More growth forecast for cruising

Fears of piracy have forced luxury cruise operator Seabourn to cancel trips in the Indian Ocean next winter, but still a record 1.5 million UK passengers will take a cruise somewhere this year.

The Yachts of Seabourn president Pam Conover said the high seas routes between Kenya and the islands of the Seychelles, Madagascar and Zanzibar were too vulnerable for it to continue its cruises there for the time being.

However, there will be an overall five per cent growth in cruising this year, according to the Passenger Shipping Association (www.psara.co.uk).

PSA director Bill Gibbons said the five per cent growth would be followed by a further 6.5 per cent increase next year when 1.65 million travellers are expected to take a cruise.

Mr Gibbons said: This growth will come about with the introduction of new ships dedicated to the UK market.""

New ships include P&O Cruise's Azura Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Eclipse.

""There's now a sustained interest and excitement in cruising which will be reinforced next month with the introduction of the largest ever cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas.""

Oasis of the Seas (www.oasisoftheseas.com), operated by Royal Caribbean, will accommodate 5,400 guests over 16 decks.

Mr Gibbons said cruising had proved relatively recession-proof, probably because it offers good value for money.

""The two key drives remain value and quality, he said. The all-inclusive nature of cruising and the very high standards of quality, innovation and customer service have made cruising a compelling and mainstream holiday choice.""

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