The results of the poll, conducted by website CruiseCompare.co.uk, showed that surprisingly, 21 % of people surveyed were aged 25 – 30 when they went on their first cruise, whilst 12 % were aged 20 – 24.

However, the majority (48 %) of the respondents were aged 50 plus.

The main aim of the survey was to detect whether the common misconception that cruising holidays are preferred by the older generation is true or not. A look at the results shows that this isn’t always the case and that in fact a fairly large number of cruisers are rather young when they board a cruise ship for the first time.

“It will be interesting to revisit this research in 12 months time, as families are starting to see the benefits involved in a cruise holiday and are deciding to venture on to the ships and travel the ocean rather than stick to the traditional package holiday.” said Danielle Fear, managing director of CruiseCompare.co.uk.

The recent launch of mega resort cruise ships like the ‘Epic’ and the ‘Oasis of the Seas’ means that the nature of cruising is evolving, offering much more flexibility and choice. The newest ships offer an exciting, modern experience with shopping malls and ultra lounges, aqua parks and even outdoor amphitheatres with their own micro-climate.

Check out our blog post on why cruises are cool, or view our full range of exciting cruise holidays here.