British cruise numbers set to climb to 1.75m
Sunday, 16 Mar, 2010
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The number of British cruise passengers is forecast to rise to 1.75 million next year.
This is up on the 1.53 million who took a cruise in 2009, a four per cent increase on the previous year, and a projected 1.65 million in 2010.
The Passenger Shipping Association attributed the growth levels to the exceptional value and high standards provided by a cruise holidays.
Figures show a seven per cent increase in the number of people joining their cruise in a UK port last year while the number of fly-cruise passengers increased by two per cent.
There were 594,000 passengers taking a cruise from a UK port with 939,000 opting to take a fly-cruise.
The Mediterranean continues to be the most popular destination with 595,000 passengers and a 39% share of the market. Northern Europe, including the UK, and the Caribbean vie for second place with 295,000 and 275,000 passengers respectively.
There were 16,000 UK passengers who took a round Britain cruise.
Speaking at the Cruise Shipping Miami Conference, PSA director Bill Gibbons said: “The UK cruise industry proved resilient in 2009 despite the very difficult economic climate and much of this success can be attributed to the all-inclusive nature of cruising and the very high standards of quality and service.
“These are values intrinsic to cruising and will continue to encourage greater numbers of passengers, with the PSA predicting 1.65 million Brits taking a cruise holiday in 2010.”
Looking ahead, Gibbons said: “There are 14 new ship launches this year bringing capacity for an additional 28,000 passenger berths.
“Among the new ships are three dedicated to the UK market – Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Azura. Cruise & Maritime has a second ship, Ocean Countess, and Royal Caribbean International is providing a year-round service from Southampton with Independence of theSeas.
“Disney Cruise Lines and Holland America Line are also introducing full length cruises out of Dover.
“In 2011, nine new ships will be launched and although none are directly dedicated to the UK market, we predict the number of Brits taking a cruise holiday will grow to 1.75 million passengers.”
The PSA has attracting four new cruise members – Shearings Holidays, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Compagnie du Ponant and Voyages to Antiquity bring the number of cruise brands represented up to 42.
|
|
Total % Yearly Increase
|
Total
|
Ex UK Port
|
Fly Cruise
|
|
1997
|
|
522,000
|
140,000
|
382,000
|
|
2005
|
4.9%
|
1,070,000
|
400,000
|
670,000
|
|
2006
|
12%
|
1,204,000
|
451,000
|
753,000
|
|
2007
|
11%
|
1,335,000
|
467,000
|
867,000
|
|
2008
|
11%
|
1,477,000
|
557,000
|
920,000
|
|
2009
|
4%
|
1,533,000
|
594,000
|
939,000
|
UK source market Ocean cruise passengers – compiled for the PSA by IRN
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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