Figures released on 5 March 2013 from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that 2012 was a record year for UK cruise ports. Passenger embarkations increased 10 per cent (up to 962,000 in 2012), with 78,000 extra UK and 6,000 additional overseas passengers. The fourth double-digit increase in cruise passenger embarkations in just seven years puts British ports on course to hit the million mark in 2013.

The most substantial increase in capacity has come in the south coast ports of Southampton, Dover and most recently, Portsmouth. The growth in popularity of ex-UK cruises can largely be attributed to the ease of access to the ships for those living in the south.

There was a similar increase in passengers visiting UK ports during their cruises. The 11 per cent increase saw 723,000 passengers visit British ports, double the 2007 figure. The number of UK ports receiving cruise calls also increased to a record 52.

2012 also saw more British passengers taking an ocean cruise holiday than ever before – an additional 1,000 brought the total to 1,701,000. The figure is indicative of the loyalty of cruise passengers, given the challenging nature of the year which opened with the Concordia tragedy and saw the UK economy dip back into recession. Cruise continues to account for one in every eight of all overseas package holidays.

As in previous years the most popular destination was the Mediterranean, which saw 698,000 British passengers visiting the region. However the noticeable trend was increased appetite for cruising to Northern Europe which experienced a  29 per cent upsurge with 443,000 passengers, up from 342,000 the previous year. The increase was fuelled by Britons’ growing taste for Norwegian fjords which saw nearly 200,000 passengers visiting the region (44.5 per cent of the Northern European bookings).

Continued growth was also seen in ‘ultra luxury’ cruising. 1.7 per cent of cruises booked by Britons in 2012 were classified in this sector, which represents an increase of 2,581 passengers and recession-defying year-on-year growth of 10 per cent. Sales of summer ‘ultra luxury’ cruises increased by an even more striking 30 per cent.

In terms of motivation, value for money was the main reason for Britons choosing their last cruise holiday. But when it comes to the appeal of a cruise in general, it’s itinerary and destination that topped the list (cited by 70 per cent of passengers surveyed) for the fourth consecutive year.

The number of British passengers who took more than one cruise in 2012 increased by 12 percentage points to 54 per cent. 374,220 Britons – the highest ever – booked three or more cruises within the year, reflecting regular British cruisers’ confidence in the industry’s safety record.

Regional distribution of UK cruise passengers had altered slightly, with an increase in southern passengers. Since 2006 the number of passengers from the southeast had increased 10 percentage points from 14 to 24 per cent. The mix of passengers from outside of England stayed stable, with Scottish passengers constant at 11 per cent; a slight increase in Welsh cruise passengers (from 5 to 6 per cent) and a small drop in the proportion passengers from Northern Ireland (3 to 2 per cent). Absolute numbers of passengers increased to around 187,000 from Scotland, 102,000 from Wales and 34,000 from Northern Ireland.

PSA director, William Gibbons, said: ‘The past year was an impressive one for the UK cruise industry, especially in view of the combination of challenges the year presented. The increase in passenger figures bears testament to the value and diversity that cruising represents and the positive experiences that bring passengers back time and time again. We feel 2012’s record results for British ports are particularly remarkable and we very much look forward to seeing UK ports achieve the million mark in 2013, and the associated economic benefits that this will bring to the country.’

Key figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association:

• 1,701,000 cruises were taken by British passengers in 2012
• Ultra-luxury cruises saw a 10 per cent year-on-year increase
• More than half of all UK passengers took more than one cruise during the year
• British bookings to Northern European destinations grew by 29 per cent
• UK departures were up 10 per cent to 962,000 in 2012
• One in eight overseas package holidays booked is now a cruise
• 52 UK ports received cruise calls in 2012

London, 18 June 2012 – The All-Inclusive Holiday sector and, within it, the ‘Premium All-Inclusive Holiday’ sector are set to grow exponentially within the next few years despite the current economic climate, predicts experts.  Club Med, pioneer of the All-Inclusive holiday more than 60 years ago, today launches the Premium All-Inclusive Report – an independently commissioned report seeking to address the emerging success of the Premium All-Inclusive segment in the UK outbound travel market.

The report looks at the UK holiday market and specifically at the Premium All-Inclusive market using independent market data and consumer research provided by GfK which analysed 40 UK tour operators, representing more than 90% of the UK ‘package holiday market’.

