized vaca

BASE YEAR	2024
HISTORICAL DATA	2019 - 2023
REGIONS COVERED	North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA
REPORT COVERAGE	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
MARKET SIZE 2024	1755.9(USD Million)
MARKET SIZE 2025	1812.0(USD Million)
MARKET SIZE 2035	2500.0(USD Million)
SEGMENTS COVERED	Application, Type, Capacity, Material, Regional
COUNTRIES COVERED	US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of South America, GCC, South Africa, Rest of MEA
KEY MARKET DYNAMICS	Growing maritime safety regulations, Increase in offshore activities, Technological advancements in lifeboat design, Rising demand from shipbuilding industry, Enhanced focus on emergency preparedness
MARKET FORECAST UNITS	USD Million
KEY COMPANIES PROFILED	Fassmer, Lloyds Register, Norsafe, Fjord Maritime, DNV GL, Marine Safety Products, Ocean Safety, TTS Group, Wilhelmsen, Viking LifeSaving Equipment, Survitec, Lifeboat Solutions, Kongsberg Gruppen, Holland America Line, Wartsila, Naval Group
MARKET FORECAST PERIOD	2025 - 2035
KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES	Increasing maritime regulations compliance, Growth in offshore energy sector, Rise in passenger cruise industry, Demand for advanced safety features, Expansion in emerging markets
COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR)	3.2% (2025 - 2035)

This accession contains 73 sets of data collected as part of Shipboard Environmental data Acquisition System (SEAS) III program in North Pacific Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico. The cruises were conducted using 27 different ships. The bathythermograph (XBT) data was collected between October 11, 1986 and November 30, 1991. The data was sent from the cruise ships to the National Ocean Service, Rockville, MD via telecommunication. This data is currently available in the C116 file format of NODC.

This accession contains 26 sets of data collected as part of Shipboard Environmental data Acquisition System (SEAS) IV program. The data was collected using 14 different ships. The bathythermograph (XBT) data was collected between April 23, 1995 and October 30, 1995. The data was sent from the cruise ships to the National Ocean Service (NOS), Rockville, MD via telecommunication. This data was received at NODC via Chris Noe of NOS.

Conductivity Temperature and Depth (CTD) measurements were collected aboard NOAA Ship Pisces, Cruise 12, Leg 2, to determine physical oceanographic parameters of the water column, and in some cases used to help guide sample collection as part of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill sampling effort. Temperature, conductivity/salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, and fluorometry data were collected onboard NOAA Ship Pisces, Cruise 10, Leg 1. The final product is a series of NetCDF files containing every CTD cast that has been processed and quality checked.

This accession contains 26 sets of data collected as part of Shipboard Environmental data Acquisition System (SEAS) IV program. The data from 14 cruises were collected using over 20 ships. The bathythermograph (XBT) data was collected between February 5, 1993 and September 25, 1995. The data was sent from the cruise ships to the National Ocean Service (NOS), Rockville, MD via telecommunication. This data was received at NODC via Chris Noe of NOS.

This NCEI Accession includes Partial pressure (or fugacity) of carbon dioxide, water temperature, salinity and other variables collected from surface underway observations during NOAA Ship Oceanographer, NOAA Ship Discoverer, and R/V Akademik Korolyov cruises in the Pacific and Indian Oceans from 1986-05-21 to 1989-04-20. These cruises were conducted under support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Carbon dioxide measurements in the atmosphere and in surface water were made by analyzing of mixing ratios of CO2 with an automated, temperature-controlled gas chromatographic system described by Murphy et al. (1991) and Bates et al. (1993). Instrument precision was determined by the average percent standard deviation of the standard response over a 6-hour period. The precision varied between cruises but was always less than 1.2% and was more typically around 0.4%. Air was pumped through 3/8-inch diameter, plastic-coated, aluminum tubing from the jackstaff on the bow of the ship (10 meters above the sea surface) to the oceanographic laboratory for analysis. Surface seawater entered the ship via a forward intake line located approximately 5 meters below the water level.

