Seasonality in the cruise industry: Activity, prices and regionality

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse and compare the seasonal pattern of activity and prices in the cruise industry, both globally and regionally (in the Mediterranean), as well as the impact of this seasonality on the cruise industry and cruise destinations. Methodologically, seasonality indices for activity and prices are calculated based on available statistics and a database of 51,129 observations from 2019. The results show that there is activity and price seasonality worldwide, although it is higher in the Mediterranean region. This supports the idea that cruise lines face less variation in activity due to seasonality, as they can reposition their ships in different regions throughout the year. The seasonality of cruise destinations is more pronounced, due to natural and institutional factors, but also to these repositioning decisions by cruise lines. A comparison of activity and price seasonality shows that prices fluctuate more globally, while activity fluctuates more regionally. The cruise lines’ strategies are reviewed in order to draw some theoretical and practical implications for understanding future trends in the industry. Suggestions are also made as to how destinations can deal with the inconveniences of seasonality in cruise destinations, such as overtourism.