Cruise bookings reach record levels
A record 1.9 million holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took an ocean cruise in 2016.
Mediterranean fly-cruises remained by far the number one choice, attracting 458,000 passengers, while Western European cruises from UK ports were in second place, with 272,000 passengers.
Luxury cruises also attracted a record number of passengers following a 9% rise in sales, which boosted bookings beyond the 2012 peak.
UK cruise departures now accounting for 48% of the market, according to the Cruise Lines International Association Cruise Review.
There was a 9% rise in the number of passengers departing from UK ports to 912,000. Fly-cruises also grew 2.8% last year.
Although river cruising represents a much smaller share of the market, passenger numbers rose 11% last year to 166,900.
Europe remains the most popular region, accounting for 87% of river cruises taken by UK passengers, but numbers booking trips to destinations further afield – especially Asia – rose 15% to 22,000.
CLIA membership director Andy Harmer said: "We have seen significant investment by companies in new, innovative ships with greater amenities on board and a wide variety of excursions included in the package.
"This coupled with an ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, has led to more UK passengers opting for a river cruise holiday."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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