The cruise industry generates $4 billion in revenue in the Caribbean.
The cruise industry generated $4.2 billion in revenue between 2023 and 2024, a 27% increase compared to five years ago, with visits to 33 Caribbean territories. This was announced by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA).
The top 10 revenue-generating destinations were the Bahamas, with $654 million; Cozumel, Mexico, with $483 million; and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with $258 million.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico follow with revenues of $251 million, $237 million, and $201 million, respectively.
Jamaica received $197 million, Costa Maya and Mexico reported $187 million, Honduras brought in $180 million, while the Cayman Islands saw $161 million and Aruba $133 million.
The 33 destinations welcomed a total of 29.4 million cruise travelers at their shores.
Each passenger spent around $104.36, totaling $3.07 billion.
The average spending per passenger increased over five years at 26 out of 31 destinations, with 14 of them hitting an average of $100 per traveler.
In total, the 33 destinations welcomed about 3.9 million visits from crew members, who, according to the study, spent $229.5 million.
Additionally, BREA highlighted that between 2023 and 2024, the sector helped create 94,027 jobs, with overall wages totaling $1.27 billion, a 19% increase compared to 2018.
Likewise, cruise lines spent $968.3 million, averaging $29.3 million per destination.
