cruise ship marine growth

Passengers to be compensated after cruise ship denied entry to Australian, NZ ports due to 'marine growth' on hull

Hundreds of passengers on a cruise ship arriving at the Port of Melbourne on Monday evening are expected to set foot on dry land for the first time in more than a week after a build-up of marine creatures and plants was cleaned off its hull.

Key points:

• The Viking Orion was due to dock in Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart and Adelaide after departing Wellington
• It was denied permission due to a build-up of "biofoul" on its hull, with passengers stuck on board
• The vessel pulled into the Port of Melbourne on Monday evening after being cleaned by divers off the SA coast

The Viking Orion, a 227-metre cruise ship which can carry up to 930 passengers, was cleaned by divers on Sunday about 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) off the coast of the South Australian town of Victor Harbor.

The luxury vessel, which is only four years old, hadn't docked since casting off from Wellington in New Zealand on Boxing Day, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder.com .

It was reportedly denied permission to dock in Christchurch, Dunedin and Hobart before setting course for Adelaide.

Before it could arrive there, Australia's National Maritime Coordination Centre established that the ship had small amounts of biofoul — marine microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals — on its hull.

Authorities then ordered the Viking Orion's agent to have its hull cleaned before entering Australian waters.

"The vessel is required to undergo hull cleaning to remove the biofoul and prevent potentially harmful marine organisms being transported by the vessel," the federal fisheries department said in a statement over the weekend.

"Professional divers were engaged directly by the vessel line/agent to clean the hull while at anchor outside Australian waters.

"The management of biofoul is a common practice for all arriving international vessels."

Passengers on board the ship have been airing their complaints on social media over the course of the voyage, with one writing on Twitter: "After 2 years of waiting, Viking disappoints. Great food but poor ship hygiene. Buyer beware."

"I have cried repeatedly for both the significant financial hit after saving for 2 years and the loss of memories and experiences with my dad," wrote another.

The ship's master, Marko Snajdar, wrote a letter to passengers on Friday apologising for the situation.

"We acknowledge that the current cruise falls short of your expectations," he wrote.

"Viking is interested in keeping you as lifetime travellers, and we hope to see you under less exceptional circumstances on one of our ships in the future."

A Viking representative said the company was "working directly with guests on compensation for the impact to their voyage".

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Rough seas or smooth sailing? The cruise industry is booming despite environmental concerns

Professor and Director, Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Toronto Metropolitan University

Teaching Faculty, Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University

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Cruise ship season is officially underway in British Columbia. The season kicked off with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss on April 3 — the first of 318 ships that are scheduled to dock in Victoria this year. Victoria saw a record 970,000 passengers arrive in 2023, with more expected in 2024.

The cruise industry was badly hit by the suspension of cruise operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Fuelled by heavy consumer demand and industry innovation, cruising has made a comeback. It is now one of the fastest-growing sectors, rebounding even faster than international tourism.

While many predicted a difficult recovery , a recent industry report shows a remarkable post-pandemic rebound . Two million more people went on cruises in 2023 versus 2019, with demand predicted to top 35 million in 2024.

But environmental issues plague the sector’s revival. Are they an indication of rough seas ahead? Or will a responsive industry mean smooth sailing?

Cruising has long been criticized for being Janus-faced : on the surface, cruises are convenient, exciting holidays with reputed economic benefits. But lurking underneath are its negative environmental and social impacts .

Unprecedented growth

Newly constructed mega-ships are part of the industry’s unprecedented growth. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world , with 18 decks, 5,600 passengers and 2,350 crew.

MSC World Europa with 6,700 passengers and 2,100 crew, P&O Arvia with 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew, and Costa Smeralda with 6,600 passengers and 1,500 crew also claim mega-ship status.

Those sailing to and from Alaska via Victoria will be some of the estimated 700,000 passengers departing Seattle on massive ships three sport fields in length.

Baby boomers represent less than 25 per cent of cruise clientele. Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z have more interest than ever in cruising, with these younger markets being targeted as the future of cruise passengers.

The Cruise Lines International Association asserts that 82 per cent of those who have cruised will cruise again . To entice first-timers and meet the needs of repeat cruisers, companies are offering new itineraries and onboard activities, from simulated skydiving and bumper cars to pickleball and lawn bowling.

Solo cruise travel is also on the rise, and multi-generational family cruise travel is flourishing, explaining the extensive variety of cabin classes, activities and restaurants available on newly constructed and retrofitted ships.

However, only a few cruise ports are large enough to dock mega ships. Cruise lines are responding by offering off-beat experiences and catering more to the distinct desires of travellers.

In doing so, there is a move towards smaller vessels and luxury liners , river cruises and expedition cruising . Leveraging lesser-known ports that can only be accessed via compact luxury ships offers more mission-driven, catered experiences for the eco-minded traveller.

Cruising and environmental costs

Cruise ship visitors are known to negatively impact Marine World Heritage sites. While most sites regulate ballast water and wastewater discharge, there are concerns about ship air emissions and wildlife interactions .

Cruise ship journeys along Canada’s west coast, for example, are leaving behind a trail of toxic waste . A study by environmental organization Friends of the Earth concluded that a cruise tourist generates eight times more carbon emissions per day than a land tourist in Seattle.

Also, a rise in expedition cruising means more negative impacts (long-haul flights to farther ports, less destination management in fragile ecosystems, last chance tourism ) and a rise in carbon dioxide emissions.

