According to the latest edition of the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News, the average age of a cruise ship is 17.5 years.

With a total of 13 vessels set to enter service by the end of the year, the average  age of the global cruise ships will increase by only a few months, reaching an average of 17.5 years.

According to Cruise Industry News’ independent research compiled into the report, nearly 450 cruise ships will be active and sailing by December 2024.

The data also indicates that over one-fourth of the total vessels currently sailing entered service in the past five years.

The oldest vessel still in service is the Sea Cloud, which was launched in 1931. Originally built as a private yacht, the 64-guest sailing ship currently offers cruises in Europe and the Caribbean for Sea Cloud Cruises.

The Blue Sapphire takes the lead among the more traditional and larger cruise ships. Now operating for Selectum Blu Cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean, the 750-guest ship first entered service for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in 1981.

Phoenix Reisen’s Artania is also one of the oldest large vessels still operating. Built in 1984, the 1,200-guest ship was originally introduced as Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess.

Other vessels that have been sailing for over three decades include the 1988-built Balmoral, the 1988-built Amera, the 1990-built Empress, the 1991-built Ambience and the 1991-built Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.

Among the newest cruise ships in service are Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas, Silversea’s Silver Ray and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7. The three newbuilds started their maiden seasons within the last five weeks.

Updated in July 2024, the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News is a comprehensive Excel file that puts the entire cruise fleet at the user’s fingertips.

In addition to build dates, the database covers other key metrics such as cruise line, ship name, guest capacity, crew capacity, shipyard, building cost, drafts and more.