Cruising - fastest growing travel sector still!

Last year a record 1.8 million people from the UK and Ireland went on a cruise. This was a 9% increase on the previous year and the biggest rise in 7 years. There was a 12% increase on passengers beginning their cruise in the UK and fly-cruise clients were up by almost 5%.

The Mediterranean remains the top destination for us, but more people than ever before visited the UK and Ireland through one of the 57 cruise ports dotted around these islands. River cruising also continues to grow with an increase of 8% on the previous year.

This growth maybe surprising to some, but not to me, as all cruise lines focus on looking after their clients and providing real hospitality in order to get them to return again and again. Contrast this with most airlines and airports who seem to treat their passengers poorly and only by low prices can they entice them to travel with them again. Most regular cruise clients that book with me tend to return to the same cruise line year after year, as the cruise lines themselves create a loyalty which would be the envy of any airline.

Cruising offers relaxed and informal holidays at sea and whilst there is no need to dress for dinner – there are some who offer this for clients who want it. The average age of cruisers continues to drop and especially so on some of the new ships which are filled family-friendly facilities. There are ships designed for couples, families with young children or teenagers, or for multi-generational breaks keeping grandparents, parents and kids all entertained and having fun.

I recognised the growth in cruise holidays quite a number of years ago and since then I have trained regularly with all the cruise lines to ensure that I know their products, and which is the best product for my clients I am very proud of the certificates and qualifications, not least of which is my CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Master Certification, one of only a handful of Travel Consultants who have achieved this. In addition, I have cruised on 8 different ships as well as having visited more than 25 other ships whilst they have been in port.

There is quite a lot of jargon and terms used in regard to cruising that many first-time cruisers may be unfamiliar with. I love helping and advising clients about their first cruise and ensuring that they have an amazing time.

So, if you ever would like to try a cruise for the first or if you would like any advice or help on the best cruise for you (even if you have experienced some already) then just give me a call.