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UK cruise market set to hit 1.35m in 2007
The UK cruise market is expected to grow by 100,000 passengers to total 1.35 million in 2007.
This would represent an 8% increase on this year’s figure of 1.25 million – the most successful year for growth in the sector in three years with an increase of 17% over 2005.
The forecast was released by industry body the Passenger Shipping Association which represents 37 cruise brands to coincide with the ABTA Travel Convention in Marbella, confirming cruising as one of the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry.
Next year will see eight new cruise ships being launched including Ocean Village 2, Costa Cruises’ Costa Serena, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom. Thomson Cruises is to add a fifth ship to its fleet with the Calypso while further capacity for the UK market will come from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.
This comes on the back of substantial increases in passengers for Cunard, Thomson Cruises and Travelscope this year, according to the PSA.
PSA chair Carol Marlow said: “The level of customer service and overall quality of experience continues to set cruising apart from other types of holiday. Continued innovation and investment in product, service and itineraries over the next three years will ensure that cruising maintains a leadership position in delivering new and exciting holiday experiences.”
More than 85% of cruises are booked through travel agents, she added.
Report by Phil Davies
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