Travel Designers I am often asked, “Cruising What’s it all about” Now personally when I take time out to go on holiday it’s either somewhere warm near a golf course or cold near a ski resort. So the idea of being on a cruise ship feels kind of restricted, but not so as many a cruise fanatic would tell you. I have sold many cruises to lots of different destinations to customers of all ages and every one of them has loved cruising. So what is the attraction?
Well as I said spending a long time on a cruise ship might not be for me but I have visited many of the cruise companies ships whilst in the dock here in the UK to get an understanding of what life on a cruise ship would be like. The ships are all like a large luxury resort floating out at sea offering every type of entertainment you can imagine.
Cruising is perfect for couples that like to have a nice meal, watch a live show and dance to the latest sounds until the early morning. But they are also perfect if you just want to get away from it all and relax as there is always somewhere quiet on the ship night or day to be found.
I recently visited the Royal Caribbean ship, Independence of the Seas which is based out of Southampton year-round. This type of cruise ship is perfect for families and same-sex groups. All those Hen and stag parties or special birthday celebrations that disappear to destinations in the sun will love what the cruise ship can offer.
On the Independence of the Seas, there is even an ice rink with live ice shows and the ability to learn to ice skate during the day. I particularly liked the Karaoke Booths which I’m sure would provide endless hours of entertainment to me and my girlfriends if we cruised.
The standard of food on the ships is always plentiful and ranges from a quick bite to eat to a 5-course silver service meal. I particularly like the dining options of early and late and the new trends of freestyle dining (eat when and where you want on the ship). Also “My family time dinning” offered by Royal Caribbean where your children are served within 40 minutes and when they finish are taken by their Adventure ocean youth staff for organized activities whilst you finish your dinner.
If you are a fitness fanatic the gyms on most of the ships are full of the latest equipment with lots of choice for everyone. Top this with a Spa facility to offer a wide range of treatments whilst on board. It’s often best to pre-reserve any Spa services, in particular, the hairdressers if there’s a formal evening taking place. So if you can’t resist the food at least you can visit the gym to try to keep the weight at bay.
So cruising really does offer something for everyone and what better way to see several destinations at once whilst cruising the season the luxury cruise liners. The choice of cruise ships is wide and varied throughout the world which visits at least 3 ports on every cruise itinerary. Obviously the longer the cruise the more destinations will be visited.
There are many cruise companies to choose from but the most popular used by British cruisers are; Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Carnival, Fred Olsen, Holland and America, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruise Lines, and Norwegian Cruise Line. With new ships appearing each year the industry is set to grow.
It’s not surprising that everyone is giving cruising a try, with no taxis to book for your night out, a choice of restaurants, bars and entertainment on a daily and nightly basis, children’s clubs and leisure facilities to tempt every age group.
To be honest some of the cruise ships have so much to offer you just won’t want to get off. Get in touch today and let us plan your next cruise holiday.