Cruise Holiday

Definition

 To take a holiday on a ship or boat following a predetermined course, usually calling in at several places.

Information on its development and examples

Currently, the cruise industry is the fastest growing leisure sector, with an average growth of 9% per year. The passenger Shipping Association (PSA) say that numbers have doubled in the last 10 years, with over 1.8 million UK passengers in 2009 and this trend showing signs of continued growth. Clearly from these figures, more and more tourists from the UK are choosing to have a holiday on a cruise ship.

 

The Mediterranean area and the islands in the western Atlantic, such as the Canaries and the Azores are the most popular destinations for cruise holidays for UK tourists.

 

Many people take the opportunity to fly from the United Kingdom to meet their ship at a Mediterranean port.  This is known as a fly-cruise. About 40% of cruise passengers start their journey at a British port, whereas 60% opt for a fly-cruise.  Southampton is the most popular port for beginning a cruise holiday from the United Kingdom.

 

In recent years cruising has become fashionable, with more people being able to afford this type of holiday.  In the past cruising was seen as expensive and 'up-market' with the need to dress formally for dinner. Some tourists still like the 'up-market' feel of a cruise ship and enjoy the high quality service.

 

However, more recently the cruise companies have provided a range of different options so that people can choose the type of programme that meets their needs.  For example, many cruises now cater for families.  It is expected that more and more younger people will start to take cruise holidays in the near future.

T.Garratt

 

 

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