The International Council of Cruise Lines reports that in 2005, 11.5 million people worldwide took cruise vacations, a 6% increase over the previous year. Passenger embarkations at US Ports dominated, with 8.6 million. US residents constitute 79% (9.1 million in 2005) of the total global cruise passenger market.

Since 2003, there has been a significant increase in the number of international cruise ships visiting the ports of Fiji. In 2003, with 30 cruise ships visiting, the total foreign earnings from cruise vessels was an estimated FJ$11m. In 2006, there were 78 cruise ships arrivals expected. The most visited port over the last 3 years continued to be Suva with 23 calls expected in 2006. The Yasawa islands are becoming a popular destination for international cruise ships with 22 calls expected in 2006 (up from 6 in 2005).