The cruise industry and trade training association Ace are gearing up for the third annual National Cruise Week.
Hundreds of travel agents and thousands of branches are expected to take part in the event that aims to raise awareness of cruise holidays by offering special deals and in-store promotions and cruise-themed events.
The week, that will run from September 19-26, coincides with a major push by leading lines such as P&O Cruises and Cunard to drive sales for 2011 with an early booking spectacular.
Flo Powell, ACE director, said: “We are delighted to be announcing the third National Cruise Week.
“The exceptional value of cruising with meals, accommodation, entertainment and of course multiple destinations included within the price means that cruise holidays have enjoyed a boom over the past two years.
“National Cruise Week 2010 promises to be bigger and better than ever with hundreds of travel agents taking the opportunity to showcase what a holiday at sea has to offer.’
A record 1.65 million Brits are expected to take a cruise this year – more than a 7% increase on 2009.
This year 14 new cruises ships will have launched including P&O Cruises’ Azura, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse. Another 16 are due to be launched by the end of 2012.