Despite the travel industry facing one of its most challenging periods in its history, the report which includes market figures from research giant GfK reveals that the UK All-Inclusive market has grown 32% within the last five years and in 2011 represented 3.1 million passengers.

Paramount to this All-Inclusive growth is the ‘Premium All-Inclusive’ market, which essentially represents four and five star properties and an offer of higher quality inclusions, such as gourmet food, sports activities with tuition and dedicated Children’s Clubs. Premium All-Inclusive sales growth is running at more than double the rate of other All-Inclusive products. Overall All-Inclusives may have been up 9% in winter 2010/11 and up 11% in summer 2011, but its growth pales in comparison to the Premium All-Inclusives, which achieved a plus 15% and plus 24% respectively. This segment now accounts for 1 in 4 All-Inclusive bookings – and is predicted by Club Med to DOUBLE within the next few years.

Club Med Premium All-Inclusive report reveals that more than half of the British consumers have already taken an All-Inclusive holiday – this year, one in ten people are looking for an All-Inclusive holiday with 20% of those earning more than £60,000 seeking a ‘Premium All-Inclusive’ holiday.

The report found that British travellers are changing their holiday habit as a result of the economic climate, with travellers citing ‘value’ as their most important reason in booking an All-Inclusive holiday followed closely with ‘stress-free’ and ‘safety’.

The way people travel has changed significantly since Club Med was established in 1950 – however key values such as spending quality time with family, relaxing in the sun, enjoying good food and practising sport activities remain the same.  Club Med UK has been conducting omnibus research in the UK since 2008. In 2009, Club Med revealed that holidays were ‘the last luxury to go’ and in 2010, that All-Inclusive holidays are viewed by UK consumers the most stress-free holiday options.

Club Med’s half-year financial results last week announced an increase of 5% in UK bookings – exceptional in a market environment where holiday bookings are typically down 7%. Since pioneering the All-Inclusive holidays in the 1950’s, Club Med has made a strategic move up market with a number of refurbishments across the collection and launching into an ambitious expansion programme. Recent refurbishments included Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Club Med Yasmina and Club Med Phuket.

2012 / 2013 brings further developments for the brand with the launch of  a brand new luxury Resort in the Italian Alps, Club Med Pragelato Vialattea, set to open in December 2012. A new property development, Club Med Belek will open in Turkey in spring 2013.   Both new Resorts are designed to meet the demands of the growing market of British travellers looking for a luxury, ‘Premium All-Inclusive’, experience.

Laurent de Chorivit, managing director of Club Med UK, South Africa & Nordics, says: ‘I am delighted to be launching this report.  In a challenging economic environment, it is not unusual to witness new trends and habits emerge.  This report was commissioned to help us understand better our consumers and also examine the potential of the UK holiday market.  The research show that the Premium All-Inclusive market will double in the next five years – an exceptional opportunity for Club Med’.

He continued – ‘60 years on, Club Med has not changed their founding philosophies but now offer a more comprehensive, upmarket holiday product that caters for families, couples, water sports enthusiasts, skiers and culturists alike. Club Med has already invested more than £1 billion and will continue to develop its upscale strategy reflecting the demand of a new clientele.’

Click here to view the Premium All-Inclusive Report

The report also reveals*:

• The total market size in summer 2011 was 10.4 million leisure travellers – of which 75.5% (7.5 million) were on ‘package holidays’

• Value is key for the British holiday buying public – whether they are spending £600 or £6,000 they want to know they are getting value for money

• All-Inclusives are voted the most stress-free holiday choice

• One in every nine British Premium All-Inclusive clients comes from the South East of England…

• … and one in ten Londoners are looking for a ‘Premium All-Inclusive’ holiday in 2012 – compared with one in 14 across the country

Club Med’s unique offer not only includes luxury service and accommodation but also most sporting activities and tuition, childcare and gourmet cuisine – all part of the Club Med All-Inclusive experience.

Club Med is a responsible resort operator.  Ever since 1950, the values and culture of Club Med have been focused on sharing happiness. Club Med respects others and the natural world and this way of living and working is even more important now than ever before. Club Med works to protect host regions by supporting local people, their environment and their culture and by making positive contributions to the local community.  Club Med is also committed to employing locally, buying locally, transferring skills and supporting entrepreneurship where possible. Club Med is also a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Alliance Programme.

For more information or reservations call 08453 67 67 67, log onto www.clubmed.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.

Notes to editors:

Market research data was provided by GfK Ascent – an independent market information company with an international client base.

