The strong demand for cruises has led to an unprecedented level of bookings received by many cruise operators whose bookings exceed 100 pc.

Cruise tourism is back in strength as demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, with several cruise line operators reporting bookings received well in excess of their capacity.

According to a press statement, cruise agency InteleTravel saw a 124 pc increase in premium and luxury cruise sales this year when compared to 2022 year-end sales. Another operator, Holland America Line recorded its highest booking day in its 150-year history on July 11. And recent data shows that a record 31.5 million persons will cruise this year itself.

The statement adds that Cruise Hive has seen Internet searches for cruising increase 15 pc. With all of this popularity, some cruise lines have been booking higher than 100 pc capacity, some doing even better than in 2019.

The popularity and interest in cruising comes as bucket-list destinations across Europe and the wider world seek to curb large cruise tourism, adds the statement. Destinations such as Amsterdam and Barcelona, see thousands of cruisers descending upon them each day during their respective cruising seasons. Growth in cruising is likely to continue until end of the year and even next year.