Why you should ‘Choose to Cruise’

The thought of visiting multiple destinations without having to keep packing and unpacking sounds great, right? Tracey Strand, from Tailor and Made Travel, explores the reasons why cruising holidays are becoming increasingly popular for all ages.

I’ve heard so many objections to cruising over the years, from seasickness to claustrophobia and an aversion to dressing smartly. None of these concerns should put people off a cruise.

Modern cruise ships are so stable that I slept through a force 9 gale in the Greek Islands. The choice of restaurants on board gave me the opportunity to have a formal night if I wanted to enjoy casual dining in the buffet restaurants the rest of the time. Once on board I realised that the public areas including lounges, bars and theatres were large, the cabins were no different to a hotel room and the outside decks are spacious.

There are smaller ships that cater for 8 people – for example gulet sailing in Turkey – to larger ships of up to 5,500 passengers, like the brand new Symphony of the Seas, and everything in between. The amount of choice ensures that there is something out there for everyone, from 3* to 5*+ vessels, family friendly or adult only ships.

You may be happy to fly from the UK to embark your ship, best option if looking at a long-haul holiday but you can also sail from the UK to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands or to Scandinavia and Russia.

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is departing Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords with prices from £799 per person.

New cruise destinations are opening up including South East Asia, Japan and China and alongside the traditional ports in the Caribbean and Europe there are few countries that cannot be visited on a cruise ship.

Cruising is also not all about the seas and oceans but the rivers offer a wonderful way to fit in 6 city breaks in a week. An example of this is sailing along the Danube from Budapest to Nuremberg, visits include Vienna, Passau and Regensburg. River cruising is not confined to the European rivers with the Mekong and Irrawaddy in Asia, the Amazon in South America or the Ganges in India.

Cruises along the Danube are offered by Riviera Travel from £999 per person. Still unsure? Why not take a ‘taster cruise’ with Fred Olsen, 1 night cruises are available from £99 per person. Contact Tracey Strand at Tailor & Made for more information.