Travel: Cruising to New Horizons

If you still think of cruising as formal, expensive and mainly for retirees, think again. Lisa de Silva explains, cruising now has options for everyone looking to broaden their horizons 

Over the past five decades, cruising has come a long way from the days of tiny cabins, set mealtimes, shuffleboard and bridge. Today, cruising offers the ultimate in choice, flexibility and cost effectiveness. 

Here we take a closer look at why taking a cruise is now one of our most popular holiday choices. 

Relaxing & convenient 

A cruise allows you to visit a range of destinations without having to worry about the logistics of planning, accommodation, transport, food and entertainment, making it a stress-free holiday option. There is no need to constantly pack and unpack and for those who don’t want to fly to meet the ship, there are plenty of no-fly options. 

Destinations & itineraries to suit all 

Cruising provides access to a range of landscapes often inaccessible by other means. It’s a wonderful way to experience glaciers, icebergs, volcanic landscapes and fjords in places such as Alaska, Norway, Iceland and Antarctica, all from the comfort of your ship. Long haul itineraries are also surging in popularity to destinations including Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

Again, you benefit from seeing a wide range of countries and attractions without the need for arranging the logistics or enduring a physically challenging expedition. 

Many operators also offer themed cruises. For example, trips that focuson specific music genres, cuisines and cultural activities. What’s more, there is an equally wide choice of cruise length, from mini-4-night cruises to lengthy round-the-word voyages and everything in between. 

Wide appeal 

The cruise market has also expanded to appeal to a wider demographic. For amilies, many ships now offer kid’s clubs and specific child-friendly activities, alongside adult-only areas. Friends and extended family groups may also choose a cruise to spend precious time together or to celebrate a special birthday, event or occasion. Cruising is also highly sociable and suitable for solo travellers looking to meet new people. 

Personal service 

Many ships now boast an impressive 2:1 passenger to crew ratio, meaning guests benefit from a sense of personal service and a warm and friendly onboard vibe. Offering everything from a turndown service with nightly treats and expert wine sommeliers, you’ll feel well cared for. 

Cabin accommodation 

The emphasis today is on providing guests with spacious cabins, which often include a private balcony, seating area, ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi and multimedia entertainment. Accessible and solo cabins are also becoming a standard feature on most ships.

For those seeking the ultimate in seclusion and exclusivity, small ship luxury cruising often comprises all- suite accommodation and can include private dining facilities, butler service and private deck with hot tub. 

Onboard facilities, activities & entertainment

Many ships now offer a comprehensive range of onboard facilities such as a spa, fitness centre, hair and beauty salon, wide range of restaurants, lounges and bars, swimming pools, hot tubs and observation deck, along with excellent medical facilities.

The range of activities and entertainment offered has also greatly expanded in recent years. So, alongside West End-style shows, fitness classes and casinos, you’ll often find video gaming rooms, escape rooms, surf simulators and climbing walls, with enrichment activities including everything from creative writing classes to history lectures and cookery demonstrations. 

Food & Drink 

Onboard food and drink have possibly seen the greatest change over the years in terms of flexibility and choice. No longer are guests restricted to certain eating times and designated seating, as today many ships operate an ‘eat when you want, where you want’ policy.

What’s more, the range of dining and drinking options has dramatically increased with everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to celebrity chef restaurants, specific cuisine restaurants such as Asian and Italian, cocktail bars and wine cellars, alongside all-day international buffets and casual café dining. 

Offboard excursions & experiences

Having all the arrangements for offboard excursions and experiences taken care of is another advantageof cruising. Excursions can include guided sightseeing, museum and gallery visits, tours of landmark attractionsor experiences such as a day of water sports on the beach or local food and wine tasting sessions. 

Cost effective & value for money 

Once cruising was considered the preserve of the wealthy and yet today, cruising can be one of the most cost- effective holidays on offer. Most ships now work on an all-inclusive basis with pricing that includes any flights and transfers required, accommodation, food, most drinks, Wi-Fi, use of facilities, activities and entertainment. Some cruise packages even include the cost of offboard excursions, making a cruise excellent value for money.