16 MAY: Europe river cruising has become the fastest-growing sector of the UK cruise market, despite a big increase in ocean cruise programs based largely on the port of Southampton.
But the rate of growth is still only two-thirds the rate experienced in Australia.
Data issued by the UK Passengers Shipping Association late last week shows that 134,000 Brits took a river cruise last year - 8% up on 2009.
The number of Australians taking a river cruise last year was up 12% on the 2009 figure, according to data the International Cruise Council Australasia issued last month.
