The cruising and ferry sectors are unique within maritime trade: while cargo shipping moves goods, these sectors move people – for work, for family, for adventure, and for leisure.
Associations in this space bring together cruise lines, ferry operators, tourism agencies, port authorities, shipbuilders, and regulators to coordinate a high-quality, safe, and sustainable passenger experience.
They operate at the crossroads of maritime logistics, public transportation, and global tourism – and must constantly balance customer experience, safety, environmental compliance, and international hospitality.
Cruising involves long-distance, often luxury travel – ocean liners, expedition vessels, and river cruise ships.
Ferries serve a more functional, short-to-medium distance role – connecting islands, coastal cities, and inland waterways, often as part of national transport systems.
Associations in this field are focused on:
• Enhancing passenger safety and service standards
• Promoting destination development and infrastructure investment
• Advocating for sustainable fuel use and emissions control
• Supporting seafarer welfare and onboard employment rights
• Navigating health regulations, especially post-pandemic
• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA): The world’s largest cruise industry trade association – focuses on safety, advocacy, and marketing
• Interferry: Represents the ferry industry worldwide, emphasizing safety, innovation, and global connectivity
• European Cruise Council (ECC): Focused on the European market; supports coordination with EU bodies and regional ports
• Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC): A public-private regional alliance promoting cruising in Asia
• Regional ferry bodies – like the UK Chamber of Shipping Ferry Group or BC Ferries (Canada), which may also participate in broader transport coalitions
Cruise and ferry associations are active in:
• Policy Engagement: Advocating for port access, emissions regulation, and tourism development
• Marketing & Public Image: Promoting cruising as a safe, valuable travel choice
• Health & Safety Protocols: Managing global standards for passenger protection and crew care
• Port Coordination: Supporting investment in terminal facilities and accessibility
• Environmental Strategy: Promoting cleaner fuels, electrification, and emissions tracking
• Crew Development: Supporting onboard training, recruitment, and working conditions
Passenger shipping plays a key role in:
• Tourism economies – fueling local businesses, especially in island and coastal regions
• Public transport – for nations with heavy island or archipelagic geography
• Cultural exchange – bringing people and places together in peaceful ways
• Maritime jobs – creating employment opportunities from ship to shore
Cruise and ferry associations help ensure these benefits are delivered ethically, safely, and sustainably. They are also on the frontline of public perception – often the most visible face of the maritime world.
In this sense, they are also Turning Tides – shifting the narrative around seafaring from hidden logistics to human connection.
These associations support:
• Cruise lines and ferry companies – through advocacy, marketing, and access to research
• Ports and destinations – by coordinating infrastructure and passenger services
• Tourism agencies – through partnerships and policy alignment
• Crew and onboard staff – with fair labor standards and professional development
• Passengers – indirectly, by ensuring safety, service quality, and sustainability
How can passenger-focused maritime associations lead the way in sustainable, people-centered seafaring?