Toxic air pollutants from cruise ships around ports are higher than pre-pandemic levels, leaving Europe’s port cities “choking on air pollution .” Last year, Europe’s 218 cruise ships emitted as much sulphur oxides as one billion cars — a high number, considering the introduction of the International Maritime Organization’s sulphur cap in 2020 .

Rough seas ahead or smooth sailing?

Royal Caribbean said its Icon of the Seas is designed to operate 24 per cent more efficiently than the international standard for new ships. International Maritime Organization regulations must be 30 per cent more energy-efficient than those built in 2014.

But despite the industry using liquefied natural gas instead of heavy fuel oil and electric shore power to turn off diesel engines when docking, industry critics still claim the cruise sector is greenwashing . As a result, some cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice are limiting or banning cruise ships .

Environmental critiques remain strong, especially for polar expeditions . The industry must respond and increase sustainability efforts , but their measures remain reactive (i.e., merely meeting international regulations) rather than proactive. In addition, by sailing their ships under flags of convenience , cruise companies evade taxes and demonstrate an unwillingness to abide by a nation’s environmental, health and labour regulations.

In any case, environmental concerns are escalating along with the industry. Travel agents and industry figures are aware of these impacts and should help promote cruise lines that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.

Local residents need to expect more from port authorities and local governments in order to cope with cruise tourism . Cruise consumers should recognize the environmental costs of cruising, and demand accountability and transparency from cruise lines.

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• Cruise ship
• Cruise liner
• Cruise ships

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Cruise passengers spent New Year's stranded after their ship was rejected by 4 ports because of 'marine growth' on its hull

Passengers were left stranded on New Year's Eve due to marine growth that stopped ship from docking.

The Viking Orion cruise ship was turned away from 4 ports and had to get its hull cleaned.

One passenger described the journey as a "trip from hell" and another said "people are livid."

Passengers have hit out at Viking Cruises after they were left stranded off the coast of Australia on New Year's Eve,  the result of "marine growth" on one of its ship that left ports refusing the vessel access.

Since setting sail on Boxing Day, the ship has been rejected from four ports, including Christchurch, Dunedin and Hobart, because of the growth, according to the Australian Associated Press .

The vessel had accumulated algae, plants, microorganisms or small animals, known as biofoul, on its exterior, according to Australia's National Maritime Coordination Centre, which ordered it to be removed before it was allowed into Australian waters, per the report.

The ship ultimately headed to Adelaide to get its hull cleaned, and is expected to finally arrive in Melbourne on Monday.

One passenger on the cruise wrote on Twitter that people were "livid" and added it had been a "horrible journey" as a result of spending a day "sitting at sea where 2 boats are cleaning the ship hull."

He added: "Our @VikingCruises trip to NZ & Australia missed 4 of 8 ports b/c of dirty/biohazard ship hull. 800 people, mainly Americans, are upset and angry over negligence. Viking Orion. Disappointing after 2 years of waiting,  anticipation, & $$$$. Help please."

Another passenger tweeted that it had been a "trip from hell."

"It's been the most surreal and enraging experience. I guessed this morning before they announced it that we'd be missing yet another port. Now, I just want to get off this ship and go home," she said.

Viking said in a statement that the small amount of "standard marine growth" was being removed on Sunday, and that it was working directly with guests on compensation.

Marko Snajdar, the ship's captain, reportedly apologized to passengers and said the company would contact them with a compensation offer. Viking Cruises did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Cruise ship stranded thanks to marine growth

Australian officials say the ship’s hull must be cleaned before docking, article bookmarked.

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A cruise ship carrying hundreds of passengers has been stranded off the coast of Australia due to potentially “harmful” marine growth on the vessel’s hull.

The Viking Orion was due to dock in Adelaide before being denied permission after authorities found potentially harmful organisms – known as “biofoul” – accumulating on the ship’s hull.

Authorities from the Australian Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said in a statement “The management of biofoul is a common practice for all arriving international vessels.

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Cruise passengers stranded after 'marine growth' halts Viking Orion ship

Vessel reportedly denied permission to dock in adelaide after discovery of 'biofoul'.

The cruise liner Viking Orion moored at Station Pier in Melbourne in 2020. Hundreds of passengers have been stranded on the vessel after a potentially harmful 'marine growth' was found on its hull. AFP

Hundreds of passengers have been stranded on a cruise ship off Australia after a potentially harmful “marine growth” was found on its hull.

The Viking Orion was reportedly denied permission to dock in Adelaide after authorities discovered “ biofoul ” — an accumulation of micro-organisms, plants, algae or small animals.

Officials said the ship's hull must be cleaned before entering Australia, the BBC reported.

Divers had to remove the biofoul from the 930-berth ship while it was anchored in international waters, the Australian government said.

The cleaning was required to protect Australia's waters from “potentially harmful marine organisms”, the fisheries department told AFP.

The nine-deck Viking Orion , which was built in 2018 and has a spa, theatre, sports deck and pool, left Auckland on December 23, according to tracking website vesselfinder.com.

It showed the cruise liner had made no port calls since leaving the New Zealand capital, Wellington, on December 26 — missing stops in Christchurch, Dunedin and the Tasmanian state capital of Hobart.

“While the ship needed to miss several stops on this itinerary in order for the required cleaning to be conducted, she is expected to resume the current itinerary,” operator Viking told AFP.

