United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Cruise bookings reach record levels
A record 1.9 million holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took an ocean cruise in 2016.
Mediterranean fly-cruises remained by far the number one choice, attracting 458,000 passengers, while Western European cruises from UK ports were in second place, with 272,000 passengers.
Luxury cruises also attracted a record number of passengers following a 9% rise in sales, which boosted bookings beyond the 2012 peak.
UK cruise departures now accounting for 48% of the market, according to the Cruise Lines International Association Cruise Review.
There was a 9% rise in the number of passengers departing from UK ports to 912,000. Fly-cruises also grew 2.8% last year.
Although river cruising represents a much smaller share of the market, passenger numbers rose 11% last year to 166,900.
Europe remains the most popular region, accounting for 87% of river cruises taken by UK passengers, but numbers booking trips to destinations further afield – especially Asia – rose 15% to 22,000.
CLIA membership director Andy Harmer said: "We have seen significant investment by companies in new, innovative ships with greater amenities on board and a wide variety of excursions included in the package.
"This coupled with an ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, has led to more UK passengers opting for a river cruise holiday."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations