MSC Cruises CEO outlines industry growth and climate outlook
Gianni Onorato highlighted cruising’s share of tourism, its European employment footprint and the fleet’s transition toward alternative fuels.
MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said cruises accounted for less than 2% of travel packages sold worldwide in 2025. In Barcelona, where cruise tourism has faced overtourism complaints, passengers make up about 3% of daily visitors, he said.
Onorato said cruise itineraries are established two years ahead, giving destinations more preparation time than airline schedules, which are generally confirmed less than a year in advance. The European cruise industry supports more than 445,000 permanent jobs, according to figures in the report.
Cruise Lines International Association members operate 327 vessels, equal to about 90% of global cruise capacity. Of those, 30 have dual-fuel engines, compared with one in 2018. Onorato said he expects most ships currently operating to be retired and replaced in time for the European Union’s goal of a climate-neutral maritime industry by 2050.
As an example of fuel development, Onorato cited MSC Euribia’s four-day 2023 voyage from Le Havre to Copenhagen using biofuel. He said the fuel and other consumption-reduction measures enabled the ship to achieve a zero target.
Onorato also said cruise customers now have an average age range of 35 to 54, contrasting with the industry’s earlier association with older travelers.
