Cruise tourism in Asia rebounds with strong growth and new opportunities

Asia’s cruise tourism is seeing a rebound, both as a source market and as a destination, with opportunities for the return of international deployments and new homeporting, according to industry experts at Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024, co-located with Seatrade Crew Connect Global in Manila.

Ted Blamey, principal at Chart Management Consultants, revealed that Singapore’s recovery “has been exceptional since last year” with 817,000 cruise passengers – two and a half times the 2019 level – the largest in all Asia.

India reached a record 374,000 passengers, making it the second-largest cruise market in Asia, followed by Malaysia with 350,000 passengers, nearly three times the 2019 volume. Indonesia and the Philippines also saw notable growth, though on a smaller scale.

Blamey noted the return of mainstream international cruise lines to Asia, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s four ships this year and next, Carnival Corp’s four brands, the new Disney Adventure arriving in Singapore in December 2025, and various upscale and luxury international lines.

Key priorities shaping the future of Asia’s cruise market include growing the market sustainably, engaging with local communities, and enhancing the guest experience.

On sustainability and green cruises, Oliviero Morelli, president of Japan, South Korea, South East Asia for MSC Group’s cruise division, stated that Asian destinations must match the efforts made by the cruise industry. While many Asian ports maintain high standards, there is still significant work to be done, and some destinations may not yet be fully prepared.

Noting advances in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable practices in other continents, Seatrade Cruise group portfolio director Mary Bond suggested learning from successful peers in the industry.

“Sometimes, it’s not bad to copy the homework of somebody else,” she quipped.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises president, Tsunemichi Mukai, emphasised the need to balance growth with environmental and community concerns, advocating for greater guest awareness of sustainability and the importance of preventing over-tourism in destinations.

In parts of Asia where sea travel is regarded as a mode of transport rather than a vacation, the speakers recommended raising awareness among travelers, transport providers, and local communities in homeports about the advantages of cruise tourism.

To enhance the guest experience, speakers urged cruise operators to focus on every detail for a seamless, enjoyable holiday, while developing new itineraries and creating programmes tailored to the Asian market.

They highlighted South-east Asia as an largely untapped market, with Singapore and Malaysia offering well-developed airports and ports, key for fly-cruise operations and enhancing guest experiences. Bangkok, with its strong airport and infrastructure, also shows great potential for homeporting.