The research, which was announced by Clia at an event to mark the start of Cruise Week, revealed data from more than 4,000 cruise customers. It showed 85% intended to take a holiday at sea again - a 6% increase on 2019, while among travellers who have cruised in the last six months, 90% said they planned to take another cruise in the next six months.

Meanwhile, more people are reportedly considering taking cruises than before the pandemic, with 66% saying they would be open to a cruise holiday if the right one was offered - up 0.5% on 2019.

The survey also revealed the economic benefits cruise brings to the destinations ships set sail from, with 69% of international cruise holidaymakers staying at least one night in the local area prior to embarkation, and 43% extending the stay by two or more nights. Overall, 67% stayed at least one night after disembarkation, with 34% extending by two or more nights.

Ports of call benefit from repeat business too, with 60% of customers saying they later returned to a destination they had first visited on a cruise.

The survey also explored respondents’ attitudes towards cruise’s sustainability credentials after the industry pledged to work towards net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. More than half (51%) of the international travellers polled said they considered the sector "a leader in responsible travel", up from 42% last year.

Andy Harmer, Clia managing director said: “This year has been enormously encouraging for cruise, and it’s heartening to see demand for a holiday at sea is set to continue. The sheer number of repeat passengers we’re anticipating, combined with interest from those yet to sail, means the appeal of going on a cruise remains as strong as ever.

“The economic advantages passengers bring to the destinations they visit is also clear, meaning local businesses - from taxis, to restaurants to hotels - benefit accordingly. And we’re delighted to see the raft of sustainability initiatives we have in place, including our 2050 net-zero carbon goal, were recognised.” 

Cruise Week begins on 23 September and runs until 2 October.