Cruise Industry Forecasts 50 Million Guests by 2036

The 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report released today outlines a bullish decade ahead, projecting that the global cruise business will grow by at least 20% in the next ten years. 

With an estimated 39 million guests taking to the seas this year alone, the industry is on a high-growth trajectory to reach 50 million annual passengers by 2036. This expansion is being driven by an 80 billion dollar orderbook consisting of 78 new ocean-going ships, with major players like MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean leading the charge in new berth capacity.

MSC Cruises stands out as the fastest-growing brand in the report, with 10 newbuilds currently on order, including additional World-class vessels designed for high-capacity luxury. These ships are engineering marvels, utilizing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and shore-power connectivity to meet stringent environmental regulations. 

Simultaneously, Disney Cruise Line is accelerating its expansion, with plans to more than double its current fleet size by 2031 to extend its reach into new global markets in Asia and Australia. This aggressive fleet renewal is a bold signal of confidence in the long-term demand for sea-based vacations.

The report also addresses the sustainability challenge, noting that the average age of the global fleet is dropping rapidly as older, less efficient ships are sold or scrapped. The adoption of green technologies is no longer optional, as zero-emission zones in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia force the hand of operators. 

By 2036, the industry expects a significant portion of the fleet to be ready for methanol or hydrogen propulsion. This technological pivot is essential for maintaining the social license to operate in environmentally sensitive destinations.

Regional growth is another key theme, with Asia and the Middle East emerging as the next frontiers for cruising throughout the year. Infrastructure investments in Jeddah, Dubai, and Singapore are opening up new corridors for winter sun escapes, reducing the industry's over-reliance on the Caribbean market.