Cruise bookings through global wholesaler Tourico Holidays rose by more than a third last year and are projected to jump further in 2017.
Booking levels increased by 37% year-on-year in 2016 with a 8% uplift in average transaction value.
The major growth was primarily driven by outbound bookings from the US (up 49%), Canada (up 12%), the UK (up 10%) and Latin America (up 21%).
The peak wave booking period last month was a record setting month for the company with cruise bookings increasing by 38% compared to January 2016.
Cruise development vice president, Lori Sheller, said: “We’re predicting more cruisers will hit the seas in 2017 than any previous year on the books.
“The upward trend in cruising will also be aided by an influx of bookings from China – as cruise companies shift their focus to the Asian market.”
Tourico also confirmed a new partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The company’s cruise business includes 16 cruise lines and more than 10,000 different worldwide cruise departures.