CRUISE CONTROL
Whether you're cruise curious or a recent convert, take note: Lyndey Milan's tips and advice ensure smooth seas ahead. The TV host, cookbook author and seasoned traveller shares her guide to getting the most out of your holiday on board.
Welcome aboard! What’s not to love about cruising? Check into your cabin, meet your attendant and unpack – once only. Bliss. Change a few times a day if you wish, go to the gym or pool, take a class, play trivia or dance the night away. Pop back to your cabin at will. No big bags to carry. Go ashore with just a day pack. Simple.
Cruising offers a holiday where you can visit multiple cities, even different countries, in comfort without the hassle of constant security and passport checks, using different forms of transport, waiting at airports, only for flights to be delayed. Everything is organised for you.
Some might say cruising isn't for them, but this is changing and with good reason. Cruising can be for everyone and at all price ranges for every type of traveller: families with children, adults only, singles, groups, adventurers and those who want to take the stress and worry out of travel.
Australia is the world’s fifth-largest cruising nation, with 1.35 million passengers getting on board in recent years. Ships are being refurbished, new and larger vessels are being developed, with 122 new ships due to be finished by 2027. New vessels are due to arrive in Australia this year and next, with Brisbane and Melbourne increasing the amount of ships departing from their ports. While Australasia and the South Pacific remain the most popular, there are significant numbers preferring the fly/cruise option to exotic destinations for ocean or river travel.
Ships come in all shapes and sizes, from around 100 passengers to more than 5,000. Each has its own charms, so what is important is to find the right ship and the right cruise line for you.
Having been on a range of cruises, from a converted Russian ice-breaker in Antarctica, to great value P&O in the Pacific, the exclusive Silversea, and the huge Celebrity line in the Mediterranean, I've discovered that each has its pros and cons. Smaller ships like Silversea, with 100 to 600 guests, have a more intimate vibe, are all-inclusive, and offer comfort and elegance, which attracts loyal passengers. The Celebrity line, which ships up to 3,000, gives myriad choices, with large wellequipped gyms and a variety of highly entertaining shows every night featuring top-notch talent flown in to different ports. Viking positions itself as 'the thinking person’s cruise' – each cruise caters to travellers with curious minds and adventurous spirits. It offers historical and cultural programs on board. Or explore
the Kimberley on the 36-passenger True North. There are as many options as there are cruise lines.
CRUISING TIPS
While there are discounts for pre-booking and last-minute offers, don’t base your decision on price alone. Instead, think about the type of holiday and destinations you enjoy as well as the facilities you’ll find useful. What do you want for your on-board experience? Do you want more days at sea, or more shore trips? What facilities are on the ship? What is included?
RESEARCH
Go online to get as much information as you can on the ship you decide to go with. Check what’s included – while facilities like wifi may not be included, you can always access this on-shore at a cafe. On board, explore your surrounds to learn how to get the most out of your experience for the locations and activities you enjoy. And read the daily on-board newspaper to see what’s on.
YOUR CABIN
Always choose a cabin with a balcony, away from the night club, casino, lifts and staircases. Check inclusions, such as a choice between a shower or a bath.
DINING
As well as cafes and bars, there are multiple dining options: a buffet is open almost all day, though these can become crowded. Check for a station cooking made-to-order food. The main dining room is ideal for a more peaceful dining experience. Many ships offer set early and late evening dining. This avoids queuing, and is excellent for groups or travellers with children. Get to know your waiters; most ships happily accommodate special requests or pre-orders for the following night, with some ships allowing you to dine anytime.
Many cruise lines have excellent signature restaurants. It's best to book before you depart. Silversea is set to launch a new culinary concept