So you’re planning your first cruise holiday, firstly do not be overwhelmed by the many destinations and cruise lines that are on offer. The key to choosing what is right for you and your companions is to understand that all ships offer different things for different people. Remember that cruising is no longer a holiday for the elite, to date over one ten Brits have taken a cruise and the numbers increase daily.
Secondly, what are your expectations of a cruise? Take the time to write down what you want to get out of a cruise vacation. For example if your are a young couple looking to join in with other like-minded people, have fun and spend time on a ship with lots of evening entertainment, it would come as a disappointment to you if you found yourself onboard a ship full of senior citizens playing card games. A general rule, is that the longer the cruise then the older the clientele, because usually this age group has more time and money to spend cruising.
To help you choose your cruise listed below are the categories that most people will fit in to.
- Family cruiser - If you are a family with children you should look at the cruise lines which have facilities and activities specially designed to keep everyone entertained, it is interesting to note that only a few cruise lines offer adult-only cruises. Family oriented cruises often offer special rates and offers that included children cruising for free. If you require a 4-berth cabin or are looking to cruise over Christmas or the summer holidays remember to book at least a year in advance, since these family cruises are very popular and get sold out incredibly early.
- Penny-wise cruiser - If you want to save money on your cabin then book an inside cabin, as the cabins with ocean view and balcony will cost considerably more. You can expect the same amenities, meals and entertainment as that of your fellow passengers.
- Hassle-free cruiser - If you plan to relax in your cabin, spend time reading, or even having room-service then it is worth paying a little more for an outside cabin preferably with a balcony.
- Cuisine cruiser - There are a number of cruise lines that offer food and wine cruises, two of the more up-market are Silverseas and the Seabourne cruise line, both offer a more intimate style of cruising. Many ships are now affiliated with a Celebrity Chef, such as P&O cruises Arcadia, which is home to the Arcadian Rhodes, endorsed by the popular chef Gary Rhodes.
- Casual cruiser - Many of the cruise ships have two formal evenings on a seven-day cruise, more if the cruise is longer. But if your ideal cruise holiday means leaving behind your ball gowns and tuxedos then a cruise with Ocean Village would suit you perfectly, where there are no formal evenings and casual attire although smart is the order of the day.
- Novice cruiser - If you're a first-time cruiser and are uncertain about this mode of travel, you might want to consider a short duration cruise that will give you a taste of what cruising is all about.
- Land loving cruiser - If you want to spend less time at sea then choose a European cruise where the ports are closer together. Many European cruises visit a different port each day, so there is ample opportunity to get off the ship and explore.
- Sea loving cruiser - The very opposite of a land loving cruiser, your ideal day will be spent enjoying lazy days at sea, or taking advantage of the ships facilities. An ideal cruise would be a transatlantic crossing where you can expect to spend up to four or six days continuously at sea.
- Queasy cruiser - If you are in any way concerned about sea sickness than a shorter cruise would be the best choice. Look for mini-cruises which are usually for 3 to 4 days. Also book a cabin in the middle of the ship on a low deck; this is where you feel the least movement of the ship.
- Academic cruiser - Many of the cruise lines now offer ‘Enrichment Programmes’ or lectures comprising of talks by geographers, historians and other leading experts. Consider more exotic trips with cruise lines such as, Seabourne, Cunard, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Princess and Crystal, who all offer the opportunity to learn new things whilst you cruise.
- Single cruiser - Cruising by yourself is the perfect way to meet lots of new and interesting people. Previously cruise lines have charged substantional supplements for single occupancy, but depending on what time of year you cruise many cruise lines are no longer charging for single occupancy. Another option is to share a cabin with another single traveller of the same gender.
- Non-flying cruiser - If you prefer not to fly to your cruise destination then you can embark at a UK port such as Southampton, Liverpool and Dover.
- Healthy cruiser - You won’t have to miss your daily workout or put your healthy eating plan on-hold when you choose to cruise. Some of the best gyms and spa facilities in the world are onboard cruise ships, and everyday there is a wealth of healthy dining options to choose from.
Hopefully you can identify which cruise on our website would be the most suitable for you. Alternatively you can call our helpful and informative cruise specialists for further information.
