Germany’s TUI group has posted a “significant” rise in earnings from its cruiseships in the fourth quarter.

The company said underlying EBITA for the division reached EUR 130m ($138.51m) to 30 September, up from EUR 81m a year ago.

Revenue grew to EUR 296.7m from EUR 273.3m.

TUI said cruise operations remain a “growth driver”.

The TUI Cruises arm expanded with a fifth ship in the summer, with another three newbuildings on order.

Its