2022 has shown itself to be an excellent year of recovery for the tourism industry as a whole after the Covid-19 pandemic. This statement is particularly true of the leisure segment. Within this segment, the cruise industry is going from strength to strength in its comeback. In 2022, bookings picked up against pre-crisis levels and many operators are opening new experiences for 2023. Such a renaissance is not unremarkable for an industry that suffered from several high-profile Covid-19 quarantine incidents, such as Diamond Princess, in 2020. Let us take a look at the signs of recovery, the future development plans of industry players from Europe to North America, the new ecological measures being implemented, and other trends blossoming in the world of cruises.
In October 2022, consumer sentiment data released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the trade association for the global cruise industry, showed appetite for cruise travel to be greater now than in 2019. 84% said they intend to cruise again, vs 79% in 2019 , and of those who had never taken a cruise, 67% said they were open to trying it. One reason given for this growth by the CLIA is the perceived sustainability of the sector. “After the pandemic-related drop, the industry is steadily recovering, and the forecast is to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023. This is also thanks to the sector’s commitment to sustainability, both in terms of the environment and responsible tourism”, shared Maria Deligianni, National Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA.
More and more destinations are beginning to open up again to the world following strict Covid protocols. New Caledonia, for example, welcomed its first cruise liner in two and half years in October of this year when P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer docked in Nouméa. In a similar vein, Caribbean Cruises announced a strong reservations bounce after the lifting of health protocols in 2022. Third quarter of the current year outperformed the same period in 2021 and already bookings for Q3 of 2023 are double that of the second quarter. Indeed, the company’s executives are saying that reservation behaviour amongst its clients has returned to that of 2019. The company’s Q3 2022 EBITDA was $742.3 million, versus a net loss of $704 million in Q3 2021.
Much like Caribbean Cruises, Scenic are also looking to 2023 full of confidence. The company has invested in a new ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, which will take to the seas in April of next year. Scenic Eclipse II will boast a 5,920 ft² Senses Spa, saunas, a steam room, plunge pools...
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