Record UK cruise numbers confirmed

The number of UK holidaymakers taking cruises last year just fell short of the 1.5 million projected by the industry.

Official figures from the Passenger Shipping Association show that a record 1.477 million people took a cruise in 2008, up 11% on the 1.335 million who cruised the previous year.

The PSA expects the level to remain the same this year with no new ships dedicated to the UK being introduced in 2009.

However, a further increase is projected for next year when at least three news ships will be introduced to the UK market.

The latest statistics show a 23% increase in the number of people joining their cruise in a UK port while the number of fly-cruise passengers increased by four per cent.

There were 577,000 passengers taking ex-UK cruises and 900,000 British passengers opting for fly-cruises.

The Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including the UK, proved to be the most popular destinations seeing increases of 17% and 24% respectively year on year.

The Mediterranean has a 43% share of the market with 634,000 passengers and Northern Europe 18%, with 265,000 passengers.

PSA director William Gibbons, speaking at the Seatrade cruise convention in Miami, said:  “2008 proved to be another tremendous year for the UK cruise industry.

“The launch of P&O Cruises’ Ventura, Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, and the first full year of service for Cunard’s Queen Victoria, along with ship launches from Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and MSC, all contributed to a record number of passengers.

“The decision by a number of cruise lines, including MSC, NCL, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, to increase the number of British port departures contributed to an additional 110,000 passengers choosing to begin their cruise in the UK in 2008.”

Looking ahead, Gibbons said: “The world of today is a very different one from that of 12 months ago.

“Although the cruise industry is not recession proof it is better placed than many other travel sectors to weather the economic storm.

“However, with no new UK dedicated capacity planned for this year, we expect to see similar passenger numbers in 2009 as we did in 2008.

“Further growth is expected next year with a number of new ship launches, including Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Azura, all dedicated to the UK market.
“Our research shows that people are still looking to go on holiday and the inclusive nature of a cruise, along with exceptional service and exciting destinations, means its future continues to look assured.”