By
Michele Witthaus |
According to research by consumer analysis company Mintel, young British holidaymakers are exhibiting a growing interest in cruise vacations.
Almost half of those canvassed between the ages of 15 and 24 said they would consider taking a cruise in the future. Mintel reports that although only 4 per cent of those in this age group have ever been on a cruise (compared to 32 per cent of those aged 65 to 74), up to 40 per cent see cruises as a good way of visiting and exploring different destinations, while 28 per cent think they are a good place to meet new people.
“Young adults like the idea of an adventure at sea and the house party atmosphere of an onboard holiday can appeal to many young package holidaymakers as a change from resort-based trips,” said Tom Rees, senior travel and tourism analyst at Mintel. “The key is getting the product right. Given the market trend towards shorter cruises departing from UK ports, short themed breaks or even floating music festivals, promoted through social media, can be a way to attract a younger clientele.”
Mintel’s UK cruise research found that January’s Concordia tragedy had dissuaded only one in nine UK consumers from taking a cruise holiday. In addition, when asked about sea cruise intentions after the Concordia incident, over a third (34 per cent) of British respondents described themselves as open to future voyages, with one in four people possible first-timers.
River cruises scored particularly highly in the research. European river cruises grew by 7 per cent in 2011, following a 9 per cent rise in 2010, and the total market's worldwide value was £179 million in 2011. The report indicates that while only one in twelve British holidaymakers have ever been on a river cruise, up to a third of consumers are potentially interested in taking one in the future.