Good weather ahead for the UK’s cruise industry
Looking to save cash and experience new adventures, British bargain holiday hunters are cancelling their flights and taking to the seas.
According to a recent study by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), UK cruising is on the up, with more people than ever choosing to take to the seas from UK ports. A record 1.6 million Brits took a cruise in 2010, up 6% from the previous year and more than doubled since 2001, with one in seven now paying less than £500 for an all-inclusive holiday.
In contrast to the rapid growth seen in the cruise holiday sector, package holidays abroad have taken a tumble, with sales down 22% from 2008 to 2010. Could it be that the economic downturn, having placed itself at the forefront of our list of things to worry about, has sent people running for the seas?
According to PSA director Bill Gibbons, it could well be just that. In a recent statement, he claimed that, “the success of UK cruising, during one of the toughest economic periods the world has seen, can be attributed to the excellent value for money and the fantastic variety of a cruise holiday. The choice and diversity of cruising has never been greater - from intimate, ultra luxury yachts to floating passenger resorts. The exceptional standards of quality and service are the key to our continued growth, along with the huge choice of worldwide destinations."
Variety plays a key role in the success of the Cruise industry, with a multitude of different packages to suit a multitude of people. Discounted cruises offer those looking for a bargain break the opportunity to experience more than a package holiday to a single location, while those pressed for time can opt for a short break to the Mediterranean from as little as £199. With money tight and wallets light, cruise deals are frequently offered by companies looking to draw in those looking to get as much value for money as possible, undercutting other holiday companies that are forced to offer flights as part of the incentive. Cruise ships cut the costs by offering everything required from a holiday, including activities that would be expensive elsewhere.
This year, 8 new ships and 20,000 extra beds were added to the fleet of ships departing from UK ports, revealing the demand for expansion and thus more variety for the holiday goer in years to come.