Cruising is on the crest of a wave as a record number of people explore the four corners of the world from the comfort of a cruise or river ship.

With the fourth National Cruise Week just around the corner – taking place from September 18th– 25th – potential passengers are invited to join the 1.7 million people predicted to cruise in 2011.

UK travel agents up and down the country, accredited to the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE), will be hosting events and featuring special offers.

There will also be a number of ships in port around the coast – P&O Arcadia, P&O Aurora, P&O Azura, Grand Princess and Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam.

More people than ever before are choosing to cruise, with Latest figures from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) showing one in every nine package holidays is now a cruise – proving that both the high seas and the slow rivers offer a wonderful holiday for everyone, no matter what the age.

This year will see ten ship launches, from ultra luxury through to ships that offer everything for families. National Cruise Week highlights the huge variety in the style of cruising and the destinations - so there’s never been a better time to set sail. 

William Gibbons, director of the PSA, said: “We are delighted to be announcing the fourth National Cruise Week. The reason cruise holidays are growing in popularity is because of the excellent value and high standards. 

“The holiday includes meals, accommodation and entertainment which can vary from West-End style productions and ice shows to or renowned artistes and celebrity after dinner speakers.

“And of course you are taken to multiple destinations all included within the price meaning cruise holidays have enjoyed a boom over the past two years and we predict more than two million passengers in 2014.

“National Cruise Week 2011 promises to be bigger and better than ever with travel agents taking the opportunity to showcase what a holiday at sea has to offer.”

Whether it’s lazy river cruises with spectacular scenery, adventure to the Amazon or the Arctic, or travelling with your family to the Caribbean or Mediterranean, jump aboard for National Cruise Week and celebrate cruising throughout the week.