With the launch of its annual Worldwide Trends Report, Kuoni has revealed that its cruise sales increased by 21% last year.

The most popular cruise was a Majestic Burma itinerary operated by APT, while keen interest in a Discover Japan cruise with Princess Cruises highlights strong demand for cruises to Asia as a whole.

It’s been three years since Kuoni introduced its first cruise collection within its worldwide programme and later this year the company will publish its first dedicated cruise brochure.

Customers tend to be a mix of first-timers and experienced cruisers who know what they want. The trends report also reveals a 50:50 split between cruise-only and cruise & stay bookings. One of the most popular itineraries is a Lake Como and Amalfi Coast Cruise with Azamara Club Cruises.

The report notes an increase in customer enquiries, relating to cruise, particularly in its new Chelmsford store.

‘It’s a big area of cruise goers as there is a lot of mature wealth in the area. With time and disposable income on their hands, they are often looking to explore destinations in luxury, and cruise offers just that.’

It also notes a proactive approach on the part of staff to convert cruise bookings:

‘We recently spoke to some customers who were looking at a multi-centre holiday, taking in India’s Golden Triangle, before heading to Dubai. We suggested they could sail from Dubai to Southampton on the return journey.’