Cruising through the Credit Crunch

Cruising has always had a mystique. The image of extravagant luxury and sailing across the world's ocean, stopping off at exotic locations has always appealed to sophisticates. But although cruising was once an exclusive kind of holiday, where diners were expected to wear full evening dress and etiquette and class prevailed, times have changed. Cruising still attracts holidaymakers looking for that added luxury and sophistication, but the cruising industry has expanded at a massive rate, mainly thanks to the fact it caters to all tastes, budgets and needs.

Cruising: Clean Sailing

The cruising industry is defying the credit crunch, as more holidaymakers turn to cruise holidays then ever before. And it isn't just cruising close to home around the Med and Europe – more holidaymakers are combining long distance flights to enjoy the oceans across the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand. In fact, New Zealand reported a $204 million spend across the country as a result of the booming cruising industry, with 168,000 passenger and crew arrivals in the 2007-08 cruise season. Tourism in New Zealand and across the world is booming thanks to the popularity of cruises. And with the credit crunch, economic uncertainty and rise in fuel prices, the boom in the cruising industry reveals how sought after cruising holidays now are – despite the odds.

Looking at the figures for the cruising industry in New Zealand illustrates just how big the cruise phenomenon has become; with just 27 cruises and 19,400 passengers in the 1996-97 season, last year's cruise season saw 98 cruises and 116,200 passengers.

Cruise Sector Booms

And the Brits are cruising through the credit crunch as the cruise holiday sector rises by 14% in 2008. Some say the all-inclusive aspect of cruising is attractive during the crunch as holidaymakers feel more in control of their budgets. Cruising has boomed industry experts say as holidaymakers become more aware of how to get value-for-money deals. The weak dollar for example has prompted more British holidaymakers onto American ships. The cruising industry is said to be actually benefiting from the economic turbulent markets as holidaymakers hunger for travel but want to make their money stretch further.

But the popularity in cruising isn't just down to the credit crunch. In 2006 the boom began with a total of 1.2 million Brits taking up cruising – doubling in ten years. 

Looking for a Cruise Holiday? Speak to Cruise Answers now

Cruise Answers are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of cruises and cruise holidays and have a vast array of cruises available. Cruise Answers is a family run business with a wealth of experience in the tourism industry and who pride themselves on going that extra mile to find the best deal for their customers. Whether you’re looking for a cruise holiday in the Caribbean or want to go cruising across the Antarctic, Cruise Answers are sure to find the perfect solution for you. To find out more about the cruises and cruise holidays available from Cruise Answers, just call 0844 412 7145 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .