Cruise passengers spend £2.4 billion in UK

The cruise industry contributed over £2.4 billion to the UK economy in passenger and crew spend in 2013, underlining the sector’s benefits to the UK economy.

Overall, average cruise passenger spend in UK ports increased by 10 per cent in 2013, according to statistics released by CruiseBritain.

The UK cruise industry also saw passenger embarkations rise by 10 per cent to 1.04 million and day calls rise by 20 per cent to 866,000.

The average cruise ship calling in at the UK carries around 2,000 passengers, with personal spend being tallied at £80 each.

“Cruise tourism is a valuable source of income to ports and destinations across Britain and is increasingly being factored into local and regional tourism,” said Daren Taylor, chairman CruiseBritain.

“The vessels that can be accommodated range from small ships carrying a handful of passengers through to boutique ships and then up to the largest ships deployed in Europe. This wide range gives an opportunity for all ports, including those without major facilities and infrastructure, to benefit from the growing popularity of cruising to and around Britain.

“The figures for day calls at British ports are increasing steadily and have nearly quadrupled over the last 10 years.”

“When cruise line direct expenditure on food and beverage, fuel and other non-durable goods, jobs, business services and travel agent commissions, plus indirect benefits from suppliers and employee compensation, are added into the equation, it is clear that cruise business is big business for the UK economy,” added Taylor.