Cruise: A record 2,009,000 British and Irish holidaymakers enjoyed a cruise in 2018 (Image: Getty Images)
Cruise ship holidays are in peak demand as the number of ocean cruises taken by UK and Irish passengers has surpassed two million for the first time. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed a record 2,009,000 British and Irish holidaymakers enjoyed a cruise in 2018. This is up two per cent from 2017 proving the increasing popularity of cruise ship holidays. The research also unveiled the number one destination for European passengers.
Cruise ship holidays most popular to Mediterranean Sea as cruises hit peak demand
In 2018, European ocean cruise passenger numbers grew by 3.3 per cent against 2017, to 7.17 million; following a two per cent growth the prior year.
The favourite destination was revealed to be the central and western Mediterranean region.
The area saw growth up by 1.2 per cent, equivalent to 2.27 million passengers.
However, the strongest growth was seen in cruise passengers travelling to the Eastern Mediterranean.
This was up 8.5 per cent to 746,000 passengers, which illustrates the beginning of a return to confidence in the region.
Other areas seeing significant growth, from a smaller base, include the Canary Islands, up 9.6 per cent; and the Baltics, up 9 per cent.
Cruise: The favourite destination was revealed to be the central and western Mediterranean region (Image: Getty