“Viking is working directly with guests on compensation for the impact to their voyage.”

After being cleaned in international waters off Adelaide, the ship is expected to arrive in Melbourne later on Tuesday, the company and the Australian government said.

Viking confirmed it had to remove “a limited amount of standard marine growth” from the hull.

New Year cruise stranded off Australia over hull ‘marine growth’

Passengers stranded on board for a week as divers remove ‘biofoul’ – an accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae or small animals.

Passengers on a luxury New Year’s cruise around New Zealand and Australia have reportedly been stranded on board for a week because of a “marine growth” on the ship’s hull.

Divers had to remove the “biofoul” – an accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae or small animals – from the 930-berth Viking Orion while it was anchored in international waters, the Australian government said.

Keep reading

Cruise ship with thousands on board runs aground in caribbean, how a billionaire’s cruise empire imploded in hong kong, cape verde’s recycling initiatives face off against global trash.

The cleaning was required to protect Australia’s waters from “potentially harmful marine organisms”, the fisheries department said in a statement sent to the AFP news agency.

The nine-deck Viking Orion, built in 2018 with a spa, theatre, sports deck and pool, left Auckland on December 23, according to the tracking website vesselfinder.com.

But the cruise ship had made no port calls since leaving the New Zealand capital, Wellington, on December 26, the tracker said, apparently missing scheduled stops in Christchurch, Dunedin and the Tasmanian state capital of Hobart.

After being cleaned in international waters off the South Australian state capital Adelaide, the Viking Orion was finally expected to arrive in Melbourne later on Tuesday, the company and the Australian government said.

Viking confirmed it had to remove “a limited amount of standard marine growth” from the hull.

“While the ship needed to miss several stops on this itinerary in order for the required cleaning to be conducted, she is expected to resume the current itinerary,” Viking said in a statement sent to AFP.

“Viking is working directly with guests on compensation for the impact to their voyage,” the company said, declining to give further details.

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Cruise passengers stranded off australia coast over ‘marine growth’.

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It was a hull of a cruise.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded on a Viking cruise ship off the Australian coast for a week after a potentially harmful growth was found on its hull.

The Viking Orion was denied permission to dock in Adelaide due to the “biofoul,” an accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae or small animals, the BBC reported .

The Australian Fisheries Department said the 745-foot-long ship, which can carry up to 930 passengers, had to be cleaned to prevent “harmful marine organisms” from infiltrating the country.

“Professional divers were engaged directly by the vessel line/agent to clean the hull while at anchor outside Australian waters,” the agency said.

The Orion was also reportedly denied permission to dock at Christchurch and Dunedin in New Zealand and Hobart, Tasmania, according to the BBC.

The vessel had not made a stop since it left Wellington in New Zealand on Boxing Day, according to ship tracking website VesselFinder.com.

Passengers fumed that their cruise was ruined because of the four canceled stops.

Kenn Heydrick said no one had been able to leave the ship since Dec. 26.

“The intensity of frustration and anger is growing among passengers,” he said. “The majority of passengers are trying to make the best of things and enjoy extended time at sea. But it is the excursions at four ports that we were looking forward to, and now are greatly missed.”

He slammed the company on Twitter.

“A dirty & biohazard ship bottom. After 2 years of waiting, Viking disappoints. Great food but poor ship hygiene. Buyer beware,” Heydrick wrote .

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On Monday, he said in another tweet that the ship finally docked in Melbourne.

“Sad for missing excursions. #CruiseCalamity  @VikingCruises,” Heydrick wrote .

But fellow traveler Matt Roberts said the passengers were notified that they would only be allowed off the ship briefly, to be checked by immigration.

The next chance for them to disembark will be on Wednesday in Sydney, according to the BBC.

Roberts said the disruption was a shame “because for many travelers, this might be their last opportunity to see this part of the world.”

The vessel reportedly dropped anchor about 17 miles off the coast for the hull to be cleaned.

In a statement, the company admitted that a “limited amount of standard marine growth” was being cleaned after causing the Orion to “miss several stops on this itinerary.”

It added: “Viking is working directly with guests on compensation for the impact to their voyage.”

In a letter, the captain apologized that “the current cruise falls short of your expectations” and said passengers would be provided with an “adjusted offer of compensation” for the inconvenience.

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May 1, 2024

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Rough seas or smooth sailing? The cruise industry is booming despite environmental concerns

by Frédéric Dimanche and Kelley A. McClinchey, The Conversation

Cruise ship season is officially underway in British Columbia. The season kicked off with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss on April 3—the first of 318 ships that are scheduled to dock in Victoria this year. Victoria saw a record 970,000 passengers arrive in 2023, with more expected in 2024.

The cruise industry was badly hit by the suspension of cruise operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Fueled by heavy consumer demand and industry innovation, cruising has made a comeback. It is now one of the fastest-growing sectors, rebounding even faster than international tourism.

While many predicted a difficult recovery , a recent industry report shows a remarkable post-pandemic rebound . Two million more people went on cruises in 2023 versus 2019, with demand predicted to top 35 million in 2024.

But environmental issues plague the sector's revival. Are they an indication of rough seas ahead? Or will a responsive industry mean smooth sailing?

Cruising has long been criticized for being Janus-faced : on the surface, cruises are convenient, exciting holidays with reputed economic benefits. But lurking underneath are its negative environmental and social impacts .

