A recent report by the Association of British Travel Agents has predicted continuing long-term growth in the UK’s ultra luxury cruise industry.

Around 1.5 million UK holidaymakers are expected to embark on a cruise holiday this year, a figure that is predicted to increase by between two and three percent next year.

Fourteen new cruise ships are scheduled to be launched next year varying from ultra luxury vessels to family-orientated liners.

Yachts of Seabourn and Silversea Cruises have set the trend for 2009 with the introduction of two new ultra-luxury cruise ships and further ships planned to join the fleet in 2010 and 2011. Specialist niche cruise companies such as these are currently experiencing a strong increase in interest from the UK market.

William Gibbons of the Passenger Shipping Association said, “We’re still a relatively young and expanding industry with plenty of opportunity to grow as new ships come into service. With the present difficult economic climate, cruising is better placed than many other sectors as the inclusive nature of a cruise holiday makes it easy to budget for, while continuing to offer exceptional value for money.”