Online cruise specialist cruise.co.uk has reported that shorter cruises of two to six nights are proving increasingly popular, outselling longer departure options.
Shorter cruises are cited as “an accessible choice for new-to-cruise guests to experience an escape at sea.” They are available with a range of cruise lines departing from across the UK and overseas.
Among cruise.co.uk’s customers, sales of short cruises are up 42% year on year, said the company in a statement.
The findings come after Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that passengers from the UK & Ireland took a record 2.3 million cruise holidays in 2023.
A separate CLIA survey also revealed that 71% of those who have never cruised before would now consider doing so.
Further research from cruise.co.uk has revealed that prices for shorter cruises in 2024 have proved an inflation-busting option, as they are overall consistent with those from 2019.
For example, a four-night sailing to Amsterdam with P&O Cruises, departing December 5, 2024, is from £416pp, compared to a similar 2019 cruise at the same price.
Tony Andrews, Managing Director of cruise.co.uk, said: “It’s clear that more people are seeing a cruise holiday as an ideal option for their next getaway.
“Shorter sailings provide the perfect way for new-to-cruise guests to dip their toe in the water and sample the many activities available onboard such as family-friendly entertainment, world-class dining and blockbuster stage productions.
“And, with many short cruise prices aligned to those from five years ago, there’s never been a better way to try a holiday at sea.”
For more information, go to www.cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.
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