November 28, 2007 - The number of Brits taking a cruise is set to bust the 1.5 million barrier in 2008.

The Passengter Shipping Association is predicting a 14 per cent rise to 1.55 million, which follows this year's pretty hefty 11 per cent rise to 1.35 million, which was higher than expected.

Says PSA director Bill Gibbons: "The cruise industry has been growing impressively for years and the predictions for 2007 show that this growth is continuing."

The growth in 2007 can be attributed to cruising's exceptional value, the quality provided, and the fact that the number of first-time cruisers is rising fast, as is the number of repeat bookings.

Much of the growth is also down to an increase in capacity; in particular the introduction of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas from the UK and fly cruises on Thomson Cruises' Calypso and Ocean Village Two. Princess Cruises in the UK has also grown by 18 per cent.

However, while fly-cruising is likely to be more popular in 2008 than previously predicted, a slow-down in ex-UK cruise growth is expected, demonstrating that UK consumers are putting destination and cruise brand as a priority when choosing a cruise.

Growth in 2008 will be drive by increased from new ships targeting the UK market, including P&O Cruises' Ventura, Cunard's Queen Victoria and the Balmoral from Fred Olsen. Royal Caribbean is set to increase its fly-cruise programme, while NCL and Carnival Cruise Lines will start operating an ex-UK programme and MSC Cruises increases its ex-UK cruises.

Membership of the PSA is also growing fast, and now numbers 43 cruise brands, with many joining in 2007, particularly those in the niche/specialist sector including African Safari Club, Azamara Cruises, Noble Caledonia, Oceania Cruises, Orient Express, Swan Hellenic and Transocean Tours.

For information all aspects of cruising, including free fact-sheets and information on over 30 cruise lines call the Passenger Shipping Association on 020 7436 2449.