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UK cruise numbers up by 16%
The appeal of cruising in the UK continues to go from strength to strength with growth of more than 16% in 2003 despite tough trading conditions. The number of people taking an ocean cruise hit more than 960,000 last year, a rise of over 135,000 over 2002. The level of growth was the highest since 1998, according to figures released by trade body the Passenger Shipping Association. The PSA predicts further “significant growth” in 2004 led by the introduction of Cunard’s £540 million flagship Queen Mary 2 in January. The 2003 figures show that more people took Mediterranean cruises, 14% up on 2002, while Baltic cruises were up by 52%. The popularity of European destinations reflected a desire for the British to stay closer to home last year, according to the PSA. But Cyprus suffered with a 42% slump in UK holidaymakers taking short cruises from the island due to its perceived close proximity to the conflict in Iraq last year. A complete picture of the state of the UK cruise sector will emerge when figures for river cruises are added to a PSA report to be released in May. PSA director Bill Gibbons described the growth as “exceptional” when compared to the package holiday market, which is estimated to have dropped by almost 5% in 2003. “We have also seen over 15 new ship builds in 2003 which adds to the diversity of product and offers even more choice for first timers and cruising enthusiasts,” he said. Report by Phil Davies
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