UK cruising set to break records in 2010

UK cruise industry is reaping the rewards of offering variety and value as more and more people opt for a cruise holiday in the new “Tens” decade about to open.

This is the bold forecast of the industry body representing some 38 cruise companies operating in the UK and is made by Passenger Shipping Association on the day (November 30) the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, is officially named at a global launch ceremony in Florida.

“We predict a record 1.65m UK passengers will choose a cruise in 2010, an increase of 6.5% over 2009. We put this down to the two “V”s – value and variety” said Bill Gibbons, PSA director. “You can now choose to join a cruise with just 49 fellow passengers around the Scottish Highlands on the delightful Hebridean Princess, or 6,000 others in the Caribbean on the awesome Oasis of the Seas, or indeed numerous other ships that offer exceptional quality and exciting destinations throughout the world. Meals, accommodation and entertainment are included in the price which can be neatly hedged by UK consumers paying in sterling. You not only can visit many vibrant ports and enjoy every activity under the sun, but also meet so many different people and cultures, making cruising such a satisfying experience.”

The 2010 decade will start with no fewer than 16 new ships, of all sizes, set to launch within the first twelve months, and those dedicated to the UK market include P&O Cruises’ Azura, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse.

There is one economical piece of advice for first time cruise passengers who may require a little navigation around the world of cruising – visit www.discovercruises.co.uk which provides everything you need to know about a cruise holiday.