Research commissioned by the Passenger Shipping Association for National Cruise Week shows what a strange bunch of travellers we Brits are.
Some 46% of British cruisers take their iPod or MP3 player, which I guess is understandable, seven out of 10 take their mobile phone on a cruise and 31% take their laptop. I can certainly understand these too as I always have both my mobile and laptop, but I am working. These people are supposed to be on holiday!
An astonishing 27% take their favourite teabags or another drink from home. Why? I rarely drink tea these days, but I'm sure I remember from when I used to drink it regularly that not only were there teabags on ships, but also plenty of choice - English breakfast, Earl Grey, peppermint, and so on. And it was always free.
Apparently 39% of women (most of them from the Midlands and Scotland) consider hair staighteners indispensible - and so do 4% of men! And 14% of women bring their own pillow compared to 7% of men. I have always wondered why people who cruise have so many suitcases. Now I know.
Jane Archer
