Cruises

Is a cruise holiday right for you?

Cruising has enjoyed a boom in recent years with singles, couples, honeymooners and family holidaymakers taking advantage of the exciting and varied choice of ships and destinations available as well as the value for money that cruise excursions can offer compared to other holidays. By taking a cruise you can potentially wake up in a new port every day, giving you the chance to explore a host of locations and there are often a range of activities to enjoy while on-board from fine dining to kids’ activities and entertainment.

Types of cruises

There are many types of cruises to consider including:

• Fly cruises: These involve flying somewhere overseas to meet up with your ship
• No-fly cruises: There are many cruise lines now based in UK ports such as Southampton, Dover and Harwich. Destinations include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Europe and the Norwegian Fjords
• Short break cruises: These can last from just two to four nights and are ideal for people who want to try a cruise
• Cruise and stay holidays: With these types of cruise holidays you get the best of both worlds by combining the cruise with a beach or city break abroad

Choosing the right cruise ship

From large superliners to yacht-like cruisers there are a host of cruise ships to choose from and the key is determine which ship meets your needs. Look for a ship that offers the facilities you expect. Many cruise ships come equipped with everything from gymnasiums to casinos, ice rinks and spas. If you are going on a family cruise, ensure the ship caters for children's activities and dining. Also consider whether there is a dress code on board, whether the restaurants cater to your tastes and the size of the cabins.

What are the benefits of going on a cruise?

A cruise holiday can offer value for money because in most cases everything is included in just one price, such as the cabin, your dining, as well as the activities and entertainment. You can choose to do as much or as little as you please so you needn't get bored. With more than 1,800 ports of call to choose from, cruising also offers the chance to explore areas of the world you may otherwise have overlooked while enjoying the sort of luxury and indulgence you can’t find elsewhere.