Fareham has been named the UK’s “cruise-booking hotspot” by Cruise.co.uk.
Research carried out by the OTA found residents of the Hampshire town have booked more cruise holidays per head this year than any other town or city in the country.
The data was revealed as part of a study which covered all bookings made by the cruise specialist since the turn of 2022.
In second place was Dorset town Christchurch, which is “equally well-served by the nearby ports of Southampton, Portland and Poole”, said the agency.
Southampton, which handles around 1.7 million passengers per year, came third. Barnsley and Chorley finished fourth and fifth respectively on the OTA’s list.
Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of Cruise.co.uk, said: “Perhaps it’s no surprise to see three south coast locations making up our most popular booking hotspots.
“With so much choice on their doorstep, and with the appeal of seeing so many wonderful ships regularly sailing by, means the convenience and attraction to residents of a cruise holiday is clear.
“The popularity of a cruise among Barnsley and Chorley locals is less obvious, but clearly there is significant demand to holiday at sea, even in areas with no apparent coastal connection.
“Interestingly, both towns regularly appear in our annual top 10 booking hotspots, so this is part of a marked trend rather than a one-off.”
Pictured: Port of Southampton