This research gauges the global cruise industry’s near- and long-range concerns around coastal hazard impacts on cruise ports, including sea level rise (SLR), flooding, and increased frequency and intensity of weather systems due to climate change. 

Coastal Hazards Impact Cruise Operations 

Cruise ports are highly susceptible to coastal hazards, which impact both cruise operations and host communities. Compound damages to tourist attractions and amenities can cause extreme economic loss, which is predicted to increase with future climate variability.ⁱ The growing cruise industry and tourist economy are already threatened by coastal hazards, with 86% of global ports located in vulnerable areas.ⁱⁱ Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, for example, closed many cruise ports for weeks or months, causing itinerary disruptions and cancellations.ⁱⁱⁱ Sea level is predicted to rise between 0.4m and 2m by 2100, further amplifying these negative effects. In 2023, the cruise industry accounted for $168.6B in global economic output, growing 9% since 2019.^iv The cruise industry sustains 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $50.24B in income across the 2,000+ cruise ports worldwide.^v Passenger volume has grown 68% in the past decade, with over 30 million passengers predicted to cruise in 2025.^vi  

To establish a baseline understanding of the cruise industry’s consideration of these challenges and to inform future industry needs, an online survey will be distributed to cruise industry administrators with strategic planning oversight for cruise ports. The survey will address the following questions:  

• How are coastal hazards currently impacting the cruise industry’s cruise port interests?  

• What are the cruise industry’s concerns about future coastal hazard impacts to operations, especially given climate projections? 

• What are the cruise industry’s best practices and policies regarding coastal hazard impacts to cruise ports and operations?  

Results 

Results will help establish a research and policy agenda around industry climate change interests, challenges, and concerns to foster a safe, secure, sustainable, and resilient cruise environment- now and in the future. 

Contact:  Dr. Austin Becker p: (401) 636-0430 e: abecker@uri.edu 

      Abigail Murray (MA Student) e: abigail.murray@uri.edu 

    CAPT Dave Hill, USCG (Ret.) p: (410) 610-8721 e: capt_hilll@uri.edu