As well as Club Med, 39 tour operators are surveyed as being those with Premium All-Inclusive products. These are:

Abercrombie & Kent, Azur Collections, Bales, Banyan Tree, Beachcomber, Cadogan Holidays, Carrier, Classic Collection, Coastline Villas, Crystal Holidays, Elegant Resorts, Escapades, Esprit Ski, Inghams, ITC Classics, Kids in the Med, Kuoni, Longwood, Mark Warner, Neilson, One & Only, Peltours, Prestige, Sandals, Season & Style, Ski Independents, Six Senses Hideaways, Snowline, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Sunsails, Total Ski, Thomas Cook Signature, Thomson Platinum, TUI Travel, Thomson Ski, VIP Ski, Villa Holidays and Western and Oriental.

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Fieldwork was undertaken 17-20 December 2010 (total sample size was 2,079 adults) and 21-24 October 2011 (total sample size was 2,004 adults). The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). Questions were multiple choice, with multiple responses permitted.

-         Online shopping to overtake high street for young adults in five years time

-         Two-thirds of Britons haggle; Alan Sugar crowned top celebrity haggler

London, 1 May 2012: The concept of social shopping is gaining momentum in the UK according to a research survey from BagThat.com, a new online retail site officially launching in the UK today. Social shopping is a new online shopping phenomenon which rewards shoppers with exclusive discounts for recommending products through social networks and the survey has found that more than a quarter (27%) of under 35 year olds have shared a purchase they have made on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

Up to 65 percent are also more likely to make a purchase if they receive a recommendation on social media.

People listen to friends most when shopping for recommendations. Forty three per cent of shoppers on average and fifty four per cent of under 35 year olds say they rely on friends’ recommendations the most as opposed to just 10 per cent who rely on a parent, and 5 per cent that rely on work colleagues.

BagThat.com is a new virtual store that uses the power of the social network to benefit consumers and suppliers alike to buy a wide range of high quality partner brands such as Samsung, Halfords, mydeco.com, Rush Hair & Beauty, TheGadget4U, Brook Taverner, Stewart Golf and the Real Wine Company.

BagThat allows customers to bid or ‘haggle’ for products. Instead of naming a firm price, people can choose what they are willing to pay.  The more people that get involved and bid on an item via social networking, the lower the price a product can sell for and the better the discount.

Online shopping to overtake high street for young adults

Social shopping seems set to drive a further boom in online shopping amongst young adults. Over half of shoppers aged between 18 and 34 think they will do more shopping online (51%) than offline in five years time.

On average, UK shoppers do 32 per cent of all their shopping online currently, but when asked how much they believe they will do in 5 years time, the amount increases to 45 per cent overall.

Online shopping has already been embraced by the British public. Only 10 per cent of people say they don’t ever do it and this falls to just 6 per cent in the 18 to 34 year old age range.  Almost a quarter of shoppers (23%) say they do more than half of all their shopping online.

This figure is highest with Londoners with 29 per cent saying they do more than half online compared to only 18 per cent in the North of England and Scotland.

Brits love haggling – two thirds bargain for a better price

BagThat also taps into the British public’s love of haggling. The survey shows that two thirds of consumers (65%) haggle to get a better price when shopping although a fifth of shoppers (20%) only haggle when abroad.

This means that even in tough times, less than half of Britons (45%) will try to haggle over prices on the UK high street.

Men (71%) are more likely to haggle than women (61%) and the likelihood of haggling also increases with age with 68 per cent of over 55 year olds haggling compared to 62 per cent in the 18 to 34 age bracket. The British however don’t rate themselves very highly as hagglers.

Only six per cent think they are excellent at it compared to 51% who say they are poor at it.

Alan Sugar crowned top celebrity haggler

While the British public think Alan Sugar would make the best celebrity haggler with a third (33%) choosing him based on his hardline approach, nearly half (48%) of shoppers also think that being a charmer is the key to face-to-face haggling. Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis ranks second with 26 per cent.

People presumably do not think that Jeremy Paxman’s probing interview technique would be helpful with only seven per cent saying he would be the best.

Female celebrities on the other hand don’t fare well as top hagglers – surprisingly only 10 per cent think Mary Portas would make the best haggler despite her high street know-how, only 8 per cent chose high profile TV property dealer Kirsty Allsop, and only 5 per cent believe the Scottish charm of Lorraine Kelly would make her the best haggler.

