Posted on Thursday, 5 October 2017

As far as some intrepid travellers are concerned, the idea of taking a cruise holiday simply doesn't float their boat.

But one cruise line has dreamt up a sure-fire way to spice things up: not telling passengers where they're going.

Saga Cruises have launched a new cruise where passengers don't have a clue about their destination – and the ship's crew won't say a word about the ship's itinerary.

The first such secret cruise will set sail from Southampton in November.

The cost? A cool £4,784, based on two people sharing a cabin. Such a price tag is fairly 'de rigour' for a top class cruise these days – unless of course it ends up being a duty free wine-and-tobacco-run to Zeebrugge, taking a circuitous route via Hull for a chip spice - and Harwich for a refuel.

However, a warmer, more exotic itinerary is more likely.

The firm has also added an element of mystery to one of its Caribbean cruises, on which passengers can solve a murder – though presumably not a real one.

Cruise holidays more popular than ever among Britons

Cruises have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years – particularly in the UK and Ireland.

100,000 more cruise breaks were undertaken by UK and Irish holidaymakers in 2016 compared the 2015, according to the industry body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

There are hopes that UK and Irish travellers will book more than 2 million cruises in 2017 – which would be a new record. It's a benchmark that Germany achieved last year.

And the omens are good. The UK cruise market outpaced every other European country in 2016, enjoying three per cent growth.

Cruises appealing to a younger market

While cruises are especially popular among older holidaymakers, the average passenger age has come down in recent years – to 55 in 2016.

The industry's success is good news for UK ports too, which saw cruise ship passenger visits rise to 1.2 million last year.

Med cruises just ahead of Northern European jaunts

The Mediterranean remains the most popular destination for a cruise break among UK and Irish travellers, with 676,000 passengers enjoying a sunny cruise on the Med in 2016.

Cruises around Northern Europe are also very popular, with 528,000 UK and Irish cruise passengers heading to northern climes last year.

Planning a cruise holiday?

Just as with land-based holidays, things can go wrong on board a cruise trip. And it's good to know help is at hand should something unexpected happen.

Here at starttravel.co.uk we offer a specialist cruise travel insurance option, which can be added to our regular single trip policies for just a little extra.

What does Cruise Travel Insurance cover?

• Up to £1,500 for a missed port departure
• Cabin confinement up to £1000 (£75 per day)
• Itinerary changes up to £500 (£75 per port)
• Up to £500 for unused excursions
• Up to £750 for cruise interruptions

Learn more about our cruise cover now

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