Does size matter………

I think it does when it comes to cruise ships, but what do you prefer?

I have lots of customers who have stipulations regarding which ship to go on due to how many passengers it can carry, some want the biggest ship with lots to do and some prefer a smaller ship so more intimate and don’t have to walk far to get around.

Big ships offer something for everyone from pools with water slides, ice-rinks, rock climbing walls, flow-riders, basket ball courts & much more. Where others are smaller with only some of these facilities, here are a few of the big ships if you want lots to do at sea!

Norwegian Epic, Breakaway & Getaway are the largest in the fleet and have so much on offer you need a month on board to do everything.  These ships are great for families & those who like adventure with lots of activities on board!

On these ships there are water slides to keep you entertained for hours especially on sea days, on Epic is the Plunge slide, I have done this and it is so much fun! On Breakaway there are 2 slides side by side called The Whip to race your family & friends. On Breakaway & Getaway there is multi level sports complex with the largest rope course at sea & even a plank which goes 2.5 metres over the side of the ship – would you be brave enough to try this – I would!

• Walk the plank if you dare

Royal Caribbean have large ships with lots to do also, for example Independence of the Seas sails from Southampton and offers an Ice Skating Rink, Flow riders & basketball courts, rock climbing walls, jogging track, mini golf & the H2O Zone pool for the little ones.

Fancy a bit of surfing?

On Oasis & Allure of the Seas there is also a zip wire to fly above the ship – I would love to try this, probably for the more adventurous.

Would you try it?

I could go on forever about what there is to do on these ships but it gives you an idea. There are also various dining options so can have variety at meal times from a snack to a gourmet meal in on of the speciality restaurants which do have a cover charge but lovely if it’s a special occasion.

But if that is your idea of hell then you can choose a much smaller ship which is more intimate without all that activity.

For example, P&O Adonia is a small classic ship which doesn’t even have a casino and sails from UK on summer itineraries to Fjords, Iberia & Baltics. With only 710 passengers it is the perfect option for a small ship. On board you will find a library, deck games such as Shuffle board & a card room, there is a gym & pool  also but that is it.

Princess cruises have smaller ships also with 680 passengers – Ocean & Pacific Princess, again no water slides just a casino, card room, gym & pool so very relaxing and more intimate.

These small ships do the Alaska cruises as being smaller can get nearer to see the scenery, also they visit Tahiti & French Polynesia again up close & personal.

How about a bit of luxury? 6* cruise lines have smaller ships and usually include all your drinks & excursions so if you fancy splashing out then these are definitely for you.

Crystal – Serenity 1070 guests & Symphony 922 guests
Silversea – Shadow & Whisper only 382 guests. Cloud & Wind – 296 guests & Spirit 540 guests.
Regent Seven Seas – Voyager & Marina 700 & Navigator 490 guests

Various itineraries available so call me for more information if you fancy a bit of luxury.

Oceania cruises are not all inclusive but are 5*+ ships and hold an average of 1250 passengers on Riviera & Marina. I have been on board Marina for a tour & lunch and she is beautiful. The food was to die for & the best meal so far on ship.

Regatta, Insignia & Nautica are smaller and hold 684 passengers so again the perfect small ship.

With so many cruise lines out there, there will definitely be one to suit you, I could explain every ship but think you may get bored so if you want to know more, call me on 0800 408 6108 or email me at [email protected] & I will be happy to find you the perfect ship for your requirements.