Cruise holidays are becoming ever more popular, which with so much talk about cutbacks and global recession, comes as something of a surprise.

So, when travel agents are desperate to sell package holidays, why is the cruise holiday market so buoyant?

One reason may be the increasing disenchantment with airports, airlines and luggage restrictions. On the face of it, a low cost flight, or a late package deal may seem far cheaper than a cruise, but experienced cruising fans will argue strongly that the best bargains around are cruise deals . By the time you've bought your flights, booked your hotel, hired a car and paid out for food and entertainment you will probably have paid more for that so-called budget holiday in Spain than if you'd booked one of the many Caribbean cruises available online. This is something that many holidaymakers have realised over the past few years, and has been one of the big factors in the increased interest in cruise holidays.

All the major companies such as P&O and Royal Caribbean have launched bigger and better ships in the last few years. These ultra-modern super liners have all the amenities one would expect from a top class hotel, and more. There is a choice of restaurants ranging from gourmet dining rooms to midnight buffets, and all within a few minutes of your cabin door. No worrying about having to take a taxi, or risking a late night walk back to your hotel through a dodgy area.

Top class entertainment is on your doorstep too, with discos for the energetic, cinemas showing up-to-date films, theatre productions and a casino.

Even those of a delicate disposition needn't worry. Today's modern ships are equipped with the latest technology to reduce the pitch and roll encountered in choppy seas, and should anyone suffer any discomfort, a well equipped medical surgery with a fully qualified doctor and medical staff are always on hand. For passengers with a health problem this is an absolute blessing. No more worries about having to call out a non-English speaking doctor, or sit for several hours in a dubious-looking medical centre.

There are still many people who are afraid of flying, or have become fearful of terrorist attacks, and for these travellers a sail-out, sail-in cruise is the answer. There are plenty of UK ports to choose from which don't involve flying and cruises from Southampton couldn't be more stress-free. Easy road and rail access, and no nerve-wracking hours spent in a crowded airport lounge, just a calm check-in at a designated terminal.

In a recent survey ninety five per cent of passengers gave their cruise top marks with seventy-five per cent saying they would certainly book another cruise. This contrasts well with other areas of the travel industry, particularly with the increasing dissatisfaction with airlines, and hotel accommodation.

The cruise companies fully expect this increase in passenger numbers to continue and they have full schedules of ever-more adventurous cruises for the upcoming season.