The Belgian cruise market experienced record growth in 2024. The International Association of Cruise Lines (CLIA) announced that the number of Belgians taking cruise holidays soared significantly, with MSC Cruises continuing to be the top company, leading the market and breaking records.
“2024 has been our best year yet,” says Frank Van den Steen, Benelux Country Manager at MSC Cruises. “Tens of thousands of Belgians went on a trip with MSC Cruises in 2024, an increase of 13% in the number of passengers compared to our previous record year, 2023,” he highlighted. With 2024 being the best year in history yet, the growth is expected to continue in 2025, claims CLIA.
The growing popularity of cruises: what’s driving the trend
Cruises are in high demand among travellers because they offer a mix of maximum vacation experiences with competitive prices. Currently, this type of holiday is gaining popularity among young people who enjoy luxury and comfort onboard. Families and young travellers accounted for a 14% higher percentage in 2024, whereas the average age of MSC Cruises’ customers lowered to 46 years. Plus the new ships are in especially high demand, with extensive entertainment and activities for children and teenagers.
Belgian travellers are, more than other nationalities, willing to pay more for holidays that go beyond the standard comfort, which also explains the success of the MSC Yacht Club, adds Van den Steen. Despite having access to all the amenities of a large ship, this “ship within a ship” concept is a high-end private area of the ship with its own restaurant, a sun terrace, a swimming pool, and even 24-hour butler service. Travellers are also opting more for private balcony cabins: 71% of MSC Cruises’ passengers like to unwind and enjoy the complete tranquillity in the open air with sea views rather than booking interior cabins.
Globally, the cruise industry is also still recovering from the pandemic, as in 2019 there were only 29.7 million travellers, then the numbers grew gradually to 31.7 million in 2023. This increase continues in 2024 with 34.6 million travellers and should increase further to reach 42 million in 2028. Europe is also rising, with passenger numbers increasing from 8.2 million in 2023 to 8.4 million in 2024. In Belgium, the market is experiencing remarkable growth: from 66,000 passengers in 2019 to 83,000 in 2023, and 93,000 in 2024.
Where to sail: MSC Cruises’ popular destinations around the world
The most popular destinations are the west and east of the Mediterranean (53% of travellers) and Northern Europe (24%), particularly the fjords of Norway. The Emirates, the Canary Islands and Antilles cruises are especially in demand during the winter season, while the Caribbean registered an impressive surge in popularity with 45%.
“For 2025, we see that the upward trend continues,” emphasizes Frank Van den Steen. “The figures speak for themselves, and we expect another record year with an additional growth of 5 to 10%, which will further strengthen our position as undisputed market leader in Belgium”, he adds.
The company is also continually investing in establishing its presence in the Caribbean area, introducing a new flagship MSC World America and opening the largest cruise terminal in the world in Miami which enables it to serve up to 36,000 passengers daily and addresses the increasing demand for upper-class travel.
MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise company and leading European brand, offering global cruises with 23 modern ships that travel to more than 300 destinations on five continents. The company’s success is based not only on the popularity of cruise programmes but also on Belgians’ aspiration for a more quality and enjoyable vacation. Thus, MSC Cruises strengthens its position in the Belgian market, providing tourists with exclusive itineraries and high-quality service.
