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-          Latest figures from the Passenger Shipping Association show that ocean cruise passengers were up five percent in 2011 compared to 2010 figures –

-          More first time cruise passengers than ever before -

6 March 2012: Figures released today from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that Brits took a record 1.7 million ocean cruises in 2011 – with nearly 700,000 taking their first ever cruise.  Passengers cite the key attractions to cruising as value, service and the wide choice of worldwide destinations.

More British passengers than ever chose to begin their cruise holiday from a UK port – up 100,000 on the previous year to 753,000.  And if current trends continue, within three years half of British passengers will join their cruise ship in a UK port.

Cruising continues to grow within the package holiday sector with one in every eight package holidays now being a cruise when it was only one in 25 just nine years ago.

Ultra-luxury cruises saw a surge in winter holidays with a seasonal rise of 33 per cent – over the year, this related to an eight per cent increase.

The top destination remains the Mediterranean which showed a 10 per cent increase in the number of British passengers visiting the region followed by Northern Europe which retained second place.  However, the highest increase in popularity goes to the Atlantic Islands – the Canaries plus Madeira – which recorded a rise of 19 per cent.

An emerging trend for short cruises from UK ports has led to nearly 50 per cent of all cruises booked being of seven nights or less.

PSA Director, William Gibbons, said: ‘It’s clear the exceptional value, high standards and choice of destinations have contributed to a record number of British passengers taking a cruise in 2011.  The increased costs of fly-cruise holidays have led to more people joining their cruise at one of the UK’s 50 ports.  The sheer diversity of the cruise market means there is a holiday for everyone,’

Key figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association:

• 1.7 million cruises were taken by British passengers in 2011
• Cruise passenger numbers increase five per cent on 2010 figures
• While ultra-luxury cruises saw an eight per cent yearly increase
• Four out of every 10 passengers were on their first-ever cruise
• UK departures were up 15 per cent to 753.000 in 2011
• One in 8 overseas package holidays booked is now a cruise

The Discover Cruises website (www.discovercruises.co.uk) is a one stop shop for everything cruise, whether it’s for family travelling for the first time,  a couple looking for adventure, or a solo traveller in need of a relaxing spa break.  Offering ultra luxury, deluxe, river and specialist collections, Discover Cruises gives visitors access to the latest on destinations, what’s new on board and a wave of exciting and innovative excursions and activities.

Review the full PSA Cruise Reveiw here

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