Why Cruises are More Popular Than Ever
Oct 19, 12 | 12:02 am 
- Record high cruise passenger numbers recorded
- North America and Europe prove the most popular destinations
There has been a sharp rise in the number of people enjoying cruise holidays,
according to new reports. A record number of cruise passengers enjoyed a holiday at sea
last year, with the total global figure jumping to over 20 million for the first time.
According to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) cruise passenger numbers
increased by 10% between 2010 and 2011 with a leap in bookings of almost two million
people.
The figure jumped from 18.7 million to 20.6 million passengers with North America and
Europe being the most popular destinations of choice.
Australia also saw passenger numbers increase by 30% over the same period and the
country exceeded more than half a million travellers for the first time.
Thomas Cook offers cruises to top destinations for 2012/13:
Europe
The research found that the number of cruise passengers opting for European cruises
increased by a massive 9% between 2010 and 2011 to 6.2 million. This is the first time
that European figures have exceeded the six million mark.
Germany, Italy, Spain and France have seen a 15% increase in passenger numbers over
the past five years - these are great options for cheap cruise holidays
[http://www.thomascook.com/cruise ] for Brits.
North America
The number of British ocean cruise passengers reached a record high of 1.7 million in
2011. This is the second largest source of cruise passengers in the world, proving that
Britons love to holiday at sea. Another popular cruise destination last year was North
America with a massive 11.5 million holidaymakers heading there by sea.
Caribbean
Caribbean Cruise deals [http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/cruise-destinations/caribbean
] are widely available through Cruise Thomas Cook. For those looking for a new cruise
adventure, the Caribbean has always been a popular spot for holidaymakers and a Caribbean
cruise allows you to enjoy gorgeous settings with stunning crystal clear waters and soak
up the laidback nature of the islands.
Royal Caribbean cruises [http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/lines/royal-caribbean ] are
available from Cruise Thomas Cook and offer regular departures to this region.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean has often been hailed as a popular holiday destination with lots of
things on offer for all types of holidays. From relaxing Mediterranean cruise holidays
[http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/cruise-destinations/mediterranean ] to adventure cycling
tours, you can find almost any type of holiday you want and enjoy the warm waters and
almost guaranteed sunshine which is provided against the stunning backdrop of the
Mediterranean's natural beauty.
Thomas Cook Children's Charity [http://www.thomascookchildrenscharity.com ] is
committed to making dreams come true for sick and disadvantaged children in the UK &
Overseas - to find out more about the work we do visit our website.
Source: Thomas Cook via Hospitality Industry