The London Marathon, which takes place on the 22^nd April 2012, is run by more than 30,000 people each year, but how many of those runners precede the race with another UK marathon then climb the highest walk-able mountain in the world, the mighty Kilimanjaro in Tanzania? Even fewer would dare do all this with a 9ft-high, 30lb aluminium-framed tiger strapped to their back… in one week!

A summit top and tailed by two marathons: For Paul Goldstein, Exodus guide and award-winning photographer, writer and presenter, the London Marathon will be the third great feat he intends to complete in just one week in April 2011 – all wearing the distinctive Tiger costume that caught the eye of London Marathon fans in 2010 and the BBC in 2011. Goldstein is running the Brighton Marathon (15 April), climbing Kilimanjaro (16 – 21 April) and then running the London Marathon on the 22 April.  Joining him on Kilimanjaro will be Exodus’ Head of Product Jim Eite, who himself has climbed Kilimanjaro more than 35 times. With their efforts, they hope to raise another £30,000+ (they have raised more than £50,000 in previous years) for the Friends of Conservation charity project in Bandhavgarh, India, and help protect the Bengal Tiger, one of the world’s most endangered animals. To sponsor Paul and the team, visit the Worth More Alive III Just Giving Page. In the UK, you can also text a donation between £1 and £10 by texting LEFT59 followed by the amount you wish to donate (between £1 and £10) to 70070.

Tiger numbers are at tipping point - At the turn of the last century, there were an estimated 45,000 tigers living wild in India’s forests and now there is less than 1,000, and in Bandvagargh just 59. Poaching has left an indelible mark on this magnificent predator and Goldstein is leading the campaign ‘Worth More Alive, now in its third year, to raise awareness and much-needed funds to save this wildly photographed and inspiring animal.

One pound for every Tiger found – Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or cheering the runners on from the roadside, Exodus and Paul are offering you to make your own contribution to the cause and the best thing, you don’t even have to spend your own money! Every time someone spots Paul in the tiger costume, Exodus will donate up to £2 for posts on Twitter and Facebook. Write a message and contribute £1; upload an image contribute £2.  Tweet using the #exodustiger tag or visit the Exodus facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/exodustravels.

A trip with a difference: Depart 13^th April 2012 for eight days from just £1,499* including flights and not only will you be part of one the UKs biggest charity initiatives in 2012, you join two of the very best experts in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest ‘walkable mountain’ in the world. Paul and Jim have over 50 Kilimanjaro ascents between them, more than 25 years under their belts at Exodus and both have guided on all continents. Poles apart in character but with a passion for Africa and wildlife, this will be entertaining as well as rewarding. With Exodus, travellers can avoid the more crowded routes, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the Nale Moru (Rongai) route.

A photographic journey of predators – Just days before Paul embarks on his marathon challenge, he will lead an incendiary photographic showcase of the world’s greatest predators when he speaks at the prestigious Royal Geographical Society in London on 12th April 2012. ‘Predators on the Edge’ will be a photographic slideshow of the best of tigers, cheetahs, leopards, polar bears, lions and other predators and Paul seldom disappoints. Expect him to be both extremely outspoken and passionate on conservation matters. His recent Wildlife Photographer Of The Year accolades are testament to his photographic skills and he’s just coming to the end of a photographic show on ITV. The show will start at 7pm and tickets cost £15 (all profits go to fund tiger projects in Bandhavgarh National Park through Friends of Conservation. Registered charity 328176).

The importance of local projects – Funds raised for ‘Worth More Alive III will support Exodus’ Friends of Conservation charity project in Bandhavgarh, India. Local projects in Bandhavgarh are vital for the survival of the tiger and the Exodus work in the Bandhavgarh region has included completely rebuilding a local school, installing clean water and funding a much-needed ambulance for the local hospital as well as patrol vehicles for the park. One of the critical projects for 2011 is a compensation war chest for local farmers who have lost cattle to tigers.

For more information, to book one of Exodus’ India itineraries with Paul, call 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

 Notes to editors:

* inclusive of £300 national park fee

-          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

• Recognising the best in cruise writing, broadcast and photography
• Call for entries by 20 January 2012 – from editors, journalists, cruise lines and cruise partners

 For the first time, the Passenger Shipping Association, representing more than 40 cruise lines, is launching the PSA Cruise Journalism Awards to celebrate the best in cruise writing, broadcast and photography. With ten categories to enter covering a wide range of subjects from river cruising to spas at sea and best cruise reportage, there is an opportunity for everyone.

