UK residents living in south-east England account for one in five of the total number of cruise passengers, research has suggested.
Figures released as part of the Passenger Shipping Association's Annual Cruise Review show that those living in this region are the most likely to opt for a cruise holiday.
North-west residents account for around 13 per cent of the 1.4 million who embarked on a cruise during 2008, the data revealed, with those living in Scotland making up nine per cent of the total.
And customers based in the south of the UK are more likely to choose a northern route, as south-western customers accounted for a third of all
North American cruises leaving the UK last year.
In contrast, the Atlantic Islands were the most-favoured destination for travellers living in Scotland, Wales and the north-west.
This month saw the opening of a new £19 million terminal in Southampton, which has been designed to be used by around 4,000 passengers every day.
Written by Tom Musk