YOUR VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY
From Arctic adventures and romantic escapes on the river to culinary-themed itineraries and family fun at sea, there is a cruise for everyone, says Leigh Mellor
Technology never comes at the cost of personal service
HAVE you noticed how more people are talking about heading off on the high seas or sailing down the world’s waterways on their annual break? Whether it’s a family getaway, a romantic break on a river or perhaps a specialist expedition cruise, increasing numbers of us are discovering the appeal of escaping the everyday for a holiday afloat.
In fact, across the globe, a staggering 27.2 million passengers are expected to set sail this year, discovering new destinations – and revisiting old favourites – from the comfort of a cabin on the world’s oceans, seas and rivers. That’s almost ten million more than in 2009, showing the soaring popularity of holidays afloat. PERFECT ESCAPE THE number of UK passengers is increasing exponentially, too, with a record two million embarking on a cruise during 2018. So, what is behind this surge in demand?
‘There are now about 50 cruise lines offering a vast array of different types of holidays, so there truly is a cruise for everyone of all ages, tastes and interests, catering to different budgets and occasions,’ explains Andy Harmer, director of CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association), UK and Ireland.
Whereas we once had a preconceived idea of what a cruise entailed, which might not have appealed to some, there has been substantial investment in creating different itineraries, ships, experiences and shore excursions that will fit with an individuals’ idea of their perfect escape, whatever that might be.
As an example of the kind of distinctly different options now available, Royal Caribbean last month launched Symphony of the Seas, the largest passenger ship ever built, on her maiden voyage from Barcelona. At 362m long, if balanced on her stern, her bow would be taller than all but two of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers. With more than 40 restaurants and bars, two West End-sized theatres, 23 swimming pools, Jacuzzis and water slides plus a surf simulator, an ice rink, two climbing walls and a ten-storey slide,
The ship itself is as much of a destination as the ports of call you visit
Symphony of the Seas is capable of carrying almost 9,000 people, making her more of a floating holiday community than a simple ship.
Like many modern ocean-going liners, which feature go-karting tracks, outdoor cinemas, dodgems, skydiving simulators and a wealth of other amenities, Symphony of the Seas is part of the revolution in resort cruising, where the ship itself is as much of a destination as the ports of call you visit. MORE CHOICE IN STARK contrast, Scenic Eclipse will make her inaugural voyage in August this year, setting the standard for a new level of luxury on expedition cruising. Boasting all-verandah suite accommodation, an on-board helicopter, a seven-seat submarine and a fleet of e-bikes, the world’s first ‘Discovery Yacht’ will transport up to 228 cruisers – with a guest-to-staff ratio of one to one – to the Arctic and the Antarctic and a host of exciting places in between. Taking the concept of six-star service in a sophisticated boutique hotel to the seas means holidaymakers can be as discerning as they would be when booking a land-based break, but have the ability to explore often inaccessible, thrilling destinations in comfort and style.
‘Over the next ten years there is a planned cross-industry investment of US$60billion in new ship construction, and there will be a huge variety of different vessels within that,’ continues Harmer. ‘That means even more choice for holidaymakers. Cruise lines are aware that people like technology to make our lives easier, not for its own sake, so where it will enhance their experience – for example, streamlining the embarkation process with facial recognition or making information available at the touch of a finger – that’s a positive. Some brands are introducing apps and wearable tech to simplify on-board purchasing or booking activities and excursions, but that never comes at the cost of personal service.’
Part of the growing appeal of seafaring holidays and river-based cruising is also the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip, without the need to continually pack and repack. Whether you’re enjoying a journey around the Mediterranean or a bucket-list trip to the Far East, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your shore excursions, without the often initimidating prospect of language and cultural barriers. And, with many cruise lines offering extended portfolios of experiences to appeal to adrenaline junkies, oenophiles, art connoisseurs, epicureans, nature-lovers and more, plus a host of themed itineraries, there truly is a cruise for everyone.