Join granny on a heavy metal cruise

SALES at the holiday operator Tui have sailed full steam ahead, spurred on by the growing demand for themed cruises and family holidays.

Chief executive Fritz Joussen said three generations of family often travel together on cruises, as grandparents pass on a love for the high seas to their offspring.

Tui is seeing soaring sales of themed cruises, such as heavy metal, 1980s and other music acts, which have replaced the more traditional black-tie functions.

Its cruise business revenues soared 24pc from October 1 to March 31, bumping up sales across the group by 7.2pc to £6bn.