 William Gibbons, Director of the Passenger Shipping Association, says, “We are delighted to be hosting the first ever Cruise Journalism Awards – recognising the best editorial features that cover travel on the world’s oceans and rivers.  These ten awards reflect the breadth and diversity of cruise holidays. A record 1.73 million UK passengers are predicted to cruise next year so now is a perfect time to recognise those individuals who support the cruise industry. First-class journalism is consistently produced about this innovative and exciting sector of travel so we are really looking forward to seeing the entries.”

 The inaugural PSA Cruise Journalism Awards cover the following ten categories:

1. Best national newspaper cruise feature
2. Best ‘new to cruise’ travel feature
3. Best river cruise feature
4. Best adventure cruise feature
5. Best gourmet cruise feature
6. Best ‘spa at sea’ feature
7. Best travel trade feature
8. Best cruise photography/reportage
9. Best online cruise feature
10. Contribution to cruise journalism

 The prestigious PSA Cruise Journalism Awards will be presented in March at a central London venue in conjunction with the PSA Cruise Review which reveals the latest industry trends and statistics – from the numbers of people cruising from the UK to favourite destinations. Senior cruise line representatives and media contemporaries will attend to raise a glass to the winners and celebrate an industry that continues to grow.

 Entries for the awards will be welcomed from editors and journalists, as well as cruise line representative and industry partners. Editorial entries can be news stories, travel features, broadcast media files and photography and must have been published between 1 January and 31 December 2011 and encourage cruise travel by sea or river.

- ends -

• NEW ‘Adventure Pioneers’ -  highlighting unique or challenging trips in areas including Tibet, Bosnia, Mongolia and the Himalayas
• SAVINGS of up to £50 on all new cycling trips for bookings before 31 December 2011

 When the Olympic Games unfold in London in 2012, the most watched sport will be cycling, with a million people expected to watch. Tour de France attracted more than 15 million viewers and Olympic Champion Chris Hoy is a household name, but don’t stay glued to the TV screen – venture on your own cycling adventure, and with Exodus, the UK’s leading adventure tour operator, you can choose from up to 60 different trips across 35 countries.

The choice of trips for biking enthusiasts is vast and this year, responding to the massive growth in interest for cycling in general, Exodus has added 14 new trips to the menu. Travellers can now venture into an additional five countries on their two wheels – US (Alaska), Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Greece and Iceland – and enjoy trips that include cycling in Alaska, biking in the Southern Alps, cycling the Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice and eight days cycling in Southern Iceland.

And if you needed any more persuasion, book before 31 December 2011, and benefit from savings of up to £50 per person per trip on any of Exodus’ new Cycling Holidays. There has never been a better time to escape on two wheels. Here is a selection of the newest trips:

 Cycle Southern Iceland – eight days from £1,999 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 23 June and 7 July 2012.

A country shaped by violent eruptions and remorseless glaciers, it is a great place to explore from the saddle of a bike. In such a sparsely populated country, with so little traffic, cyclists can really get under the skin of the country and feel a great sense of isolation and wilderness, passing the infamous Eyafjallajokul Volcano, the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar and the 25m high mass of water known as the Skogafoss Waterfall.

 Cycle Alaska – 13 days from £3,559 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 9 June and 18 August 2011.

Nowhere else on earth offers such a perfect blend of excellent tarmac laid through pristine wilderness as Alaska. Thousands of miles of quiet roads and tracks offer the only interruption to a vast land of glaciers, rushing rivers, dense forest and towering peaks: ideal for the adventurous cyclist and an utterly unique biking experience. The wildlife is the epitome of North America and Grizzly bears, Bald eagles, moose, elk and wolf may be spotted from the saddle. Crossing Prince William Sound gives cyclists the perfect opportunity to look for whales, orcas and sea lions whilst another highlight is cycling close to North America’s highest peak, Mt McKinley at 6198m.  

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride– 15 days from £2,449 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 3, 31 March, 18 August and 24 November 2012.

For rainforest, volcanoes as well as stunning sections of coastline, Costa Rica is the only choice and to experience that variety of terrain by bike is an extraordinary. Starting in San Jose the Exodus group cycle south, covering a stretch of the picturesque coastal highway, with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left as far as the eye can see. Through the rainforests, travellers can hope to see wildlife including monkeys and iguanas as well as eagles, hawks and Scarlet macaws. Crossing the 11,000ft Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley the group cycle past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where huge banana plantations cover the landscape. The final stage of the trip journey takes cyclists to pretty La Fortuna, a lovely spot located at the foot of Arenal – Costa Rica’s most active volcano.

