This strategic framework outlines shared commitments between government and industry to support the continued growth of the UK cruise sector benefiting the national economy, UK ports, and coastal communities. The commitments are designed to encourage sustained private investment and increased collaboration between Government departments, including within the Devolved Administrations, to help responsibly grow the cruise sector.

The cruise industry already contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports 60,000 jobs across the country. The Cruise Growth Plan recognises this vital role and sets out a roadmap for long-term growth, enhanced infrastructure, and global leadership in sustainable and digital maritime practices.

The Plan focuses on key areas including workforce development, safety, security, accessibility, and sustainable growth - positioning the UK as a premier destination for cruise tourism and maritime innovation.

The Value of Cruise to the UK:

• £5.8 billion annual contribution to the UK economy
• 60,000 jobs supported nationwide
• Over 50 UK ports visited by cruise ships each year
• More than 2 million UK residents take cruises annually
• Over 2 million day visits by cruise guests to UK ports every year
• 60% of cruise guests return to destinations they visited

Maritime Minister, Keir Mather said: 

The cruise industry is vital to the UK economy, bringing in £5.8 billion and supporting thousands of jobs across the country.

That’s why we’ve launched our Cruise Growth Plan to continue driving private investment into the sector, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for coastal communities.

Rhett Hatcher, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping, said:

The UK Chamber of Shipping welcomes the UK Cruise Growth Plan as a timely and collaborative blueprint for the future of our cruise sector.

The Plan reflects the shared commitment, in partnership with government, to unlocking the sector’s full potential for responsible growth and skills development. The joint commitments focus on the strategic priorities of positioning the UK as a world-leading hub for cruise tourism and maritime investment and growing a diverse and skilled workforce while maintaining globally recognised safety standards.

We remain committed to shared goals on decarbonisation and call for continued collaboration to ensure environmental sustainability is embedded in future cruise sector planning. The Chamber stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that growth and green transition go hand in hand.

Andy Harmer, Managing Director, CLIA United Kingdom & Ireland, commented:

Cruise Lines International Association is delighted to partner with UK Government on the UK Cruise Growth Plan. This forward-looking plan provides a clear roadmap for the future of cruising in the UK. Its shared commitments will enhance safety, security, and accessibility in the industry, while its focus on investment and future skills will allow the UK to remain a leader in the international cruise market in the years to come.

By reinforcing the sector’s vital role in the nation’s maritime and tourism ecosystems, the plan firmly embeds cruise within the Government’s growth agenda. With CLIA member cruise lines pursuing net zero by 2050, the plan will help foster further collaboration between industry and Government to achieve our shared decarbonisation aims.