Cruise enthusiasts are still prioritising their holidays at sea despite the current cost of living surge, research has revealed.
A survey of 1,015 people by cruise specialist cruise.co.uk found that almost 70% have booked or will book a voyage this year.
Of this number around three-quarters will travel on their first-choice sailing, with the rest opting for a lower-priced option.
Of the remaining survey respondents, 20% said they go on a non-cruise holiday this year, either in the UK or overseas. The final 10% have postponed their holiday plans until 2023 or beyond.
Nearly 20% of the overall respondents have at least one sailing lined up in both 2022 and 2023.
There is a 50/50 split between cruisers either sailing from the UK or flying overseas to meet their ship, with little sign the ongoing issues at airports have affected plans.
For those yet to book this year, the Mediterranean is the favourite destination, with the Caribbean second and Norwegian Fjords / North Scandinavia third. The growing popularity of river cruises continues, as sailing a European waterway is in fourth place
Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “For those who are still able to get some time away, a cruise remains an incredibly attractive choice, with options to suit a wide range of budgets.”