Fancy a new kind of holiday?
I’ve enrolled on Travel Counsellors inaugural Cruise Accelerator Programme, enabling me to learn about the many different cruise lines and unique points of each, about the ships and facilities they offer onboard, and of course the many wonderful destinations they visit. To say I’m excited is an understatement! If you would like to hear more of where my journey is taking me, be sure to follow my Facebook Business page as each blog will be posted there. I can’t wait to share all that I’m learning and potentially open-up a whole new world for you.
Around two million people in the UK enjoy a cruise each year, with 9 in 10 taking another within 12 months. This is a rapidly expanding industry, as each new ship stretches the realms of what’s possible with one innovation after another.
2019 is seeing a cruise extravaganza, with 18 new ships due to launch. Each one raises the bar regarding standards, facilities, and also passenger expectation. Which cruise line will have the first roller-coaster at sea? It’s coming soon! Recently launched, MSC Bellissima didn’t disappoint fans with their sparkling Swarovski Staircase.
So why take a cruise?
A cruise can be luxurious, inclusive and adventurous, yet it’s also easy and very safe – suiting everyone from honeymooners to families with young children or teenagers, from friends to couples to retirees, solo travellers and even providing for professionals who need to stay connected to the office, with excellent Wi-Fi on most ships. Large resort ships carrying upwards of 5000 passengers cater to every need from the spa to the sundeck, the casino to climbing wall, and a basketball court that becomes the disco at night.
If big and busy isn’t for you, consider one of the sailing yachts carrying less than 200 passengers, offering a more intimate experience on a ship perfectly sized to reach those ‘off-the-beaten-track’ ports of call. Or for something exuding character and period charm why not try a sail-cruise on a fully rigged Clipper Ship, giving you the opportunity to help steer the ship, or climb the rigging to the crow’s nest?
More and more people are choosing to take a ‘solo trip’ and looking to do it with likeminded people, exploring far-reaching places without the worry of getting from A to B – it’s all done for you. Like the idea of South-East Asia? Why not fly to Siem Reap and visit Angkor Wat before joining a cruise along the Mekong River to Ho Chi Minh. Or experience the history of the mighty Mississippi as you cruise on a Paddle Steamer?
Sustainability.
As global values change more travellers are aware of the world around them and their impact on it – which is something the cruise industry has been focused on for some time. Hurtigruten ships, amongst others, are already free from disposable plastics. Their new expedition ships are also hybrid powered, taking that extra step to protect the environments they visit.
When to cruise.
Whenever you like to travel and whether you prefer a warm climate or cold, there will be something to suit you. Maybe a short cruise to the Christmas Markets to recharge the batteries before the festive season? Or a warmer cruise in the Southern Hemisphere in our winter months? Personally, I love a sunny holiday yet each of my 3 cruises have been in cold climates – more on those in the weeks to come.
Mini-cruise.
If you still have your doubts, how about a 2 or 3 night ‘taster cruise’, to sample the onboard experience. Relax and enjoy the facilities on the days spent ‘at sea’, perhaps with a treatment in the Spa or catching up on the reading you don’t have time for at home. Sail from Southampton to Hamburg, stay a couple of nights and fly home, or take a round trip sailing to Belgium. If you’re visiting family in Liverpool, cruise up from Southampton and take the train home.
The choices for cruising are endless, worldwide, and to suit all tastes. Give me a call if you’d like to know more.