The online retailer cruise.co.uk has projected the possible price increases for both domestic and international sailings. “It comes as the UK emerges from the pandemic and demand for cruise increases, meaning cruise lines will not need to discount as much as previously,” the company said in a statement.

In addition, costs across the cruise sector could be affected - including fuel for ships, onboard food and drink, company insurance and staffing - which may in turn be reflected in fares.

And guests themselves may have to pay more while on holiday because of fluctuating exchange rates and rising insurance charges. Increasing indirect costs, such as the cost of flights to overseas cruise departure points, and taxis and transfers to ports, may further dent holidaymakers’ pockets.

In order to keep costs down, cruise lines are offering various incentives to guests, while cruise.co.uk have also published their own money saving tips.

Tony Andrews from cruise.co.uk said: “With travel continuing to open up, more and more of us are really looking forward to our next cruise. Unfortunately, would-be holidaymakers should be aware that some prices on 2022 getaways, in cruise and across all of travel, are likely to be higher. There are so many variables that could push prices up, some of which feel almost inevitable, such as food and insurance hikes, and others which may be announced at short notice, such as fuel rises.

“To help make guests’ money go further, we’re pleased to see cruise lines are offering a range of incentives right now including discounted deposits, free flights and transfers, onboard drinks packages and free cabin upgrades.

“We’re really stressing the need to book early. If you know where you want to go next year, paying a deposit now will mean you can take advantage of the current fare,” Andrews said.