Online cruise specialist cruise.co.uk has seen a recent increase in the popularity of shorter cruises of two to six nights, outselling longer departure options

Shorter itineraries, which have been deemed by the company as an “accessible choice” for new-to-cruise guests, are available with lines such as P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises, departing across the UK and overseas.

Among cruise.co.uk’s customers, sales of short voyages are up 42% year on year. The findings come after CLIA reported passengers from the UK & Ireland took a record 2.3 million holidays-at-sea in 2023.

A separate CLIA survey also revealed that 71% of those who have never cruised before would now consider doing so.

Prices for whistle-stop cruise trips tracking with 2019 levels

Further research revealed prices for shorter itineraries in 2024 have tracked with those from 2019, making them an enticing choice for those impacted by the increasing cost of living.

For example, a four-night sailing to Amsterdam with P&O, departing 5 December, 2024, is from £416pp, compared to a similar 2019 option at the same price.

Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “It’s clear that more people are seeing a holiday-at-sea as an ideal option for their next getaway.

“Shorter sailings provide the perfect way for new-to-cruise guests to dip their toe in the water and sample the many activities available onboard such as family-friendly entertainment, world-class dining and blockbuster stage productions.”