Recession hits cruise holidays least

In surprising statistics released by the Passenger Shipping Association, it seems that the cruise industry has suffered less than airline and other travel industries in recent months.

It seems that a record number of British people, 1.65 million in fact, plan to take a cruise holiday in 2010 an increase of 6.5% over the previous year. So what’s made the cruise industry so apparently able to weather the storm? There are a number of reasons that cruises have become more, rather than less, popular, drawing in people new to cruises through a range of incentives that appeal to the recession struck consumer:

Attractive deals and innovative travel packages have made cruising more attractive than other forms of holiday, drawing in both the seasoned cruiser and the newcomer

Offering free flights and/or free upgrades alongside the ‘loyalty bonus’ discounts on future bookings with the same cruise line has led to repeat bookings increasing

Cash-poor holidaymakers see particular value in all-inclusive packages offered by cruise lines that offer all meals and beverages during a cruise at no additional cost

UK based cruises are attractive for those who’ve experienced problems with flights from UK airports and/or travel companies going bust.

New experiences offered through the ship’s facilities appeal to those who like novelty as cruise ships can offer a range of activities such as cultural activities, tours and unique water-sports both on and off ship, not to mention dining in gourmet restaurants run by celebrity chefs at a fraction of the price you’d pay to visit their restaurants on shore.