Record year for British cruise passenger numbers
A record 1.79 million British holidaymakers took a cruise in 2013, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.
The figure represents an increase of more than 5% on 2012 – or an extra 89,000 UK passengers – despite continued economic pressure on consumer spending.
In the last five years, passenger figures have risen by 21%, or more than 300,000.
The global number of cruise passengers for 2014 is forecast to be 21.7 million, up from an estimated 21.3 million in 2013, which itself was an increase of almost 2% over 2012.
The number of European passengers who took a cruise in 2013 is predicated to be 6.4 million – a year on year growth of more than 4%.
In the next two years (2014 and 205), 13 new ocean cruise ships will be launched, accommodating over 37,000 passengers and worth £5 billion.
Andy Harmer, director of CLIA UK and Ireland, said: "Many of CLIA’s 63 member cruise lines are revitalising and investing in new ships, ensuring that guests enjoy modern, innovative ships of varying sizes, designed to cater for all ages and which offer amazing holidays to destinations around the world.
"The travel trade has played a crucial role in the growth of the British market. More than 70% of cruise holiday bookings in the UK are made through a travel agent, with their expert knowledge an important factor in securing each booking.
"In the year ahead, we will step up our agents training programme to ensure our 5,000 partner agents are kept fully up to date with the many new ships and cruise itineraries being introduced."
Cruise ships launching in 2014:
Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Getaway, 4,000 passenger capacity
Pearl Seas Cruises, Pearl Mist, 216
Princess Cruises, Regal Princess, 3,600
TUI, Mein Schiff 3, 2,500
Costa Cruises, Costa Diadema, 3,700
Royal Caribbean International, Quantum of the Seas, 4,180
Ocean Cruise Ships Launching in 2015
P&O Cruises, Britannia, 3,611
Aida Cruises, AIDAmia, 3,250
Royal Caribbean International, Anthem of the Seas, 4,180
Compagnie du Ponant, Ponant 4, 264
TUI, Mein Schiff 4, 2,500
Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Star, 925
Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Escape, 4,200
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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