A GUIDE TO CRUISING
BY NOT JUST TRAVEL
Cruising... Why not dip your toe in the blue planet? Whether
travelling alone, as a couple, a family or a large group
cruising offers something for everyone. From ships with
formal nights and the glamour of dressing for cocktails to
ships with waterslides and kids clubs with a more relaxed
approach and everything in between, the options are
truly endless. Where else can you go to sleep and wake up
somewhere new and exciting the very next day.
At Not Just Travel, we can help you with all aspects of booking
your cruise from first time cruisers who do not know where to
start to past cruisers who know exactly what they like.
Cruising has the ability to span all generations giving options
galore, providing a unique travel experience with every voyage
you take, it is no surprise it's one of the fastest growing areas
of travel. Each time you step on board your holiday will be
wonderfully different. Even if you have your favourite Ship
or Riverboat, just like people have their favourite hotels, with
cruising the view is always changing from St Mark's Square in
Venice to The Sydney Opera House, Australia and many gems
that you have yet to discover.
With every type of Cruiseline from the huge high octane
activity ships to small boutiques it's hardly surprising that
ABTA report cruising is becoming evermore popular with
twice as many holidaymakers considering a cruise for 2018 and
a huge 77% of people, who have been on a cruise, stating they
would go again. With many unbeatable reasons why:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chance to see multiple destinations - with the benefit of
only unpacking once!
Quality Food and Drink - with a variety of dining options
to suit all tastes
Quality of Accommodation - with cabins and suites to suit
all budgets and lifestyles
Ease of travel - Giving people the confidence to travel more
widely
On board entertainment - for all age groups and
preferences
Great Atmosphere for socialising - whether travelling alone
or in company
So where can you cruise? Choice really is the key if you want
beaches of the Caribbean, historical sites in Greece, wine tasting
in Bordeaux or Whale Watching in Alaska cruising can take you
there. With many informative excursions arranged on board
along with guest speakers to enlighten or entertain passengers
about their chosen destinations, life on board is always fun and
insightful. Some cruise lines offer specific itineraries; if your
interest is in wine or photography with ports of call made to
appeal to those travellers.
Some cruise lines or River Cruises even offer culinary courses
on board, it's not just about sitting in the sun, its about new
experiences! Increasingly popular Rivercruises include the
78 wirrallife.com
Christmas Markets of Germany and Budapest, Wine tasting in
Bordeaux and even Gourmet Walking Tours in Rouen, many
of the River Cruises offer an active itinerary featuring hiking or
cycling tours at each stop. ABTA highlight Rivercruising as a
key trend for 2018.
For families, the cruise lines offer so much choice, with age
specific children’s/teen clubs. Your children can be looked
after for periods of the day or evening allowing parents some
valuable down time, whilst in turn giving children that sense
of freedom they also crave on holiday. There is a wide range
of activities to keep the whole family entertained From ice
skating, rock climbing and surf boarding along with an array of
diverse food options, they aim to keep the whole family happy.
With cabins sleeping upto 4, interconnecting rooms or even
family suites there is a wide range of suitable accommodat ion to
choose from.
However, if your pace is slightly slower or you desire more
relaxation then you will not be disappointed, with lovely
sundecks equipped with relaxing pools, grassed lawns with
deckchairs, sumptuous spas and beauty salons, even libraries or
games rooms, there truly is something for everybody and with
service excellence as standard you barely have to lift a finger.
After a day of site seeing, activity or relaxation then the night
life swings into action, everything is available from an intimate
meal for two in a speciality restaurant to a West End style show.
Casinos and cinemas are also found on most ships along with
smaller Gin or Champagne Bars to vibrant mixology themed
cocktail bars.
Did you know you can even get married on a cruise ship -
imagine the romance of the Captain performing the ceremony
on the deck of the ship with your loved ones watching on, or
just the two of you quietly; with a personal wedding planner
they can arrange everything from flowers photography and
musical accompaniments to receptions and the cake. They
even offer renewal of vows ceremonies where it can be a very
intimate affair, a precious memory to savour. One of the best
things about getting married at sea is that the honeymoon is
part of the package. Cruising is a cost effective way to make
your wedding day feel truly special.
Personally I have cruised many times and would highly
recommend the experience from cruising with young children
to now cruising as a couple it is a holiday that can truly change
with you as your needs change. Having seen many wonderful
places and met many wonderful people I can honestly say, if you
haven't tried cruising you're missing out on a treat. From 3 day
taster cruises to 3 months around the world I can help you find
your dream voyage.
It's your holiday it's your choice... So if you're looking to create
some new memories, call Julie Hazlegreaves at Not Just Travel on
07980 267404.