China is set to be the next big market for cruise holidays, with increasing demand coming from Chinese tourists, according to Royal Caribbean Cruises.



Travellers from the US and Europe have traditionally dominated cruise holiday bookings, but this looks set to change with the emergence of the Chinese cruise tourism industry.



Last year, the Royal Caribbean Cruises ship the Voyager of the Seas launched its maiden voyage from Xiamen, in China, on October 19th, 2011.



In doing so, it became the largest cruise ship ever to sail out of Asia, with room for 3,114 guests – almost double the number seen on the next biggest ship.



Speaking to whatsonxiamen, after the launch of the vessel, Royal Caribbean Cruises chairman and chief executive officer Richard D Fain agreed that "China is a huge potential market for cruises".



"More and more Chinese tourists choose to travel by cruise ships for leisure and vacations," he continued.



The popularity of cruise holidays could also see increased interest from Chinese tourists in trips spread around the world, meaning increased competition for trips abroad.


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Would you ever consider a cruise in China?