Cruise tourism is a significant component of coastal and marine tourism. This report, based on desk research and stakeholder consultations, examines the global state of cruise tourism, providing updated market data. After discussing the main impacts generated by this industry, the report offers a critical outline of the cruise sector’s governance, describing its key actors and the main international and regional regulatory frameworks. Particular attention is given to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Western Indian Ocean, regions with main cruise destinations. Challenges to a more sustainable cruise sector have been identified as a basis for recommending priority policy and governance actions that can enable the cruise sector’s transition to a fairer, more responsible, and more sustainable industry. This report intends to serve as a wake-up call for increased regional and global cooperation, advocating for a coordinated approach in regulating, monitoring, and maximising the sector’s benefits.