Know when it’s time… to shop no more

Cruising has changed so much since I first started in this sector of the travel industry more than 30 years ago…      and it’s had to.

In the earlier days, cruising was very much still for the priveleged few as opposed to the mass market. That of course is no longer true, and many more people cruise these days than all those years ago. So, what’s really changed in my eyes?

One thing for certain, but this is indicative of not just cruising, but of every type of holiday, and, I suppose, many other types of product or service purchased, is that we all want more for our money and we’re often prepared to pay less and less.

There’s nothing wrong with aiming to get a good deal, but we need to recognise when we have one.

Over the years, cruise lines have tried harder and harder to offer the customer something more to make their cruise line the preferred choice. Lots of new big ships, lots of beds to fill and the lines are constantly coming up with fresh and innovative ideas to make their line stand out.

Years ago when dining, many cruise lines offered basic first or second sitting dining, and often, only the one restaurant and perhaps an “on deck” alternative. Nowadays, no cruise line can get away with that simple formula. Cruise ships often offer many different dining choices, locations, style and even price. I say the latter because now many ships offer speciality dining but often at a supplement.

Choice is the most desired dining requirement these days as many people want to dine when and where they want without the formality of set dining times. This is nothing new for the ultra luxury lines like Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas as open dining has been with them since they launched.

Mainstream cruise lines like P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are constantly trying to offer something different and original to their customers and they do a great job too. Just a great pity that we, the customers, sometimes don’t recognise a great deal when it’s offered to us and we miss the boat!!!

There really is a great cruise out there for everyone but it’s like a minefield. Tread carefully when choosing your next cruise and be cautious if you think the offer sounds too good to be true. Chances are, it will be, and you might spend hard earned money on a trip that does not live up to your expectations.

Call me direct on 0330 303 8397 when planning your next cruise.