Travel Counsellors Cruise Takeover Day Travel Trade Travel Trends
Travel Counsellors, the UK's largest and fast-growing technology platform for travel entrepreneurs, has reported another record-breaking period for cruise sales, as demand for sea-based holidays continues to rise.
UK leisure travel sales for cruise hit £8.2 million in August alone, up 49% on the same month last year, with cruises now representing 17% of total UK leisure business, up from 12% in 2024.
Year-to-date, Travel Counsellors' cruise bookings have reached £65 million, a 17% increase on 2024, with premium and luxury cruises seeing particularly strong growth, up 66% and 88% respectively.
Independent research commissioned by Travel Counsellors among 2,000 UK consumers as part of their annual Travel Tracker report also highlights the rising popularity of cruises. Overall, 21% of respondents now favour cruises, up from 14% in 2023, a 44% increase over three years.
The data from the Travel Tracker report further revealed that travellers in the 25-34 age group show the strongest growth, with 27% preferring cruises – a 67% rise since 2023.
Janet Whittingham, Head of Cruise at Travel Counsellors commented: "Cruising has always been a much-loved way for our customers to explore the world, whether at sea or on river sailings. What's exciting is that we're now seeing strong growth across all age groups, especially among younger travellers who are embracing the unique experiences cruising can offer.
"Our Travel Counsellors have the expertise to find the right cruise to suit each customer's needs – whether that's a luxury voyage, a premium experience, or a multi-generational trip. By working closely with our cruise partners, we're also ensuring customers have access to the very best options that reflect their values and preferences."
That latest sales come as the company staged one of its ten cruise-focussed 'Takeover Days' and road shows this year, with over 30 Travel Counsellors, from new starters to seasoned cruise ambassadors, attending a dedicated day at Manchester's Voco Hotel this week. The event was supported by ten sponsors including Riviera, Virgin Voyages, P&O, Tauck, Royal Caribbean, Scenic and Emerald, Uniworld, Hurtigruten, plus Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines.
The Takeover Day forms part of the company's focus to support cruise sales momentum with special initiatives, including the launch of its cruise wave campaign earlier this year, the introduction of specialist TC cruise ambassadors, alongside Family Days with Princess and Royal Caribbean, supporting Travel Counsellor business owners to connect, learn and grow their business through being part of a vibrant cruise community.
