CRUISE HOLIDAYS

When you compare like for like, no other holiday can come close to matching cruising for value, quality and all round entertainment. Sadly, cruising holidays are never even considered by a large percentage of the population because of the perceived high cost. Many people still see cruising as something only the rich and famous can indulge in. Whilst that was once the case, nothing could be further from the truth today.

If you compare cruising on a like for like basis with any shore based holiday cruising wins hands down. The incredible value really is quite exceptional.

Unlike many hotels you would be hard pressed to find a grotty cruise ship. The vast majority are infinitely more luxurious than any 4 star and most 5 star hotels.

Cabin grades vary considerably in price. Obviously you would expect to pay more for a deluxe suite with a private butler than you would for a more modest cabin. If you accept the view that you are going to spend little time in your cabin it begs the question, are you really missing out by not having the best cabin on the ship? Caring stewards on a daily basis keep all cabins immaculate. Room service is available to all cabins round the clock.

The second you walk out of your cabin, there is not the slightest difference between what you are going to be offered in terms of food, service and entertainment than a couple who may have paid ten times more than you for a larger cabin.

LET’ TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT IS ON OFFER.

All of the following is available to everyone on board the ship.

Starting with breakfast, which is normally available between 7 – 10 am, you have a choice; waiter service in on of the restraints where you will be offered an extensive menu or, a buffet style breakfast by one of the swimming pools where you will help yourself to a huge array of delicious temptations.

While you are enjoying your sumptuous leisurely breakfast you will probably be looking through the ship’s daily newspaper. This will have been placed in your cabin the night before. This provides you with information times and places where the dozens – yes dozens of on board activities and entertainments are taking place that day. These will include a vast variety for all tastes, interests and age groups. On a shore based holiday you often have a problem when your children, different ages and different interests, or members of your group want to do different things. On a cruise? No problem. There are many things happening at the same time of day. You choose what you want, your children choose what they want, and you can relax in the knowledge that activities for each age group are in the care of highly trained staff.

If you want to work that big breakfast off there will be a fully equipped gym with qualified staff to help you when requested or you may choose to do a few lengths in one of the swimming pool or, a bit of both. The choice is yours. Maybe you will prefer a game of tennis or a spell on the golf simulator or even some clay pigeon shooting off the rear of the ship. Of course with so much else on offer you could be too busy to do any of this. Then again maybe some relaxing sunbathing around the pools or huge decks is more to your liking.

Having worked up a healthy appetite, you will doubtless be ready for lunch and you will not be disappointed. Again you have a choice. The restaurant with waiter service and different specialities every day, or a help yourself buffet designed to get even the most discerning taste buds tingling with anticipation.

A wide choice of activities is available to those that want them throughout the afternoon and the cinema will be showing the latest films throughout the rest of the day an evening.

All of the many theme bars are open throughout the day serving drinks at reasonable prices. For those who enjoy retail therapy there are many shops on board all offering attractive tax-free prices.

Dinner is a five course spectacular affair. You would do well to find any shore-based restaurant that could match the quality and presentation of cruise line food and, if you succeed, the atmosphere is likely to be stuffy and formal and nothing like the electric atmosphere and fun you will enjoy on board ship.

After dinner is show time. A different 2 hour show every night performed by the ships own professional theatre company. Maybe not quite west end standard but not far short. Having enjoyed the show you can visit any one of a number of bars some of which have a guitarist or pianist and singer to serenade you why you enjoy a drink of your favourite cocktail. The more romantic can smooch to a live band until the early hours and the more active can burn off calories in the nightly disco and even watch the sun come up to their favourite tune.

The variety of excursions which are available at each location when the ship docks are always well organised and although an optional extra they are excellent value for money.

One of your enduring pleasant memories will be the service with a smile you will have enjoyed throughout your cruise from all of the staff and crew. They really do put themselves out to ensure that you enjoy your holiday. What is particularly nice is that they seem to be enjoying doing it.

Before booking your next holiday take a look at some of the many discounted cruise holidays that are available and book yourself what will almost certainly be a lifelong happy memory.

In case you are wondering, I do not work for a cruise line, PR Company or advertising agency. I have been cruising for many happy years and would just like you to enjoy the experience.