Whether it’s the relaxed intimacy of a river cruise or the staggering entertainment options of a modern mega-liner, if you’ve never cruised before, you are in for a treat.
But be warned, it’s addictive. Once you’ve done one, you’ll come back for more.
The numbers speak for themselves. Per capita, Aussies are the most avid cruisers in the world with 1 in 18 of us taking to the high seas every year.
These days, a cruise holiday is as much about the ship as it is about the alluring ports-of-call.
After all, it’s where you’ll spend most of your time so the cruise lines go all out to impress. From the food and wine to the activities, entertainment and on board amenities, modern ships have become ‘destinations’ in their own right.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect when you make your maiden voyage.
ENDLESS DINING OPTIONS
Food, glorious food! It’s no surprise that for many, on board dining is the star attraction of any cruise. You will have plenty of options to choose from – formal eateries to casual cafes, buffets to upmarket “specialty” restaurants that carry a cover charge. Food is a very big deal at sea.
Depending on the cruise line you’re with, you may pay a little extra for the flexibility to dine at times that suit you. And of course, there’s always room service a phone call away!
NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
After dinner, ships comes alive. Depending on the size of the vessel, you can expect a considerable choice of entertainment options from flashy Broadway-style productions to music, magic, comedy and dancing shows.
On the quieter side, duck into an intimate bar where you’ll likely find smooth jazz or a lounge singer. Then there’s often casinos and cinemas to tempt you as well.
ACTIVITIES BY DAY
Shore excursions at each port are obviously the big ticket item on a cruise as you explore each new destination on your voyage. Most cruise lines have free and optional paid journeys that offer just that little bit more.
For “at sea” days when you’re travelling between ports with no scheduled disembarkation stops, you will never fill time on a modern cruise ship.
With everything from wave pools for surfing to ice rinks, rock climbing walls to giant water slides, amusement park-like rides to shopping malls, ships have become virtual floating cities.
There’s also the standards like trivia competitions, bingo, games rooms, numerous swimming pools, day spas and social events all on offer to keep you occupied every moment.
Ready to cruise? Give our Cruise and Travel Solution Specialists a call at 1300 657 948
For additional inspiration view this month’s Travel Megastore Magazine here >>>