This dataset contains video products from NOAA Ship McArthur and Human Occupied Vehicle DeepWorker 2000 in Monterey Bay from 2000-07-07 to 2000-07-08. This expedition is the second leg of the third cruise in the National Marine Sanctuaries 2000 field season which is part of the 5 year Sustainable Seas Expeditions. Together, the Sustainable Seas projects focus on underwater exploration and discovery of the marine world with special emphasis on the national marine sanctuaries of the United States.

This NCEI Accession consists of surface underway measurements of partial pressure (or fugacity) of carbon dioxide (seawater and atmospheric), ISFET-based pH (total scale), temperature, and salinity collected on 5 trans-Pacific sections during the container ship Cap Blanche ship-of-opportunity (SOOP) cruises in the Pacific Ocean from 2018-01-12 to 2018-09-04. Cruise names and EXPOCODEs: CB2018_01 (AG5W20180112), CB2018_03 (AG5W20180309), CB2018_05 (AG5W20180502), CB2018_07 (AG5W20180630), CB2018_09 (AG5W20180827). Since 1992, underway CO2 observations have been made between New Zealand and the U.S. West Coast. In 2010, ISFET-based pH measurements (total scale) were added to this equatorial Pacific SOOP-based time-series. All pH data, when available, are reported on the total scale and at SST. This effort was conducted with the support of NOAA's Ocean Observing and Monitoring Division in the Climate Program Office (CPO) and NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program (OAP).

This dataset contains video products from NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter and Human Occupied Vehicle DeepWorker 2000 along the West Florida Shelf from 2000-08-08 to 2000-08-09. This expedition is the first leg of the fourth cruise in the National Marine Sanctuaries 2000 field season which is part of the 5 year Sustainable Seas Expeditions. Together, the Sustainable Seas projects focus on underwater exploration and discovery of the marine world with special emphasis on the national marine sanctuaries of the United States.

This dataset contains video products from NOAA Ship McArthur and Human Occupied Vehicle DeepWorker 2000 in the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary from 2000-07-14 to 2000-07-19. This expedition is the third leg of the second cruise in the National Marine Sanctuaries 2000 field season which is part of the 5 year Sustainable Seas Expeditions. Together, the Sustainable Seas projects focus on underwater exploration and discovery of the marine world with special emphasis on the national marine sanctuaries of the United States.

This NCEI Accession contains the compiled data product of profile, discrete biogeochemical measurements from 35 individual cruise data sets collected from a variety of ships in the southern Salish Sea and northern California Current System (Washington state marine waters) from 2008-02-04 to 2018-10-19. Water-column time-series stations were occupied in the Salish Sea and adjoining northern California Current System coastal waters in Washington State. Each cruise was designed to obtain a synoptic or targeted snapshot of key carbon, physical, and other biogeochemical parameters as they relate to ocean acidification (OA) in Washington's estuarine and/or coastal environments. Two predominant subsets of sampling stations were occupied: 1) Puget Sound stations, wherein all basins within the sound and across the sill at its inlet are sampled, and have recurred regularly in April, July, and September since 2014; and 2) "Sound-to-Sea" cruises, associated with servicing the Ćháʔba· ocean acidification mooring off La Push, Washington, and including sampling at a suite of CTD stations located between Seattle and the mooring site off the coast, occurring most frequently in May and October. At all sampling stations, CTD casts were conducted to measure temperature, conductivity, pressure, and oxygen concentrations using CTD and oxygen sensors. Discrete water samples were collected throughout the water column at all stations in Niskin bottles. Laboratory analyses were run to measure dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), oxygen, and nutrient concentrations and total alkalinity. More information, including a map of stations occupied during each cruise (and other Salish cruises), full-resolution CTD downcast data for all stations sampled, chlorophyll and phaeopigment concentrations, and other sensor data, can be found at nvs.nanoos.org/CruiseSalish by exploring the Map, Data, and Plots tabs. Maps of stations sampled during each cruise, along with the full discrete sample data set for each cruise, can be found by exploring the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information landing page at https://www.nodc.noa.gov/ocads/oceans/SalishCruises_2008_2018.html for this compiled data product and pages linked therein. This effort was conducted in support of the estuarine and coastal monitoring and research objectives of the University of Washington Puget Sound Regional Synthesis Model (PRISM), the Washington Ocean Acidification Center (WOAC), the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory's Carbon Group, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Acidification Program and conforms to climate-quality monitoring guidelines of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (goa-on.org). For any questions about appropriate use or limitations of the data set, please contact Drs. Simone Alin and Jan Newton at email addresses above.

