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Cruise numbers to rise 17% in 2006
The number of UK holidaymakers taking a cruise is expected to increase 17% to 1.25 million in 2006, with ex-UK approaching half a million, according to the Passenger Shipping Association.
Latest figures released by the PSA show 1.07 million took to the sea in 2005 with 374,000 sailing from British shores.
That is expected to rise to 1.25 million this year with 460,000 ex-UK, an 18% increase.
The PSA, re-iterating what is said at the ABTA convention in November, said the growth will be fuelled by the launch of eight new ships in 2006 with a further 10 next year.
It described the 2005 growth of 4% as “modest” but stressed it should be seen against the backdrop of the withdrawal from the cruise market of Airtours.
“The growth seen in 2005 in the face of a major operator pulling out demonstrates the sustainability of the industry,” said PSA director Bill Gibbons.
He predicted 1.5 million Brits could be cruising in 2008.
The UK now has a 33% share of the near 3.25 million European cruise market with Germany controlling 20%, Italy 16%, Spain 12%, France 7% and Greece 3%
The Mediterranean and Atlantic islands remained the most popular destinations with 60% of cruises visiting the region. The Caribbean and other non-European destinations saw a slight decrease but still accounted for a quarter of the market. Northern Europe took 16% share.
Report by Steve Jones
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