UK passenger numbers continue to rise
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UK cruise passenger numbers have increased by 4% to top 1.5 million for the first time, according to figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA). With fourteen more ships added to the market this year, including P&O Cruises’ Azura, Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth and Independence of the Seas, PSA hopes numbers will rise to 2 million by 2014. “At a time when travel is generally in decline, cruising continues to grow year-on-year. The reasons are value, high standards of service and so much choice,” said PSA Director William Gibson. He revealed that sales in luxury cruises had risen by 50% and, although the average age of a cruiser is 55, this year it is predicted that over 75,000 cruisers will be under 18. “As well as the Annual Cruise Review we have done some market research into family friendly aspects of crusing. Value came up strongly and more than half said cruising was better than any overseas holidays compared to hotel beach holidays and themed park packages,” added Gibbons. Peter Shanks, President and Managing Director of Cunard Lines said he was confident about the future sucess of cruising as he believes it has three competitive strengths. “The first is the quality of experience that people get when they go cruising. Secondly, compared to package holidays, the cruise industry is delivering innovation, for example look at the facilities cruises now have for children. Thirdly is value-for-money as a cruise costs roughly
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