Courtesy/News Source: seatrade-cruise.com

Cruise ships in Asia are calling at more places, increasing the range of choice for passengers with 306 ports and destinations set to receive vessels in 2019, an increase from the 288 destinations in 2018, according to latest data released by Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).

2019 will see a total of 1,917 sailings generating capacity for 4.02m passengers to cruise in Asia. This represents a reduction in passenger numbers of 5.7% year-on-year after several years of rapid expansion mainly due to fewer 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.
Infrastructure to fuel growth

‘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,’ said Joel Katz, Managing Director for CLIA Australasia & Asia.

Port calls to Asia will remain steady this year with 7,154 calls. Many of the destinations – especially India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea – will see growth.

Asia will also see a slight rise in passenger destination days. The 13m 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, according to CLIA’s 2019 Asia Cruise Deployment.

Posted 13 August 2019

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