Published on
October 24, 2025
Greece and the United States are reaping significant benefits from sustainable cruise tourism, as highlighted in the latest report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The report sheds light on the environmental progress made by the cruise industry, alongside its considerable economic contributions to both countries. In particular, the growing focus on sustainable practices within the sector has not only bolstered environmental protection but has also boosted local economies through increased tourism revenue, job creation, and support for regional businesses. This alignment of sustainability with economic growth underscores the transformative power of responsible tourism in shaping the future of the global cruise industry.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability with the release of its latest annual Environmental Technologies and Practices report. The 2025 edition demonstrates the continuous and measurable progress made by its member cruise lines in pursuing ambitious environmental goals, which include a range of groundbreaking initiatives in clean energy, fuel efficiency, and innovative maritime technology.
The 2025 report highlights several important advances in environmental sustainability within the cruise industry. Member cruise lines have made significant strides in adopting biofuels, with several testing and piloting biofuel technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, cruise lines are investing in fuel-flexible engines that can operate with a wider variety of fuels, including lower-emission options. This shift is part of the industry’s wider commitment to increasing the use of lower-emission fuels to help mitigate the environmental impact of cruising.
In addition to these fuel innovations, cruise lines are also focusing on improving energy efficiency, which is a key part of their long-term environmental strategy. This includes incorporating state-of-the-art energy-saving technologies across the fleet. These innovations range from advanced wastewater treatment systems and onshore power supply, which allows ships to plug into the local grid while docked, to air lubrication systems that reduce fuel consumption by creating a thin layer of air between the hull and water. The introduction of next-generation dual-fuel engines, which can operate on both conventional marine fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG), is another example of the cruise industry’s commitment to reducing emissions. Notably, these advanced technologies benefit the broader maritime industry, as the cruise sector often leads the way in adopting cutting-edge solutions that are later adopted by other maritime sectors.
These efforts are backed by substantial financial investments. CLIA reports that cruise lines are spending tens of billions of euros to build the fleet of the future, with more than 80 new ships already on order worldwide. These new vessels are set to feature a wide range of environmental innovations designed to improve sustainability across the industry. As the cruise sector leads the way in adopting cleaner, greener technologies, it is setting an example for other maritime industries to follow.
Further emphasizing the cruise sector’s positive economic impact, CLIA also unveiled the results of a study conducted by Oxford Economics, showing that cruise tourism contributed €201 million to the economy of Mykonos in 2024. The study, which focused on the island’s cruise tourism sector, found that it not only provides a significant economic boost but also supports nearly 3,000 jobs in the region. This highlights the role cruise tourism plays in local economies, providing vital employment opportunities and generating substantial revenue for local businesses.
The study also provided insights into the spending habits of cruise passengers visiting Mykonos. On average, cruise visitors spend €107 per person during their onshore stay, which typically lasts just under six hours. This substantial spend contributes to the local economy and supports a variety of businesses, from restaurants and shops to transportation services. Furthermore, the study found that cruise tourism is instrumental in introducing Greece to new visitors, with eight out of ten cruise guests in 2024 visiting Mykonos for the first time. More than half of these passengers were also visiting Greece for the first time, showing how cruise tourism can be a gateway for international travelers to experience new destinations.
CLIA’s findings also point to the lasting impact of cruise tourism on Greek tourism. With the sector bringing in fresh visitors, these international travelers are likely to return to Greece for longer stays in the future, providing further economic benefits to the country. This type of tourism also plays a significant role in fostering global awareness of Greek culture, history, and landmarks, especially in regions like Mykonos, which is a key destination for international cruise ships.
Looking to the future, CLIA has commissioned a similar study from the University of Piraeus to analyze the economic impact of cruising in Santorini. The study will offer valuable insights into the specific contributions of cruise tourism to the island’s economy, focusing on both direct and indirect benefits. Initial findings are expected in early 2026, with a final report set to be released by July 2026. This study will further underline the cruise sector’s role in supporting Greece’s tourism industry and provide a deeper understanding of how cruising contributes to local economies.
To showcase the cruise sector’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, CLIA is also hosting an exhibition titled “The Voyage” at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens. The exhibition is set to run until January 2026 and offers an immersive, interactive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the world of cruising. The exhibit features a range of displays focused on sustainability, innovation, and the environmental advancements being made by cruise lines.
The “Voyage” exhibition serves as an excellent platform to educate the public about the cruise industry’s contributions to sustainability and to demonstrate the sector’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. By highlighting these innovations, CLIA hopes to inspire both consumers and the broader tourism industry to prioritize sustainability and consider the long-term impacts of their choices. The exhibition also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and the critical role that all sectors of the travel industry play in shaping a sustainable future.
Greece and the US are gaining substantial economic and environmental benefits from sustainable cruise tourism, as highlighted in CLIA’s latest report, which emphasizes the industry’s positive impact on local economies and environmental progress.
the cruise industry continues to push the boundaries of sustainability and innovation, demonstrating that the sector is committed to a cleaner, greener future. With a focus on environmental progress, the launch of new, more sustainable vessels, and a significant economic contribution to local communities, the cruise industry is leading by example in the maritime sector. The findings from CLIA’s reports and the exhibition “The Voyage” highlight the cruise sector’s positive role in both the environment and the global tourism industry. As cruise lines continue to invest in new technologies and contribute to local economies, the industry is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
