Cruise lines promote value of all inclusive holidays

Cruise operators are doing their best to convince travellers that cruises are good value for money, as the global credit crunch continues to affect demand.

Although 14 new cruise ships are set to be launched in 2009, passenger growth in the UK market is now projected to be considerably lower than it has been over the last two years.

The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) is forecasting a rise of two to three per cent over the 1.5 million passengers anticipated for 2008.

The projection marks a significant decline in growth as compared with last year, when passenger numbers were up by 11 per cent to 1.3 million and the projected growth of 12 per cent for this year, to the 1.5 million level.

By 2010, the PSA is forecasting that the number will reach more than 1.6 million.

The retirement of the QE2 to Dubai and the reduction of Thomson Cruises’ fleet from five down to four are being cited as the reason for the anticipated slowdown in 2009. However, since the PSA figures were released, TUI confirmed that the Island Escape would be added to the Thomson Cruises fleet.

www.the-psa.co.uk