European and Far East cruises see massive bookings boost.
Leading independent cruise travel agency Planet Cruise has witnessed a significant increase in sales this January, up 30% on the previous year, suggesting 2016 could be a record year for passenger numbers.
Booking data at Planet Cruise shows European cruise holidays received the biggest boost in bookings this January, up a massive 168% on the same time last year, followed by cruise holidays to the Far East, which witnessed an increase of 69%.
Cruise holidays to the ever-popular Caribbean also saw a boost in bookings this January, up 59% on the same time last year.
The cruise travel agency also saw a huge increase in passengers flying out of regional airports across the UK, with Manchester airport witnessing the biggest increase in passenger numbers, up a massive 57%.
Research identified the Middle East as the fastest growing region for cruise holidays, with cruises in the region up 800%. Canada and Alaska also emerged amongst the fastest growing destinations, up 275% and 186% respectively.
Luxury cruise holidays are also proving more popular than ever, with sales of 6* cruises up 200%.
Simone Clark, Managing Director at Planet Cruise comments: “January was an incredible month here at Planet Cruise and our bookings suggest that 2016 is set to be a record year for the cruise industry. European cruises have seen such a huge boost in bookings already and we expect this trend to continue over the coming months as holidaymakers look to experience an alternative to European beach package holidays.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
