Irish holidaymakers are booking their holidays further in advance than ever before, with demand for cruises continuing to grow.

New figures from Travel Counsellors Ireland show cruise holidays are becoming increasingly popular, while Waterford travel expert Eleanor Roche says her own cruise business has grown by more than 18 per cent over the past year.

The Mediterranean remains the most popular destination for Irish travellers, but Eleanor says more people are also choosing bucket-list cruises to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, Alaska, the Caribbean and Asia.

She has recently returned from an Alaskan cruise herself, describing experiences including whale watching, seaplane flights over glaciers and journeys on the historic White Pass Railway.

Eleanor says many customers are now planning much further ahead, with some already booked on cruises for 2028, while others are waiting for 2029 sailings to become available to secure the best value and spread the cost over a longer period.

Away from cruising, Travel Counsellors Ireland has also recorded strong demand for Greece, particularly for island-hopping holidays, honeymoons and girls’ trips outside the peak summer season.

Long-haul destinations including Japan, South Africa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and China are also proving increasingly popular, as travellers seek holidays combining culture, wildlife, adventure and relaxation.

Despite ongoing global uncertainty, Eleanor says people are still travelling, with many choosing to alter destinations or itineraries rather than cancel their holidays altogether. She believes having the support of a trusted travel adviser has become more important than ever for those planning overseas trips.