There are plenty of reasons to give a cruise holiday a try – you get to explore a new destination each day, meet fellow travellers with a story to tell, let the kids loose on go-karting tracks or waterslides, and best of all, they are great value for money.
But if you’re navigating these waters for the first time, you might be faced with a bewildering array of cruise lines, cabin types and sizes of ship. Don’t be disheartened – we’ve put together a few handy tips to help get you started on your new adventures at sea.
Talk to a cruise agent to find the perfect cruise for you – from destination to activities on and offboard
(Alamy Stock Photo)
Speak to an expert
The cruise world might be new to you, but there are plenty of expert cruise agents out there who do this every day, so let them do the hard work for you. They can help narrow down which cruise lines are right for you and highlight the best deals, plus they or their colleagues may even have sailed on that ship before so they can pass on insider tips.
Andy Harmer, UK & Ireland managing director for the Cruise Lines International Association, says: “Head to a travel agent who will be able to advise on the ideal cruise line and ship. From large-scale ships offering a wealth of onboard activities to luxury small-ship vessels with everything included, there’s a cruise for everyone – and an expert agent will be able to select a couple of options that suit you best.”
Choose your cruise
Think about the type of cruise you want – an action-packed ocean ship with plenty of restaurants to choose from and kids’ clubs on hand, a smaller river cruise ship that can dock right in the centre of the city, or even a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Galapagos Islands.
Rosie Cairns, joint managing director at ROL Cruise, says: “If you’re worried about spending too much time at sea, there are itineraries that are more port-intensive, or perhaps a river cruise may appeal as they include stops at a number of key locations. There are also no-fly options if you would prefer not to make air travel part of your holiday experience.”
Thoughtful planning means you can make the most of your cruise – and enjoy incredible experiences like the Northern Lights
(Alamy Stock Photo)
Ignore cruise jargon
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