Is Crusing for Me? - Why Cruise?
Cruising has changed dramatically over recent years and the old stereotype of cruises being stuffy and formal, just for old people, no longer applies. Of course, if you want a formal, traditional cruise experience, there are still plenty of choices out there for you. Although, nowadays a lot of people want a different experience and with the vast range of chips and cruises available, there is now something for everyone. The new super-ships have every kind of activity available, for adults and children, including excellent kids clubs. There are a wide choice of dining options available, formal and informal. You don't have to dress for dinner each night if you don't want to. There are a lot of more relaxed and informal ships to choose from now and a huge choice of itineraries and destinations, from the old favourites in the Med and Caribbean, to unique, specialist cruises, such as Antarctica and the Northern lights.
FAMILIES |
Many of the newer ships are family orientated, with great kids' clubs for tots to teens, evening entertainment for parents and spacious rooms and suites to give everyone their own space. You'll find that some cruise lines, such as MSC offer heavily reduced prices or even free child places now |
SINGLES |
Cruise lines are starting to cater much more for solo cruisers, in fact some of the newer ships such as P&O Cruises' Azura has a small number of single cabins that are supplement-free and other cruise lines are following suit. Many solo guests find that cruising is a very sociable holiday because there are so many activities on board and therefore opportunities to meet new people. |
FRIENDS |
If you're holidaying with friends you can spend lots of quality time together by the pool, in the bar or over a few games of golf. Larger cruise ships also offer the freedom to do your own thing when you fancy it too. |
HONEYMOONERS |
More and more honeymooners are choosing to cruise. After the stress of organising a wedding, many couples find that a cruise is the effortless holiday they've been dreaming of. Some cruise lines offer 'cruise tour' packages which combine land tours with cruises for a truly unforgettable holiday. |
CRUISE vs LAND HOLIDAY - WHY CRUISE?? |
VALUE FOR MONEY |
Cruises are fast becoming one of most popular ways to holiday and this is mainly thanks to their fantastic value for money. Even the lowest priced cruises include as standard: Flights & transfers on fly-cruises - Accommodation - Many meals -Evening entertainment - Use of facilities such as gym, pools, hot tubs, children's areas and much more Although all-inclusive land-based holidays may come in around the same price, most cruise lines pride themselves on providing excellent standards of service and comfort, which you may pay more for on land. |
DESTINATIONS |
Of course cruises win even more brownie points when you consider your destination. Choose a land-based holiday and you will stay in one, maybe two destinations in a week. Choose a cruise and you'll explore a new destination almost every day, and you'll skip the unpacking. In short, cruises let you see the world without the effort. |
ADVENTURE |
With so many cruises now available, you could virtually cruise to anywhere in the world quite easily. Even remote islands, deep fjords and Arctic towns cut off from roads are accessible on small cruise ships. |
CONVENIENCE |
Take a cruise departing Southampton or one of the other UK departure ports and you don't have to worry about flights, long check in times and limited baggage. And of course, you only have to unpack once. |
FACILITIES |
Some of the new super liners are like floating cities and you will be hard pushed to find a land resort, that offers the range of facilities and dining options onboard these vessels. Everything from climbing walls, casinos, waveriders, ice rinks, golf ranges and much more, to keep everyone busy throughout the holiday. |
European Cruises