Are Cruise Ships Running At Full Capacity?

Cruise ships typically sail at full capacity, but some sailings may not be fully booked due to last-minute cancellations. This is the exception to empty rooms, as it is the only way for cruise ships to be completely sold out. Full cruise ships are a significant indicator of demand and profitability in the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean Group’s Jason Liberty stated that the threshold for a profitable sailing is when a ship reaches 90% capacity. The CLIA cruise line accounts for 95% of the cruise capacity worldwide, with around 275 ocean-going ships. As five additional vessels return passengers, the company may see 59,328 berths or 93% of its capacity at full occupancy back.

All Royal Caribbean ships have limited capacity ranging between 30 to 50%, and the company will increase capacity ship by ship. If cruise lines choose not to sail at full capacity, there is available space for non-vaccinated travelers, including young children and people. Carnival is the first major cruise line to reach this capacity mark, and Royal Caribbean International plans to have all 24 ships back in action by the end of May.

Despite the age of Covid restrictions, most cruise lines are now operating at full capacity, with Royal Caribbean reporting they are above 100% booked. In 2024, the lines aim to have ships sail full and over capacity. All three major cruising groups (Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean) sail full year-round, so it is important to expect that cruise ships are nearly full or full. With the cruise industry back up and running, about 35.7 million passengers are expected to cruise in 2024, up from 31.5 million in 2023.