CLIA report shows ‘more cruise destinations’ in Asia

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the 2019 Asia Cruise Deployment and Capacity Report, detailing Asia’s planned cruise activity in 2019.

In a report that aims to provide stakeholders with actionable and meaningful information, CLIA details Asia’s planned cruise activity in 2019, recording activity in the dynamic region.

According to CLIA’s data, 2019 will see a total of 1,917 sailings, and generate capacity for 4.02 million passengers to cruise in Asia. This year’s total passenger capacity has been reduced by 5.7% year-on-year after several years of rapid expansion. The decline was mainly due to the reduction of short cruise itinerary options from mainland China. Nevertheless, 2019 will still see 79 ships from 39 cruise brands sailing in Asia, a similar level to last year.

“The popularity of cruising in Asia is expected to grow further over coming years”

Joel Katz, managing director for CLIA Australasia & Asia, said: “The popularity of cruising in Asia is expected to grow further over coming years as cruise lines deploy new, larger vessels that have been purpose-built for Asian consumers. The coming generation of ships will replace older ships previously based in Asia, and when coupled with new cruise infrastructure in several Asian destinations are expected to fuel strong interest among travellers. The result is likely to be a return to growth for cruising in Asia after a slight decline this year.”

306 different destinations in Asia will receive cruise ships in 2019, an increase from the 288 destinations in 2018. Ships in Asia increasingly call at more places, increasing the range of choice for passengers.

Asia will also see a slight rise in passenger destination days. The 13 million passenger destination days forecast in 2019 will translate to more potential onshore visits from cruise passengers, creating a stronger tourism impact for the destinations across the region.