The British cruise market should generate more than 2.0 million passengers this year, the first time it has exceeded the figure, said Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises senior vice president.

Last year, the figure came in at 1.96 million, with less than a percent’s growth on the previous year.

Speaking in connection with the cutting of the first steel to the first of two 180,000 gross ton newbuildings, he said: “This is a very exciting and momentous day. Our new ship will be the largest ship ever operated by the brand and the largest ever to be dedicated exclusively to the UK cruise industry. It will also be the first ship in our market to be powered by LNG, the most environmentally-friendly power source yet for large-scale cruise ships.”

“With UK passengers numbers set to top two million for the first time this year, we are confident in cruising’s future and believe that there will be an exceptionally positive UK response to this ship and the innovations it will bring. We also expect this ship to persuade many UK consumers to take that all important first cruise.”