Where to go?

The most popular cruises are those that visit the Mediterranean or the Caribbean but there is no limit on where you can visit, with over 300 cruise ships and over 1800 ports of call available worldwide. Why not try a cruise that revolved around the amazing shore excursions in? Or a relaxing cruise to the Norwegian Fjords? You will have no shortage of options when it comes to deciding where to cruise!

How long for?

There are various options available, from 1 & 2 night short trips to 100+ nights World cruises! Whether you are interested in a weekend cruising the Mediterranean or a fortnight in Alaska, there are plenty of options available for everybody.

Who Cruises?

Whether you are a family looking for a new adventure, a newlywed couple going on your honeymoon, or a singleton wishing to meet new people, a cruise will not disappoint. Embarking on a cruise is enjoyable for people of all ages and from all walks of life.  Cruise lines ensure that different ships cater for various needs; from smaller traditional vessels with mellow on-board atmospheres, to larger, action-packed modern ships. On Board actitivies have something for everybody to enjoy and are generally included in the price, with kids clubs tailored to different age groups.

Will I get value for money?

If you compare a cruise with a typical, land based resort holiday, you will discover that it is generally significantly cheaper. The ‘all-inclusive’ option is available of a majority of cruise ships, offering 24/7 food and drink and entertainment packages included in the price. You will also find that some ships include your tips in the fare, whereas others will charge a compulsory service fee. Some cruise lines still expect you to tip your cabin steward and restaurant waiter on the last night (at your discretion), but you will be informed beforehand if this is the case.

Alternative Cruises?

There are many cruise options available to first time cruisers. If you are not a fan of flying, then a No-Fly cruise is ideal for you. Southampton & Dover are the UK’s most common departure points, with cruises leaving here and travelling to sensational ports of call all over the world. Fly-Cruises are also available, with passengers flying abroad to their cruise embarkation port. A quickly developing market is Themed Cruises, with many different categories being implemented into a passenger’s voyage. These Themed Cruises combine general ship facilities with the cruiser’s personal interests and hobbies to provide the ultimate experience. They also tend to have little to no impact on the daily running of the ship, with specific rooms and areas being designated, meaning they don’t take-over too much.

What Ship?

Cruisers have hundreds of cruise ships to choose from, from smaller traditional vessels with mellow on-board atmospheres, to larger, action-packed modern ships. Onboard you will find an excellent range of facilities and activities to choose from, with state-of-the-art fitness centres and spas as well as nightly entertainment and casinos. With the more modern ships, revolutionary innovations include grass lawns, rock-climbing walls, ice rinks and surf simulators.

What money shall I take?

Money is not used on board cruise ships. Upon checking-in you will be issued with a Ship ID swipe card which is needed when you embark and disembark the ship at each port of call. You will use this Card for all onboard purchases, which are then charged to your cabin/stateroom, before you pay the balance up at the end of your cruise.

Is there a Dress Code?

Certain cruise lines enforce a dress code, though it is known to vary from ship to ship. During the day, the dress codes always revolve around swimwear/shorts & t-shirts etc. but evening dress codes can be entirely different. You will find that generally, cruise lines will assign daily evening dress codes. These consist of Casual, Formal or Informal which apply from around 6pm onwards. Casual dress is more or less anything goes, Formal dress is based on tuxedos and cocktail dresses, and Informal consists of open shirts and trousers for men/dresses for ladies. Not every dining venue applies a dress code, so for those of you who would rather not dress up, alternative options are always available. (Some cruise lines are even abadoning dress codes completely, complying with modern trends towards more casual cruising, offering a more freestyle cruising experience.)

What are the Dining Options?

You are likely to discover that a majority of cruise ships have a main restaurant with a set early and late sitting, where you will sit down to eat with your fellow passengers each night. However, ever since NCL became famous for their Freestyle Dining options, an increasing amount of cruise lines are offering open seat dining, meaning you go to eat when you choose. Certain ships also contain specialty restaurants with menus designed by world renowned chefs such as Gary Rhodes & Marco Pierre White, albeit at an occasional extra charge.

Accommodation?

The price of your accommodation will vary depending on the cabin size and its location on the ship. For example, in general cases, the higher the deck, the higher the cost. Inside cabins are the cheapest, given the fact that they lack a view or any form of window. Outside cabins usually have a porthole window, whilst Balcony cabins offer window doors that open out onto your own veranda. All of these include en-suite facilities and are serviced daily. Those of you who are interested in something even more luxurious should think about the highest grade onboard, a Suite, which are incredibly spacious and offer the ultimate indulgence. Suites also commonly include your very own personal butler.

Written By Ellis Green of LoveCruise.co.uk, a UK Cruise company specialising in Last Minute Cruises and Cruise and Maritime voyages

Frozen lands

In the northern hemisphere, some of the cruise journeys include following the Alaskan coast, or exploring the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. For the more adventurous, they can head south to Antarctica. Cruises usually set off from South America or the Falkland Islands and make their way through the Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, Port Lockroy and Wilhelmina Bay.

