Since fully reopening in 2022, the cruise industry has seen a significant uptick in bookings worldwide.
Statistics from Future Market Insights show that the global market was worth £4.18 billion ($5.3 billion) in 2022 and is expected to grow to £13.74 billion ($17.4 billion) by 2032. Given that cruises combine all aspects of travel– transportation, food, and accommodation— it’s unsurprising why more and more people are taking cruise trips.
While some of the most well-known cruise lines travel the Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, there has been a recent call in several European cities to limit tourists due to over-tourism. This has encouraged both cruise lines and consumers to explore less populated areas, including the UK. Despite not being as popular as the aforementioned areas, the UK cruise industry has seen a significant rebound in activity— welcoming almost 2 million cruise passengers at the Port of Southampton. This increasing demand has opened up numerous cruise options, encouraging travellers to explore Northern Europe, the UK, and Ireland. If you’re interested in exploring the UK, here are some reasons why it’s worth doing so on a luxury ocean cruise:
All-inclusive amenities and services
Almost all cruise ships offer plenty of food and entertainment onboard, but one of the most significant factors that sets luxury cruise ships apart is having quality amenities and services at no extra cost. Mainstream cruise lines tend to have extra charges beyond the base fee, which can easily add up, whereas luxury cruises have everything as part of their initial cost. Explora Luxury Cruises provides all-inclusive journeys for their passengers, enabling them to access amenities onboard, such as distinct culinary experiences, unlimited beverages, and well-being and fitness programmes. In addition, travellers can enjoy a unique collection of over 30 of the finest artisanal brands through their shop, The Journey, featuring products influenced by the destinations visited. When considering how customers can enjoy almost everything without paying extra, a luxury cruise can be well worth the extra initial investment.
Visit unique destinations
Luxury cruise lines tend to be smaller than their mainstream counterparts, meaning the ship can visit lesser-known destinations with smaller ports. This usually enables luxury cruises to create unique travel itineraries that are not overrun with other tourists. An example of this is luxury liner MV Corinthian. Since they had fewer passengers on the ship, their onshore excursions are more intimate, and it’s easier for tour guides to connect with visitors. Their visit to the Port of Barrow and other smaller docks has been a great way for guests to experience local culture, such as enjoying local delicacies, performances, and deeper looks into their lifestyle.
Fine dining and tranquil atmosphere
If you’re the type of person who prefers quieter and upscale experiences, plenty of luxury cruises offer fine dining options with famous chefs. Under Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises, there is an exclusive chef-led sailing from UK television personality Jonathan Phang. Through the cruise line’s Epicurean Expeditions, travellers will enjoy the food and wine theme of their visits.
Furthermore, some luxury cruises are designated as adults-only. This enables passengers to focus more on the onboard and onshore experiences to their fullest with minimal distractions.
The UK has plenty of sights and experiences to offer, which is why it’s well worth travelling on a luxury cruise. Not only do you get to enjoy onshore excursions, but you also receive exceptional service onboard. For more UK travel recommendations, visit our website, British Food and Travel, for the best British meals, coast, and countryside.