The boom in cruising has showed no signs of slowing as official figures released today revealed a growth in passenger numbers of 100,000 in 2010.A total of 466,692 Australians took a cruise holiday last year, up 27% from 366,000 in 2009, according to the International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA).

The growth was the largest since ICCA began collating figures nine years ago. “Australians now have a record number of cruise ships sailing from our shores throughout the year and clearly this is enticing more people to try a holiday at sea,” ICCA chairman Gavin Smith said. The leap in numbers resulted in a significant increase in market penetration.

Just over 2% of the Australian population has now taken a cruise, up from 1.7% in 2009. The South Pacific remained the most popular destination, accounting for 37% – 171,857 – of passengers, down one percentage point on 2009. Australia attracted a market share of 19% and New Zealand 10%. Europe and Asia accounted for 8% (35,061 and 37,267 passengers respectively), while Alaska captured 4% market share and river cruising 6%.

The largest growth was in the Americas, which includes Hawaii, with numbers rising from 12,381 to 21,233. Australia’s 90,751 passengers was 36% up on 2009 with New Zealand up 32% to 46,643. Europe numbers soared 51% to 35,061 with the South Pacific up 25%. The proportion of shorter duration voyages of seven days or less grew from 35% to 37%.

From Steve Jones
Travel Today

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