The demand for cruising is now greater than it was in 2019, according the latest
survey from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The survey, of 4,000 domestic and international travellers, showed the intent to book
a holiday at sea among UK passengers now exceeds levels from three years ago. It
also revealed the economic benefits cruise brings to the areas that ships visit. 
The main findings of the survey were:

- 85 per cent of respondents who have cruised previously said they intend to take a
holiday at sea again - a six per cent increase from 2019 
- Of those that have taken a cruise in the last six months, 90 per cent said they intend
to cruise again
- Of those who have never cruised, 66 per cent are open to cruising – a small 0.5 per cent
increase from 2019
- Overall, 69 per cent of international cruise holidaymakers stayed at least one night in
their local destination prior to embarkation, with 43 per cent extending the stay by
two or more nights. And 67 per cent stayed at least one night after disembarkation,
with 34 per cent extending by two or more nights.  
- 60 per cent said they later returned to a destination they had first visited by cruise.  
 
CLIA, which is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association also highlighted
that as cruise lines continue to advance their sustainability initiatives with an aim of
net-zero carbon cruising by 2050, the percentage of international travellers who say
the industry is a leader in responsible travel reached 51 per cent - up nine per cent over the
past year.
 
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “This year has been
enormously encouraging for cruise, and it’s heartening to see demand for a holiday
at sea is set to continue. The sheer number of repeat passengers we’re anticipating,
combined with interest from those yet to sail, means the appeal of going on a cruise
remains as strong as ever. 
 
“The economic advantages passengers bring to the destinations they visit is also
clear, meaning local businesses - from taxis, to restaurants to hotels - benefit
accordingly. And we’re delighted to see the raft of sustainability initiatives we have in
place, including our 2050 net-zero carbon goal, were recognised.”