Latest figures from Shearings suggest that customers looking for value for money breaks are considering cruising as a cost-effective holiday option.

Leading escorted tour operator Shearings has reported a 19 per cent increase in river and sea cruise bookings compared to 2009*.

River cruises by air and rail are up by as much as 42 per cent, showing that many customers are making the most of opportunities to enjoy the benefits of cruising closer to home and without the hefty price tag.

The increase in bookings also demonstrates that both customers and agents recognise that Shearings offers much more than just coach holidays

Patricia Birmingham, Europe and worldwide holidays manager, said: “Customers have undoubtedly become more savvy when it comes to choosing holidays and many are looking more closely at breaks which include everything in the cost.

“Demand for our all inclusive breaks has risen dramatically in recent months and people are now catching onto the fact that cruising is another great option where they can get excellent value for money.

“We now offer our biggest ever selection of river and sea cruises and agents are starting to realise that Shearings is an ideal partner to help them tap into this huge growth opportunity for 2010.

Shearings recently launched the second edition of its 2010 river cruise brochure offering 15 new river cruises, as well as a new dedicated sea cruise brochure offering 23 sea cruises, created in partnership with All Leisure Group’s MV Discovery.

The operator was also recently named the number one provider of river cruises by a leading travel industry publication and named ‘Best Escorted Tours Operator’ at the British Travel Awards (BTA) 2008 and 2009.