Popularity of cruising confirmed

The number of British people taking cruises last year rose by 11% to 1.3 million and is due to go up to 1.5 million in 2008, official figures have confirmed.

The latest statistics from the Passsenger Shipping Association reveal that the number of Brits cruising today is double that of a decade ago with accelerated growth predicted over the next couple of years.

Those choosing to sail from a UK port grew by 2% to 460,000, while the biggest growth was in the fly-cruise market, up by 17% from 2006 to 879,000.

The Mediterranean retained its position as the number one choice for UK cruise passengers with a 21% increase on visitors to the region.

The Caribbean also remains a popular choice with a 6% increase and 17% share of the cruising market.

The Far East and Australia also showed a 51% increase.

PSA director Bill Gibbons, speaking at the Seatrade convention in Miami, said this year is poised to be even better with the launch of 12 new or refurbished ships.

"The launch of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas and Ocean Village 2 along with increased capacity from Princess Cruises has resulted in an increase in passenger figures in 2007," he said.

"We can expect this trend to continue in 2008 with a huge increase in cruising capacity in the UK from news ships including Fred Olsen's Balmoral, P&O's Ventura, Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas, Cunard's Queen Victoria, NCL's Norwegian Jade, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Splendor and MSC's Armonia.

"This is in addition to Swan Hellenic reintroducing its brand to the UK market and Transocean increasing their capacity with cruises from Tilbury with Marco Polo.

"With the number of new and refurbished ships specifically aimed at the UK market we can expect to see an increase to 1.5 million British passengers in 2008."

With permission from Travelmole