Cruise Ship Tourism Trend: 37.2 Million Passengers Sailed, Indonesia is Gaining Growing Attention

Global Cruise Tourism is currently undergoing a major period of growth. A total of 37.2 million passengers sailed worldwide during 2025, marking the highest all-time record for the industry. Amidst this surge, Indonesia is gaining increasing attention from international operators as Cruise Ship Visits to the country's major ports continue to rise.

These figures are documented in the 2026 State of the Cruise Industry report published by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in April 2026. Total passenger volume grew 7.5 percent from 2024, when the Cruise Ship Industry served 34.6 million travellers globally.

Industry optimism remains strong going into 2026. During the presentation of its latest economic impact study in early November, CLIA projected global cruise passenger numbers could reach 39.1 million this year. Meanwhile, nearly 90 percent of cruise travellers confirmed they intend to book another cruise holiday in the future.

This growth creates significant opportunities for Maritime Tourism destinations, including Indonesia. With its abundant island attractions, coastal ecosystems and cultural diversity, Indonesia holds solid potential to become a core hub in the Southeast Asian cruise network.

The Global Cruise Industry Continues Expanding

Rising passenger numbers are matched by growing commercial value of the cruise sector. Fortune Business Insights estimates the global Cruise Tourism market will reach USD 94.54 billion in 2026.

This Market Value is projected to grow to USD 204.93 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.15 percent.

The Asia-Pacific region stands as one of the most promising growth markets. Fortune Business Insights forecasts this region will record an 11.83 percent CAGR over the forecast period.

Separate CLIA data shows the Asian cruise market generated approximately 3 million passengers in 2025, representing a 17.7 percent year-on-year increase.

Shifting market dynamics are also visible in traveller demographics. CLIA recorded that the average age of global cruise passengers dropped to 46.7 years old in 2025.

Around 35 percent of all cruise passengers are now under 40 years old, while roughly one third of all cruise bookings are for multi-generational family travel groups.

Cruise ships are no longer merely transport between ports. Onboard entertainment venues, dining concepts, swimming facilities, live productions and dedicated Family Activities have turned the vessel itself into a central part of the holiday experience.

Indonesia Recorded 215 Cruise Ship Calls In 2025

This global cruise trend is now clearly reflected in Indonesian port operations. State port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) logged 215 cruise ship calls across its managed passenger terminals throughout 2025, carrying a total of 424,507 passengers.

This represents a steady increase from 149 calls recorded in 2023 and 190 calls in 2024, confirming accelerating cruise activity across Indonesia.

Benoa Port in Bali remained the largest contributor. During 2025, this port handled 65 cruise calls with 146,105 total arriving passengers.

This performance reinforces Benoa's position as one of Indonesia's primary entry points for international cruise travellers.

Pelindo is currently developing the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub (BMTH) to expand Benoa Port's operational capacity.

This upgrade project includes enhanced berthing infrastructure for large cruise vessels, alongside preparations to launch new international cruise routes.

Benoa And Tanjung Perak Strengthen Indonesia's Cruise Appeal

Cruise activity maintained positive momentum into 2026. At Benoa Port, passenger traffic for the first quarter of 2026 reached 33,889 arriving and 34,146 departing passengers.

This data demonstrates consistent high cruise activity at one of Indonesia's main maritime tourism gateways.

Surabaya also shows strong outlook. Pelindo Regional 3 has scheduled 23 cruise ship calls at Tanjung Perak Port throughout 2026, expected to bring over 6,000 visiting tourists.

One vessel that already docked was the MS Viking Venus on 4 November 2026. The Norwegian-flagged ship carried 865 International Visitors and 462 crew members before continuing its voyage onwards to Benoa, Bali.

Economic Impacts Extend Far Beyond Port Boundaries

Cruise ship visits deliver much wider economic value beyond docking fees and terminal operations. Disembarking travellers create demand for local transport, tour guides, restaurants, retail outlets and travel services to nearby tourist destinations.

The scale of this industry impact is outlined in CLIA's global reports. In 2024 alone, the cruise sector generated USD 198 billion in total global economic contribution, supported 1.8 million formal jobs, and paid out USD 60 billion in total wages.

The majority of this economic value comes from on-shore visitor spending, including expenditures on transport, accommodation, food and beverage, and all supporting local tourism businesses.

For Indonesia, this opportunity must be matched with proper preparation for destinations surrounding each port. Connectivity to attractions, tour guide service standards, transaction convenience, public area cleanliness and local SME products are all critical components of a positive visitor experience.

While rising cruise ship calls are certainly a positive indicator, Indonesia's success as a cruise destination cannot be measured solely by the number of vessels that dock.

True success will only be achieved when these economic benefits are tangibly felt by local communities, through active participation of small local businesses and development of authentic regional tour packages.