Nature at its wildest

What makes these cruises amid frozen lands so special? The scenery will be something that few people will have seen before. Forget about hot beaches, bikinis and sunbathing. These cruises are perhaps the best way to enjoy the Norwegian fjords in comfort and style, from the sea. They are the easiest way to navigate among icebergs and make their way to the South Pole. They are also the most convenient way to take in the beauty of the primordial forests and sea birds along the Alaskan coast and explore Mount McKinley from there. Is there any better way to spot humpback whales in their natural habitat than on a ship?

At such destinations, there are no budget airlines flying there, no conveniently located airport, shuttle buses or train station to whisk you from the plane to your plush hotel, no modern motorway. You may have to make do with sled dogs. Glaciers will replace monotonous neon signs.

Wildlife

You will not see a penguin anywhere on the North Pole. They exist exclusively in the southern hemisphere with vast colonies in Antarctica. On the other hand, you will have to leave Antarctica behind and head to the Arctic to see polar bears at home. There are no walruses either on the South Pole. However, you will be able to admire sea lions and seals in both polar regions.

Day at night

The polar regions are also known as the land of the midnight sun, unless you want to travel in deep winter when it’s dark for six months on end. You just have to cross the Arctic or Antarctic Circles to see the sun stay above the horizon for a whole day. These regions also experience the aurora or northern lights as they are known in the northern hemisphere.

The list is long and the choice hard.

Or is it? If you opt for a cruise with Cunard Cruises, you could tick off several places on your list all at once. This well known and world renowned cruise company has many liners visiting the Mediterranean and dozens of different cruise itineraries for you to choose from. Each one visits a mixture of places and give you the chance to choose not just one place, but a whole selection to visit.

Of course itineraries vary so much that you may have difficulty picking which of these interesting routes to take on your cruise. One very popular route is the 16 night western Mediterranean cruise on the ‘Aurora’.

Setting sail from Southampton your first few days are spent enjoying the wonderful activities and amenities on board the ship before making your first stop in Malaga, Spain. Here you get a full day to enjoy this interesting city, taking in the culture and exploring museums, plazas and theatre. Two days back on board relaxing in the sunshine by the poolside and then it’s Zakynthos, Greece. This stunning southern Greek island has gorgeous beaches, and peaceful bays. The old city is a great place to wander the markets and haggle for souvenirs, and you can enjoy a taste of traditional Greek food in many of the cafes here.

Dubrovnik comes next with its city inlaid with marble and filled with incredible Baroque architecture – some of the finest in Europe. Dubbed ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’ by Lord Byron this is a wonderful city full of ancient charm. Frome here the Aurora sails to Venice where you can explore the city by gondola travelling under the bridge of sighs and seeing the sights as you go.

The Dalmatian Islands and Korcula are next. This gem of an island remains beautifully un-commercialised and offers a really calming and relaxed atmosphere with picturesque town and untouched feel to it. The final stop is Gibraltar with all its history and atmosphere it’s a great place to end your tour of the Mediterranean before spending two more blissful days relaxing on board your ship as you sail for home.

The Cunard cruise reputation is one of outstanding service and relaxed but luxurious comfort. From the moment you step on board till the moment you disembark, you are looked after, pampered and offered an amazing array of interesting entertainments and wonderful excursions as you travel with one of the oldest cruise companies in existence.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why P & O Cruises are so popular:
1) Variety and range – P & O sail to a number of fantastic destinations. Wherever you’ve dreamed about visiting on a cruise, there’s bound to be a sailing that’s just what you’re looking for, from the Caribbean to the Canaries, or Africa to Australasia. With a choice that’s second to none, it’s no surprise that they continue to attract the passenger numbers.

2)Dining – The food onboard P & O cruises are another huge draw, and they offer a range of stunning, flexible options which cater to all tastes. There are formal dinners, buffets, poolside dining and a range of bistros and cafes. Whether you want a special meal or to eat outdoors with a magnificent view of the ocean, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice.

3)Accommodation – On P & O cruise ships you can expect luxurious cabins and suites, with private bathrooms and everything you’ll need to create a comfortable and relaxing space. The cabins are tastefully decorated and designed, and many feature private balconies so that you can watch the scenery from the comfort of your own apartment

4) Ships – P & O have one of the best range of cruise ships in the entire world, each with its own unique features. The Adonia caters for just over 700 guests, and is beautifully designed with traditional wood panelling. The larger Azuria features a stunning range of entertainments, including West End style shows, an art gallery and cinema.

5) Choice – P & O cruises offer choice above all else. However you wish to spend your time, your cruise experience can be tailored to give you the cruise you’ve dreamed of. You can spend your days relaxing in front of the ever changing scenery, or if you want a home away from home you can even just surf the internet. There are gymnasiums and spa facilities, meaning you’ll never get bored. All activities build up to the excitement of arriving in your port of call destinations, which you’ll realise are just part of the overall experience you’ll get sailing with P & O

Here are some tips that can help you find those fantastic cruise deals.

Book last minute

Many of the best deals are to be found on last-minute bookings; that is, cruises that are due to depart within the next month or two. If you are able to travel at relatively short notice, you’re far more likely to pick up a bargain. Check cruise specialist websites and tour operators when looking for last minute deals.

