Cruise passengers baulk at cost of excursions
One fifth of cruise passengers never leave the ship, according to new research by a cruise comparison website.
The main reason passengers gave for staying onboard was the high cost of excursions, although 28% of those who never set foot on dry land said it was because there was so much to do on the ship and 9% said it was because they didn’t like foreign food.
www.CruiseCompare.co.uk questioned 1,600 cruisers, almost one third of who said they always took part in shore excursions. The majority of those do go ashore said they wanted to experience different cultures and 11% were eager to meet locals.
Most cruisers seemed quite ambivalent to visiting foreign ports, however, as 60% said they didn’t always go ashore, depending on the location.
Cruisecompare managing director Danielle Fear said: "Most people who enjoy cruises tend to enjoy different aspects of the holiday experience. Although some prefer to visit different locations, meet the locals and try the traditional food, others choose a cruise holiday for the sea views, the luxury and activities offered onboard and the relationships that are formed with fellow cruisers.”
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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