Cruises

Whether you want to cruise around the Pacific Islands, experience the culture of northern Asia or venture into the unknown across the Atlantic, cruises offer travellers a huge list of holiday destinations! Travelling around the world's great oceans on a cruise isn't a bad way to spend your holidays. Fantastic weather, crystal blue waters, dolphin sightings, luxury vessels and all day relaxation are just some of the bonuses to choosing a cruise over a standard holiday in some hotel miles away from the beach with no views of the ocean. Cruises offer patrons more luxuries than any other holiday resort with all the normal facilities you would find on land plus heaps of extras including live stage shows, cinemas, educational lectures, beauty spas and designer fashion.

The largest, longest and tallest cruise liner in the world is the Queen Mary 2 which features 10 restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, two sporting decks, a casino, clothing boutiques, college-level lectures and even workshops to keep you busy. The vessel has a 5 star rating and is able to hold 2,620 passengers onboard. Like all cruise liners, the Queen Mary 2 offers one class of service with guests staying in suites receiving extra services and amenities. All cruise liner cabins are above sea level so that you are able to take in the ocean around you. Lifeboat drills are held at the beginning of each cruise to ensure each passenger feel safe.

In majority of vessel restaurants, seating is assigned and different venues will require either formal, informal or casual dress attire. Remember that formal means black tie only! The next big thing to hit cruise liners is themed cruises which make up 15% of the industry's business. The themed parties can range from hogs on the high seas (Harley riders), Star Trek to the out there naked vacations. So if you are looking to spice up your holiday look no further than cruises!

Choosing The Right Cruise

With so many different cruises available, it can be hard to decide when and where to go. There are over twenty cruise lines which offer different experiences depending on budget and holiday type. There are six main types of cruises on offer, ranging from relaxed and tranquil river cruises to five star over the top luxury island cruises. River cruises are the best for people who want to travel in one or a few countries and experience the different cities and cultures. They are extremely peaceful with plenty of stops along the way for you to get your feet on solid ground and enjoy the onshore festivities. On the opposite end of the scale are adventure cruises. Rather than outlaying a lot of money on the vessel itself, this cruise type focuses rather on the destination. With fewer passengers and extensive onshore programs such as hiking in remote areas, whale watching, scuba diving and snorkelling, this cruise type is excellent for those wanting to explore the world around them rather than spend their day relaxing.

Premium cruises are the more upscale version to mainstream cruises and generally offer a 4-5 star rating. There is more space per passenger and there is a great focus on entertainment programs on the vessels. The next step up is the luxury cruises complete with caviar, champagne and white glove service. With smaller vessels and less passengers, there is a high ratio of staff to passengers. This type of cruise is great for the older generation who want to indulge in life's luxuries and enjoy being pampered.

Cruises are a fantastic idea for families and there are plenty of companies which offer cruises focused around both you and your children. By providing facilities for the whole family, parents can spend a little time away from children who are kept busy with kids only areas and specific age clubs. Often referred to as theme parks on water, these vessels offer more sources of entertainment for kids than found in any resort around the world. Lastly, for first time travellers, contemporary cruises offer great holidays with nightclubs, Las Vegas type entertainment, fine dining and endless ways to keep busy as you sail around the world's waters.

When To Go On A Cruise

Depending on where you would like to go, different waters are best sailed across in different months. For those wanting to experience the breathtaking night lights and treacherous mountains of Alaska, travel between May and September. The warmer waters of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas are available all year round. Travelling between June to September gives travellers the best views and climate to see Europe as spring arrives whereas those wanting to visit Hawaii and the Pacific need to travel between October and April for spectacular summer days.

Which Cruise Line Do I Choose?

Depending on the price you are willing to pay, different cruise lines will attract a different group of people. Silversea, Radisson and Seabourn will generally attract an older generation of over 65 as they are regarded as luxury cruise liners which can be on the water for months at a time. Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival attract families and a younger audience whereas SeaDream Yacht Club, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers attract young 35-50 year old professional singles and couples.