Analyzing the cruise ship visit data for Kotor, Montenegro, in 2024, we delve into various aspects of tourism and its implications for the city. The data provides insights into the expected number of cruise ship calls, passenger volumes, and the distribution of these visits across different times of the year and among various cruise lines. Through a series of analyses, including key figures, market share by cruise lines, monthly passenger arrivals, and the distribution of cruise calls, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the cruise industry's impact on Kotor.
The findings reveal a highly seasonal pattern, with peak visitor numbers during the summer months, indicating the city's significant reliance on seasonal tourism. The analysis also highlights the dominance of a few cruise lines in terms of passenger volumes and calls, suggesting a concentrated market. 

Key Insights:
•    Gradual Increase to Peak: The chart shows a gradual increase in cruise calls starting from March, with a notable rise leading into the summer months.
•    Summer Peak: The peak occurs in July and August, highlighting these months as the most popular for cruise visits in Kotor. This period represents the highest concentration of cruise activity, aligning with the global trend of increased travel during the summer vacation season.
•    Decline Towards Year-End: After the summer peak, there's a noticeable decline in cruise calls, with numbers decreasing through September and October and reaching a lower point in November.

•    Total Number of Individual Cruise Ships Expected: 65 unique cruise ships are scheduled to visit.
•    Total Number of Cruise Ship Calls: There are 368 scheduled cruise ship calls throughout the year.
•    Total Number of Cruise Passengers Expected: An estimated total of 582,886 cruise passengers are expected to visit.
•    Total Number of Cruise Lines: 31 different cruise lines will be making calls to Kotor.
This data indicates a bustling year for Kotor in terms of cruise tourism, showcasing its popularity and the variety of cruise lines and ships that include it in their itineraries.

Market Share by Cruise Lines

•    MSC Cruises holds the largest market share by total passengers expected in 2024, with over 20% of the market. They have 61 cruise ship calls scheduled, reflecting their strong presence in Kotor.
•    Norwegian Cruise Line and TUI Cruises follow, each with around 9% of the market share, highlighting their significant contribution to the passenger volume.
•    The table also shows the diversity of cruise lines servicing Kotor, with a total of 13 (excluding the aggregated "Other Cruise Lines") each bringing a unique mix of ships and visit frequencies.
•    Viking, despite not being in the top 3 by passenger volume, has the highest number of unique cruise ships scheduled to visit, indicating a varied fleet offering.
 

Top 10 Ships Arriving in Kotor in 2024

•    MSC Armonia and MSC Lirica, with the highest number of calls, also bring in the largest number of passengers, underscoring their significant impact on Kotor's cruise tourism.
•    The chart demonstrates the substantial variability in the contribution of different ships to the total passenger volume, with ships like Mein Schiff 6 bringing a high number of passengers despite fewer calls compared to the leaders.

Number of cruise passengers expected by month

The bar chart illustrates the total number of cruise passengers expected to arrive in Kotor, Montenegro, per month throughout the year 2024. Here's a detailed breakdown:
•    March: Starts the cruise season with 5,508 passengers.
•    April: Sees a significant increase to 37,176 passengers.
•    May: The numbers jump further to 78,654 passengers, indicating the start of the peak season.
•    June: Continues the upward trend with 82,623 passengers.
•    July: Marks the highest influx of the year with 91,232 passengers, showcasing the peak of the tourist season.
•    August: Slightly fewer passengers than July, with 89,330, but still within the peak season.
•    September: Begins the transition out of peak season with 84,271 passengers.
•    October: Almost maintains the September level, with 88,526 passengers, indicating a prolonged high season.
•    November: The season winds down significantly, with 25,566 passengers.
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Number of cruise calls per month in Kotor

Busiest days in Kotor, Montenegro, based on the number of cruise ship calls