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‘Three c’s’ leading to more ex-UK cruises
Saturday, 16 Nov, 2009
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A leading independent cruise travel agency has seen a 20% rise in the number of people booking departures from the UK this year.
Gill’s Cruise Centre has found that 67% of customers have chosen to cruise from the UK.
More than 531,000 people took a cruise that started and ended in the UK last year, a 20% increase on the previous year with the growth sustained during 2009, according to industry statistics.
By contrast, there was just a four per cent year-on-year increase in the number of passengers taking a fly-cruise between 2007-08.
An increasing number of cruise lines are offering ex-UK sailings and basing ships in UK ports, with more set to join them in 2010.
Next year sees the launch of several new ships operating out of the UK, including Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Azura.
Gill’s Cruise Centre chairman Alistair Gill said: “I put this new trend down to what I call the 3Cs: cost, convenience and comfort.
“Ex-UK cruises are often a bit cheaper as there is no flight to pay for, there is no waiting around at the airport at either end and you can take your time to get settled onboard before the main itinerary begins.
“And, of course, without airline restrictions, passengers can take as many bags as they like.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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