Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2023, by source market

The global volume of cruise travelers experienced a sharp annual increase in 2023. That year, the number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide reached nearly 32 million, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Overall, North America was the leading source market for the global cruise industry in 2023, with around 18 million passengers. Meanwhile, Western Europe reported the second-highest figure, with roughly 7.7 million cruise passengers. 

What are the leading ocean cruise destinations worldwide?

While North America was the major source market for global cruise tourism in 2023, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda were the leading ocean cruise destinations worldwide that year, welcoming just under 13 million passengers. Central and Western Mediterranean destinations followed in the ranking in 2023, recording approximately four million cruise travelers. 

How big is the global cruise market?

According to Statista Market Insights, the cruise market's global revenue surpassed 25 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, nearly catching up with the figure reported in 2019, before the impact of COVID-19. Breaking down the cruise market's revenue worldwide by channel shows that the offline channel plays an important role for this industry, generating over three-quarters of revenue in 2023.