How To Choose A Cruise That Is Right For You?

Taking a cruise has long been a popular choice for holidaymakers, and with good reason. The variety of destinations on offer, the excellent facilities on board, the sumptuous dining and entertainment provided and the novelty of a new port every day makes cruises a must for the discerning traveller. Sailing around the world with ease and in comfort aboard a magnificent cruise liner lends a sophisticated and elegant charm to a holiday.

The popularity of cruises, however, means the sheer number of options can be a little overwhelming. First-timers would do well to consider a number of important factors before making that all-important decision. Look at all the options available – in magazines, newspaper supplements, holiday brochures and also on the internet – to identify the kinds of cruises that are within financial reach. It is essential that travellers select the right kind of cruise, as being committed to spending an extended length of time on the wrong type of cruise can ruin a dream holiday. If possible, first-hand accounts from friends and family can be an invaluable source of information, as can online reviews of the different types of cruises available. Remember, however, that holidays are very personal, so subjective opinions need to be taken with a pinch of salt; reviews should be supplemented with proper research.

Identifying the type of cruise desired is another important step. Passengers should reflect on what they want to get out of the experience – a culturally rich voyage around the Greek Islands, a wildlife cruise to a more unusual destination such as Alaska or a family-friendly trip to a tropical locale such as Florida or the Caribbean? Whatever the final choice, a good cruise company should offer some suggestions to ensure the holiday experience istailor-made for the needs of the client.

Find out as much as possible about the individual ship as well to avoid the disappointment of expecting entertainments or amenities that are not on offer. Most ships will provide an itinerary of stopovers and events, both on and off the cruise liner; check these carefully to make sure they meet all personal requirements. The entertainment on a cruise is usually world-class, and facilities normally include gyms, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, children’s clubs and crèches, and often theatre or cabarets in the evenings.

The destination of the cruise can make all the difference. Whale-watching in Alaska or a Midnight Sun Cruise to the Arctic Circle will attract a very different clientele than those on a family-oriented cruise with stopovers in Florida. P&O Cruises, for example, offer a child-free cruise experience on the luxury liner Artemis, which can mean a more refined and relaxed experience on board. Not all cruises are ideal for everyone – for example, a singles cruise to Club Med-type destinations would not be the perfect choic for a married couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, nor would a young person celebrating a 21st birthday necessarily want to spend a week on a cruise aimed at young families. For this reason, careful selection is essential to ensure everyone on board has the best possible holiday.