EUROPE AND ASIA CRUISES TIPPED FOR GROWTH IN 2008

Cruise Critic is predicting increased interest in European and Asian cruise itineraries for 2008.

The online resource for consumer cruise reviews, which recently launched a UK site after being purchased by Tripadvisor, said a record number of British holidaymakers will be taking to the high seas this year as cruise holidays experience an unprecedented boom.

"Along with the increased popularity and availability of Asian and European cruises, other 2008 trends we are seeing include a greater number of fitness and spa themed cruises and the building out of new ports of call in the Caribbean," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief, Cruise Critic.

She said the popularity of Europe-based cruising and the need to alleviate gridlock at the busiest ports means cruise lines are offering more exotic itineraries, including ports of call along Croatia's coast or around the Black Sea.

"Cruise lines are offering more opportunities to explore Asia by sea, as lines like Princess Cruises (with Sapphire Princess) and Royal Caribbean (with Rhapsody of the Seas) have moved larger ships into the market," she added.

Meanwhile, Cruise Critic believes that some Caribbean itineraries are getting a bit stale for long-time cruise enthusiasts.

"In 2008, look for cruise lines and other developers to continue investing in "undiscovered" ports of call. Carnival, a leader in this field, is developing places like Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos, and Progreso, in Mexico," it said.

Cruise Critic travel experts have put together a list of the top 10 ports that should not be missed in 2008. These are:

Amsterdam,
Dubrovnik,
Hong Kong
Martinique,
Maui, Hawaii
Muscat
Naples,
St. Petersburg
Sydney
Vancouver, B.C.