The number of cruise holidays taken by consumers in the UK and Ireland hit a record high last year, according to figures from industry group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
CLIA also revealed that the average age of UK and Ireland cruisers has decreased again. The overall passenger figures for 2024 confirm the average cruise traveller is 54.3 years – down from 55.1 in 2023 and 57 in 2019.
According to CLIA UK & Ireland, a total of 2.4 million cruises were taken by holidaymakers across the two countries during 2024; up from the previous record high of 2.3 million cruises in 2023.
A breakdown of the cruises showed 35% of last year’s trips sailed in the Mediterranean, 26.5% sailed in Northern Europe, and 13% in the Caribbean.
Asia and China saw the biggest passenger growth, in terms of destination, followed by the Canary Islands.
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Cruising continues to capture the imagination of travellers across the UK and Ireland, as more and more people embrace the diversity, value and unique experiences a holiday at sea offers. With an increasingly younger demographic onboard and more ships in the global fleet, the future of cruising has never looked brighter. And the wider benefits the industry delivers to local economies, suppliers and communities highlight the positive impact cruising has on a global scale.”
