Figures from the World Cruise Ship Industry report published by Travel and Tourism Intelligence have shown that the cruising market is showing no signs of waning with worldwide numbers expected to reach 10m in 2000.
The introduction of mass-market operators offering budget cruises and an increase in distribution channels, notably the Internet, has helped make cruising a fast-growing sector of the travel industry.
TTI figures show that the number of cruise ship beds is set to increase worldwide by 50% to 330,000 by 2005.
Passenger numbers grew 10% in 1998 to 8.2m and the figure is expected to climb to 13m by 2005.
In recent years the UK has proved to be the strongest market in Europe, growing by more than 20% a year since 1995. Although the figure is expected to be 15% this year because of a drop in capacity and the situation in Kosovo, it is should settle back at 20% a year in 2000.
TTI analyst Tony Peisley said: “The launch of the Aurora by P&O next spring will lead to a big increase in capacity for the UK.”
But the main driving force globally will be Asia, particularly Southeast Asia. “Star Cruises has had a huge impact in the region,” added Peisley.