Unprecedented growth

Newly constructed mega-ships are part of the industry's unprecedented growth. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world , with 18 decks, 5,600 passengers and 2,350 crew.

MSC World Europa with 6,700 passengers and 2,100 crew, P&O Arvia with 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew, and Costa Smeralda with 6,600 passengers and 1,500 crew also claim mega-ship status.

Those sailing to and from Alaska via Victoria will be some of the estimated 700,000 passengers departing Seattle on massive ships three sport fields in length.

Baby boomers represent less than 25 percent of cruise clientele. Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z have more interest than ever in cruising, with these younger markets being targeted as the future of cruise passengers.

The Cruise Lines International Association asserts that 82 percent of those who have cruised will cruise again . To entice first-timers and meet the needs of repeat cruisers, companies are offering new itineraries and onboard activities, from simulated skydiving and bumper cars to pickleball and lawn bowling.

Solo cruise travel is also on the rise, and multi-generational family cruise travel is flourishing, explaining the extensive variety of cabin classes, activities and restaurants available on newly constructed and retrofitted ships.

However, only a few cruise ports are large enough to dock mega ships. Cruise lines are responding by offering off-beat experiences and catering more to the distinct desires of travelers.

In doing so, there is a move towards smaller vessels and luxury liners , river cruises and expedition cruising . Leveraging lesser-known ports that can only be accessed via compact luxury ships offers more mission-driven, catered experiences for the eco-minded traveler.

Cruising and environmental costs

Cruise ship visitors are known to negatively impact Marine World Heritage sites. While most sites regulate ballast water and wastewater discharge, there are concerns about ship air emissions and wildlife interactions .

Cruise ship journeys along Canada's west coast, for example, are leaving behind a trail of toxic waste . A study by environmental organization Friends of the Earth concluded that a cruise tourist generates eight times more carbon emissions per day than a land tourist in Seattle.

Also, a rise in expedition cruising means more negative impacts (long-haul flights to farther ports, less destination management in fragile ecosystems, last chance tourism ) and a rise in carbon dioxide emissions.

Toxic air pollutants from cruise ships around ports are higher than pre-pandemic levels, leaving Europe's port cities "choking on air pollution ." Last year, Europe's 218 cruise ships emitted as much sulfur oxides as one billion cars—a high number, considering the introduction of the International Maritime Organization's sulfur cap in 2020 .

Rough seas ahead or smooth sailing?

Royal Caribbean said its Icon of the Seas is designed to operate 24 percent more efficiently than the international standard for new ships. International Maritime Organization regulations must be 30 percent more energy-efficient than those built in 2014.

But despite the industry using liquefied natural gas instead of heavy fuel oil and electric shore power to turn off diesel engines when docking, industry critics still claim the cruise sector is greenwashing . As a result, some cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice are limiting or banning cruise ships .

Environmental critiques remain strong, especially for polar expeditions . The industry must respond and increase sustainability efforts , but their measures remain reactive (i.e., merely meeting international regulations) rather than proactive. In addition, by sailing their ships under flags of convenience , cruise companies evade taxes and demonstrate an unwillingness to abide by a nation's environmental, health and labor regulations.

In any case, environmental concerns are escalating along with the industry. Travel agents and industry figures are aware of these impacts and should help promote cruise lines that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.

Local residents need to expect more from port authorities and local governments in order to cope with cruise tourism . Cruise consumers should recognize the environmental costs of cruising, and demand accountability and transparency from cruise lines.

Provided by The Conversation

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'Marine growth' strands cruise ship off SA

Hundreds of passengers on a cruise ship off South Australia will be able to set foot on dry land for the first time in seven days once a build-up of marine creatures and plants is cleaned off its hull.

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The Viking Orion is being cleaned by divers about 12 nautical miles off the coast of the SA town of Victor Harbor on Sunday.

The luxury vessel hasn't docked since casting off from Wellington in New Zealand on Boxing Day, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder.com.

It was reportedly denied permission to dock in Christchurch, Dunedin and Hobart before setting course for Adelaide.

Before it could arrive there, Australia's National Maritime Coordination Centre established that the ship had small amounts of biofoul - marine microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals - on its hull.

Authorities then ordered the Viking Orion's agent to have its hull cleaned before entering Australian waters.

"The vessel is required to undergo hull cleaning to remove the biofoul and prevent potentially harmful marine organisms being transported by the vessel," the federal fisheries department told AAP in a statement on Sunday.

"Professional divers were engaged directly by the vessel line/agent to clean the hull while at anchor outside Australian waters.

"The management of biofoul is a common practice for all arriving international vessels."

A Viking representative said after the hull is cleaned, the Orion will set sail for Melbourne on Sunday and resume its itinerary by Monday.

"A limited amount of standard marine growth is being cleaned from the ship's hull - a standard cleaning procedure for nautical vessels," they told AAP in a statement on Sunday.

"While the ship needed to miss several stops on this itinerary in order for the required cleaning to be conducted, she is expected to sail for Melbourne as planned on January 1, and we are expecting the scheduled itinerary to resume completely by January 2.

"Viking is working directly with guests on compensation for the impact to their voyage."

The ship's Master Marko Snajdar wrote a letter to passengers on Friday apologising for the situation which was screened on multiple TV news channels.

"We acknowledge that the current cruise falls short of your expectations. Immediately upon your return a member of our Customer Relations team will contact you with an adjusted offer of compensation," he wrote.

