Demand for cruise holidays is higher than in 2019, according to cruise association CLIA’s latest consumer sentiment survey.

The survey of 4,000 domestic and international travellers found that 85% of those who had cruised previously intend to take another cruise, a 6% rise on 2019.

And 90% of those who have taken a cruise already this year plan to cruise again within six months.

Of those who have never cruised before, 66% said they were ‘open to cruising’, a 0.5% increase on 2019.

Speaking at a media event to mark the launch of CLIA Cruise Week, UK & Ireland MD Andy Harmer said: “This is a great opportunity for travel agents.”

P&O Cruises VP Rob Scott said the company had seen a record number of new-to-cruise customers in May. “The challenge now, with the increase in the cost of living, is how do we get people to understand the great value for money of cruises, where so much is included?”

Scott said agents were crucial to the success of the cruise line. “We couldn’t have got through the pandemic without agents,” he added.

CroisiEurope UK Sales Director John Fair agreed that agents are ‘a huge part of what we do’.

 “2022 has been a year of stability,” said John. “Pre-pandemic river cruising was one of the fasted growing travel sectors and we are heading back towards that.”

Andy Harmer added: “This year has been enormously encouraging for cruises and it’s heartening to see demand for a holiday at sea is set to continue.

“The sheer number of repeat passengers we’re anticipating, combined with interest from those yet to sail, means the appeal of going on a cruise remains as strong as ever.”