Topic: More passengers booking cruise holidays online, says research

Over a third of people booking cruise holidays now go online to find the best deals, according to new research produced by Travelzoo.

The results showed that the number of people booking cruise holidays had risen by 20 per cent in the past 12 months.

A total of  38 per cent of those surveyed booked online, with a further 78 per cent of people admitting to using websites to conduct research about cruise holidays.

The results reflected a growing trend away from purchasing cruises from high street operators, as holidaymakers go in search of the best deals online.

Joel Brandon-Bravo, managing director of Travelzoo UK, pointed to the "increasing influence of the internet and brand reputation in the cruiser’s decision-making process".

He argued that this focus demonstrated how "putting in place a strong online marketing and PR strategy should be a priority for cruise operators".

Using online services can proving frustrating  though, with recent research by LV= Travel Insurance showing that around 14 per cent of people admitted to making mistakes when booking online.

Do you book cruises online or just research them?

What makes booking online better than booking on the high street?

Have you ever made a mistake when booking online?

Once I identify an interesting cruise I contact four of five agents and ask them for their best quote. Some might mention that " we will match quotes " but I then say I do not think that is fair on the agent who has quoted a good competitive fair price. I only tend to get quotes from companies I have done business with in the past.

Before getting quotes I like to work out the " cost per day " as a guide to " value for money( ie between £200 and £300 per person per day for the stateroom grades we use.)

I identify a cruise, look at cruise dot online...and then phone Mark at cruise dot. I would never book a cruise online without checking with cruise.co.uk by phone.

I find its better to talk to the dedicated cruise companies to get the right cabin for you. Sorry I still call the "Suites" cabins as a habit from the 70's is hard to break. Whilst talking on the phone to the sales assistants you can be looking at the deck plans, albeit with the aid of a magnifying glass, to identify your position relative to the lifts, front or rear of the vessel. I dont trust myself to do it on line.

I find checking prices on line, keeps the TA on their toes. Through a discussion with my NA travel agent, I was informed that they earn 25% of the cost I pay for a cruise. So, no matter how you book, expecting great service from the agent is a good idea.

I booked our Fantasia cruise on line - I did ring Amy at cruise dot but they were more expensive. Looking at the Divina for October and cruise dot are cheaper than the online agent so its swings and roundabouts!

Not sure I like the idea of 20% increase in bookings, demand increasing can only mean one thing - prices will go up unless the supply increase in line which I cannot see happening in the current climate.