The Cruise Lines International Association has predicted that passenger volume will surpass pre-pandemic levels with 31.5 million passengers in 2023.

Solo travel has been a popular pastime, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic. Solo sailing has developed as a favourite alternative for visitors looking to discover new areas while keeping their freedom.

The visits range in duration from four to about 12 hours, from or to other destinations such as the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Gisborne, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Kaikōura and Christchurch.

While the entire shipping industry emits 2.9% of global carbon dioxide emissions, cruise ships produce more carbon dioxide annually on average than any other kind of ship due to their air conditioning, heated pools and other hotel amenities

Carnival shares rose 14% to a more than 1-year high in early trading on Monday while Norwegian Cruise gained nearly 8%. Royal Caribbean was up more than 3% to $94 per share.

Costa Cruises are, in fact, the first company to resume outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea, and soon also to Taiwan, after the pause due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Two of the biggest cruise lines- Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCL) reported over 100% occupancy rates during Q1 of 2023.

Mexico’s cruise tourism industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with a record-breaking 2.9 million guests arriving in the first quarter of 2023.

According to data from the Tourism Ministry, in 2022 the Pacific coast city ranked fifth in number of cruise passenger arrivals, after the ports of Cozumel, Majahual, Ensenada and Los Cabos.

The first cruise call on Tuesday morning was the 202m (663ft) AIDAaura, which has the capacity to carry more than 1,200 holidaymakers.