TOO LARGE

Are cruise ships getting too large? Customers often ask me is it better to sail on a large ship or a small ship and the answer to this is it depends on what you are looking for.

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Large ships certainly do offer more things to do on board from ice rinks to surfing, rock climbing, Skydiving, zip lines, water slides and much more… They are great if you want lots to occupy you or are travelling as part of a large party but if you want to meet new people or find a quite spot to relax it may not be the right atmosphere as chances are anyone you meet you may not see for the rest of the voyage as they are so big and there are so many people on board. Even if they don’t seem crowded.

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Smaller ships offer a more intimate atmosphere where conversation is part of the entertainment. Having a few social pre-dinner drinks, taking your time over dinner and enjoying the conversation. They do have entertainment but it is often more low key.

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Ports of call are another thing to consider. The larger the ships get the less ports they can dock at and often have to tender or just not go there at all and with global concerns over pollution and the environment many ports are saying no to the big boys.

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Venice last year said no to the big ships in the Grand canal but then famously did a U-turn on this decision and let them back in. What do you think? Should they have stuck to their guns?

Tampa bay in the states is holding its own at the moment and refusing to allow large ships in to dock, sticking to its guns and saying that it will compete with the other Florida ports despite not letting in the mega ships.

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The small ships can dock in smaller ports in out of the way places. Great if you have done a few cruises and are looking for somewhere different to explore.

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Many places such as Barcelona and China are spending thousands developing new large cruise ports but is this what you want?  I docked in Bilbao last year and the ship docked in a harbour surrounded by a 100ft wall of concrete. There was nothing to look at and just down from where we docked was a cement loading dock with cement dust drifting across the deck all day. I went off the ship but many stayed on. This is not what I want from a cruise. I want to dock in places that are picturesque and pretty. I want a view if I stay on board or to be able to walk off the ship and wander around a quaint town or village. We had a 25 minute transfer just to get to the town from the port.  This is not my idea of an ideal cruise.

With so many new ships on order and most of them larger you have to ask yourself where they are all going to be accommodated.

What do you think? What is your ideal cruise?

I would love to hear from you.

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About Me

I have worked in the Travel Industry for 33 years, ever since leaving school. My Dad was in the Navy so I guess I get my wanderlust from him. I was a Manager in a successful Travel Agency for 16 years before joining Cruise.co.uk. I am married and have a son who…

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