Cruise Market Watch releases 2010 cruise industry market statistics based on current economic conditions and anticipated new ship builds.
Among the 2010 highlights:
- Total worldwide cruise passenger capacity will increase 6.9% over 2009.
- Annualized total passengers carried worldwide in 2010 are estimated at 18.4 million.
- The total worldwide cruise market is estimated at $26.8 billion, a 7.4% increase from 2009.
The majority of the increases are attributed to cruise lines significantly increasing passenger capacity with the addition of new ships. Additionally, pricing pressures to fill them in 2010 will be mitigated due to improved consumer confidence. Ticket prices and onboard spending are expected to improve modestly compared to 2009, although they will still remain below 2008 levels. Average cruise revenue per passenger (APCD) for 2010 for all cruise lines worldwide is projected to be $207.68, with $156.80 ticket price and $50.88 onboard spending. In addition, growth of international passengers will outpace North American cruise passenger growth on a percentage basis, and a weakening U.S. dollar will strengthen overseas earnings.
The combination of an attractive vacation value and marketing buzz surrounding new ship designs will provide opportunity to introduce new cruisers to the cruising experience. This will stimulate market growth for the industry through 2013. The end of 2013 projects passengers carried to reach 21.3 million, a 15.7% increase from 2010.
With cruise line stocks Carnival Corp (NYSE: CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) trading over 50% and 150% above their price 52-weeks ago (and even further above March 2009 lows) most of these positives are already baked into current share prices although events are still bullish long term for the industry. All the cruise ships in the entire world filled at capacity all year long still only amount to less than ½ of the total number of visitors to Las Vegas – that single city in the desert. The flexibility to move the ships to match demand and where the best yields can be achieved is a distinct advantage.
Photo Source: gabriele82 on Flickr
The cruise line industry, like the growth of cities, will expand to fill every port-of-call, every harbor and every coastline-of-interest, in a “strip mall fashion” if global planning, appropriate regulation and responsible utilization of environmental and cultural resources is not managed wisely.
This Global expansion has great potential in tourism facilitation and resource management if done well!
Caril Ridley
I’ve been on the Oasis for 9 days (2 day inaugural and a 7 day Eastern Caribbean) and can attest that this ship will revolutionize the entire industry. With its 7 distinct neighborhoods and super easy egress the ship appears to be much more cozy and quaint than ships much smaller in size. The entertainment is just short of the best of Vegas and the dining varities will well suit any gourmet traveler. Check mate, Mickey….
Well said Mickey – per our discussion watch for your quote in the upcoming edition of Maritime Executive!
Can I get a copy of the Cruise Industry highlights 2010 report ???
Hello Anita, please refer to the home page:)