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More Britons cruise from UK ports
More Britons are choosing to cruise from UK ports than ever before, according to latest figures from the Passenger Shipping Association.
Next year, 835,000 of the UK's 1.73m passengers will start their cruise from the UK, 28% more than two years ago. This year, 760,000 of a total 1.71m passengers will start their cruise from one of 20 UK ports.
The PSA said the cruise industry enjoyed 5% growth this year, although growth is expected to slow to just 1% next year.
“Looking forward, we anticipate modest growth in 2012 as capacity slows following the reduction in the number of new ships being built” said William Gibbons of the PSA. “However, we remain confident that growth will continue over the coming years as companies introduce new ships including the 3,611 passenger vessel for P&O Cruises, the largest in their fleet, due for introduction in early 2015.
"The great choice of ships now providing cruise holidays from the UK to a wide variety of destinations will lead to more passengers sailing from British ports.”
Gibbons said cruising was expected to outperform other areas of the holiday market, with travel agents, who account for around 80% of sales, continuing to play an important role. "The all-inclusive nature of a cruise holiday, which can be purchased in sterling and which offers exceptional standards of quality, innovation, choice and customer service, continues to make it a compelling and mainstream holiday choice," he added.
By Linsey McNeill
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
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