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Ex-UK cruising boom continues

The boom in ex-UK cruising is set to continue this year with an estimated growth in passengers of 17%, according to industry body CruiseBritain.

A total of 666 cruises are due to depart from UK ports this year.

The number of round-Britain cruises calling at UK and Irish ports will rise to more than 100 departures for the first time and figures show a projected growth of 33% over last year.

CruiseBritain chairman Kate O’Hara said: “There are 20 cruise lines scheduled to operate round-Britain cruises.

“The increasing appeal of Britain as a cruise destination can be seen both in the rise in cruise numbers and also in the wide variety of cruise lines.

“Britain’s ports will host some of the world’s largest cruise ships from lines such as Royal Caribbean, mid-size vessels from Crystal and Saga, boutique cruise lines such as Silversea and expedition ships from Voyages of Discovery and Noble Caledonia.

“Britain is a unique destination that offers complete circumnavigation and a huge variety of attractions for passengers.

The core season remains May to September but the more off-peak months are showing growth, particularly in the autumn and early winter months.

“The main departure ports continue to be Southampton and Dover but it is good to see the growth of the profile of ports such as Harwich, Tyne and Portsmouth,” said O’Hara.

“Passengers have more choice than ever before and this reflects the diversity of British attractions and the options that the country offers to cruise lines.”

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