Cruise is Sailing to a Better Future
Cruise lines are leading the way toward a more sustainable future, investing in innovative technologies building the future of sustainable cruise travel in their ships today - with new engines that offer fuel flexibility and the ability to run on new, more sustainable energy sources as they become available at scale.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) unites the global cruise community, including prestigious ocean, river, and specialty lines, maritime leaders, ports, destinations, shipyards, and the largest network of cruise travel professionals.
Fleet
310 Cruise Ships
The total number of ships in the 2025 CLIA cruise lines member global fleets.
Environmental
16% Emissions Reduction
On average there was a reduction in CO2 emissions per cruise ship since 2018 by ships in Europe.
Sustainability
267 Freshwater Producing Ships
State-of-the-art systems enable cruise lines to produce up to 90% of water on board rather than draw from areas where resources are limited
Economics
$168.6 Billion Economic Impact
In 2023, the cruise industry generated $168.6 billion in total economic impact globally, a 9% increase over 2019
Global Markets
With 34.6 million passengers cruising to all 7 continents, the global cruise industry is supported by diverse source markets, growing regional demand, and expanding infrastructure, contributing to its resilience and long-term growth potential.
61%
Percentage of global capacity are fitted to operate on Onshore Power Supply (OPS)
100%
Percentage of waste some ships can repurpose by transferring surplus heat from machinery to heat water for showers and pools and significantly reduce food waste by using bio-digesters
60%
Percentage of ships able to produce water equivalent to their total water consumption needs
15%
Percentage of cruise ships entering service in the next five years will be equipped with battery storage to allow for hybrid power generation once available
Membership
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) provides a unified voice for the global cruise community, which includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; an expansive group of maritime leaders who provide technical expertise, products and services to the cruise sector; leading ports, destinations, shipyards; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialize in cruise travel.
CLIA unites the global cruise industry by providing a strong collective voice for cruise lines, valuable connections and insights for Executive Partners, and training, resources, and support for the travel trade community.
59
Cruise Lines
CLIA provides a unified voice for the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines that operate around the world.
350+
Executive Partners
CLIA provides organizations industry exposure, market insights, community affiliation, education, and networking to unite the cruise industry
70,000+
Travel Trade
CLIA provides the official industry training and certification, unique resources, and inspiring events to support the travel agent community.
CLIA Appoints Michelle Lardizabal and Joshua Harrell as Trade Relations Committee Co-Chairs
Washington, D.C. – Feb. 19, 2026 -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority of the global cruise community, announced that Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer of Azamara Cruises, and Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer of WorldVia Travel Network, have been named as co-chairs of the CLIA Trade Relations Committee (TRC) for 2026 and 2027.The TRC serves as a strategic advisory body representing both cruise lines and the travel trade across CLIA’s North American travel trade membership. Committee members include leaders from CLIA Global Cruise Line Members, Global River Marketing Affiliates, Premier Agency Members, and select Travel Agency Members. The group collaborates on priorities that advance the cruise industry and support the success of travel advisors.Lardizabal and Harrell will serve concurrent 24-month terms, with one co-chair representing the cruise line segment and one representing the trade, ensuring a balanced leadership structure and broad industry representation.“Michelle and Joshua are widely respected leaders with deep experience supporting the travel agency distribution channel,” said Charles Sylvia, ECC, CLIA’s vice president, industry and trade relations. “Their insight, leadership, and commitment make them exceptionally well suited to guide the TRC in elevating collaboration across cruise brands and the advisor network.”As co-chairs, Lardizabal and Harrell will help guide the committee’s work as it advises CLIA on key trade-facing initiatives. This includes advancing meaningful collaboration between cruise lines and travel advisors, offering strategic input on CLIA programs and communications, and contributing perspective on opportunities and challenges shaping the advisor relationship landscape. They will also support CLIA in its ongoing efforts to deepen member engagement and expand professional development across its travel trade community.“I am thrilled to step into the role of co-chair of CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee. Travel advisors are the heart of our industry. They inspire travelers, fuel demand, and help shape the future of cruising through their expertise and passion,” said Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer, Azamara Cruises “I look forward to partnering with Joshua and the dynamic voices represented across this committee to strengthen the connection between cruise brands and the advisor community. Together, we will champion innovation, collaboration, and growth for everyone we serve.”“I am honored to serve as co-chair of CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee alongside the incomparable Michelle Lardizabal,” shared Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer, WorldVia Travel Network. “CLIA’s leadership and education keep travel advisors connected to the cruise industry, providing them with the tools to deliver unforgettable cruise experiences for their clients. Throughout my term and beyond, I look forward to helping accelerate and amplify CLIA’s impact on the advisor community and the cruise partners they champion.”The TRC meets throughout the year, including an in-person session at Cruise360’s Premier Summit and scheduled virtual meetings.Cruise360 is CLIA’s largest professional development event of the year, bringing together travel professionals, cruise line representatives, ports and destinations, industry suppliers, and CLIA preferred partners. Cruise360 will be held Apr. 21-26, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. andconference registration is now open.###About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA members and partners include the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050.For more information, please visitcruising.org or follow us onLinkedIn, Facebook,Instagram,X (formerly Twitter), andYouTube. 19 February, 2026
