Record number of cruise ships will call into the UK this year

LONDON, England – Figures have revealed that 860 cruises are currently scheduled to depart from British shores, up 3%.

LONDON, England – Figures have revealed that 860 cruises are currently scheduled to depart from British shores, up 3%.

Most will be to sun-soaked destinations such as South America to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

But there has been a staggering 12% rise in the number of “Round Britain” cruises – taking in less glamorous stop-off points including Falmouth, the Isles of Scilly and Milford Haven, south Wales.

Nearly 2 million Brits took an ocean cruise last year, up 9%, with 600,000 starting off in the UK.

Experts claim the industry is booming despite the recession because of the launch of new ships, big promotions and higher taxes on air passengers. Many older UK consumers – traditionally the target market for cruise operators – have also weathered the credit crunch better than younger families.

Kate O’Hara, chair of CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association) and VisitBritain, said: “The profile of Britain as a cruise destination is definitely increasing and we welcome all port initiatives to increase traffic.”

She added: “The continued strong growth in Round Britain cruises is a testament to the diversity of destinations round our island.”

Clia said the growth in business reflected both an increase in sailings from regional ports as well as more established bases such as Southampton and Dover. Bristol will see its first cruise ship departures for two decades this year.

The Duchess of Cambridge will officially name the Royal Princess cruise liner in Southampton next week.

Clia’s prediction comes just a month after Carnival – one of the biggest names in the industry – said it was pulling out of Europe for the second time in six years despite strong bookings in the UK.

Carnival said high air fares for preventing US customers from crossing the Atlantic to travel around Europe.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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