share
New research has discovered the most popular cruise destinations among Brits, with Caribbean cruises taking the top spot.
Travel experts at Seine River Cruises analysed Google data to discover the most popular cruise-related searches by analysing searches for terms, such as ‘cruise to X’ and ‘X cruise holidays’ for different locations. The most popular search terms for countries, cities and routes were combined to create the rankings.
The most popular cruise destination from the UK is the Caribbean, with a total of 47,700 searches a month on average. Brits who appreciate tropical getaways, with their pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, will enjoy a Caribbean cruise. This luxurious experience allows travellers to explore stunning destinations like Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia.
The Mediterranean places second on the list, with Brits searching for cruises to this location an average of 26,977 times per month. Mediterranean cruises offer a fantastic opportunity to visit some of Europe’s most iconic cultural destinations. From the gorgeous beaches of Nice to the historical monuments of Rome and the vibrant streets of Barcelona, a Mediterranean cruise is packed with all the elements for an unforgettable vacation.
Norway is the third most searched cruise destination from the UK, receiving an average of 15,549 searches each month from the UK. Located in the Scandinavian region, this country boasts an array of stunning landscapes, including the UNESCO-protected fjords, the Jostedal Glacier National Park, and the Kjenndalen glaciers.
The most popular cruise destinations from the UK
| Rank | Cruise Destination | Average number of monthly Google searches |
| 1. | Caribbean | 47,700 |
| 2. | Mediterranean | 26,977 |
| 3. | Norway | 15,549 |
| 4. | Iceland | 7,665 |
| 5. | Netherlands | 7,148 |
| 6. | Italy | 4,198 |
| 7. | Spain | 3,903 |
| 8. | Baltic | 3,241 |
| 9. | France | 2,086 |
| 10. | Barbados | 1,548 |
In fourth place is Iceland, which receives 7,665 monthly average searches from Brits. The Northern Lights are perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland and the country’s capital, Reykjavik also offers various attractions including the Glymur Waterfall and the Blue Lagoon.
The fifth most popular cruise destination is the Netherlands, with Brits searching for cruises to this destination an average of 7,148 times monthly. Visitors to the Netherlands can take a riverboat tour through the country’s famous canals for a unique perspective of its picturesque windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and charming old towns. Excursions to iconic cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht offer the chance to explore historic architecture, world-class museums, and delicious local cuisine.
Two countries in the Mediterranean, Italy and Spain, rank as the sixth and seventh most popular cruise destinations from the UK, with 4,198 average searches looking for cruises that go to Italy, and 3,903 monthly average searches for cruises to Spain.
Baltic cruises are the eighth most popular cruise destination from the UK, earning 3,241 searches a month. History enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the medieval old town in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, where you’ll find an array of cobbled streets; alternatively, head to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Riga, Latvia, for excellent views of the capital city.
France is the ninth most common cruise destination for holidaymakers from the UK, recording 2,086 searches a month in Google searches, while Barbados rounds out the top ten, with an average of 1,548 searches a month for cruises going to the Caribbean Island country.
Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Seine River Cruises, commented on the findings: “The demand for cruise holidays from the UK continues to grow, following a significant decline due to the pandemic. Data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that British and Irish holidaymakers took approximately 1.7 million cruises in 2022, a remarkable 255% increase from the 479,000 cruises taken in 2021. This upward trend is expected to persist.
“Cruise holidays have become a favoured vacation choice due to the convenience they provide in exploring multiple cities and countries in a single trip, all while staying in one moving accommodation that also offers its own onboard attractions. This data provides valuable insights into the preferred destinations of British travellers.”