European policymakers and cruise industry leaders to convene in Madeira at CLIA European Summit 2026
European policymakers and cruise industry leaders to convene in Madeira at CLIA European Summit 2026Senior cruise line executives, European policymakers and maritime leaders to meet in Madeira, Portugal from 23–26 February 2026Discussions on the cruise sector’s role in Europe’s evolving policy framework, from competitiveness and decarbonisation to tourism and infrastructure, supporting long term resilience and regional development.Brussels, 18 February 2026 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, announces the high-level participation and strategic focus of its European Summit 2026, taking place from 23 to 26 February in Madeira, Portugal.Hosted in the Atlantic region of Madeira, the Summit will take place in a setting that underscores the importance of maritime connectivity, port infrastructure, emerging destinations and sustainable tourism within Europe’s wider transport and tourism policy framework, bringing together cruise line leadership, European institutions, national and regional governments, ports and maritime stakeholders to exchange views on the sector’s role within Europe’s transport, tourism and climate policy frameworks.Speakers for the European Summit includes: Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (video address); Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure of Portugal; Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira; Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises; Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH); Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners (ECSA); and Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe, alongside national, regional and city leaders from across Europe. José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, Prime Minister of Portugal and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International, (Invited).Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA, said:“The European Summit comes at a pivotal moment for dialogue between the cruise sector and policymakers, as Europe defines the next phase of its transport, tourism and climate agenda. The cruise industry supports economic growth and regional connectivity, while progressing environmental technologies and practices align with Europe’s sustainability objectives.”Discussions at the Summit will take place within the context of the EU’s transport and tourism policy priorities and the emerging European Maritime Industrial Strategy and European Port Strategy, with a focus on competitiveness, investment and the energy transition. Topics will include decarbonisation pathways, access to sustainable fuels, port and infrastructure readiness, and responsible tourism and destination governance.The Summit will draw on CLIA’s latest economic analysis to underline cruise’s contribution to Europe’s economy, employment and regional development, particularly in coastal, island and outermost regions, while examining how EU instruments and regulatory frameworks can best support the sector’s energy transition.The 2026 European Summit will be hosted in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM).Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira, said:"Madeira confirms itself as a strategic hub for the cruise industry by hosting the CLIA European Summit 2026. This is a forum of leaders and decision-makers from across Europe, discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. Hosting this event in Madeira reinforces our position in the Atlantic, strengthens the regional economy, and highlights Madeira’s commitment to sustainable and innovative growth in cruise tourism."Paula Cabaço, Chair of APRAM, said:"Hosting the key players of the international cruise industry in Madeira is a great pride and a unique opportunity to showcase the excellence of our ports, the quality and diversity of our tourism offerings, and the Region’s capacity to lead innovative and sustainable projects.The Ports of Madeira are firmly committed to sustainability, digitalization, and decarbonization, and they aim to be part of the sector’s future, a future that is also beginning to take shape here at this conference. This meeting reinforces the industry’s confidence and underlines the strategic importance of Madeira in the European cruise landscape."The CLIA European Summit 2026 is supported by industry partners, with RINA serving as Diamond Sponsor, alongside Platinum Sponsors Crum & Forster Insurance, Lloyd’s Register, TAP Air Portugal and Wärtsilä, and sponsors from across Europe’s maritime and cruise value chain. The full list of sponsors is available: https://events.cruising.org/european-summit-2026/sponsors.Further programme details and registration information will be announced in the coming weeks.For updates, visit: https://events.cruising.org/european-summit-2026/About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the preeminent cruise trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry and its members as the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA represents oceangoing member lines which comprise more than 90% of global cruise passenger capacity, including the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, as well as a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers, and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. The organization's global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia.For more information, please visitcruising.org or follow us onFacebook,Instagram,X (formerly Twitter), andYouTube with our handle @CLIAGlobal—or onLinkedIn.About APRAM, S.A.Strategically located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira’s ports have long been key stops for transatlantic shipping routes. With a history dating back to the 15th century, Madeira Ports has undergone significant transformations over the past 30 years.Since 2005, the main port infraestructur Funchal has been dedicated exclusively to cruise ships, mega yachts, naval training vessels, and warships, as well as hosting major regattas. In 2024, it recorded record-breaking numbers, consistently contributing to Madeira welcoming over 700 thousands cruise passagenrs and more than 300 calls annually. 18 February, 2026
Theme announced for CLIA Conference
