UK cruise passengers expected to hit record high

The PSA released the news today at the Abta Travel Convention in Malta. It said the UK ocean cruise market would buck the trend with a record number of passengers predicted for 2011, up 8% on this year’s figure of 1.64 million passengers. 

For the first time, the number of UK fly cruise passengers is also set to exceed one million with a 2011 forecast of 1,060,000 - up 75,000 on this year’s figure. The number of British passengers joining their ship in a UK port next year is also expected to rise by 55,000 to 710,000.

William Gibbons of the Passenger Shipping Association said next year’s additional 130,000 cruise passengers reflected strong performances from the major UK cruise lines, coupled with additional capacity that has come on stream this year.

The luxury cruise sector is also expected to continue to thrive, with new ships now in service and signs that strong growth will be maintained.

“2010 has been a unique year; we have seen many new ship launches and this increased capacity will have a full year effect in 2011,” Gibbons said.

“Cruising is again likely to outperform all other areas of the holiday market with travel agents continuing to play an integral role, accounting for 80% of cruise sales,” he added.