Mastercard and CrescentRating Report: ASEAN’s Muslim Travelers Embrace Cruise Vacations

Mastercard and CrescentRating have unveiled the inaugural Muslim-Friendly Cruise Report 2024, shedding light on the rising trend of cruise vacations among ASEAN’s Muslim travelers.

This groundbreaking report marks the latest collaboration between Mastercard and CrescentRating, who have worked together for a decade to explore various aspects of Muslim travel, lifestyle, and consumer behavior. With 25 reports under their belt, including the annual Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index, this latest release delves into the burgeoning cruise market and its appeal to Muslim travelers.

As travel rebounds across Asia Pacific and globally, the cruise industry has emerged as a major beneficiary, surpassing pre-pandemic passenger numbers for the first time in 2023. Notably, the Muslim demographic has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments, with an estimated 1 million Muslim cruise passengers in 2023, a figure projected to soar to 2.8 million by 2027.

The Muslim-Friendly Cruise Report 2024 provides invaluable insights for cruise operators and stakeholders, offering data-driven analysis to better understand and cater to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers. Key findings from this year’s report include:

ASEAN Emerges as a Growth Hub

ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia have witnessed a 56% increase in overall cruise passengers between 2019 and 2023. The number of Muslim passengers in these markets has also grown by 8% during the same period, indicating a rising interest in cruise holidays among the region’s Muslim community.

Preference for Digital Booking

Digital platforms are the preferred booking method for cruise vacations. A significant 48% of experienced cruise passengers booked directly through the cruise line’s website, while 14% utilized online travel agencies. Prospective passengers also showed a strong inclination towards direct booking, with 79% expressing a preference for cruise operators’ websites.

Diverse Budgets and Durations

Cruise operators must cater to a diverse range of budgets and durations. While 32% of experienced cruisers reported spending less than $500 per person, 34% allocated between $500 and $1,000 per person. Additionally, shorter cruise durations lasting 1-3 nights are gaining popularity, with 45% of passengers opting for such options.

Importance of Flexible Payment Methods

Flexible payment methods are crucial for enhancing the cruise experience. While debit or credit cards remain the preferred choice for 85% of respondents, the popularity of cash, E-Wallets, QR Code Payments, and Mobile Payments underscores the need for cruise operators to offer secure and convenient payment options.