Cruise holiday sector defies crunch
Updated on 17 August 2008
British holidaymakers are cruising through the credit crunch, with trips by sea on the increase, it has been revealed.
The cruise holiday sector is set to rise by 14% this year, with American ships proving particularly popular with Britons, according to cruise retailer Cruise118.
The company is also seeing a new trend - known as flash-packing - where parents want to emulate their back-packing offspring but wish to do it in style.
Cruise118 said the all-inclusive nature of holidays at sea - where all meals are thrown into the price - was attractive at present.
The company said that while Britons are seeing their dollars go further on American ships, the European market market has increased by more than 20% in the last three years.
Cruise118 director James Cole said: "Going on a cruise is more popular than ever as consumers become savvier in seeking value-for-money deals for their holiday.
"This is why the cruise sector is actually benefiting from the current credit crunch. People are still spending on holidays and want to continue to visit new places, but are more aware than ever of how far their money will stretch."
He went on: "The British hunger for travel has not diminished however and we've seen a number of growing cruise trends including an increase in 'flash-packers'.
"Many people who have seen their children take a gap year to travel the world have decided to do the same but have chosen to do it in style."
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