The consumer research showed that 93% were planning to take at least one cruise this year, with 62% wanting to avoid countries with low vaccination rates and 92% saying that Covid policies were “important” to them when choosing a ship.

Short-haul destinations continue to be the most popular options, with 49% planning an itinerary in the Mediterranean and another 23% considering a European river cruise in 2022. Other popular regions include the British Isles, Baltic and Caribbean.

Encouragingly, nearly half of those surveyed (47%) thought the risk from Covid was lower on a cruise ship than an aircraft, with 37% adding that ships were safer than hotels.

Some 46% of respondents said they planned to choose a smaller ship in 2022 than they did pre-pandemic, while 42% expect to book a higher grade of accommodation.

Sustainability is also becoming more important for luxury cruise customers with 41% saying that hybrid or low carbon propulsion was important when choosing a ship.

Silversea’s Silver Dawn, launching in March 2022, is the new ship that clients are most excited about, followed by Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur, which is due to debut in 2023, and Seabourn Venture in April 2022.

Mundy Cruising managing director Edwina Lonsdale said: “Our latest survey shows travellers are unperturbed by the recent media frenzy around the Omicron variant and their plans and priorities for 2022 reflect a growing sense that we are over the worst of the pandemic.

“While Covid policies on board and vaccination rates in destination countries are of course still front of mind, cruisers are also looking to the future, with more emphasis placed on sustainable travel and excitement around the next generation of luxury ships.

“It’s also no surprise to us that our clients believe cruising to be safer than other forms of travel, given the industry-leading protocols that the cruise lines, port authorities and other key players have put in place over the last two years to ensure that a cruise ship is the very safest place to be.”