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Phil Liggett MBE. Cycling Broadcaster and Journalist said: “This year, Exodus has lots of plans with new road trips to Costa Rica, Iceland and Alaska – all stunningly beautiful places and best discovered from the saddle. I have said it before, but one day I am going to say “non” to the Tour de France and join you all in the cycling holiday of a lifetime. Nowadays the world is open for the taking, thanks to top travel companies like Exodus. Enjoy your ride!”

 For more information or to discuss a trip, please contact Natalie Amos or Lois Kettlewell at Four Communications on 0870 626 3141. Email: exodus@fourcommunications.com

 Exodus communities:

Website: www.exodus.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/exodustravels

Twitter – www.twitter.com/ExodusTravels

Youtube – www.youtube.com/Exodustravels

Flickr – www.flickr.com/people/exodus-travels

Social Media Releases – smr.fourcommunications.com/category/exodus/

The 2011 National Cruise Week Survey also reveals:

• Katie  Price is the celebrity respondents would most like to see “walk the plank”
• Deserted beaches are our favourite holiday view
• Johnny Depp and Jennifer Aniston still top the poll of our fantasy celebrity cabin mates along with Angelina Jolie
• ……and the Mojito is named as the favourite holiday cocktail

London, September 16: After two years at the top*, Venice has given way to New York as Britain’s favourite  port in a new survey commissioned from YouGov by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), published to mark National Cruise Week (Sept 18-25).

Top of the Ports

Nearly one in five of GB adults (19%) named New York as their favourite cruise port with 13% voting for the perennially popular Venice. There was a three-way tie for third place between Barcelona, Rome and Singapore, each registering 7%. And New York could be set to keep its crown as Top of The Ports as it was voted a firm favourite by more than a quarter (26%) of the younger adult respondents aged between 18 and 34.

So what’s the attraction of cruising?

With a record 1.7million Brits expected go cruising this year according to the PSA, the survey looks at the main attractions of a cruise holiday and it is clear that  multi-destinations really excite. Well over half (57%) of respondents said the opportunity  to visit a number of destinations in one trip was a main attraction of a cruise holiday, and next, with 50%, came the convenience of having to unpack just once, although this figure was more important to women (53%) than men (46%).

The all-inclusive nature of cruising was one of the most attractive features amongst 36% of respondents, just beating yet another multi-destination cruise attraction of waking up in a new port nearly every day, voted for by 35%. Next in appeal was the renowned dining offered onboard cruise ships (27%), with this increasing to 33% amongst Welsh respondents. A main attraction of cruise  for nearly one in five (19%) is the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of cultures and nationalities, and again those from Wales  recorded the highest percentage (28%) of any of the home countries respondents’ for this particular attraction to cruise.

The on-board professionally produced entertainment shows were also mentioned by 17% of those surveyed, as were the special entertainment programmes for children (4%).

It’s the uniforms that appeal

We all know that every girl loves a sailor, but when those who go on holiday were asked which uniformed officers they are most attracted to on holiday, the survey reveals that ship’s officers, in their pristine white, pressed uniforms, along with police officers, are each second only in appeal to airline pilots with their wings. Pilots in uniform spotted on holiday top this particular head-turning poll at 12%, with ships’ officers and police gaining a 9% vote each. Closely behind, however, are soldiers in uniform at 8%, rather eclipsing roadside patrolmen officers (such as AA/RAC/Euro Assistance) whose uniform attractions only appealed to 1% of respondents.

Ship’s officers in uniform appeal much more to women (12%) than men (5%), and if you are 45 and over, then one in ten (10%) are attracted most by ship’s officers in dazzling white-giving a slight hint of a “cougar” effect.

Cruise celebrity fantasies – cabin sharing and “walking the plank”

When it comes to dreaming about who to share your cabin with, amongst the celebrities Johnny Depp again comes out top with last year’s female winner, Jennifer Aniston, sharing this year’s top spot with Angelina Jolie. However, there is little danger of marital rifts with an on overwhelming 55% saying they would prefer to cabin share with their partner or another family member.

