A Cruise for Everyone

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to cruise holidays, but I’m convinced there is a cruise for everyone. Whether you want a mega ship or a small, intimate ship, each company has its own offerings and character.

One thing that is undeniably true of cruises is that they present fantastic value for money and give you the opportunity to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time.

Once you’re on the ship you don’t have to worry about accommodation, catering or entertainment and, you wake up in a new, beautiful destination every day!

Here is a little guide, depending on your dynamics and preferences, to help you figure out who to sail with.

FOR FAMILIES

One of the great benefits to booking a cruise holiday is that many of the ships offer something for everyone, with so many facilities you’re spoiled for choice! From dance classes, casinos and spa treatments for mum (and dad), to amazing kid’s activities for the youngsters.

Companies like Norwegian and Princess offer brilliant cruises for families in popular destinations like the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Designed with families in mind, the ships offer family suites and interconnecting cabins so can cater for large groups. 22

FOR DIS COVERY

‘Expedition’ cruising refers to those trips that take you somewhere a bit more off the beaten track. A chance to get truly immersed in the local nature and culture. More emphasis is placed on the experiences onshore, and the educational aspects, than on the ship itself.

If you’re interested in places like Alaska and the Galapagos that offer a ‘holiday of a lifetime’, consider sailing with Hurtigruten or Celebrity. Their expert expedition teams become your invaluable hosts and offer something really unique.

FOR LUXURY

Dare I say, if you want to push the boat out (ahem), then look to the 6* cruise liners like Silversea and

Seabourn. This is where all-inclusive really means, all-inclusive! Flights, transfers, all dining (including in the speciality restaurants), fine wines, shore excursions, everything is taken care of.

Almost every cabin on the ship will be a suite too and some of them even come with your own butler!

The luxury cruise ships are often smaller too, meaning a more relaxed, intimate feel. Not only that, but their smaller size means they can reach ports with shallower harbours, that the ‘mega’ ships can’t, such as Nevis in the Caribbean or Chania in Crete.

RIVER CRUISES

With Spring comes the start of river cruise season (at least in Europe). Offering you a chance to visit places ocean liners simply can’t go, you can really get into the heart of a country. The ships are obviously smaller than the ocean vessels and as such don’t offer the same range of facilities and entertainment, but booking a river cruise is more about the destinations you can experience, rather than the ship itself.

Consider a cruise along the Douro in Portugal, the highlights of which include the Port warehouses of Porto, scenic vineyards, pretty villages and the chance to visit the trendy city of Lisbon. Of course, for those who want a real change of culture, tropical river cruises are available too along the Nile or Mekong for example.

The popularity of cruise holidays is continuing to grow but choosing the right cruise can be a bit overwhelming. There are many different packages on offer, and you could get caught out by hidden costs so it’s always advisable to speak to an agent and book with them.

At Not Just Travel we work with all the major cruise suppliers, for ocean and river cruises, and we can take care of your holiday from start to finish.

Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700