17 March 2009

UK leads the way as European cruise passengers rise

The number of Europeans taking cruises reached a record 4.4 million last year.

The UK continuing to top the list with the greatest number of cruise passengers.

Figures released by the European Cruise Council at the Seatrade cruise convention in Miami show a 10% rise in the number of passengers to 4.4 million.

The UK accounts for 33% of the total with almost 1.5 million passengers (see linked story).

Germany showed strong growth in second place with 21% of the market and 907,000 passengers - a 19% increase on 2007.

Italy, the third largest cruise market in Europe, saw a six per cent increase to 682,000 passengers.

The Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands continued to be the most popular destinations with 2.6 million passengers visiting the region - a market share of 60%.

Fifty-three per cent of passengers booked a cruise holiday lasting between five and seven days.

The number of passengers cruising for more than 22 days increased by 139% to 55,000.

David Dingle, chairman of the ECC and CEO of Carnival UK, said: "The European cruise industry has seen an impressive 66% growth in the number of cruise passengers in the last five years.

"This is a tremendous result and suggests cruising is in a strong position to face today’s challenging economic climate.

"There are 17 cruise ships on order and under construction for the European market for delivery between now and 2012.

"This is significant investment and we anticipate the upward trend in the number of Europeans taking a cruise holiday to continue in 2009."

Passengers (000s)	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	% change
							2007-2008
UK	964	1,029	1,071	1,204	1,335	1,477	11
Germany	537	583	639	705	763	907	19
Italy	346	400	514	517	640	682	6
Spain	307	300	379	391	518	497	-4
France	212	222	233	242	280	310	11
Scandinavia (inc Finland)	54	56	42	62	94	123	31
Benelux	42	41	42	64	82	92	11
Switzerland	47	50	51	56	64	65	1
Austria	35	38	39	44	52	59	14
Portugal	14	14	15	18	20	28	41
Other	113	101	102	105	155	183	17
Total	2,671	2,835	3,126	3,409	4,004	4,442	10