"Viking is interested in keeping you as lifetime travellers, and we hope to see you under less exceptional circumstances on one of our ships in the future."

Australian Associated Press

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Viking cruise passengers tried to maintain their sense of humor after marine growth on the ship's hull left them trapped on board for 10 days: 'It was a plot twist'

• Passengers aboard the Viking Orion missed several port stops due to marine growth on the ship.
• Two cruise-goers told Insider they tried to maintain their sense of humor amid the infuriating ordeal.
• "There wasn't a lot to do," one guest said. Another said it was a "challenge" to keep busy. 

Kenn Heydrick and his partner had been dreaming about the Oceania cruise for more than two years; they planned to revel in New Zealand's crystal-blue waters and embrace Australia's stunning sights. COVID-related postponements had delayed the trip multiple times, but as the end of December rolled around, it was finally time to set sail.

It was to be the "trip of a lifetime," Heydrick told Insider.

But instead of traipsing through Tasmania and sightseeing in Sydney, Heydrick and his partner, along with hundreds of other Viking passengers, spent their holidays stuck at sea, commiserating with one another and trying to pass the idle time after nearly 10 days trapped on board the Orion ship.

"Most of us were upset," Heydrick, 64, said of his fellow passengers.

The Viking Orion made headlines last month after the cruise ship missed several planned port stops due to "marine growth" found in the ship's hull. Passengers who paid upward of $10,000 per person to take the two-week journey spent New Year's Day — as well as much of the preceding week — stuck on board the ship, sailing through international waters before eventually docking 18 miles off the Australian coast line, where divers came to clean the boat.

Heydrick, who spoke to Insider a few days after returning to Texas following the ordeal, said he specifically booked the Orion cruise because of the excursions offered at each port. Julie Reby Waas, 62, a passenger from Florida who took the cruise to celebrate her 15th anniversary with her husband, said the same.

"I had wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand since I was very young," Reby Waas told Insider.

But what was meant to be a 15-day adventure that included stops at nine port cities across the two countries turned into a cabin-fever nightmare just a few days into the trip, after New Zealand officials told the ship to leave the country's waters because of biofoul growing on the hull, which includes plants, algae, and tiny marine animals that risk bringing invasive species into non-native environments.

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries said earlier this month that the Viking Orion first docked in the country in mid-December — before passengers boarded — and was given a "restricted" status due to the biofoul and told to depart New Zealand waters by December 29. Ship officials ultimately chose to leave Wellington on December 26 to have the ship cleaned in Australia, according to New Zealand media.

A Viking spokesperson did not respond to Insider's questions about when they were made aware of the biofoul. 

Passengers wouldn't learn this until later. When they boarded the ship in Auckland on December 22, they were all smiles, Heydrick said. The patrons enjoyed excursions and stops in Tauranga and Wellington during the first few days of the trip. 

But when the Orion departed Wellington on December 26, it would be the last time passengers stepped foot on dry land for more than a week. 

A string of disappointments 

The captain originally announced that only three of the trip's upcoming excursions would be canceled because of the marine growth: Christchurch, Dunedin, and Tasmania were now off the board.

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"For over two years I anticipated the joy of revisiting the splendor of South New Zealand, the water, cliffs, and cities; they're just beautiful," Heydrick said. "I was very upset that we were to have it bypassed."

The passengers said they were told they would sail straight to Adelaide, Australia, a four-day journey, where they would dock and have the ship's hull cleaned before getting back on schedule and heading to Melbourne and Sydney.

"We tried to maintain a sense of humor about it like it was a plot twist," Reby Waas said. "There's really nothing we could do about it."

Heydrick made friends with several other travelers, sharing their disappointment together at dinners and shows.

But days into their endeavor, the captain then announced that Australian authorities would not allow them to dock in Adelaide after all; the ship would need to be cleaned in international waters before being allowed into the country. 


"At that point, the rage went over the top — now we're going to miss Melbourne," Heydrick said.

The ship dropped anchor about 18 miles from the Australian coast line, close enough for the passengers to see all they were missing, but far enough away for divers to tackle cleaning the hull in international waters, a feat that took two days.

A spokesperson for Viking described the biofoul as "standard marine growth" and said the cleaning process was "routine" for nautical vessels. 

Boredom among the passengers, which had already taken hold in the preceding days, intensified: "There wasn't a lot to do," Reby Waas said. Heydrick said it was a "challenge" to keep busy. 

The ship's crew members kicked into overdrive, both passengers said, offering extra activities like "Name That Tune," and double-booked guest speakers and shows.

"They could not have been nicer or more helpful," Reby Waas said. "They were doing the best they could under not-ideal circumstances."

Heydrick was less impressed, however, with Viking's corporate response to the fiasco. The company initially offered passengers a voucher valued at 50% of the cost of their cruise to be used on a future voyage, passengers said. But after additional Australian stops were canceled halfway through the trip, the cruise line bumped the voucher up to the full price.

Heydrick said the voucher is a nice gesture, but not nearly enough.

"They need to reimburse us for what we have already expended — the time spent planning, the vacation time taken," he said.

Reby Waas, meanwhile, said she plans to use her voucher in the future — just not on an Australian cruise.

"I wouldn't take that chance again," she said. 

