New figures show the number of people taking cruises has doubled.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has said the number of cruises taken by Irish and UK holidaymakers has hit two million.
This is the first time ever it has reached this figure - and means passenger numbers have doubled from one million in 14 years.
The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has welcomed the news of record-breaking numbers.
The figures indicate a 2% year-on-year growth in passenger numbers.
The global cruise industry is continuing to strengthen, with approximately 90% of Irish and UK customers setting sail within 12 months of their first cruise.
ITAA CEO Pat Dawson said: "The cruise industry is demonstrating considerable growth and has become an important part of both inbound and outbound Irish tourism.
"By hosting turnarounds, Irish ports allow tourists to end their sailing here and travel within Ireland before flying directly home, while Irish holidaymakers join the ship to set sail on their adventure."
"With growing popularity among Irish holidaymakers and such striking passenger numbers, it is disappointing that Dublin Port is reducing the number of cruise liners it will host.
"Last year saw 150 ships call to Dublin Port and we expect this to rise to over 160 by the end of 2019.
"However, from 2021, only 80 will be permitted by Dublin Port. This is a major blow to the choice of cruise available to Irish holidaymakers."
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director, added: "It is a great milestone for the whole industry and has come after a lot of effort from a lot of people."
"It took more than 150 years to hit the first million and it has taken the last 14 years to hit the two million mark."
🥳Some front page news for you: We're very excited to reveal that for the first time ever, more than two million people in the UK & Ireland went cruising! Read more at https://t.co/tjMtKzyTJN 🥳
2️⃣ ,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 🍾🥂 pic.twitter.com/fpuwQ5NIKg— CLIA UK & IRELAND (@CLIAUK) April 15, 2019
Cruises to central and western Mediterranean regions remain the number one destination for European cruise passengers.
Research also reports strong growth in cruises to Northern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and the Baltics.
Main image: Photo taken in May 2017 shows the Majestic Princess cruise ship at the port of Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy | Image: Luo Na/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images
