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| Who needs indoor Sky Diving? |
Ever thought about going on a Cruise? That’s a holiday for old people and the owners of bad Hawaiian shirts isn’t it? Well, yes and yes. But increasingly, no.
In a way that few other holiday genres can, Cruising is nautical marmite: some people can’t get enough of it whilst others would rather book a week at the Guantanamo Bay Premier Inn. If you are intrigued by an adventure on the high seas (preferably not too high), read on.
As a stereotype, Cruisers are clearly defined in people’s minds. Not all is as it seems however. There is quite literally a sea change happening in the industry which is growing like never before. This is bringing new destinations, lower prices and a changing demographic to the market. And lots of big shiny new Ships that are reinventing holidays at sea.
Royal Caribbean have some of the most innovative Ships afloat including the mega sized Allure of the Seas which can carry an astonishing 6,296 passengers and 2,384 crew, weighing in at 225,000 tonnes (that’s over 31,000 double decker buses - and probably the size of Wales).
If that sounds like the dinner party from hell then perhaps the novelty items on the various new Ships will make up for that. These include a robotic bar, indoor sky diving, surfing simulators, observation capsules, water slides and climbing walls.
All this activity will probably make you hungry. Which is lucky as the food at sea is of exceptional quality. All meals are included in the fare although speciality restaurants curated by top chefs are available at a surcharge.
And if you think dining with the same people each night at the same time might be boring, (and you may well be right), you can choose Freedom Dining on many Ships which allow you to choose where and when you eat. Whilst not the ideal weight loss holiday (unless the sea's rough) you will get plenty of exercise trying to find your cabin at the end of the night!
Most Ships will have formal dress codes on certain evenings which is a chance to dress up and have fun! After dinner developments now include craft beer pubs (microbrewery and rum bar on Carnival’s Vista), West End quality shows, acrobatic performances, an Imax Cinema, Comedy Clubs and top DJs. Once you’ve sampled all of that without getting lost, you can do it all again the next day. If you have enough time, you could even get off at the Port stops!
So how do you choose a Cruise that is right for you? The Med and the Caribbean are popular with UK customers and there are many no fly trips departing from Southampton. School holiday times see busy family friendly Ships with a wide variety of facilities and dedicated kids clubs whilst the parents can enjoy a wine tasting course. Official or otherwise.
Some ships like P&Os Britannia (featured on ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway) have other special event links with the BBC’s
Strictly Come Dancing and cookery classes with Marco Pierre White who designs the Gala Menus on board.
The cost of a cruise depends on where you go, what time of year and which company. Accommodation and all meals are always included; drinks, excursions and gratuities are extra. Some include more than others so it is important to establish this before booking.
Expect to pay around £100pp per day although there are always special deals around (e.g. transatlantic repositioning between seasons can be as little as £50pp per day although November in the Atlantic may reduce your appetite at meal times).
The sheer variety of cruises is overwhelming so whether you want to sail around the Mediterranean with the family, dance your way around the Caribbean with your partner or enjoy the majestic luxury of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 classic journey from Southampton to New York, there really is something for everyone.
Ask your (ahem) Travel Agent to find the right trip for you. And if you are still not convinced, there are a number of two night mini cruises from Southampton throughout the year to check out the experience. And these can be quite lively.
If these ideas float your boat or you are looking for further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.
w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk
t: 020 8123 2569
Facebook
Twitter
In a way that few other holiday genres can, Cruising is nautical marmite: some people can’t get enough of it whilst others would rather book a week at the Guantanamo Bay Premier Inn. If you are intrigued by an adventure on the high seas (preferably not too high), read on.
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| A shore excursion to the 1980s |
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| Alluring: Turn left and it's 3 miles to the bar |
Royal Caribbean have some of the most innovative Ships afloat including the mega sized Allure of the Seas which can carry an astonishing 6,296 passengers and 2,384 crew, weighing in at 225,000 tonnes (that’s over 31,000 double decker buses - and probably the size of Wales).
 |
| But can it pour a Jägerbomb? |
If that sounds like the dinner party from hell then perhaps the novelty items on the various new Ships will make up for that. These include a robotic bar, indoor sky diving, surfing simulators, observation capsules, water slides and climbing walls.
All this activity will probably make you hungry. Which is lucky as the food at sea is of exceptional quality. All meals are included in the fare although speciality restaurants curated by top chefs are available at a surcharge.
 |
| A lighter lunch would have been better |
 |
| Fine Dining: Ahoy there me foodies |
And if you think dining with the same people each night at the same time might be boring, (and you may well be right), you can choose Freedom Dining on many Ships which allow you to choose where and when you eat. Whilst not the ideal weight loss holiday (unless the sea's rough) you will get plenty of exercise trying to find your cabin at the end of the night!
 |
| Queen at sea: We Will Rock You |
Most Ships will have formal dress codes on certain evenings which is a chance to dress up and have fun! After dinner developments now include craft beer pubs (microbrewery and rum bar on Carnival’s Vista), West End quality shows, acrobatic performances, an Imax Cinema, Comedy Clubs and top DJs. Once you’ve sampled all of that without getting lost, you can do it all again the next day. If you have enough time, you could even get off at the Port stops!
 |
| Britannia: All hands on Dec. And Ant. |
So how do you choose a Cruise that is right for you? The Med and the Caribbean are popular with UK customers and there are many no fly trips departing from Southampton. School holiday times see busy family friendly Ships with a wide variety of facilities and dedicated kids clubs whilst the parents can enjoy a wine tasting course. Official or otherwise.
Strictly Come Dancing and cookery classes with Marco Pierre White who designs the Gala Menus on board.
 |
| Port Break: Caught my first Ship today! |
The cost of a cruise depends on where you go, what time of year and which company. Accommodation and all meals are always included; drinks, excursions and gratuities are extra. Some include more than others so it is important to establish this before booking.
Expect to pay around £100pp per day although there are always special deals around (e.g. transatlantic repositioning between seasons can be as little as £50pp per day although November in the Atlantic may reduce your appetite at meal times).
The sheer variety of cruises is overwhelming so whether you want to sail around the Mediterranean with the family, dance your way around the Caribbean with your partner or enjoy the majestic luxury of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 classic journey from Southampton to New York, there really is something for everyone.
Ask your (ahem) Travel Agent to find the right trip for you. And if you are still not convinced, there are a number of two night mini cruises from Southampton throughout the year to check out the experience. And these can be quite lively.
If these ideas float your boat or you are looking for further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.
w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk
t: 020 8123 2569
Nautical, but nice!
David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel
15 April 2016 David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel
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