PSA Annual Cruise Review Reports Increase in Family Bookings

Record numbers of families are going on cruises – mainly due to the value for money and child-friendly facilities on vessels. Over 75,000 under 18s are likely to take a cruise holiday this year, a seven fold rise over the past decade.

This prediction came as part of the Passenger Shipping Association's annual cruise review which found that one in ten package holidays booked is now a cruise – a total of 1.53 million last year, which is expected to rise to 1.65 million in 2010. This figure is more than double the number of UK cruise passengers ten years ago and is predicted to rise to two million by 2014.

Almost 25% of 539 passengers polled said they would choose a cruise on value alone. Over half feel that cruises offer better value for families than hotel packages, overseas beach holidays, adventure holidays and safaris.

Cruising was rated better value than ski holidays and theme park packages. 45% of respondents claimed that cruising was of equal value to independently booked travel and accommodation deals.

Cunard Line managing director Peter Shanks said cruises work out as costing about £100 a day - less than taking a family of four out for a meal at a restaurant or staying in a London hotel for the night.

PSA director Bill Gibbons said: "The survey shows that the amazing value and inclusive nature of a cruise holiday appeals strongly to families. The success of UK cruising during one of the toughest economic periods the world has seen, can be attributed to the value and high standards. The all inclusive nature of cruising and exceptional standards of quality and service are the key to our continued growth, along with the huge choice of worldwide destinations and the wide range in styles of cruising."