Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report, which offers an in-depth look at the growth, demographics and trends of the top source markets in Asia.
The report found that China continues to dominate the passenger share in Asia, however, many other markets, including Taiwan and Singapore have been steadily growing in passenger numbers. Multiple source markets registered double-digit growth in 2018, contributing to the sector's record-breaking 4.24 million ocean-going cruise passengers.
Asia is the third-largest cruise market behind the U.S. and Europe.
"With nine out of ten Asian cruise travelers choosing to cruise in Asia, it is clear that cruising will keep growing in popularity as more capacity will be deployed to Asia in the next few years," said Joel Katz, managing director for CLIA Australasia & Asia.
"Asian cruise passengers are found across the age spectrum, suggesting different consumer segments interested in a cruise holiday and providing numerous possibilities for industry partners to develop the cruise penetration rate in this region," Katz added.
Notable findings from the report include data that suggests Asian cruise passengers skew younger than most other markets. The average age of Asian passengers is 45.4 years, which is lower than the global average of 47 years. Travelers from India average 37 years old and passengers from Indonesia are around 39. Conversely, passengers from Japan tend to be older, around age 57.
Most Asia cruise passengers sail around Asia rather than other parts of the world. The CLIA report found that 50 percent (2,194K) cruise in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Almost 40 percent (1,694K) cruise in the rest of Asia.
Beyond Asia, the most popular destinations were the Mediterranean, Caribbean/South America, Baltics/Northern Europe and Alaska.
Most Asian passengers prefer shorter cruises. Eighty-nine percent sail on four- to six-night cruises with an average of 4.9 days.
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