Here are a few of the compelling reasons why you could consider cruising for your next holiday.

Cruising offers great value

Cruises offer great value, particularly because the upfront cost has so many inclusions. Most cruises include food, accommodation, daytime and evening entertainment, and transportation between destinations. Some even include drinks and day excursions. Sure, there are some things you have to pay for, but most of these are optional.

Unpack your bag once; wake up in a different place every day.

On a cruise, you unpack your bag once, but wake up somewhere new every morning. Your floating hotel takes you somewhere different every day. It might be an exotic city or a tropical island, but every morning you’ll discover a new place without having to lug your suitcase along sandy beaches or cobblestone streets.

Cruise ships are family friendly

If you are struggling to find a holiday that suits everyone, then a cruise might be for you. Cruises are fun for all ages, with activities for everyone from your five-year-old niece to your 85 year old grandmother. They are an excellent way to bring family groups together in one place and keep everyone happy.

Cruise Ships come in all shapes and sizes

What one person may love, another may not. The ideal cruise ship for you could be one of the mighty ships, complete with state of the art activities and facilities; whilst your neighbour might prefer an intimate ship with a warm ambience and silent glances.

Fortunately, there is a large range of options available, including large ships, small ships, ocean cruising and river cruising.

So many activities, so little time

Cruise ships are designed to keep everyone happy. Whether it’s a pamper day at the spa or having a flutter at the casino, lounging by the pool or educating yourself at a wine appreciation class, there is never a dull moment on board a cruise ship.

If however, you’re after a relaxing holiday where the kids are entertained while you lay by the pool sipping cocktails, then there’s a cruise itinerary for you too.

If that’s not enough choice, then fill your days with the myriad of choices for shore excursions. Visit local villages, stroll through museums or take walking tours through the historical streets, then head back to your luxury floating accommodation for the night.

Ships are floating cities

If you think you’re going to be left without all the creature comforts, then you’ll be mistaken. Cruise ships have everything you could possibly want onboard. If you really want to stay in touch with the mainland, there is Wi-fi, internet and live news channels. Onboard there are shops, doctors, laundries, gyms, movie theatres, swimming pools and a large choice of dining options. You’ll run out of time before you run out of facilities.

Let’s get social

If you’re a single traveller and want to meet people from around the world, then cruising provides ample opportunity to make new friends. Or, if you’ve been assigned the task of organising the family holiday for 20 of your nearest and dearest, then one visit to your travel agent and it’s all sorted: transport, accommodation, meals and activities. Once onboard, you’ll meet people at your dinner table, during the activities or by the pool and if you wish to stay anonymous, then the ships are large enough to avoid running into the same people time and time again.

Pick a destination … there are hundreds of them!

You won’t be short of choices when you ask, “Where can I go on a cruise?”. You can cruise through tropical waters, rivers lined with historical cities or through the jungles of the most remote forests. You can even travel to special events such as the Melbourne Cup or the Australian Open or jump on board the “cruise to nowhere”, where your holiday is all about what’s onboard as you float in the middle of the ocean, far from land.

If you’d like to know more about the diverse range of destinations and cruise styles, drop in to see the team at Quadrant Australia in Coffs Harbour. They offer a range of travel solutions with a friendly and experienced team.

Kerry Moss
Travel Time – Coffs Focus Magazine