Page 12 - The Local Eye - Issue 128 - June 2016

12
Travel Feature -

There’s a cruise for everyone... By Mags Addison
They say variety is the spice of life and that’s never been more important
than in today’s cruising world. From my previous pieces I’ve spoken how
cruising is so popular and one of the fastest growing areas of travel. And
so it continues in 2016 with more new ships than ever being launched, both
large and small, with new itineraries, new features, and new areas of the
world being available that you can cruise to, and perhaps most importantly,
more activities and experiences you can try on a cruise. This means, more
culture, more adventure, culinary experiences, bigger and better spas,
and more choice. It is now an era of cruising for all ages, all budgets, all interests; for family, couples, groups of
friends, singles, trying adventure holidays, relaxation, sightseeing, or learning something new. Today’s cruises sail to
most continents and oceans - anything from the Arctic to Antarctic. The questions are; where do you want to go, and
is there a cruise that will give you what you want? Think of somewhere far flung and exotic, and there is probably
a cruise line going there.
Cruise ships are still getting bigger; they are floating resorts, which surpass anything that came before. Already this
year already we have had two of Royal Caribbean’s super fleet come into Southampton to showcase the sheer size
and variety of innovations: Ovation of the Seas, and recently Harmony of the Seas. These are like floating cities,
with a multitude of shops, restaurants, attractions and activities on board.
But not everyone wants to sail on such big ships, so there are with plenty of smaller more intimate vessels who
advertise they can pull into ports where the bigger ships can’t get into, or offer perhaps more adventure cruising to
remote spots like the Galapagos Islands, or jungle trekking in the Amazon. So it’s not all about size, but the right
type of holiday for you. It’s the different experiences the world of cruising offers today that’s accelerating and is
exciting.
The boundaries are opening up – whereas for years we’ve been able to sail sedately to places like the Norwegian
Fjords, now you can sail up to the Arctic and witness the midnight sun. Or take a Northern Lights coastal voyage -
this wintertime phenomena (Aurora Borealis) is now on most people’s bucket list – and a cruise is one way to see it.
You can also take exploration voyages to South America, Greenland, Iceland and Canada.
Japan is now a very popular area to cruise. So are Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji, and New Guinea. There
are many ways to see the Med with a host of family activities, plus wellness experiences like jogging, biking and
kayaking, and luxury cruises with added excursions to likes of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix to experience.
River cruising has increased tremendously, and offers itineraries not just for Europe, but the Far East, China, South
America. They offer wine themed cruises or a selection of hiking and guided biking tours. Yoga, art history, jazz
and photography are popular on themed sailings on the Star Clipper -
rigged sailing ships. The UK is popular with some cruise lines, with vessels
circumnavigating all, or parts, of our own coastal waters.
So it’s interesting times to come, with new technology, better service,
standards, and a host of new destinations to explore. Enjoy sailing!

Beach holidays, City breaks, Honeymoons, Weddings abroad, Adventure holidays, Ski,
Cruise, Tailormade trips, Flight only, Car hire, Airport hotels and parking and much more...
Contact Travel Counsellor
Mags Addison

0845 058 7812
margaret.addison@travelcounsellors.com Travel Counsellors ensures complete
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/margaret.addison financial protection on every booking
To advertise <> 08000 430485 <> email: info@thelocaleye.com <> www.thelocaleye.com

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