If you’re thinking of embarking on your first cruise, you’ll be in good company; over two million people in the UK and Ireland set sail on a cruise holiday in 2018!
Cruising is no longer just an elite world for the rich and retired but appeals to families, friends, singles, and couples, young and old alike. Cruise holidays offer incredible value for money, today’s ships are floating resorts with so much included in your cruise fare; including quality accommodation, excellent leisure facilities, tasty dining, and vibrant entertainment. Choose from facility-packed ‘superliners’ where the action never stops, to small, relaxing ships where the onboard atmosphere is similar to that of a private club.
Cruising is a favourite choice for families. Step aboard Royal Caribbean and you’ll often find ice skating rinks, surf simulators, and rock climbing walls; Carnival are tops for their thrilling WaterWorks water parks; while P&O Cruises’ Ventura and Azura feature rock and circus schools. Today’s modern superliners also offer complete flexibility; going the extra mile to provide an informal, outgoing atmosphere, where you can dress up or dress down in a choice of restaurants without fixed seating and dining times.
If you are travelling without children you may prefer a smaller, intimate ship with cruise lines such as P&O Cruises or Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the contemporary feel of Celebrity Cruises, or Cunard’s majestic liners. If you want to spend a little more for a more luxurious experience, more akin to a five-star all-inclusive concept, then why not look at Silversea, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and Azamara Club Cruises? Or perhaps indulge in the ultimate tall ship experience aboard Star Clippers.
And, of course, if all you want to do is hit the pause button and unwind; then most ships have masses of deck space where you can while away the day in the sunshine, sipping cocktails to keep you cool! Not forgetting idyllic spas where you can relax your mind and body with pampering treatments and therapies.
River cruising is also rising in popularity; opening up an exciting world of ever-changing scenery, stylish accommodation, attentive service, and quality cuisine. River cruise holidays are all about relaxation and enjoying yourself in an intimate setting. Step aboard a luxury river ship and explore the globe's rivers and waterways, before dropping anchor at the very heart of ancient and cosmopolitan cities and towns.
Or release your inner explorer on an adventure cruise - the perfect way to truly absorb your chosen destination’s culture, native communities, and way of life; as well as encounter amazing marine life, natural sights, and natural phenomenon. Experience thrilling activities ashore: go snorkelling in tropical fish-filled seas; zip line through tropical rainforest; go hiking up a glacier; explore magical temples and ancient sites; or learn to cook food like a local.
With over 300 ships and a whole globe of ports of call, a cruise holiday delivers you to a new destination to explore almost every day and you only have to unpack once! Whether it be the sunny climes of the Mediterranean, Canaries, Greek Isles, or Caribbean; the dramatic scenery of the Norwegian Fjords or Alaska; the picturesque rivers of Europe, Asia, and beyond; and the history and culture of the Baltic – the world’s your oyster!
So, if we’ve whetted your appetite to discover shipboard life for yourself – then where do you start? A short break cruise is the ideal place to take the plunge - cruises of two to five nights duration are available year-round, whether you prefer to sail from the UK or fly out to join your ship in a foreign port. Alternatively, perhaps test the waters with a stay-and-cruise; where you spend part of your holiday in a hotel ashore and the remainder aboard ship.
However, we’ve got to tell you, that approximately 80% of first-time cruisers make a repeat booking, so beware you may become hooked on the shipboard life!
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