Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has revealed that 57,973 people from Ireland set sail on a cruise in 2023, up 40pc on the 41,589 who cruised in 2022 and up 20pc from the previous record 48,276 in 2019.
Combining Ireland’s figures with England:
- The Mediterranean remains the number one destination for cruise travellers. Of the top three destinations in 2023, 35pc of passengers travelled to the Mediterranean, 29pc to Northern Europe and 12pc to the Caribbean.
- Exploration destinations have seen a 53pc increase in passenger numbers year-on-year.
- The average age of cruisers is decreasing: at 55.1 years old in 2023 it is down from 56.1 in 2022.
- The average cruise length increased to 10.1 days, up from 9.8 the previous year.
- 28pc of cruisers are part of a wider multigenerational party, comprising three or more age groups
- 65pc of passengers enjoyed a pre-cruise stay in their departure destination, while 52pc stayed on after their sailing.
A survey of 4500 international holidaymakers revealed:
- 82pc of cruise passengers say they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 3pc increase from 2019.
- 71pc of those who have never cruised before would consider doing so.
Overall capacity is up 3.6pc with 300 ships set to sail this year. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “cruise holidays have never been more popular in Ireland and our latest figures reflect this increasing demand. A sea escape has clearly captured the imagination of a wide range of travellers and we’re anticipating that upward trend to continue.”
