News & Analysis

Demand for Superbreak mini-cruises in conjunction with P&O Ferries was up by 12% year on year in August.

The operator said the current trend towards customers holidaying at home and cutting costs has boosted the popularity of the mini-cruises.

Superbreak sales director Ian Mounser said: "As the staycation trend continues I see more and more opportunity for agents to promote these low cost breaks. Demand is on the increase as there are a lot of people who live within one or two hours of Portsmouth or Hull looking for an inexpensive way to get away."

Last year 16,000 customers went on mini-cruises, and the operator expects to book 20,000 by the end of 2008.

The cruise breaks departing Hull and Portsmouth cost around £125 per person for a four night stay.

The operator will launch its 2009 brochure in October, offering return overnight cruises with the option to add on up to three nights hotel stay in destinations, such as Amsterdam, Brussels and Bilbao.

A break from Hull to Amsterdam leads in at £35 for two nights.