One of the best things about booking a cruise holiday is the sheer variety that is available when you decide to take your annual break on water.
People sometimes don’t realise just how many different kinds of cruise are available, which means there is something to cater for all tastes and all budgets - in much the same was as there are countless options when it comes to holiday types on land.
If you’re travelling with children in tow then don’t worry, as there will be something to suit your needs just as much as if you are part of a couple looking for a romantic break for two.
Here, we take a quick look at some of the different cruise related holidays that you might want to consider to give you an idea of what is available on the market…
Cruise and stay
If you are considering a cruise holiday for the first time and don't really know what to expect dinner cruise and stay holiday could be right up your street.
As the name suggests a cruise and stay holiday combines time spent at sea alongside a traditional hotel break meaning you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds in one trip.
A cruise and stay holiday can be booked pretty much anywhere in the world so if you fancy a city break in Rome I'll Barcelona before taking a cruise around the Mediterranean then it's the perfect option.
Alternatively you might prefer to head to somewhere a bit more exotic with a trip to Singapore or Hong Kong followed by cruise around Asia or could book a trip to Vancouver before cruising up the coast of Alaska.
If you are with the family, how about a trip to Orlando where are you can visit the major theme parks, and then a cruise around the islands of the Caribbean.
While some cruise lines offer special packages that include a hotel stay, the beauty of a cruise and stay holiday is that you can choose the options to suit your needs, and we are happy to help you find the perfect hotel to sit alongside any cruise.
Expedition cruises
An expedition cruise it's all about the experiences, and the opportunity to discover destinations that you might not consider for a holiday otherwise - as well as destinations where a traditional holiday simply wouldn’t be an option.
Expedition cruises are popular to regions like the Arctic Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands where you can explore nature and head off the beaten track on a voyage like no other.
Although an expedition cruise will have an itinerary in place, it's likely to be more flexible than on a traditional cruise because the captain will be prepared to respond to things like changing weather conditions, or might change the original plan if there is something in particular that you may otherwise miss.
An expedition cruise tends to take place on a small ship, which means a more intimate experience, and also tends to be focused towards the higher end of the market.
However don't let this put you off as an expedition cruise still provides fantastic value for money when you consider everything involved.
Adventure cruises follow a similar pattern and might include the chance to get up close to native wildlife or head ashore to sample all manner of interesting activities.
No Fly cruises
It's a fact of life that not everyone enjoys flying - and that can cause a problem if you have a desire to head off and explore the world.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t possible however, with a No Fly instead opening up the opportunity to enjoy overseas travel with a range of short and long haul cruises that set sail from the UK.
It’s not only ideal for those who don’t want to fly, but is also handy for people who are looking for the convenience of being able to simply head to port with their luggage, board the ship and have it delivered direct to their cabin.
That means no need to worry about heading through security at an airport and then having to lug your suitcase onto a coach - it really couldn’t be easier.
Ships sail regularly from the likes of Southampton, Liverpool and Newcastle to destinations including the Baltics, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands so there is plenty of variety available.
Single person cruises
Travelling on holiday on your own is something that can be quite daunting but a cruise holiday is a fantastic option for anybody who is heading off on holiday by themselves.
A number of cruise lines now have accommodation that is dedicated to single people and also have various offers available that are targeted towards the single person rather than the usual 'based on two sharing' affair.
When on a cruise as a single person you will have plenty of chance to meet up and socialise with like minded travellers which means even though you are travelling alone, you will never actually be left feeling alone.
Family cruises
It's not that long ago peoples general view of a cruise was that they were for the older traveller such as couples who were retired and planning to see the world.
That certainly isn't the case any longer however with the family market now being one of the biggest in the cruise industry and as a result the major players are all running cruises that are focused firmly on those travelling with children.
You only have to look at the facilities that are now available, such as on board water parks, go-kart circuits and high rope courses, to see how important families are to cruise lines and there are various fantastic deals now available for anyone who wants to swap the traditional beach break for a cruise trip.
Accommodation for families is now becoming increasingly common place on the big ships whilst things like dining are ideally suited to families because of the sheer variety of options that are available.
Kids clubs and character shows are also popular with children and the fact that you can cruise from the UK and avoid the stress of the airport is also a bonus.
Luxury Cruises
We all like a little bit of luxury and you can certainly find that on a cruise holiday, where you will not only get the chance to travel in style but can also end up being treated like a VIP.
The likes of Silversea and Celebrity Cruises offer travellers with the chance to travel in five star luxury on ships that feature everything from indulgent spas and state-of-the-art gyms to stylish bars and indulgent pools, and include dining options that offer cuisine that wouldn’t look out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Impressive suite accommodation rather than traditional cabins can also raise the bar.
All Inclusive cruises
Often when you book a cruise holiday, you need to factor in potential extras - like excursions and certain alcoholic beverages.
It is, however, possible to book a trip where literally everything is covered with a select number of cruise lines offering All Inclusive sailings that have something for everyone.
