Cruise holidays are increasingly attractive to younger travellers, according to a report by consumer research company Mintel.

Mintel found that more than half (55%) of 19-24 year olds would like to go on a cruise in the future compared to one in four over 65s.

The cruise industry is escaping from its old-fashioned image, with only 9% of those surveyed believing “cruises are just for old people.”

Mintel senior travel analyst Richard Cope said: “The rising number of wealthy retirees heading out to spend their hard-earned cash has been the driving force behind the phenomenal growth in the cruise market over the last few years.

"With the ageing population, older adults will continue to play a key role in the market. But with the onset of taster ‘micro cruises’ and easyCruise's hop-on-hop-off services, the industry has created modern, youthful alternatives.”

Mintel has also forecast that by 2012 the number of cruises taken annually will reach 2.3 million and the amount spent will be over £2.8 million.