Record UK cruise numbers confirmed
The number of UK holidaymakers taking cruises last year just fell short of the 1.5 million projected by the industry.
Official figures from the Passenger Shipping Association show that a record 1.477 million people took a cruise in 2008, up 11% on the 1.335 million who cruised the previous year.
The PSA expects the level to remain the same this year with no new ships dedicated to the UK being introduced in 2009.
However, a further increase is projected for next year when at least three news ships will be introduced to the UK market.
The latest statistics show a 23% increase in the number of people joining their cruise in a UK port while the number of fly-cruise passengers increased by four per cent.
There were 577,000 passengers taking ex-UK cruises and 900,000 British passengers opting for fly-cruises.
The Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including the UK, proved to be the most popular destinations seeing increases of 17% and 24% respectively year on year.
The Mediterranean has a 43% share of the market with 634,000 passengers and Northern Europe 18%, with 265,000 passengers.
PSA director William Gibbons, speaking at the Seatrade cruise convention in Miami, said: “2008 proved to be another tremendous year for the UK cruise industry.
“The launch of P&O Cruises’ Ventura, Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, and the first full year of service for Cunard’s Queen Victoria, along with ship launches from Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and MSC, all contributed to a record number of passengers.
“The decision by a number of cruise lines, including MSC, NCL, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, to increase the number of British port departures contributed to an additional 110,000 passengers choosing to begin their cruise in the UK in 2008.”
Looking ahead, Gibbons said: “The world of today is a very different one from that of 12 months ago.
“Although the cruise industry is not recession proof it is better placed than many other travel sectors to weather the economic storm.
“However, with no new UK dedicated capacity planned for this year, we expect to see similar passenger numbers in 2009 as we did in 2008.
“Further growth is expected next year with a number of new ship launches, including Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Azura, all dedicated to the UK market.
“Our research shows that people are still looking to go on holiday and the inclusive nature of a cruise, along with exceptional service and exciting destinations, means its future continues to look assured.”
|
|
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
|
577,000
|
900,000
|
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive