Cruise holidays are number one choice for summer 2008 reports holidays-direct.co.uk

In recent years, cruise holidays have become more and more popular with British holidaymakers. It is estimated that 1.5 million Brits will take a holiday by the sea in 2008, compared to 1.2 million in 2006, according to Passenger Shipping Association (PSA).

The online holiday booking agency www.holidays-direct.co.uk offers holidays around the world and has a site specialising in cruise deals. Customers can browse for their ideal cruise holidays at www.cruise-bargains.co.uk. They offer bargain cruises all around the world.

The destinations on offer vary from Alaska to the Mediterranean, Caribbean to Scandinavia, and Asia to Hawaii. You can even go around the world cruising for a whole month. The cruise specialists at www.cruise-bargains.co.uk offer cruise deals to suit any taste.

Jon Pearce from holidays-direct.co.uk says: “The cruise holiday industry has expanded in recent years with more options in destinations, activities and types of ships. There are now more bargain cruises available.

“Cruises are popular because they offer luxury at affordable prices. And when you go on a cruise it saves you from choosing a destination as you can cover five to six ports in a week, while enjoying the fabulous accommodations on board.

“A holiday by the sea appeals to everyone, the young and old, adventurous and conservative, couples, families and singles.”

Cruises are not the top choice just for online bookers but also for people going to travel shops to do their holiday booking. Holidays-direct is a part of Midlands Co-Op Travel and they report that cruises are the top choice throughout the travel shops as well.

The booking pattern for cruise holidays is different from other holidays, as many cruisers tend to book as soon as the brochures come out to make sure they get their preferred cabins. But even at this early stage in holiday bookings, the cruises being number one choice is surprising.

The other holiday destinations in the top 10 for early bookers are popular European resorts.

Top 10 destinations:
1. Cruise
2. Majorca
3. Cyprus
4. Ibiza
5. Turkey
6. Algarve
7. Bulgaria
8. Greece
9. Benidorm
10. Tenerife


About holidays-direct.co.uk

Online travel agency www.holidays-direct.co.uk is part of the Midlands Co-operative Society Group and is a member of ABTA. They specialize in providing affordable flights and accommodation in the top holiday destinations around the world.

Midlands Co-op Travel, incorporating Ilkeston Co-op Travel, is the No 1 independent travel agent in the Midlands.
www.cruise-bargains.co.uk – a portal with information and great rates for worldwide cruise holidays.