While cruise capacity in Asia has grown significantly over the past few years, jumping 45 percent from 2012 to 2013, according to the 2013 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, cruise companies have not announced details of future growth plans for the region.

As of now, the market is coming to a stand-still in 2014 with future growth being dependent on Chinese operators acquiring second-hand tonnage.

From reaching a record passenger capacity of 1.9 million in 2013, with deployment adjustments, Asia/Pacific capacity settles at slightly below 1.9 million passengers in 2014 and no further growth has yet been announced.

With increased capacity this year, both Costa Crociere and Royal Caribbean are likely to take a wait-and-see position, before committing more tonnage.

Additional growth this year is coming from Star Cruises with one more ship and Chinese HNA Tourism with the deployment of the Henna, the former Pacific Sun. Other Chinese and South Korean ventures are seemingly struggling, and the Japanese market has remained stagnant, pending Princess Cruises’ start-up program this spring.

Down Under, the Australian market is described as maturing with its rapid growth rate slowing down.

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