ASK THE EXPERT
We ask those in the know to help you plan your perfect cruise
What makes cruising a good choice for a multigenerational holiday?
Tony Roberts, Vice-President at Princess Cruises UK & Europe, Chair at CLIA UK & Ireland For the extended family, a cruise provides a great opportunity for everyone to come together.
The beauty of a cruise ship is that there’s something for everyone. Princess ships include youth and teen clubs, The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat, West End-style theatre shows, and swimming pools and restaurants suitable for all ages.
Our unique and immersive shore excursions, many of which have been developed alongside the Discovery Channel and are available in the 380 destinations we visit, have earned Princess the distinction of being named Best Cruise Line for MultiGenerational Family Travel. Visit princess.com, or call 0344 338 8671
What are the options for readers who may be travelling alone and are considering a cruise holiday?
Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Cruising is great for solo travellers. If you’re after companionship, bucket-list destinations and time to yourself, a cruise can deliver all of this.
Longer cruises are most popular with solo travellers, with up to 20 per cent of guests going on their own. Other favoured destinations include the Baltic and the Canary Islands.
At Fred. Olsen, solo guests will find social events exclusively for them, and we can seat them together at dinner if they wish to meet others. Our shore excursions allow guests to experience a destination in a group or under their own steam. Fred. Olsen has one of the highest proportions of solo cabins in the industry. Visit fredolsencruises.com, or call 0800 0355 145
What is generally included in the river cruise fare, and will there be any additional costs?
Jennifer Tombaugh, President at Tauck Your river cruise fare usually includes your cabin, shipboard dining and at least basic shore excursions. What varies greatly are the number and quality of inclusions offered.
The Tauck philosophy is to include everything in one, upfront price. This could be a private opening of the Louvre, off-ship dining in palaces and world-renowned restaurants, and a choice of restaurants on board. Every beverage – even Moët champagne – is included, as are all port charges, gratuities and excursions.
My best advice is to invest time researching itineraries to match the type of experience and the value you’re looking for. Visit tauck.com, or call 0800 810 8020
What new or less well known rivers would you suggest readers consider for their next river cruise, and why?
Will Sarson, Head of Specialist Product at Riviera Travel The Dutch waterways have always been a popular choice for river cruisers looking to experience the springtime splendour of the bulb fields, but savvy travellers are discovering their year-round potential.
Historic Dutch and Belgian towns and cities are perfect river cruise ports of call, with a wealth of history, culture and gastronomy to enjoy. Places such as Ghent, Antwerp and Rotterdam are fabulous destinations to visit at any time of year, and being able to do so from the comfort of a river cruise ship is ideal. Visit rivieratravel.co.uk, or call 01283 880 171
How has ship design evolved to appeal to new passengers and their changing needs?
Jo Rzymowska, Managing Director at Celebrity Cruises There are two main trends that we are seeing at Celebrity Cruises: the experience of modern luxury and the importance of sustainability.
Luxury travellers are looking for a sanctuary while they explore the world, and for all Suite Class guests, we have created the ultimate modern oasis called The Retreat®.
Celebrity Cruises are committed to protecting the communities and oceans, and make every effort to be a leader in sustainable design and innovation. Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex boast more than 40 initiatives that reduce fuel consumption by 20 per cent. In addition, last year we launched the most energy-efficient ship of its kind in the Galapagos. Visit celebritycruises.co.uk, or call 0845 163 8807