TOP 10 REASONS TO TAKE A CRUISE

There are so many reasons to cruise, but here are 10 that I think are the best.

1  – It’s so easy

Just check in, board your cruise ship, unpack your suitcase (which will have been delivered to your cabin or suite) and sit back and relax as your floating hotel brings each destination to you. It really is as easy as that. No need to endure multiple flights or pack and unpack as you island-hop around the Caribbean, tick off iconic cities in the Mediterranean or brush up on history and culture on a cruise around the Baltic.

2  – The world is your oyster

There really is no end to the places you can visit on a cruise, from the Greek Isles to the Pacific Ocean. You can take a voyage around the world, cruise the Mediterranean, Baltic or around Asia, go island-hopping in the Caribbean or sailing along the coasts of Canada and New England. Want something more exotic? There are thrilling cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic and through the Northwest passage, wildlife safaris in the Galapagos and exciting voyages around Kimberley in Australia.

3  – Get fit quick

Cruising is better known for the pounds you’re likely to put on than for getting into shape, but check in to one of the modern cruise ships and you’ll find large gyms equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, from treadmills and cycles to cross-trainers and weight training. Most cruise lines have yoga, Pilates and stretching classes (mostly at an extra cost).

4  – It’s showtime!

Song and dance productions in the theatre are the staple diet of most ships’ entertainment, although things are changing, with acrobatic and aerial acts inching their way into the songs from the shows routines, along with comedians and wacky acts. There are shows in the theatres most evenings on most ships, but also live bands and pianists in bars and lounges, sometimes even quizzes for those who want to test the little grey cells. On some ships, you can watch movies under the stars by the pool whilst enjoying popcorn.

5  – Fun for families

Still think that cruising is only for old people? Then prepare to be amazed. More than 1.5 million youngsters aged 17 and under go on cruises each year. Why? Because it’s such darn good fun and great value for money with so many activities included in the price. Choose a family-friendly ship and the kids could be learning to surf, scooting down high speed waterslides, zip-wiring or walking over tightropes. And then there are the kids and teen clubs, which have non-stop activities ranging from arts and crafts to pool parties and discos for youngsters aged 3 to 17 all with no charge.

6  – Suite dreams

With everything from inside cabins to luxurious suites that are as big as apartments, there is accommodation to suit every pocket on a cruise ship. On a budget? Check out the inside cabins. There’s no window but with so much happening on the ship you probably won’t spend too much time there anyway. Ready to splash out? There are cabins with balconies and suites with separate living and sleeping space. If money is no object, there are suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, private gyms, even grand pianos.

7  – Dress up or dress down!

Want to dress up? Or dress down? Whatever your fancy, there is a cruise to suit. Most cruise lines have one or two formal nights per seven night cruise but mostly dark suit and tie will suffice for the men, with smart trousers, skirts or dresses for the ladies.

8  – It’s such great value

All cruise lines include breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room or self-service in the cruise price, as well as all entertainment. Some cruise lines additionally include gratuities, others include drinks, gratuities and speciality dining. Some lines include shore excursion.

 9  – Food for thought

With lavish breakfasts, lunches is on five-course dinners included in the price, you’ll never go hungry on a cruise. Help yourself in the self-service or pop down to the dining room for waiter service. Fancy a change? All modern cruise ships have alternative restaurants (usually with a price attached) – everything from Italian trattorias to Asian eateries and steakhouses –  in some cases affiliated with celebrity chefs.

10  – A day at sea

Ever wondered how to mix a cocktail? Or spot a good wine? Days at sea are the perfect time to discover a host of new skills, from ballroom dancing to wine tasting and even napkin folding. Prefer to take it easy? You could spend the day with a good book or treat yourself to a few hours in the spa. Most have everything from massages, facials and acupuncture to manicures and pedicures.