Cruises Set To Be Even More Popular In 2012

By Author: Abbey smith
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Figures from Cruise Market Watch suggest that cruises are set to reach a new peak of popularity in 2012.

It’s estimated that the number of cruise passengers worldwide will rise by 5.6% to just over 20 million.*

With the majority of cruise holidays (86%) being taken by people living in Europe and North America, the cruise industry still has plenty of room for expansion into other markets such as China.

There are new cruise liners being added to various fleets in 2012 and several more currently under construction. It seems the cruise companies are well placed to cope with a continued increase in demand, but why have cruise holidays become so popular in recent years?

* Value for money

Cruises undoubtedly provide a value for money experience. You have all the amenities and entertainment you could want, as well as being able to visit lots of different places during the one holiday.

If you compare the cost of a cruise to visiting the same places by plane and staying in hotels, cruise holidays will typically win.

With so many cruise ships now operating, it’s possible to get some ...
... great last minute bargains on cruises too, providing you’re prepared to be flexible.

* Convenience

Cruise passenger numbers in the UK have risen sharply due to the increased availability of cruises departing from ports within the country. Southampton in particular has become a starting point for cruise holidays all over the world.

In general, the convenience of being able to avoid the airports and start your holiday immediately is a massive plus when it comes to cruise holidays. Family cruises have become more popular than ever, partly for this reason i.e. it can be boring for kids having to wait around in airport departure lounges for hours at a time.

* Marketing

While cruise holidays have been around for many decades, the perception of them has changed in recent times. Cruises were once thought of as something only the elderly and retired enjoyed and seen as a bit old fashioned and perhaps ‘stuffy’.

In the last 10 years especially, more effort has gone into making cruises more family-friendly and promoting this to the public.

While some cruise liners are exclusively for adults only, the majority welcome children on board and have plenty of facilities and entertainment to keep them amused on their holiday at sea.

The Co-operative Travel website has cruises to destinations all over the world with the leading cruise lines. Browse their extensive range of cruise holidays online now.