Cruising Set For Five Year Boom

As the $1 billion Celebrity Edge gets set to make its European maiden voyage, latest research from Mintel reveals that over the next five years the number of cruise holidays is forecast to grow faster than the total number of overseas holidays.

Between 2018 and 2023, the number of sea cruise holidays taken by British and Irish travellers is forecast to grow at 22.5%, compared to a 14.8% rise in the number of overseas holidays over the same five year period. Such is the popularity of life on a liner, that this year 2.04 million British and Irish passengers are expected to embark on a sea cruise.

Overall, the UK and Ireland sea cruise market is estimated to reach £3.2 billion in 2019. Meanwhile, total UK holiday spend is forecast at £32.1 billion in 2019.

What is more, the lure of the cruise is set to continue: Mintel research reveals that as many as 46% of Brits say they are interested in taking a sea cruise in the next five years, while 45% are interested in taking a river cruise. Overall, one in four (26%) Brits have been on a cruise.

Marloes De Vries, Mintel Travel Analyst, said:

“Over the coming years, the UK cruise market is expected to grow at a faster pace than the total overseas holiday market. Growth is expected to be fuelled by an increasing number of cruise choices, modernisation of existing ships, and the large pool of people who are considering a cruise holiday.

“Consumers are becoming more open to experiencing things they have never done before. For many, a cruise holiday offers something different and special, which adds to the appeal. Given most potential cruisers have not experienced this type of holiday before, brands offering specialist knowledge and advice have a great opportunity to engage with this audience.”