According to Euromonitor International, the value of cruise sales will rise by 2.6 percent this year, and 3.2 percent next year. P&O Cruises expect growth in their passenger numbers of up to 15 percent over this year and 2011.
According to that company's MD Carol Marlow, the sector is changing greatly from the 90s when cruises were mainly for older people. "It is now catering for all types, families, groups and couples too," she told the WTM Vision Conference.
About 300 cruise ships are sailing around the world, with 14 new ones being launched in 2010. In Britain, one in ten package holidays taken are now cruises.
