The largest independent travel company in the UK, The Co-operative Travel have claimed a 31% increase in families booking cruises this year. According to the agency group, families now represent one in ten of all cruise passengers.
As Royal Caribbean International’s largest ship, Independence of the Seas is due to arrive in Southampton for its naming next Wednesday, the figure emerged which followed last week’s launch of P&O cruises largest family-friendly cruise liner Ventura.
According to Co-operative Travel the growing trend by UK families imitate the habits of American holidaymakers.
The International Association of Cruise Lines represents around 97% of US cruise ships, they have reported that they carry approximately one million children every year and the demand has pushed cruise operators to cater for the family market.
Trevor Davis of Co-operative Travel said: “Cruising is one of the travel industry’s biggest success stories, cruise holidays have always been multi-generational which makes it even more appealing for families who want to see what is on offer.”
“Major cruise operators have convinced parents who are looking for a stress-free break to choose a cruising holiday, these cater for families as the ships are fitted with increasingly bigger and better attractions and also making the kids club and entertainment more enjoyable. There is also an increase in ships departing from the UK.”
“A cruising holiday is also very appealing to families as it gives them the flexibility to eat what and when they want and also can allow older children to roam the ship and try out some of the entertainment such as on-board surfing and climbing walls all in a safe environment.”
“Combining a cruise holiday with departures from the UK and you can cut out stress plus the expense of flying with children. It’s an attractive offer.”
He added: "The launch of The Independence of the Seas will further boost the family cruising market.”
"The increased publicity and capacity will show more parents what cruising has to offer them and their children."
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