This NCEI Accession contains profile discrete measurements of dissolved inorganic carbon, total alkalinity, ph on total scale, temperature, salinity, nutrients, and oxygen collected during NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow cruise HB1902 (EXPOCODE 33HH20190522) in Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Mid-Atlantic Bight from 2019-05-22 to 2019-06-06. Increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide from human industrial activities are causing changes in global ocean carbon chemistry ultimately resulting in a reduction in pH, a process termed ocean acidification. Studies have demonstrated adverse effects on calcifying organisms, particularly some invertebrates, corals, sea urchins, pteropods, and coccolithophores, but also on species of commercial interest such as oysters or crabs. In support of the coastal monitoring and research objectives of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), the Ecosystem Monitoring Cruises (ECOMON) are utilized to collect water samples to measure water column inorganic carbon and hydrographic parameters including nutrients. Samples are collected at three depths (surface, mid-depth and near bottom) at select stations on a quarterly basis in the northeastern Atlantic continental shelf region off the United States. Water samples are sent to and analyzed by scientists at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) for dissolved inorganic carbon, pH and total alkalinity concentrations. Additional samples are analyzed for nutrient concentrations at the University of Maine. These data are used to monitor short-long term coastal ocean acidification trends.

This NCEI Accession includes discrete sample and profile data collected during the R/V Meteor GO-SHIP A06 cruise (EXPOCODE 06MT20140317) in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean from 2014-03-17 to 2014-04-14. These data include temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, chlorofluorocarbons, nutrients and other measurements. R/V Meteor Cruise was aimed at studying biogeochemical and physical processes in the tropical/subtropical Atlantic Ocean. Observations were carried out in the entire water column, from the sea floor to the sea surface.

This NCEI Accession consists of surface underway measurements of partial pressure (or fugacity) of carbon dioxide (seawater and atmospheric), ISFET-based pH (total scale), temperature, and salinity collected on 5 trans-Pacific sections during the container ship Cap Blanche ship-of-opportunity (SOOP) cruises in the Pacific Ocean from 2016-10-19 to 2017-17-17. Cruise names and EXPOCODEs: CB2016_10 (AG5W20161019), CB2017_01 (AG5W20170115), CB2017_03 (AG5W20170312), CB2017_05 (AG5W20170507), CB2017_11 (AG5W20171117). Since 1992, underway CO2 observations have been made between New Zealand and the U.S. West Coast. In 2010, ISFET-based pH measurements (total scale) were added to this equatorial Pacific SOOP-based time-series. All pH data, when available, are reported on the total scale and at SST. This effort was conducted with the support of NOAA's Ocean Observing and Monitoring Division in the Climate Program Office (CPO) and NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program (OAP).

This NCEI accession consists of sea surface underway measurements of partial pressure of carbon dioxide, temperature, salinity and barometric pressure during the Ship of Opportunity (SOOP) C/S Allure of the Seas cruise lines in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic Ocean in from 2020-01-05 to 2020-03-09. In 2015, the Ocean Carbon Group at NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) installed an autonomous instrument to measure CO2 levels in surface water and air on the Cruise Ship (C/S) Allure of the Seas.