by Mat Churchill

Australians are cruisey people and, according to P&O, we are becoming cruisier as we take to the seas in greater numbers by the year with Port Douglas set to welcome record cruise ship numbers in 2011.

"2011 is going to be our biggest year yet with 24 cruise liners already booked which includes some new boats who will be enjoying Port Douglas for the first time," said Jason Roles, Meridien Marinas' general manager.

P&O managing director Carol Marlow believes Australians could make up 15% of their business by 2012.

“Historically around 10% of our world cruise (business) comes from Australia. For 2010 it’s grown to about 13% and we are looking at a higher percentage than that going forward,” she told Travel Today.

And it seems that once people get a taste, they're going back for more with P&O's repeat guest rate being 59% worldwide, and 33% in Australia.

Rick Smith from Brisbane is a passenger on board the Pacific Dawn which moored off Port Douglas yesterday, and is one of the 67% of Australians who are enjoying their first cruise.

"We talked to people (about a cruise ship holiday) and the word of mouth was very positive," he said. "We're very busy people and so we wanted a holiday where we could just switch off. I think it's easier to do that on a cruise than a land-based holiday."

Mr Smith is three days into a seven day cruise and in addition to taking the time to relax and unwind, is also using the cruise as a place to experience future holiday destinations.

"While in Port we've looked at places we can come back to. We're definitely coming back, that our goal, our intention," he said.