Figures released by Cruise Britain show that the UK cruise sector’s post-pandemic year of transition has provided the “strongest possible springboard for a projected record season in 2023”.

The association is predicting an eight per cent increase in terms of port calls across the UK.

Last year, there were 2,176 cruise calls, a drop of 22 per cent on record levels in 2019.

The 2022 embarkation figure of 1.04m passengers setting sail from a UK port “constitutes a rebound to 94 per cent of 2019 figures”, Cruise Britain said.

In 2022, cruise passengers arrived for the day or embarked through 58 cruise ports aboard 107 individual ships. A total of 52 different cruise lines called at UK ports.

UK cruise sector ‘reaping rewards’

Cruise Britain chair Ian McQuade said: “2022 was the first full year of cruise activity since the pandemic and really built upon the unprecedented success of the 2021 domestic season.

“What we are seeing now are the rewards for an industry that has consistently worked together to recover, regenerate and develop.

“While round Britain and Ireland cruise popularity continues to grow, we have now seen the successful return of itineraries where British port calls are part of a multi-country story of discovery.

“Looking ahead to this year, we see a very robust projected growth of eight per cent in terms of port calls across the UK.

“The strength of the immediate growth trend is testament to the increasing popularity of Britain as a cruise destination.

“We really can offer a port for every cruise ship currently sailing, from expedition ships to boutique and mid-range vessels up to the largest afloat.”

Image: Credit VisitBritain