Bud Darr outlines vision for a united and sustainable cruise industry
In a recent interview with Travel Weekly, Charles ‘Bud’ Darr, the newly appointed global president and chief executive of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), outlined his vision for enhancing the cohesion of both the association and the broader cruise industry. Darr, who officially took the reins of CLIA in February 2025, is focused on fostering unity among the diverse stakeholders that comprise the cruise sector.
Darr's maritime credentials span several decades, beginning in Nebraska where he cultivated his passion for the sea through various roles in boatyards and joining the US Navy as a teenager. With a background in nuclear engineering and submarine operation, he also has experience as a competitive ocean-racing sailor and has served in the US Coast Guard. His first association with CLIA was from 2010 to 2017, where he played a pivotal role in navigating technical and regulatory affairs.
Upon his return to CLIA, Darr expressed his desire to create a more integrated community among cruise lines, service providers, ports, destinations, and travel agents. “I want to bring together, in a geographic and business sense, vendors, ports, destinations, shipbuilders, cruise lines, service providers and agents to form one big community,” Darr stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration in an industry that he believes can be more powerful when united.
A significant part of Darr's agenda is the pursuit of sustainability within the cruise industry, with ambitious climate targets set for 2050. He acknowledged the industry’s reliance on innovations in fuel technology, stating, “To be successful, we will have to get access to the new generations of fuels to use them on ships in the future.” Darr is advocating for policymakers and energy providers to acknowledge the demands from the cruise sector, essentially making the case for a robust supply of alternative fuels, particularly biofuels and synthetic options like methanol and methane.
The issue of overtourism also emerged as a pressing concern. Darr believes that collaboration with local communities is essential to addressing tourism’s impact. He emphasised the need for cruise lines to work in harmony with destinations to ensure a positive relationship that benefits all parties. Furthermore, he addressed the complexities surrounding tourist taxes, arguing that while such taxes could enhance infrastructure, they must not serve merely as a revenue-generating measure without tangible benefits to both visitors and local residents.
Reflecting on the pandemic's impact, Darr noted the lessons learned during the industry's shutdown, claiming it has necessitated growth and adaptability. “We came back as a better, stronger industry, and so much smarter about how to manage what works and what doesn’t,” he remarked, indicating a strong commitment to a more sustainable operational model moving forward.
During the interview, Darr touched upon future industry expectations, revealing there are currently 67 ships on order for CLIA's ocean-going members for the coming years - an increase from 51 the previous year. This growth reflects optimism within the cruise sector as well as confidence from the investment community, signalling a positive trajectory for passenger numbers. Projections estimate that the sector could see up to 44 million passengers by 2030, a significant increase from 31.7 million in 2023.
Darr is also keen to strengthen relationships with travel advisors, who he acknowledges are integral to the success of cruise sales. He aims to cultivate a greater sense of community and focus on providing value to travel advisors, reiterating that successful partnerships can be beneficial for all involved.
The challenges ahead, which include navigating geopolitical disruption and the complexities of itinerary planning, are seen by Darr as opportunities for the industry to remain nimble and responsive. His approach embodies a commitment to proactive leadership in an ever-evolving landscape, setting a course towards a more sustainable and unified future for the cruise industry.