A study has revealed that cruising is becoming more popular with younger age groups in the UK.

Cruise specialist cruise.co.uk revealed the fastest growth is in the under 20s, with 8% of all cruise passengers travelling in 2022 now either teens or younger. This is the highest level ever recorded and compares to 6% in 2019. 

All other age groups under the age of 60 have experienced a rise in the proportion of onboard passengers.

Share of under 60s up 7 percentage points since 2019

The most notable swing is the total number of passengers who are over 60 compared to under 60. In 2019, 37% were under 60. This year that figure has risen to 44%.

The figures - taken from cruise.co.uk’s full 2022 bookings data - are striking as cruises operate all year-round, meaning children and working adults can only travel during their holiday periods, whereas retirees can be more flexible with their sailing dates.

Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “The amazing array of choice you get on a holiday at sea means an increasing proportion of families and younger holidaymakers are choosing to cruise. From kids’ clubs to hair-raising adrenaline activities to tattoo parlours, ships have it all, and every age is catered for.

Photo: Promenade on MSC Virtuosa that operates year round from the UK