CLIA has revealed that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 2.3 million cruise holidays last year, surpassing the highest previous annual number by around 600,000 passengers

In data published on Wednesday (17 April), CLIA also revealed the Mediterranean remains the most popular destination for cruise travellers from the UK and Ireland and of the top three destinations in 2023, 35 per cent travelled to the Mediterranean, 29 per cent to Northern Europe and 12 per cent to the Caribbean.

Exploration destinations have seen a 53 per cent increase in passenger numbers year-on-year and the average age of UK and Ireland cruisers is decreasing: at 55.1 years old in 2023 it is down from 56.1 in 2022.

The average cruise length increased to 10.1 days, up from 9.8 the previous year and 28 per cent of cruisers are part of a wider multigenerational party, comprising three or more age groups.

Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of passengers enjoyed a pre-cruise stay in their departure destination, while 52 per cent stayed on after their sailing.

In terms of sentiment, perception and intent, a corresponding survey of 4,500 international holidaymakers revealed 82 per cent of cruise passengers say they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 3 per cent increase from 2019, and 71 per cent of those who have never cruised before would consider doing so.

More than 300 ships to sail this year, CLIA finds

Meanwhile, more than 300 ships are set to sail this year, the first time the global CLIA member fleet has surpassed this number. Overall capacity will increase by 3.6 per cent as a result.

Andy Harmer, managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Cruise continues to lead the way in travel and we can clearly see that from these encouraging latest figures.

“A holiday at sea offers something to suit all tastes and budgets, both on and off the ship, which makes for an ideal combination. With so many holidaymakers returning to the water, and many more eager to dip their toe for the first time, these figures reflect all the advantages a sea escape has to offer.”

Earlier this year, CLIA reported a record-breaking first quarter, with its overall membership up by 4% on 2023.