Asian cruise sector sets new record

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) has released a new “2018 Asia Cruise Trends” report, indicating more than four million travellers from Asian source markets cruised last year.

The figure was up 20.6% yearon-year, with Asia accounting for about 15% of total global ocean passenger volume in 2017.

CLIA Australasia & Asia md Joel Katz said the year of “exceptional growth” saw cruise lines continue to deploy significant capital in the region, including brand new, large cruise ships purpose-built for Asian consumers.

“2018 is expected to deliver another year of growth as Asian travellers increasingly recognise cruising as an easy, relaxing and great value for money way to travel,” Katz said.

The report, produced in collaboration with Ted Blamey’s Chart Management Consultants, aggregates data from mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as several smaller countries in the region.

Growth in passenger numbers from mainland China slowed, but the country still contributed 59% of Asian passengers.

Overall cruise capacity in Asia will decline 2% this year due to strong demand for ships in other parts of the world, with the most popular destinations including Japan, China and Thailand.

Asian cruisers preferred cruises of four-six days, & were younger than other regions with an average age of 44 - cliaasia.org.