Cruise industry 'experiences surge in popularity'

The number of people in the UK and Europe embarking on cruising holidays soared in 2011, new research has revealed, despite worries it might take a dive in popularity following the Costa Concordia disaster.

Figures from the European Cruise Council revealed that the cruise industry generated direct expenditure of £2.28 billion in the UK last year, which was up 10.2 per cent on 2010.

Overall, the European total stood at £12.1 billion, which equated to a rise of 3.3 per cent.

Cruise popularity has particularly seen growth in the UK, however, with the country's spend on this type of holiday coming second only to Italy, and its increase in popularity only beaten by that in France.

This is despite the Costa Concordia disaster that took place in January this year, or, according to Carnival UK chief executive and EEC member David Dingle, possibly even because of it.

He said: "After the tragic Costa Concordia incident in January off Giglio in Italy the world's cruise industry moved swiftly to review and improve operational safety measures, and to reassure customers that cruising is a safe and enjoyable holiday."

The expert also noted that next year will see even more ships being deployed in UK ports.

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