Could Universal Start a Cruise Line? Here's What We Know.

Many people love the idea of hopping on a cruise ship and living it up as they travel, especially knowing that most of their food, drinks (sometimes), and entertainment has been paid for in advance.

Not to mention that since you’re out in the middle of the ocean 90% of the time, cell service is spotty at nearly nonexistent (unless you choose to buy WiFi, which is expensive), so it’s a great way to unplug. Disney Cruise Line has found much success in the cruise industry, especially bringing character experiences on board based on their own IP. However, it’s looking like Universal could be following suit — is it possible they could be looking at making their own cruise line? Here’s what we know!

According to the Orlando Business Journal, Universal Destinations & Experiences has hinted that it could be entering the cruise industry. At the Bank of America Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference on September 3rd, CEO Mark Woodbury hinted at the possibility, saying:

“We’re always looking at every near-, mid- and long-term opportunity to drive the business. We take a very hard look at each different industry that may be adjacent for us where we can form another engine to drive our business. So, pay close attention to all those ancillary industries we could potentially tap into in the future, but nothing new to announce today.”

Universal Studios Florida

According to data from Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise line industry could be one of those ancillary industries, because “global cruise passenger numbers are projected to hit 37.7 million in 2025” and that number is expected to grow to 42 million by 2028. Port Canaveral alone anticipates 9 million passengers in 2026, which is a 7% increase.

Since Universal owns so much IP, similar to Disney, they’re in a good position to place that IP on cruise ships, which very much may draw sailors, just like people sail DCL for the Disney magic. In the words of Dennis Spiegel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, “All these ships — or a great deal of them — have become floating theme parks. And who does [theme parks] better than Disney or Universal?”

However, this would take millions, if not billions of dollars, so it would certainly be an investment. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out to see what Universal may announce in the coming months or years.