Cruising is our most popular travel experience here at the agency. We have clients that we booked their first cruise years ago – who are now up to their 10th cruise with us. Cruising appeals to the over sixties because of the ease and safety of cruising, primarily because you can visit many destinations and only unpack once. Cruising is great for couples, groups and single travellers alike, as the majority of cruises passengers are happy to mix and mingle with like-minded travellers.
The most common question we get asked by our clients about cruising is how to choose the right cruise. Based on our experience there are various ‘types’ of cruise passengers and this should be taken into account when booking a cruise.
If you don’t care as much about your destination as much as maximizing your time at sea, a South Pacific or New Zealand cruise is ideal for you. Don’t get me wrong the destinations are scenic and interesting, but as a large portion of time is spent at sea there is an emphasis on shipboard activities in between ports of call. For those that love their time at sea and their food and wine, P&O have really upped their dining experience with Luke Mangan’s Salt onboard and Celebrity cruising is also renowned for catering to the Gourmand’s amongst us.
For those that desire to explore new places and experience new cultures, but love the convenience only unpacking once – then a European cruise is ideal. Yes – there are onboard activities, dining and meeting new people but there is also an abundance of ports to stop at, new places to see and short distances between destinations. There are a lot of options for Europe Cruises, but for those who want to explore more unique destinations – we have lots of clients who have travelled with MSC Cruises and then come back and book another. Not as well known as some of the majors their routes include the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. For those that prefer a more intimate cruise experience Tauck Tours now offer Small Ship Cruising in Europe, with all shore excursions included in the price – it may cost a little more upfront but then you can relax and enjoy. Other luxury boutique ship experiences include Silversea, Azamara and Crystal, whilst for those who prefer a larger ship and a good dose of luxury Cunard also offer amazing experiences in Europe.
One of our most popular cruises is the Alaskan route. Whilst Alaskan cruises are often combined with Canada ground tours through companies such as APT and Scenic, who do a wonderful job. Alaskan cruises can also be done independently and Princess Cruises and Silversea have several options available. Our tip for Alaska would be to ensure you book a view room – it ensures you don’t miss a minute of the scenery.
World Cruises are often on the bucket list – they require a great deal of time at an equivalent cost. If you are short on time, these cruises can be split into segments including the Sydney to South Hampton sector. We have a few clients who are world cruise aficionados and Cunard is the company most aspire to, however other round-the-world options are P&O and Princess.
So, even if you think you’ve done it all – you’re sure to find another cruise to go on. For those who’ve done it all there’s always river cruising…but that’s another post all its own.