The European cruise market is immature and has room for growth, according to Carnival UK managing director David Dingle.
Speaking at an exclusive briefing last week he said: “European Cruise markets are still immature. The penetration of population across Western Europe is 1% while in the Uk it is 2%. So there is no reason why all markets in Europe cannot grow.”
He also added that the UK is the most active market with cruise appealing to the broadest spectrum of customers.
He also predicted that the total cruise market by then will have reached the 2 million passenger barrier by 2012. The new cruise ships are setting high standards across the market, he argued.
“It’s no wonder cruising is the fastest growing holiday sector,” he added.
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale, speaking at the same briefing added: “This is going to be a special year for P&O Cruises we have christened it the year of Ventura. The features we have on that vessel are going to be second to none.”