Cruise tourism refers to the travel of passengers via cruise ships, where ports of call, like the Cayman Islands, serve as key destinations. It contributes significantly to the local economy by driving spending at attractions, restaurants, shops, and tour operators, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.
Cruise tourism contributes $4m to the Cayman economy weekly. Cruise passengers generate economic activity through their expenditures on tours, dining, shopping, and local services. Additionally, the industry provides jobs in sectors like transportation, retail, and hospitality, boosting household incomes across the islands.
86% of the cruise passenger spending is on shopping & excursions, followed by food, beverage, and other recreation. Local businesses such as tour operators, restaurants, bars, retailers, and transportation providers see direct economic benefits from this spending. In addition, artisans, entertainers, and guides gain income from providing authentic Caymanian experiences to visitors.
The gross value added to the economy by the cruise industry is projected to fall to 1.8% of GDP by 2029. As a result, the total jobs supported by the cruise industry are projected to decline by 19.3% by 2029 and government revenue from cruises is projected to fall by an average of 4.3% annually after 2025.
Yes, cruise tourism provides an opportunity to showcase Caymanian culture, history, and traditions to visitors. Local artisans, performers, and cultural institutions gain exposure and financial support, helping preserve and promote the islands' unique heritage.
Like all forms of tourism, cruise tourism has environmental implications. However, the Cayman Islands are working with cruise lines and industry partners to adopt sustainable practices, such as reef preservation initiatives and eco-friendly infrastructure development.
Efforts include collaborating with cruise lines committed to reducing emissions, implementing responsible waste management systems, and investing in marine conservation projects to protect coral reefs and marine life.
While cruise tourism brings a high volume of visitors, scheduling and infrastructure planning help manage the flow. The government and industry partners work together to ensure that the number of visitors aligns with the nation’s capacity to provide a quality experience for both guests and residents.
Not necessarily. While cruise passengers have shorter stays, their large numbers contribute to significant economic activity. Both cruise and stayover tourism play essential and complementary roles in sustaining the Cayman Islands’ tourism economy.
The Cayman Islands are promoting eco-tourism and encouraging cruise lines to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Collaborations between the public and private sectors ensure that growth benefits the community while minimizing environmental impact.
Without a pier, this seems unlikely. Larger cruise ships will likely skip over Cayman as deboarding without a pier leads to long waits on deck.