UK cruise numbers show 12% growth

The number of Britons taking cruises grew by 12% last year to 1.2 million and is poised to increase by a further 300,000 in 2008.

The 2006 figure was double the British cruise numbers a decade previously.

The latest statistics from the Passenger Shipping Association reveal that the UK cruise market showed the biggest growth rate of all European source market countries.

An estimated 1.3 million British cruise holidaymakers are expected this year, rising to 1.5 million in 2008.

Within the package holiday market, which was stagnant in 2006, the equivalent share of cruises increased from 5.6% in 2005 to 6.3% in 2006, the PSA said.

The Mediterranean continued to be the most popular cruise destination, with 22% growth last year to represent 38% (or 452,000) of UK cruisers. This was followed by the Caribbean with 17% of the market. 

The Mediterranean will grow significantly as the main cruise destination area this year, according to the PSA, while Western Europe (non Mediterranean) has continued to increase as a cruise destination, reflecting a growing trend towards short cruises from UK ports.

The number of people taking fly-cruises increased by 13% last year, with growth attributed to a big increase in capacity aimed at the UK cruise market.

Cruises taken from UK ports rose by 12% in 2006 with more than 450,000 Britons, or four in 10 British cruise travellers, choosing to cruise from a home port rather than take a fly-cruise.

The ex-UK trend is predicted to grow with Navigator of the Seas replacing Legend of the Seas, doubling Royal Caribbean International’s capacity from Southampton. Other capacity increases will come from MSC Cruises as it begins sailing from the UK for the first time. Princess Cruises is also adding to its capacity from Southampton, with more sailings with Sea Princess and Grand Princess. 

PSA director Bill Gibbons said: “Last year proved strong for the UK cruise industry, but next year is poised to be even better, with fantastic growth coming from the launch of 12 new or refurbished ships.

“We’re now predicting 8% market growth in 2007 and 15% growth in 2008. In 2008 we will see a very significant increase in growth from the UK, with new ships coming in aimed specifically at the UK market – Balmoral (Fred Olsen), Independence of the Seas (RCI), Queen Victoria (Cunard Line) and Ventura (P&O Cruises).”  

by Phil Davies 

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