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Leading countries in the cruise industry revenue worldwide from 2025 to 2028 (in million U.S. dollars)

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Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2022

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Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2022

Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide in 2022, by region (in millions)

Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2022

Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide in 2022, by region (in millions)

Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2022

Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book in 2022, by region (in millions)

Average passenger capacity of ocean-going cruise vessels worldwide 2018-2026

Average passenger capacity carried by ocean-going vessels in the cruise industry worldwide from 2018 to 2023, with a forecast until 2026

Cruise passengers

• Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027
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• Premium Statistic TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand

Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2009 to 2023, with a forecast until 2027 (in millions)

Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2023, by source market

Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2019 to 2023, by source region (in 1,000s)

Main global cruise destinations 2019-2023, by number of passengers

Leading ocean cruise destinations worldwide from 2019 to 2023, by number of passengers (in 1,000s)

Busiest cruise ports worldwide 2019-2022, by passenger movements

Busiest cruise ports worldwide in 2019 and 2022, by number of passenger movements (in 1,000s)

Number of Carnival Corporation & plc passengers worldwide 2007-2023

Number of Carnival Corporation & plc passengers worldwide from 2007 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of passengers carried by Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023

Number of passengers carried by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. worldwide from 2007 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of passengers carried by Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023

Number of passengers carried by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. worldwide from 2011 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand

Number of passengers on TUI cruise brands worldwide from 2013 to 2023, by brand (in 1,000s)

Cruise companies

• Premium Statistic Worldwide cruise company market share 2022
• Premium Statistic Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023, by segment
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• Premium Statistic Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2009-2023, by segment
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• Premium Statistic Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2013-2023, by segment
• Premium Statistic Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic TUI cruise brand revenue worldwide 2015-2023, by brand

Worldwide market share of leading cruise companies in 2022

Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023, by segment

Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide from 2008 to 2023, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc 2008-2023

Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide from 2008 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2009-2023, by segment

Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. worldwide from 2009 to 2023, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023

Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. worldwide from 2007 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2013-2023, by segment

Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. worldwide from 2013 to 2023, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023

Net Income of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. worldwide from 2011 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

TUI cruise brand revenue worldwide 2015-2023, by brand

Revenue of TUI cruise brands worldwide from 2015 to 2023, by brand (in million euros)

Impact of COVID-19

• Premium Statistic Annual growth rate of the global cruise passenger volume 2017-2023
• Premium Statistic Global cruise passenger volume index 2019-2026, by scenario
• Premium Statistic COVID-19 impact on cruise passenger volume worldwide 2020-2023, by source region
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Annual growth rate of the global cruise passenger volume 2017-2023

Annual growth rate of the cruise passenger volume worldwide from 2017 to 2023

Global cruise passenger volume index 2019-2026, by scenario

Cruise passenger volume index worldwide from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast until 2026, by scenario

COVID-19 impact on cruise passenger volume worldwide 2020-2023, by source region

Percentage change in cruise passengers due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide from 2020 to 2023, by source region (compared to 2019)

Percentage change in revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide 2020-2023

Percentage change in revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide from 2020 to 2023 (compared to 2019)

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Growth of the Ocean Cruise Line Industry

Worldwide, the ocean cruise industry experienced an annual passenger compound annual growth rate of 5.9% from 1990 to 2024.

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the ocean passenger cruise industry to a standstill for nearly two years, it also prompted the accelerated retirement of numerous older ships. Simultaneously, new additions to fleets adopted a more modern and environmentally friendly approach. In 2024, passenger numbers are expected to surpass the pre-COVID levels of 2019.

Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 10 new ships, with a combined passenger capacity of 25,450, are set to be added (refer to the tables below). This influx will bring the worldwide ocean cruise passenger capacity to 673,000, spread across 360 ships. These vessels are projected to carry a total of 30.0 million passengers by the end of 2024, representing a 4.2% increase over 2023 and a 9.2% increase over 2019.

Shipbuilding Summary

Sources: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Carnival Corporation and plc, NCL Corporation Ltd., Thomson/First Call, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) , The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) , DVB Bank and proprietary Cruise Market Watch Cruise Pulse data.

New Ships to Drive Luxury Cruise Market Growth

• March 9, 2023

The luxury cruise market is projected to carry just over 1 million guests this year, up from over 600,000 in 2019, and heading for 1.5 million by 2030, according to the 2023 Luxury Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

New players, new ships and an expanding market is the overarching theme for the luxury cruise segment through the end of the decade.

Approximately half of 2023’s class of new cruise ships are smaller luxury ships. They are as diverse as ever, ranging from 930-guest ships for Viking to a 100-passenger yacht-like vessel for Emerald, according to the 2 023 Luxury Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

Commanding some of the highest ticket prices in the industry, luxury ships are under 1,000 guests, offer more exotic and longer itineraries, and a more refined, five- to six-star product aboard that is mostly all-inclusive.

Coming out of the pandemic that sidelined all of travel, but singled out the cruise industry which was the first to shutdown and last to recover, the small ships may be in the best position going forward.

Smaller ships, more space per passenger, and higher-net-worth guests, which are mostly wealthy Americans, may be the right recipe going forward.

The modern day cruise industry has been a story of growth since its start out of Miami in the mid-1960s.

This theme is backed into the luxury operators, which have grown since Royal Viking Line and Crystal Cruises got things started. Since then, it has been more operators and more ships.

To some extent, the market will continue to grow no matter what. Four shipyards in Europe that specialize in building cruise ship can offer attractive government-backed financing.

If existing cruise lines don’t buy new ships, new players will.

