Almost three-quarters of people who sailed on a cruise last year have already booked at least one itinerary for 2022.

The findings, from a survey of 1,200 people by travel agency cruise.co.uk, show that 49 per cent of customers will be back on board within the next six months, and 13 per cent within three months.

The survey also revealed that close to 95 per cent of passengers who sailed in 2021 felt their health and wellbeing was protected by the measures on board.

More than 60 per cent said the measures were “very important” or “quite important” as part of their decision to sail again.

In total, 61 per cent of bookings made in early 2022 depart from the UK on domestic or overseas sailings, compared to 50 per cent for the same period two years ago.

Last year, with overseas travel restricted, cruise.co.uk booked 65 per cent of its customers on round Britain voyages.

Cruise guests ‘keen to get back on the water’

Cruise.co.uk deputy managing director Tony Andrews said:”We are very encouraged by these figures, which clearly demonstrate the majority of cruise passengers are keen to get back on the water.

“Lines really have gone above and beyond to make certain guests still enjoy all the trappings of a break, while ensuring on-board health and wellbeing measures offer the assurances people are looking for.

“And the success of last year’s round Britain season means we are seeing demand from both seasoned cruisers as well as guests who sailed for the first time.

“As testing restrictions are increasingly lifted, we’re confident holidaymakers will continue to choose cruise.”