Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
28 June 2012 09:36
UK Cruise holiday bookings increased last year
Britons were briefly put off cruise holidays by the Costa Concordia ship tragedy, but bookings have since picked up.
David Dingle, chief executive of the Carnival UK cruise company, said there was "a pause" in bookings afterwards but things have since returned to normal.
Although tourists have carried on booking despite the tragedy, memories of the Costa Concordia, which hit rocks and turn on its side off the Italian coast, might make more passengers think about cruise travel insurance beforehand.
Overall, the European Cruise Council (ECC) revealed that the number of UK passengers on board cruises increased by 10.9% to 1.7 million last year - 28% of Europe's cruise market.
Across Europe passenger levels increased by 9% to 6.2m as the global cruise passenger figure reached 20.6m.
Mr Dingle, a member of the European Cruise Council (ECC) executive, said: "After the tragic Costa Concordia incident the world's cruise industry moved swiftly to review and improve operational safety measures, and to reassure customers that cruising is a safe and enjoyable holiday.
"Booking volumes in the UK understandably paused after the tragedy while people sought assurance but the British market has seen numbers pick up, despite economic concerns which are influencing consumer spending."
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
[more...]
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...
Find your favourite Greek food with our guide on how to let your taste buds explore the delicious flavours of Greece.
Ever wondered what life was like in Ancient Greece? Explore the city that many call the birthplace of Western civilisation by visiting these fantastic attractions in the legendary city of Athens.
Which Greek Island should I visit? A common question if you want to experience the beauty of Greece's many islands. Find the answer in our quick guide to ten of the best.