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced that the theme for this year’s CLIA Conference, which will take place from June 4-6 in Southampton, is ‘Cruise Ready’.With cruise passenger numbers at record levels, the conference has been developed to ensure agents have the knowledge, confidence and industry connections needed to capitalise on the demand for a holiday at sea.CLIA has also confirmed its 'early bird' cost of £155pp for agent members to join will finish on January 30, and is encouraging agents to book now to take advantage of this special rate.CLIA Conference is the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe and will bring together the cruise industry for ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory sailaway evening party.Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “The theme ‘Cruise Ready’ reflects both the strength of demand we’re seeing for cruise holidays and the wealth of opportunities on offer for the trade. With more customers than ever actively considering a cruise, our role is to ensure agents have the insight, confidence and practical tools to convert that interest into bookings."We'll offer the training, first-hand ship experience and industry collaboration the trade need to further make cruise a core part of their business. And we recommend agents book as soon as they can to claim our special 'early bird' rate."The first full day of the main conference will include business sessions at the O2 Guildhall, followed by an evening trade fair.On day two, delegates can choose to visit Cunard’s Queen Anne or P&O Cruises’ Britannia, with an evening sailaway party at the O2 Guildhall.The final day will feature ship visits to Celebrity Apex, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Insignia or Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur.An optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’ will take place on June 3, offering dedicated training and brand introductions for delegates who are keen to expand their cruise knowledge and boost sales.Agents can register at https://trade.cruising.org/events/events-calendarKeynote speaker details will be announced in due course. 26 January, 2026
CLIA RiverView 2026 registration to close in two weeks
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has confirmed that registration for its RiverView conference will close, subject to availability, in two weeks, on February 3, 2026.The event, the 14th to be held, is dedicated to river cruise and will take place in Amsterdam from March 8-10, 2026. It will feature business sessions, a networking trade fair, multiple ship visits, hosted lunches and dinners, two nights of overnight onboard stays, plus an optional new-to-selling river cruise masterclass.A limited number of twin-occupancy cabins remain available.A total of eight operators will have ships moored in Amsterdam and open for agents to visit. The line-up is:AmaWaterways - AmaSerenaAmadeus River Cruises - AMADEUS RivaAvalon Waterways - Avalon ViewEmerald Cruises - Emerald LunaRiverside Luxury Cruises - Riverside DebussyRiviera Travel - Geoffrey ChaucerTUI River Cruises - TUI MayaVIVA Cruises - VIVA ENJOYAll other CLIA river cruise operators will be represented, and a number of associated suppliers will be on hand to meet at the trade fair and across the event.Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: "River cruise continues to be one of the most compelling growth opportunities in cruise, particularly for agents looking to offer a more immersive, destination-rich experience to their customers. RiverView is designed to give the trade direct access to the ships, the brands and the expertise they need to sell river with confidence, and with places now limited, we’d encourage agents to secure their place while availability remains."For more information or to register, go to: https://cruising.org/events/clia-riverview-conference-2026 21 January, 2026
Josh Weinstein, President & CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, named Chair of the Global Executive Committee of Cruise Lines International Association
Washington, D.C. – 8 January 2026 - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority of the global cruise community, today announced that Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, has been named Chair of CLIA's Global Executive Committee (GEC) for a two-year term from 2026 through 2027. Weinstein succeeds Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, who served as Chair during a period of continued industry recovery and growth.Weinstein brings decades of leadership experience in the global cruise sector to the role and will work closely with the GEC to advance the industry's shared priorities, including safe and reliable operations, responsible growth, and constructive engagement with governments, ports, destinations, and other stakeholders worldwide."I am honored to chair the work of the global cruise sector at a pivotal time for our industry," said Weinstein. "Delivering extraordinary cruise experiences depends on a sustained focus on safe, reliable operations and effective coordination across the sector. As we build for the future, the industry will continue to demonstrate its commitment to responsible growth, achieving our greenhouse gas reduction short-term goals and long-term ambitions, deepening relationships with our ports and destination partners, investing in workforce development, and contributing positively to the communities we serve."As Chair, Weinstein will lead the direction that the GEC provides CLIA, including helping to shape the association's strategies and ongoing efforts to advance policies that enable responsible operations, foster innovation, strengthen stakeholder trust, and support initiatives that allow the cruise sector to continue delivering economic and social benefits in key markets worldwide."Josh brings deep experience and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to the role," said Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA. "On behalf of our members, I look forward to working closely with him, the Global Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors to advance the industry's shared priorities, including safe operations, responsible growth, and constructive engagement with governments, ports, and destinations worldwide."About the Global Executive Committee (GEC)The CLIA Global Executive Committee (GEC), together with CLIA's president and CEO, is responsible for establishing the association's overall strategic direction, guiding its long-term priorities, and overseeing work that supports the collective interests of CLIA members across global markets.https://cruising.org/global-executive-committeeAbout the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA members and partners include the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry's pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050.For more information, please visit cruising.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. 08 January, 2026
