While Palma is suffering a slight slump in the cruise ships this season, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has revealed holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 2.54 million ocean cruises last year, surpassing the previous highest total of 2.4 million in 2024.
34.5% of passengers sailed in the Mediterranean, 27.2% Northern Europe and 13.7% the Caribbean. The Caribbean saw year-on-year passenger growth of 12%. The three destinations were similarly the most popular among UK and Ireland cruisers in 2024. The Caribbean remains the most popular overall global cruise destination.
The average age of cruisers was 54.6, consistent year-on-year, with a 7% increase in children under 12. The average cruise length was 9.6 days, in line with 9.7 days in 2024. Seven-night departures remain the most popular, accounting for 44% of sailings.
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Cruise continues to appeal to a wide range of holidaymakers, with the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean all offering a great range of experiences and itineraries. They represent a shift towards deeper cultural engagement and more time spent in destinations, supporting local economies through onshore activities and extended stays.
“This diversity of destinations, combined with the flexibility and value that cruising offers, means it remains a very attractive choice for families, couples and multi-generational groups alike. It’s encouraging to see more children than ever travelling, reflecting cruise’s appeal as an easy and convenient holiday option.”
In addition to attracting international visitors, Spain is also a significant source market for cruises. According to CLIA, more than 635,000 Spanish passengers set sail in in 2025. The average Spanish cruiser sails for more than a week, and the top destination is the close-to-home Mediterranean.
CLIA has a dedicated presence in Spain, and closely collaborates with local and national authorities to advance sustainable tourism. This includes agreements to manage ship traffic in major ports, such as Barcelona and Palma. These agreements balance the significant local economic benefits of cruise tourism with the number of passengers destinations say they can handle. In 2024, more than 63,500 jobs in Spain were the result of a thriving cruise industry.