Sea passenger statistics, all routes: 2021
Sea passenger statistics for movements to and from the UK on international and domestic journeys in 2021.
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Annual statistics on the number of sea passengers which include all vehicle drivers, their passengers and foot passengers on ferries and cruise ships.
In 2021, the coronavirus pandemic affected both international and domestic sea passenger numbers. There was a decrease in international sea passengers in 2021 compared to 2020 as the start of 2020 was not affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There was an increase in domestic sea passenger numbers in 2021 compared to 2020 which may be related to preferences for domestic holidays in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2021:
- international sea passenger numbers decreased by 21% to 5.6 million
- domestic sea passenger numbers increased by 44% to 29.8 million
- the total number of international short sea passengers (ferry routes) decreased by 22% to 5.4 million in 2021
- cruise passenger numbers increased by 70% to 181,000 due to the restart of international cruises in August 2021 after being paused at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020
Guidance on current and previous sea passenger statistics are available on the maritime statistics guidance page.
Contact us
Sea passenger statistics
Email sea-passenger.stats@dft.gov.uk
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878