CRUISE WORLD
THERE’S nothing quite like sitting on the balcony and watching yet another special destination come closer. Or standing on deck with a cocktail at the sailaway drinks party as you head for the sunset after another day in paradise. Leaving the luxury of your floating hotel and finding yourself in the middle of a magical destination is another perfect moment, whether you’re in a classical city of the Mediterranean or a laid-back Caribbean retreat, a Gold Rush town in Alaska or amidst the tavernas of a Greek island.
Going on a cruise is one of those holidays that you’ve either always dreamed of or you’ve decided wouldn’t be for you.
If the former, then now’s the time to do it. New ships keep arriving, from vast resorts carrying thousands of people to exquisite boutique vessels, and prices are as keen as they’ve ever been.
If the latter, then now’s the time to see just what a cruise offers. And whatever you imagined it to be, it’s so much more. Whether you want bustle or peace and quiet, onboard action such as water parks and dodgems or definitely no water parks and dodgems, it’s there.
There are smaller, traditional ships although they still offer a choice of restaurants. There’s entertainment from gentle piano bars to Broadway shows in huge theatres, pubs to discos. And cruises are great value, too, with not only entertainment but all your meals (and sometimes drinks, too) included in the price.
But it’s the destinations that are the true star, waking up to a different place in the morning. Whether you’re in the UK, the wider reaches of Europe or heading to far flung spots – the Far East, China, the Gulf and the US – you’ll be able to visit far more places in a week than you would on many other holidays.
River cruises, too, are increasingly exciting with sleek, exquisite ships heading through the heart of everywhere from Germany to Burma, China to France. Small ships, rarely carrying more than 200 guests, are like waterborne escorted tours, mostly including tours at a different destination every day.
Take a cruise and you’ll discover a new way of life – and your holidays will never be the same again.
Going on a cruise is one of those holidays that you’ve either always dreamed of or you’ve decided wouldn’t be for you