TRIESTE – Italy’s cruise industry is expected to continue its upward trend in 2025, reaching up to 14.8 million passengers. If confirmed, the figures from the Cemar Agency study would reinforce the trend already seen in 2024, driven by a strong rebound in market demand. Among the 74 Italian ports involved in cruise traffic, Venice has returned to the “top ten” for passenger volume.
The forecast was presented at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, the industry’s key annual event. While Civitavecchia retains its position as the top national cruise port with 3.53 million passengers, it is followed by Naples (1.9 million) and Genoa (1.7 million). Changes are expected among the top ten, now including Palermo, Livorno, Messina, Savona, La Spezia, Cagliari and, notably, the Veneto capital.
By region, Lazio leads with 3.54 million passengers (24% of the national total), followed by Liguria (3.36 million, 23%), Campania (2.05 million, 14%), Sicily (2.03 million, also 14%), Tuscany (0.97 million, 6%) and Sardinia (0.77 million, 5%).
“Our forecasts,” comments Sergio Senesi, president of Cemar Agency Network, “clearly indicate this new phase of growth. The entry of prestigious luxury hospitality brands into the cruise industry will attract a new type of guest — with high spending capacity and likely on their first cruise. This evolving scenario will have significant impacts on local economies.”
Specifically, Italy is expected to handle 14.8 million cruise passengers in 2025, a +4.05% increase over the previous year. Port calls will also rise, reaching 5,482 (+6.76% compared to 2024), with 179 ships from 57 cruise lines expected to call at Italian ports. In terms of cruise groups, MSC Cruises remains the market leader, with approximately 5.23 million passengers. Carnival Group follows with 4.63 million, then Royal Caribbean Group with 1.90 million, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holding with 1.20 million.
Growth is expected to continue into 2026, when passenger volumes at Italian ports are projected to exceed 15 million, according to preliminary analysis. Italy remains firmly established as the leading cruise destination in the Mediterranean. “Multiple factors are driving this consistent growth,” notes Senesi. “Among them, a key role is played by the policy of seasonality extension — also adopted by American cruise lines, which for several years now have been operating in the Mediterranean not only in summer, but also during the winter months. At the same time, the industry has made significant strides in sustainability, with next-generation eco-friendly vessels drastically reducing emissions and actively supporting the protection of our Mediterranean Sea.”