Deals can be found last minute because cruise companies do not want to sail without filling up their ships to capacity first. For this reason, if there are cabins going spare close to departure, the prices can drop dramatically, meaning you benefit from the reduced rate.

Talk to the experts

By calling or visiting a specialist cruise adviser, you can find out about deals that aren’t necessarily listed anywhere else. A cruise specialist will have completely up to date knowledge about what’s available, as well as a working relationship with the cruise providers, so they’re the best people to provide tailored advice and information about cruises that will meet your specifications and your budget.

You may also be able to find special deals to the specific destinations you want to visit. If you are unsure about where exactly you want to go on your cruise, they may be able to help advise you as to the best options available for your price range.

Focus on the benefits

Good cruise deals are not just about the price of the cruise. It’s worth considering the whole experience you’re getting for your money; cheap cruises should be cruises at a special price, not cruises that compromise on any of the luxury.

Cruises should be about your accommodation, the food, the entertainment, the destinations you visit and everything else that goes into creating the cruise holiday experience. Try to focus on these things more so than the price to ensure your cruise experience is going to include everything you want.

Life aboard the cruise liner is nothing but bliss, and that in itself is fantastic, but you know there’s more. There are seven destinations you’re stopping over at, all of which are magical in their own right.

Your voyage kicks off at Barcelona, an old city with a rich culture. The ship takes off with an exciting deck party where you and your family can sing and dance along in the celebrations.
While on the ship, get to know the vessel. Explore the cruise liner to discover the never-ending array of fun-filled activities. Go see a live show or dine in style, while your kids enjoy themselves at the youth club. When night falls, go dance to your heart’s content in the nightclub.

Your first stop is Valletta in Malta. Here you get to see spectacular architectural wonders such as Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Cathedral; or visit Merchant and Republic streets, where plenty of cafes, shops and art galleries wait to be explored.
Your second stop is Palermo in Sicily. Take a hike below Mt. Etna, take in an opera and visit ancient architectural sites, or while away the hours on Celafu beach, known to be a sunbather’s paradise.

Your next stop on this fantastic Mediterranean cruise is Naplesin Italy. This is where pizza was born! Naples is home to old castles such as Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Nuovo, as well as age-old churches. Just outside of the city is Pompeii, famous for being destroyed by a volcano some 2000 years ago.

Visit the Roman Coliseum, a must-see destination, or spend time inside the halls of the Vatican city at your next stop, Civatavecchia. Rome is indeed a captivating city.

Over the next few days of your journey aboard the ship, you’ll take in La Spezia, Florence and Pisa. Pisa, of course, is home to art and architecture of breathtaking proportions. Great Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci have all left their mark here.

The next stop is Ajaccio, where you can wander around the Place de Foch, the town’s historic city square. Take a tour of Maison Bonaparte, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Picturesque Villefranche is your next stop. It’s situated on the French Riviera, and known for many historic sites, including St. Michael’s Church and the 16th century Citadel.

One final day is spent on the ship, and then you disembark at Barcelona, where your magnificent summer cruise started.

Florida cruises are special, and none more so than one taken with Celebrity Cruises This two week long fantastic cruise starts out in Southampton in England, where you’ll board your cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse the newest of Celebrity’s solstice class ships.  On board, you will discover a refined level of elegance, style and design, and you will be made to feel welcome here.

Wave goodbye to anyone you’re leaving behind as the ship sails at 4:45pm on day one.  Eat, sleep, and wake refreshed as you arrive in your first foreign port at 7am on day two – Le Havre, Paris, France.  During the day while you are in port, you can take a stroll along the Champs Elysees, explore the Place de la Concorde, do a little shopping, and take in the sights of Paris.  At 9pm though, the ship sets sail again, and while you sleep, you’re on your way to Cherbourg.  A day spent here perhaps visiting La Cite de la Mer where you can learn all about the story of underwater exploration in history and fiction, and then a whole day at sea enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the water around you, and the vibrant entertainments on board ship.

Day five and you reach Vigo, Spain in the early morning, with its impressive Royal navy dockyard, and crafts market where you can invest in great pieces created by local artists.  The nearby Somerset village is home to the world’s smallest drawbridge which opens a mere 22 inches.
Day six is another day spent at sea enjoying the on board facilities, and then it’s on to Ponta Delgada, in the Azores.  From here, the longest leg of the journey begins, and you’ll spend six days at sea where you can really get a feel for the open water.  There’s plenty to do on board though, with entertainment, sunbathing, wonderful cuisine, and excellent service so that you’ll feel pampered and relaxed when you reach your destination.

On day fourteen, Miami, Florida, in all its glory is laid out before you as you sail into port at 7am.  This spectacular city is built right on the beaches, and it’s a vibrant place to be with flavours from Latin America slipping into the food, language, music and spirit of the place.  From here, you can explore many parts of Florida, from the beaches of Miami, to the Florida Keys, and the theme parks of Orlando, Florida is alive with people and entertainment, and makes the perfect destination for a cruise as you land refreshed, and ready to enjoy the sights and sounds that greet you.