Taster Cruises…Yes or No?

What is a Taster Cruise?  This is a question I was asked recently by a customer when their friend recommended to her to go on one of these to see if cruising was for them.

Are they everything you expected or did they leave a bitter taste in your mouth?

A Taster Cruise is typically between 1 to 6 nights and people tend to book these if they are trying a cruise for the first time or want to see if they like a particular cruise line before they book a longer duration one.

Taster Cruises have become very popular as an alternative option to a Weekend City Break or a Celebratory break away.  These mini cruises can attract large family groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary or a group of friends wanting something a bit different from a hotel break.

On the other hand these short break cruises can also attract a lot of Hen and Stag parties which can turn your cruise into the Booze Cruise from Hell!

The theory of a Taster Cruise is very good but the question to be asked is do you think you will have the full potential to experience everything the ship has to offer in 2 or 3 days?

After speaking to some people who had recently been on a Taster Cruise I heard two sides to this:

• Pros – having never been on a large cruise ship it was a lovely way to experience sailing on a ship that can cater to around 3500 people and to see if this is something we would want to do for longer
• Cons – packed with people on a “party cruise” so bars were always packed and very noisy

Taster Cruises are fantastic value for money.  P&O offer 2 night cruises from as little as £199 per person.  You would struggle to get a weekend break in a 4* hotel for that when you consider meals are included as well in that price.  P&O have also brought in new regulations and they have banned fancy dress and limited the amount of alcohol you can take on board so they are pushing towards these mini cruises being for everyone.

What are your opinions on a Taster Cruise?  Have you been on one or are looking to try one for the first time?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time…Happy Cruising!