Norwegian Cruises has revealed that an increasing number of families are shunning traditional resort-based breaks in favour of a cruise holiday as the sector attracts new people.
A younger generation of cruise lovers is being lured into taking a holiday at sea thanks to "freestyle cruising", which has helped boost demand, according to the company.
Norwegian UK general manager Stephen Park explained that the flexibility has attracted families and young couples, bringing a much more diverse range of people onboard.
"There had been pent up demand for freestyle cruising and cruising did have this perception of being for an older generation; very traditional and dressed in black tie every night," he said.
Mr Park stated that some cruise ships are still catering for that market diligently, adding that "the key about cruising, especially this year, is value for money".
According to projections from the Passenger Shipping Association, 1.65 million Brits will opt to go on a cruise in 2010.
Written by Chris Smith.