New players are among the trends heading into the rest of the decade. Joining The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons is next in 2025, followed by Orient Express in 2026. Other rumors suggest more luxury properties are looking at licensing deals with white-label cruise startups.

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Cruise Ship Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Type, by Application, by Size : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031

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The global cruise ship market size was valued at $8 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $16.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2031.

A cruise ship is a luxurious passenger ship used for recreational and pleasure voyages and has all the amenities, entertainment options, activities, and attractions present only for the purpose of enhancing the passenger’s experience. It is available in various sizes, with the largest ones capable of transporting thousands of people. Cruise rides are known to be an excellent method of attracting tourist. The size and technology of a cruise ship determine its distance-traveling capabilities. Presently, cruising is a very popular aspect of the tourism industry, and most cruise ships have come to resemble floating cities.

Nowadays, ships are coming with innovations and numerous exciting fun activities and theme cruises such as yoga themes, kid themes, mystery themes, and others for the travelers. Such innovations are gaining massive popularity among the targeted population, which in turn drives the growth of the cruise ship market. Also, the adoption of new technological capabilities such as artificial intelligence and machine learning augmented with different software, support the solutions offered in the market. Various cruise ship businesses that operate a fleet of small luxury cruise ships are opening to automation. For instance, in September 2019, Windstar Cruises announced to re-engine its Star-class vessels which will involve new automation and control systems, tank monitoring systems, upgraded boilers, and ballast water treatment systems. This will be sourced by Fincantieri who provides ship automation and navigation systems for Naval vessels, Cruise ships, Ferries and Yachts.

Furthermore, the cruise ship industry is experiencing an increase in spending from global players. Most of the vacationers select cruise as it offers an all-in-one experience, several entertainments, and dining options, and the availability for families to stay together while enjoying separate vacations. For instance, in October 2022, Silversea Cruises upgraded its newest ship Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition vessel, with four signature restaurants, as well as the cruise line’s Arts Café and 24-hour in-suite dining. The exceptional culinary offering aboard Silver Endeavour helps to discern the ship as the most luxurious expedition vessel in the world.

Also, digital freight forwarding services are becoming beneficial for cost-sensitive customers who seek an extensive variety of high-quality products with faster delivery timelines. Thus, an increase in trading activities due to globalization propels the demand for digital freight forwarding services, which in turn fuels the cruise ship market share. The U.S. currently has around 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries in force. UK and India are expected to sign an Early Harvest Agreement by March 2022, which permits both nations to establish selective benefits in commodities and services. Thus, all these factors are expected to increase import-export activities, which, in turn, is projected to create growth opportunities for cruise ships in the logistics industry during the forecast period.

The factors such as rise in tourism & hospitality industry, growth in marine safety norms and increase in international marine freight transport supplement the growth of the cruise ship market. However, rise in concerns regarding environmental pollution & high costs of cruises and fluctuations in transportation & inventory costs are the factors expected to hamper the growth of the market. In addition, the anticipated trend of automation in marine transportation and the growth of the digital freight forwarding industry creates market opportunities for the key players operating in the market.

The cruise ship market is segmented on the basis of type, application, size, and region. By type, it is divided into mainstream cruise ships, ocean cruise ships, luxury cruise ships, and others. By application, it is fragmented into transportation, entertainment, and others. By size, it is categorized into small, mid, and large. By region, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

The leading players operating in the cruise ship market are AmaWaterways, DSME Co. Ltd., Fincantieri S.P.A., Hyundai Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Meyer Werft Gmbh & Co. Kg, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. Ltd., MSC Cruises S.A., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., and Silversea.

Rise in tourism & hospitality industry

The hospitality & tourism industry has grown multiple folds in the last few decades. Countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, and others have eased norms to open up investment opportunities for the largest hospitality companies in the world. Also, technological developments is one of the most significant factors in the increasing tourism & hospitality industry, which leads to the adoption of more airlines and cruises. At the beginning of 2020, ocean cruise ships were one of the fastest-growing sectors of the travel industry. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise companies are progressing on existing fleet expansion projects and restarting shipyard operations that were put on hold in 2020. For instance, in 2021, according to the Australian government, the total income of the marine industry increased substantially in the two years (by almost 28%), driven by growth in offshore natural gas production (up 79%), shipbuilding & repair (up 57%), and marine tourism (up 11%). Moreover, domestic travel, especially the leisure segment, marked the popularity of cruise ship in the tourism industry, contributing toward the market growth during the forecast period.

Increase in international marine freight transport

Marine transportation is one most prominent modes of transportation, especially for freight transportation, owing to its cost-effectiveness. In recent years, the seaborne trade has witnessed significant growth. For instance, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2020, international seaborne trade volume reached 10.7 billion tons. Furthermore, according to the UNCTAD organization report, in November 2021, the global trade for merchandise goods increased in exports and imports. In 2021, the import of goods increased by 13.3% globally and the export of goods increased by 14.3% globally. Moreover, according to the UNCTAD organization, international maritime trade was increasing during the past years (2010–2019); in 2010, the global maritime trade was 8,408 million tons loaded; and, in 2019, it reached 11,076 million tons. Moreover, surge in demand for maritime freight transportation has led to rise in demand for cruise line vessels. According to the UNCTAD, commercial cruise shipping fleet of 100 gross tons and above reached around 99,800. Thus, demand for maritime transport services and the growth of international maritime freight transport is expected to fuel demand for the global cruise ship market during the forecast period. 

