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."
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