A record number of cruise ships will call into the UK this year as more holidaymakers take to the ocean.
Figures have revealed that 860 cruises are currently scheduled to depart from British shores, up 3 per cent.
Most will be to sun-soaked destinations such as South America to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
But there has been a staggering 12 per cent 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-west Wales.
Nearly 2 million Brits took an ocean cruise last year, up 9 per cent, 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 Cruise Britain, 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.
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Source: Steve Hawkes (2013). Cruise industry booming as UK sailing forecast to hit all-time high, The Telegraphhttp://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/cruise-industry-booming-uk-sailing-180829924.html?published Jun 07, 2013. Viewed Jun 07, 2013.