The latest survey from Mundy Cruising shows that neither political or economic instability, nor an increase in the cost of living, will stop customers taking a cruise within the next year.

A total of 92 per cent said that political instability did not impact their travel plans, while 80 per cent claimed increases in the cost of living will not prevent them from cruising.

The Mediterranean continues to be a favourite destination, as well as European river cruising, and itineraries in the British Isles, Baltic and Norwegian fjords, according to Mundy Cruising.

However, travel further afield is back on the radar, with more than 40 per cent of respondents planning to prioritise trips to destinations such as the polar regions, Japan, and South America.

Luxury cruise guests upgrading bookings

Guests are also planning to travel in a higher grade of accommodation than before the pandemic, and 47 per cent are looking to travel on smaller ships.

Elsewhere, 38 per cent will travel in the early part of 2023, more than 50 per cent between October 2023 and March 2024, and over 59 per cent are planning ahead for summer 2024 and beyond.

While Covid-19 concerns are not preventing guests from travelling, 80 per cent are still looking for focused Covid-19 policies on board a ship, the survey added.

Mundy Cruising managing director Edwina Lonsdale said: “The best explanation for these results perhaps was given by someone who rang us up to book an Antarctic cruise at short notice.

“She said, ‘most of my life I have probably taken travel totally for granted. The last few years have shown me that I just can’t afford to do that any longer’. That says it all.”

Mundy Cruising director of sales and marketing Alex Loizou added:  “After such a difficult time for the cruise industry, we are delighted to see the business come storming back which such enthusiasm.”