CLIA reveals that more people are open to cruising than ever before

CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, has revealed that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland sailed on around 1.7 million cruise holidays in 2022. In data published today, CLIA showed that:

• In 2022, British and Irish holidaymakers took around 1.7 million cruises (up from 479,000 the previous year)
• The Mediterranean remains the number one destination for cruise travellers from the UK and Ireland 
• The top three destinations in 2022: the Mediterranean at 38.4%, Northern Europe at 29% and the Caribbean at 10.6%
• The UK and Ireland markets accounted for 29% of all European source passengers 
• Globally, more than a quarter (27%) of those who sailed for two or more nights in the last 12 months travelled in a party consisting of three or more generations, a sign that cruise holidays offer a great experience for all ages 
• The average age of UK and Ireland cruise guests last year was 55.8 as cruising continues to diversify and attract holidaymakers of all ages 
• The average length of a cruise by British or Irish holidaymakers in 2022 was 9.7 days 
• The intent to cruise is stronger than ever. 85% of cruise passengers from the UK say they intend to take a holiday at sea again and 60% will do so in the next two years (up from 53% in 2022) 
• 70% of those who have never cruised before would consider a cruise in the next few years (up from 68% in March 2022), showing more people are open to trying a cruise than ever before 

Andy Harmer, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Cruise holidays have once again captured the imagination of the British public. A holiday at sea offers something for everyone, from action-packed experiences and visiting new cultures, to onboard entertainment and relaxation. And the word is out, as we are seeing more people than ever interested to try out a cruise for the first time.”