Rise in concerns regarding environmental pollution & high costs of cruises

Cruise ships, which are often hundreds of feet long and carry thousands of passengers and crew and have been compared to floating cities. The ships are a combination of hotel operations, restaurants, entertainment, bars, amusement park, and theatre all rolled into one. Meanwhile, the cost of a cruise ship depends on many factors, including size, amenities, and decor. For instance, in 2022, Carnival launched the Carnival Celebration at the cost of $1 billion. In the same year, Norwegian Prima debuted at a cost of around $850 million. Royal Caribbean's Oasis was the most expensive cruise ship ever built, which cost $1.4 billion. Cruise passengers and crews generate a significant amount of waste and pollutants. Ocean cruise ships are responsible for approximately 77.0% of marine pollution globally. Thus, the increase in awareness activities by environmental organizations and expensive costs coupled with cruises are expected to hamper the market growth.

Anticipated trend of automation in marine transportation

The steps toward automation in the field of marine, along with the demonstrations & testing of cruise ships of giant companies, have led various countries to develop automated cruise vessels. For instance, in September 2019, Windstar Cruises announced to re-engine its Star-class vessels which will involve new automation and control systems, tank monitoring systems, upgraded boilers, and ballast water treatment systems. Moreover, in July 2019, a UK cruise business, Saga Cruises of Europe, developed new Spirit-class passenger ships, which integrate navigation, automation, propulsion management and safety systems costing USD 400m. The vessel will have a safety monitoring and control system (SMCS) integrated into the ship automation and navigation systems supplied by Kongsberg Maritime. Thus, the integrated trend of marine automation systems and the vast majority of the players functioning continuous innovation in cruise ships to improve the performance in scalability and automated tracking is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the global cruise ship market.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

• This study presents analytical depiction of the global cruise ship market analysis along with current trends and future estimations to depict imminent investment pockets.
• The overall cruise ship market opportunity is determined by understanding profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold.
• The report presents information related to the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the global cruise ship market with a detailed impact analysis.
• The current cruise ship market is quantitatively analyzed from 2021 to 2031 to benchmark the financial competency.
• Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.

  Cruise Ship Market Report Highlights

Analyst Review

Increase in leisure trips and voyages with the surge in preference of a high population to live a luxury life, is contributing toward the market growth. The rise in popularity of the river cruises is likely to drive the growth of the cruise ship market. River cruises offer attractive packages that allow for travel inside the countries and not just the coastal areas. These types of river cruises are gaining popularity in the European countries. For instance, in August 2022, AmaWaterways launched its award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaLucia, with a festive ceremony in Rüdesheim, Germany. This ship offered comfortable affair lined with 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer river views and private balconies.

Also, marine transportation is one of the most prominent modes of transportation, especially for freight transportation, owing to its cost-effectiveness. Thus, it has always been recognized that the best way of improving safety at sea is by developing international regulations. The cruise industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries with robust, clearly defined standards. The average ship undergoes dozens of announced and unannounced safety inspections per year, involving hundreds of man-hours and the implementation of thousands of specific requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other authorities. This includes various treaties dealing with cruise ships safety for its design and construction, Navigation Communications Search and Rescue (NCSR), ship system equipment, and pollution prevention and response. Such implementation of treaties regarding marine safety are expected to drive the growth of the cruise ship market in the near future.

In addition, leading market players of cruise ship industry offer services in the ocean cruises for  intercontinental trips such as exciting tour packages, amenities, and entertainment activities which boost the market revenue share. In addition, a large customer base prefers ocean cruises over other cruises as it provides spacious areas as compared to the others. For instance, in December 2022, MSC Cruises S.A. launched MSC Seascape to its fleet of innovative and glamourous ships. The ship features 2,270 cabins with 12 different types of staterooms & suites,11 dining venues, 19 bars & lounges, six swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool, an expansive waterfront promenade, and a spectacular bridge of sighs on deck 16 with a breath-taking view of the ocean.

Among the analyzed regions, North America is the highest revenue contributor, followed by Europe, LAMEA, and Asia-Pacific. On the basis of forecast analysis, Asia-Pacific is expected to lead during the forecast period, due to cheaper wages, strong government backing, and strong forward & backward linkage industries. In addition, surge in disposable incomes is expected to drive the demand for imports of commodities and finished goods, which is projected to supplement seaborne trade in emerging economies, in turn, propelling the growth of the market

• Cold Chain Logistics
• Container Shipping
• Courier Services
• Fourth Party Logistics 4pl
• Freight Forwarding
• Import And Export Compliance
• Inventory Management
• Third Party Logistics 3pl
• Transportation Management Systems Tms
• Warehouse Management Sy

The cruise ship market is estimated to reach $16,694.20 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2031.

AmaWaterways, DSME Co. Ltd., Fincantieri S.P.A., Hyundai Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Meyer Werft Gmbh & Co. Kg, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. Ltd., MSC Cruises S.A., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., and Silversea are the top companies to hold the market share in cruise ship.

The luxury cruise ship is the leading application of cruise ship market owing to the growing trend of usage of small luxury yachts and small-ship cruises for luxury tourism.

Rise in tourism & hospitality industry, anticipated trend of automation in marine transportation and the growth of the digital freight forwarding industry are the upcoming trends of cruise ship market in the world.

North America is the largest regional market for cruise ship.

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Cruise Ship Market

Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031

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