SANTO DOMINGO – Cruise tourism continues to solidify its position as one of the most dynamic segments of the global travel market. According to the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025, an estimated 39.6 million passengers will sail in 2026, a figure that confirms the sector's sustained recovery and its ability to attract new generations of travelers.
The forecast is part of a growing trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by the addition of larger vessels and increasingly attractive routes. The report indicates a “very strong short-term outlook” based on the deployment of these ships to popular destinations, which has contributed to increased global demand.
Added to this is a key piece of data to understand the current state of the industry, since 82% of those who have already taken a cruise plan to repeat the experience, while 68% of international travelers are considering taking their first trip in this format, reflecting a growing interest in this type of vacation.
The drive of the new generations
Far from the old notion that cruises were primarily for older adults, the report emphasizes that the future of the sector is closely linked to younger travelers. Currently, approximately 67% of cruise passengers belong to Generation X or are even younger, and the average passenger age is around 46.5 years. State of the Cruise Industry Report…
Furthermore, 36% of travelers are under 40, and both Generation X and Millennials are among the most enthusiastic groups when it comes to planning this type of vacation. This transformation has led cruise lines to rethink their offerings, incorporating more diverse experiences, innovative itineraries, and concepts designed for an audience that prioritizes memorable experiences.
This interest is also reflected in purchasing behavior, as more and more travelers are booking further in advance to secure their desired itinerary, a sign of confidence in the stability of the sector and in the experience offered by the maritime tourism.
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Dominican Republic and an expanding opportunity
For economist Alejandro Grisanti, director of Ecoanalítica, the growth of cruise ships should be seen as a positive sign within the global tourism ecosystem. In an interview with El Inmobiliario, he explained that this segment has been expanding “at a double-digit rate, above 10% in the last three years,” which anticipates sustained growth in the short and medium term.
Grisanti acknowledges that cruise passengers typically spend less individually than traditional tourists, but emphasizes that the aggregate impact is significant. “Every little bit helps,” he says, highlighting that the increased passenger flow strengthens port activity and expands opportunities for destinations that manage to position themselves on these routes.
From their perspective, the Dominican Republic is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The country could capture a significant portion of that global volume of travelers and continue to increase the number of arrivals by sea, supported by the sector's expansion and the growing appeal of the Caribbean as a cruise destination.
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