THE number of British and Irish tourists taking a cruise fell by 80,000 last year – the first annual drop in a decade.
According to figures compiled by the Cruise Liners International Association, the number of holidaymakers taking to the ocean from the two countries fell by almost 5 per cent, from 1.72 million to 1.64 million, in 2014.
The news marks the first time since 2004 that there has been a drop in the annual figures for tourists from Britain and Ireland taking cruises.
The shortage of cruise ports in both countries was cited as a major reason for the drop in numbers – with travellers forced to fly to another country in order to begin their cruise, bumping up the total costs of the trip.
It also means that the British have lost their position as Europe’s biggest cruisers – with German holidaymakers now claiming the title.
Despite the drop in numbers, Andy Harmer, director of CLIA UK and Ireland, remained positive.
“The UK and Ireland continues to have one of Europe’s highest rates of market penetration for cruise holidays. Our industry is putting massive investment into new ships - over $11 billion in the next two years alone – and we’re confident that the future prospects continue to be bright,” he said.
