Two companies have recently reported positive news from the UK cruise market, including both the deep sea and river cruise businesses

Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer was quoted by Travel weekly as saying: “The UK market is performing fantastically. If the bookings in the last two months were to continue, it would be our best year ever from a booking perspective, which means 2023 will be our best year ever in terms of a travel guest perspective."

“We’re on track to be up between 15% and 20% over what we did in 2019 if the current trends continue. We’re seeing decent growth in the rest of Europe too, but the UK is leading the way in terms of growth. No country got Covid right, but in the last few months the UK has been taking the leading edge on trying to get back to normal and it shows,” the report said.

Meanwhile, online travel agency cruise.co.uk  has reported a three-fold increase in river cruise bookings since the start of the year compared to 2019. The most popular destination is the River Rhine, the longest river in Germany, which flows into countries including Switzerland, France and the Netherlands.

 A survey of 1,200 customers revealed that prior to 2020, just over half had sailed on or considered a river cruise, but that figure had now leapt to 83%.

 The ideal destination for those planning a future river cruise is the Danube, as voted for by 29% of respondents. The Rhine is set to remain popular, as it received 25% of the vote, followed by the Douro on 15%.

 River cruises take place on smaller ships than ocean cruises, and have around 100-200 guests onboard. They travel along many of the major rivers in Europe and across the world, and are generally for a week or longer. River cruise lines are now back on the water, with several new ships launching this year.

 Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “The advantages of sailing on a river cruise have unquestionably led to a steep increase in demand, with UK guests now much more likely to consider smaller ships for their holidays. With fewer people onboard and the opportunity to travel right into the heart of multiple eye-catching destinations, river cruises are a fantastic option.”

The UK source market generated about 2.0 million passengers in 2019, before the onslaught of the pandemic.