The popularity of cruises as holiday option has increased markedly in the UK this year and the positive trend appears to continue in to 2016,research commissioned by Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) shows.

Cruises account for 10% of the British holiday market this year, an increase of three percentage points from last year. “This steady growth looks set to continue with 13% of people stating that they are planning a cruise holiday in the next 12 months,” ABTA said in a statement.

Part of the growth of cruise holidays can be attributed to returning passengers; 80% of people who have been on a cruise stated that they would like to go again. "For people who have been on a cruise, the chance to see multiple destinations tops the list of things they value about cruise holidays with the on board facilities, including catering, entertainment and accommodation, also highly prized," ABTA said