The share of British passengers that start their cruise at a port in the UK has risen rapidly in the past few years and it is likely to exceed 50% for the first time in 2014-15, according to Cruise Lines' International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland.

"Just six years ago, only a third of UK passengers started their holiday from British ports. By 2013, it was almost half (49%) and in 2014/15, it is likely that more UK passengers will start their cruise holiday from Britain than from an overseas port," CLIA said in a statement.

Next year P&O Cruises will introduce the 3,600 passenger newbuilding Britannia, while Royal Caribbean International will bring its 4,180 passenger Anthem of the Seas to the UK to replace a smaller vessel with a net addition of some 500 berths, while Princess Cruises will do the same with Royal Princess, resulting in a similar increase in capacity.

Last year, 1.73 million Britons took an ocean cruise.