Is biggest always the best?
Whilst post Christmas the majority of us are trying our best to cut down and look sleeker, it seems that the cruise industry is going super sized!
There are now a massive 57 ships sailing the high seas that weigh more than 100.000 tonnes – massive or what? and 20 of these have entered into service since 2010.
But does size mean compromise?
How does taking a relaxing cruise around the Med this summer sound with another 4500 other passengers? Is it your idea of Heaven or Hell?
In November last year I was lucky to sail on board MSC Preziosa, she is just over 139,000 tonnes and can take 3500 passengers. Yes, she is lovely, stylish, lots of deck space etc, but check in was a nightmare – the check in queue was out of the terminal door and ran the whole length of the building. The process was stressful, people queue jumping etc – there was nearly an international incident as many of our European cousins either don’t know how or why they should bother to queue! In fact, the crew had to perform a second muster drill on the first day as so many passengers had missed the first one due to late check in.
Personally, I think there are cruise ships out there to suit all tastes. Don’t be fooled by the clever marketing from the cruise lines about these new ships. Really think to yourself – is this ship for me? Does it get into the ports I really want to visit, or will I have to tender or a have a long transfer for my shore excursion? If in doubt ask my advice, I have all the necessary tools to answer your questions.