Iglu Cruise has observed a significant rise in interest for cruises to Iceland, likely spurred by the recent sightings of the northern lights across the UK.
According to Google Trends data, searches by Brits for cruises to Iceland have increased by 40% year on year in May. Additionally, searches for “northern lights” have surged by an astounding 9,900% compared to the same period last year.
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, commented on the growing trend: “Demand for Iceland has been growing steadily in recent years. The northern lights, the Blue Lagoon, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach are just some of the world-famous sights to witness in Iceland.”
Iceland has topped the list for growth in searches among 24 European cruise destinations this month. The allure of its natural wonders, including the mesmerising northern lights, is drawing more travellers to consider cruising as a way to explore the country.
Popular European Cruise Destinations
Following Iceland, Greece ranks second in the table for growth in searches, with a 32% increase compared to last year. Mills noted: “It is easily accessible, with regular flights to locations such as Athens, Rhodes, and Corfu from many major airports. Part of the reason for this region’s continued popularity is that a cruise itinerary lends itself perfectly to Greek island hopping.”
Other European destinations also saw an uptick in interest:
France: Searches for cruises increased by 16%.
Spain: Cruise searches rose by 14%, with Mills stating, “Demand for Spain is consistent year on year, with a huge number of different cruise types available all year round.”
Norway:Ranked fifth, with a 9% increase in searches. Mills highlighted the appeal of Norwegian fjords cruises from May to September and the growing popularity of northern lights-focused itineraries during the winter months, between November and March.
The surge in interest for Iceland cruising underscores the increasing popularity of unique travel experiences that showcase natural phenomena such as the northern lights. With Iceland topping the search growth table and other European destinations also seeing heightened interest, the cruising industry is set to offer more diverse and exciting itineraries catering to the evolving preferences of travelers. As demand continues to rise, cruise operators are likely to expand their offerings, providing more opportunities for travelers to explore these breathtaking destinations.