Figures released today by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) show that a record 1.9 million holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took an ocean cruise in 2016.

Global cruise fleet capacity is set to increase by at least a third over the next ten years.

The findings show the cruise sector is reaping the benefits as holidaymakers make the most of being able to visit multiple European hot spots in one cruise holiday. Mediterranean fly-cruises remain the number one choice (458,000 passengers in 2016), with Western Europe itineraries from UK ports (272,000) at number two.

Last year was also good for ultra-luxury cruises, with new ships being launched in the sector, and a record number of passengers opting to sail with one of the ultra-luxury brands. An almost nine per cent rise in sales saw the total surpassed the 2012 peak of 28,450 and fell just short of 29,000.

The number of passengers starting their cruise holiday at home grew strongly in 2016 with UK cruise departures now accounting for 48 per cent of the market. The 2016 comparison reflects a nine per cent rise in the number of passengers departing from the UK (912,000 passengers) which the association says can be attributed to the convenience of travelling to the port, the range of state of the art ships now sailing from the UK, and the value for money that an ‘ex-UK’ sailing offers for holidaymakers.

Fly-cruises were also on the up in 2016 with a 2.8 per cent increase as those travelling from the UK and Ireland choose to make the most of the new ports and destinations that cruise lines are visiting.
Andy Harmer, SVP Membership & Director, CLIA UK & Ireland said:

“The past year was an impressive one for the UK and Ireland cruise industry. The increase in passenger figures is a testament to the industry’s resilience to economic and political change and further demonstrates the value that a cruise holiday offers. Cruise lines are continuing to invest in new ships and new on-board and ashore experiences. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of the incredible experiences on offer, and this all points to continued growth for the UK and Irish cruise market in the year ahead.”

For more information, travel agents can visit www.cruiseexperts.org

(Data source: IRN Research for CLIA UK & Ireland 2016)