Respondents were less inhibited when selecting the celebrity they would most like to see “walk the plank”. Over one in five (22%) chose Katie Price (alias Jordan); 17% opted for Jedward; 11% for James Murdoch and 10% for Gordon Brown – with Simon Cowell and Boris Johnson tying on 6%..

Your favourite holiday views

Deserted beaches (28%), sun sets behind mountains (21%), countryside landscapes (20%) and city skylines at night (11%) are the favourite views seen on holiday, according to the National Cruise Week survey – all of which can be viewed from the deck of a cruise ship. Cruise goers, however, might actually be part of the view for the next most popular holiday scene was that of a ship on the horizon (5%).

Packing blues

Given the appeal of only unpacking once on a cruise holiday, the survey even delved deep into the suitcase to explore which items of clothing holidaymakers always over-pack. Tops or shirts are the number one culprit, with 31% claiming to regularly over-pack these, followed by T-shirts (24%), shoes (18%), knickers or pants (17%), trousers (15%) and socks or tights (11%). Among female respondents, these percentages were significantly higher for tops (38%), shoes (26%) and knickers and T-shirts (23%).

… and your favourite cruise cocktail is….

Having selected your cruise and destination, unpacked your suitcase just once and hung up those shirts, and having checked out your favourite view, there is only one thing to do with your partner (who is unlikely to be a celebrity)…. and that is to go to the sun deck and order yourself a stunning , cool cocktail. And that is likely to be a Mojito, a classical mix of rum, mint, sugar, lime and club soda, according to those who drink cocktails on holiday. Mojitos were the favourite holiday cocktails among 8% of the respondents who go on holiday, closely followed by Pina Colada (7%), Sex on the Beach (4%) and Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Long Island Iced Tea and Tequila Sunrise (all 3%).

Regionally, however, the highest recorded favourite cocktail on holiday figure was actually 16% – for Pina Colada – by those survey respondents living in…Wales!

“The survey highlights why more cruise holidays are being taken by Brits than ever before – it’s an effortlessly way to visit many great destinations across the world while only unpacking once.” said Bill Gibbons, director of the Passenger Shipping Association. “There’s a wide choice in the style of cruising, views that range from New York’s skyline to deserted Pacific beaches, and the inclusive nature of a cruise holiday means it’s great value.”

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.

- ENDS -

4 May 2011: Figures released today from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that cruise holidays grew by 6% at a time when the total number of foreign holidays continued to decline. The PSA’s 2010 Cruise Review confirms cruising accounted for a 4.5% share of all foreign holidays taken in 2010 (36.1m) and 11.5% of the package holiday market (14m).

Brits took a record 1.62 million ocean cruises in 2010 – a figure which has more than doubled over the past 10 years and which the PSA forecasts will continue to grow to 1.7m cruise holidays in 2011.  Value and variety are the key reasons fuelling the increase with two-thirds (66%) of UK passengers citing value for money as the main reason for choosing their last cruise, and nearly a quarter (24%) citing the all-inclusivity of cruise pricing.

Cruising comes home

The main trend in cruising in 2010 was the above average 10% growth of UK departure cruises, with Southampton the busiest cruise port in Northern Europe. UK passengers sailing from a British port now account for more than 40% of all cruises, with the fly/cruise share declining to just fewer than 60%. Nevertheless fly/cruise numbers are still rising in absolute terms and are expected to exceed one million passengers from the UK in 2011.

More Shorter and Lower Cost Cruises

A second key trend is shorter cruises are becoming more popular with the average duration coming down from 11.1 days to 10.2. There’s growing interest in short cruises from UK ports, which also resulted in four out of ten cruises booked in 2010 costing under £1,000.

New to Cruise appeal maintained

In 2010, one in every three passengers was on their first-ever cruise.  Over the past five years cruising has attracted 2.4m first timers. More families are now cruising with children, with 7% of passengers under 18 years old and the ratio of those under 35 increasing from 11% to 13%. This contributed to the average age of a UK cruise passenger now being just over 54.

Ultra-Luxury Cruises continues on the up

The ultra-luxury cruise sector grew by a further 6% in 2010, responding to the economic downturn by including more elements, such as drinks, excursions and gratuities, in the price. Since 2004, ultra-luxury cruise holidays have grown 44% with more than 24,000 cruises taken in 2010.

Brits Head to Med

An 18% growth in Mediterranean cruises was seen in 2010, with UK port departures to the Med showing a massive 41% increase. Cruise holidays to the Caribbean have levelled off but it has still nearly doubled its number of British cruise passengers over the last decade, not far short of the 109% growth for the Mediterranean over the same period.

