Total sales at the show, held at Barrhead’s flagship Glasgow city centre store, were up 78% on its corresponding event in 2018. More than 300 clients attended to meet with Barrhead’s cruise experts and representatives from a number of major cruise lines, including P&O, Cunard, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and CMV.

While the Mediterranean itineraries continued to prove the most popular, the 15% increase in river cruise bookings were led by trips on the Danube and the Rhine.

It follows the success of Barrhead’s spring river and luxury cruise show in May, with the agency planning a second such showcase in the autumn.

More than a third of guests, meanwhile, were new-to-cruise customers, Barrhead has said.

Caroline Donaldson, Barrhead product and commercial director, said: “Holidaymakers are getting more adventurous and it’s exciting to see our customers pushing their travel boundaries to try new holiday experiences.

“From cruising around the glaciers in Alaska to setting off on an eastern adventure from Singapore, it is clear the destinations available through cruising are inspiring our customers.

“We have had more new-to-cruise customers at our event than ever before – and it’s little wonder at a time where cruise ships are more innovative and providing more itinerary options than ever before.”