In August, it was revealed that sales of Superbreak mini-cruises had increased 12 percent from the same time the year before. The operator of the cruises speculates that it is because of higher fuel costs and the increased cost of other goods and services, which is causing an increasing number of vacationers to stay home, rather than taking their holiday abroad.

Superbreak sales director Ian Mounser said: “As the staycation trend continues I see more and more opportunity for agents to promote these low cost breaks. Demand is on the increase as there are a lot of people who live within one or two hours of Portsmouth or Hull looking for an inexpensive way to get away.”

Last year, a total of 16,000 travelers engaged in a mini-cruise, while this year, that number is expected to climb to well over 20,000. Cruises depart Hull and Portsmouth, and the operator charges approximately 125 pounds per person for a four night stay.

The 2009 version of the mini-cruise brochure will be available in October, and will offer new options, including a return overnight cruise with the option to add an additional 1 to 3 nights hotel stay in various destinations. Destinations include Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bilbao. While its true that these min-cruises are often lighter on amenities than their more lavish, and longer, counterparts, the mini-cruise is filling a niche, and expects to only grow as the prices for full-length vacations increase dramatically in coming years. A break from Hull to Amsterdam leads in at £35 for two nights.

Learn more at: www.superbreak.com