Meanwhile the Baltic has trebled its growth over the past decade and with last year’s 2% increase judged to be a blip, double digit growth is expected to resume to this very popular region. However, the accolade for the fastest growing cruise spot goes to the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.  The 76% increase to 58,000 passengers was fuelled by the rapidly increasing deployment of cruise ships offering an alternative winter cruising destination. Geo-political events in these regions are unlikely to stall this growth.

Overseas Tourists Flock to UK Ports

A 32% increase in the number of overseas passengers cruising from UK ports in 2010 means this total has grown by two-thirds in just six years. A record 116 cruise ships visited the UK in 2010 with 47 ports receiving at least one call.

Travel Agents book 79% of cruises…

Despite the growth of online booking, cruise passengers still turn first to Britain’s High Street travel agents who accounted for over 79% of cruise bookings in 2010. Travel agent delegates at the ACE UK Cruise Convention in Southampton (3-5 May) point to the continuing investment in training and product knowledge that can make a real difference in successfully selling cruising holidays.

….and they keep on coming back

Once sailing – forever smitten. According to the Cruise Review, four out of ten UK passengers booked one cruise in the last year, with nearly 60% taking at least two cruises in 2010.

Commenting on the 2010 Cruise Review, PSA director Bill Gibbons said: “In a challenging economic environment, these figures show cruising is giving the British customer what they want – a complete, inclusive holiday with exceptional value, high standards, endless variety and exciting destinations. It is a more contemporary form of package holiday that appeals to families, couples of all ages and those with an adventurous streak.”

Visit www.discovercruises.co.uk – the home of cruising and to find your local ACE agent.

If your idea of the perfect holiday is to taste the exotic and experience the remarkable, book your holiday now with Exodus. And for those flirting with the idea of adventure travel, the ‘DISCO’ brochure – meaning ‘Discovery’ – has been redesigned to cater for new clients – offering more information for first time adventure travellers, with client endorsements and a plethora of expert advice. With summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the great outdoors -  so escape, and enjoy the outdoors in the wild.  Download the brochure here

Here are some of the new trips from Exodus this year:

Eastern African Adventure Safari: 14 days form £2,079 including flights.  The next departures will be 4 September 2011, 9 October 2011, 23 October 2011 and 20 December 2011. This trip presents a unique opportunity to experience some of the best national parks and game reserves that Africa has to offer.  An ideal trip for those fascinated with wildlife; elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, the elusive leopard and endangered White and Black rhinos. These are just some of the animals found roaming the stunning parks of Tanzania.  The Ngorongoro Crater, with its striking scenery and unparalleled concentration of wildlife, is the highlight of this once in a lifetime trip.

Kayaking on the stunning coastline of the Dalmation Coast: 8 days from £989 including flights.  The next trips will depart 9 July 2011, 10 and 24 September 2011. The clean waters of Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Coast offer thrill seekers the perfect backdrop for an active week of kayaking.  The week is split between the beautiful islands of Brac and Hvar.  Brac has a mountainous coastline with olive groves, cypress and pine trees dotting the landscape.  For a break from the adrenalide rush, kayakers can enjoy the beaches of the one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world. 

Elephants & Leopards of Sri Lanka – 10 days from £1,999 including flights. The next departures are 9 September 2011 and 25 May 2012. Known for its culture, its beaches and its tea, few associate Sri Lanka with its wildlife and yet the Yala National park has one of the highest concentrations of Asian leopards in the world. One of Exodus’ Premium Adventures – for those who seek luxury as well as adventure – this trip celebrates the natural beauty of Sri Lanka with a host of wildlife including elephants and leopards. Minneriya National Park is home to ‘The Gathering’ – an extraordinary meeting of huge herds of elephants each afternoon. New, original and not done by any other tour operator to date, this is a pioneering wildlife safari giving the most valuable commodity of all in both parks – time.

Discover China’s Silk Road -  20 days from £2,419, including flights.  The next departures are 4 August and 6 October. A journey of discovery along the most famous of ancient trade routes, this trip provides a real sense of Chinese culture and is ideal for anyone looking to experience a different way of life from a beautiful location.  From the chance to watch deals being struck in the amazing Sunday market at Kashgar, to Xi’an’s inspiring terracotta army, this is a stunning itinerary.

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.