Date of Award

2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Marine Affairs

Department

Marine Affairs

First Advisor

Austin Becker

Abstract

Cruise ports are highly susceptible to coastal hazards. Coastal hazards can be both widespread and region-specific, impacting the cruise industry in pre-disaster planning, during-event operations, and post-event recovery. The severity and frequency of these hazards will increase with climate change, yet little empirical evidence exists to capture cruise industry perceptions and planning for these global scale risks. This research conducted a baseline, global survey of cruise industry practitioners to determine industry perceptions around coastal hazard impact to operations, future perspectives and concerns, and best practices regarding hazard impacts to ports, destination communities, and operations. In partnership with the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and a steering committee comprised of relevant industry experts, the survey yielded 89 usable responses from cruise ports, cruise lines, trade associations, and other relevant practitioners. Key findings include that 98% of respondents are concerned about coastal hazards impacting cruise operations in the next 50 years, while only 39% feel sufficiently informed about these hazards. This survey provides empirical evidence to support what has largely been assumed: that coastal hazards are a significant concern for the cruise industry. This research identifies gaps in cruise capacity and cross-industry collaboration, which can direct focus to areas of shared investment to mitigate risk and advance adaptation efforts. Future research should build off this study to highlight cross-industry collaboration with local communities, as well as within-industry education and mitigation of coastal hazard impacts.

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Available for download on Saturday, June 05, 2027

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