CLIA: UK cruise industry diversifying
Around 1.7 million Brits took a cruise holiday last year, nearing demand levels seen in 2019.
Data from Cruise Lines International Association showed the Mediterranean remains the number one destination for travellers from the UK and Ireland.
It found 29% took a Northern Europe cruise and 10.6% to the Caribbean.
CLIA says the UK and Ireland markets accounted for 29% of all European source passengers.
The average age of cruise guests last year was 55.8 years, showing that the cruise holiday market continues to diversify.
The average length of a cruise by British or Irish holidaymakers in 2022 was 9.7 days, which is marginally down compared to 2019.
CLIA found intent to cruise is stronger than ever.
Around 85% of cruise passengers say they intend to take a holiday at sea again, up 6% increase from 2019.
About 70% who have never cruised before would consider a cruise in the next few years, showing more people are open to cruising.
Ben Bouldin, Chair, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Cruise lines are always challenging themselves to diversify, and constantly reinventing the cruise experience.”
“This is a flagship industry for the UK, and shows that we will continue to contribute to the economy and jobs.”
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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