UK and Ireland
The cruise industry in the UK and Ireland plays a significant role in the broader European cruise market and continues to grow in popularity and economic impact.
GDP
€3.3 Billion
€3.3 Billion in gross domestic product (GDP) the United Kingdom economy in 2023
Total Impact
€6.6 Billion
€6.6 Billion in total impact to the United Kingdom economy in 2023
Passengers
2.3
In 2023, 2.3M People from the UK & Ireland sailed on cruises
Key Markets
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Southampton, UK
- Dover, UK
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Orkney, Scotland
Source Market
2nd Largest in Europe
With strong representation from national brands targeting the main cruise sectors, the UK is the second largest source market in Europe with 2.3 million residents going on a cruise in 2023
Port
Southampton
Southampton was by far the busiest port in the country in 2023 with 2.6 million passengers going through it. It is a main gateway to cruises in Northern Europe, Transatlantic voyages, and to a lesser extent, cruises to the Atlantic Islands and Western Mediterranean.
