Choosing the right holiday cruise for you
Hannah Brissenden & Tess Gibney
With warm weather on the horizon, it’s natural to start planning your summer escape. Cruises – with their alluring offer of all inclusive transport, accommodation, meals and entertainment – are the ideal option for anyone looking for a fuss-free getaway. The ultimate escape from the mundane routine of everyday life, cruising offers travellers the unique chance to sail through diverse worldly scenes. When you’re not blissfully admiring land from afar, immerse yourself in a myriad of exciting and far flung corners of the globe – from the Arctic depths of Antarctica to the exotic shores of the Caribbean.
Considering the value and practicality factor of cruising, it’s no surprise almost one million
Australians take an ocean or river cruise each year. As a booming segment of global travel, you don’t need to feel limited by what you may imagine to be the stereotypical “holiday” cruise. It’s an industry that has something to satisfy a plethora of tastes and personality types: ranging from the very niche to the very normal. Check out our Sydney Observer cruise guide to find out more about what type of cruise might be most suited to you.
The all-rounder: international ocean liners
Looking for an experience that balances onshore exploration with offshore relaxation and entertainment? Resort-style cruise companies with fleets of large ocean liners are a fantastic option for those looking to be entertained. Presenting travellers with a package holiday that not only provides a 5 star experience in luxury and catering but also endless activity options; cruise liners of companies such as Royal Caribbean International and P&O are packed to the brim with elegant restaurants, nightclubs, bars and other lifestyle facilities. Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, the lavishly luxurious Quantam of the Seas, ensures you will never get bored on board – boasting a magnitude of impressive features including an ice-skating rink, basketball court, casino, shopping complex and more.
Royal Caribbean and P&Ohavea variety of destination cruises to choose from. Board locally in Australia to explore South Pacific islands off our rugged coast, or opt to fly overseas before boarding a luxury-liner for a jam-packed trip in your area of choice.
If you are opting to board locally, Royal Caribbean International’s 17 night Australia and New Zealand Cruise is a must do. Undoubtedly a scenic sensation, this cruise is ideal for those wanting to experience beauty not too far from home. Furthermore, removing stressful months of planning and saving makes this a truly relaxing and indulgent summer holiday choice.
Cruise line recommendation: Royal Caribbean International
Ship: Quantam of the Seas
Trip: 17 Night Australia and New Zealand cruise package
Visit:royalcaribbean.com.au
Riding the river: experience sophisticated sailing
River cruising offers up a calm alternative to ocean cruisers. Unlike the at times daunting expansiveness of the ocean, river cruisingmakes for a fully immersive experience – allowing travellers to connect closely to both the natural and built environment of the surrounding location.
Though Euro-based trips still dominate the market, river cruising is gaining popularity in diverse and exotic locations around the world. As many cities grew around inland waterways, river cruising is a unique and intimate way to explore a place – especially where other modes of transport may be impractical. Significantly smaller than the resort-style ocean liners mentioned above and with more opportunities to get onshore, river cruising is recommended for those who want to remove themselves from the rush of traditionalfast-paced foot and flight tours and settle into the natural flow of a place. Today, river cruising companies offer epic journeys on some of the world’s mightiest rivers – including the Peruvian Amazon, the Ganges in India and China’s Yangtze River.
Don’t discount European river cruises, however – though the advent of river cruising may have originated here, it’s no longer a travel option characterised by stuffy, smelly rooms and little activity variation. Major cruise companies – such as Viking Cruises and Luftner – offer luxurious meandering trips on riverssuch as the breathtaking Danube that pass through cities rich with culture.
Cruise line recommendation: Luftner Cruises; Viking River Cruises
Trips: 15 Day Beautiful Blue Danube (Luftner Cruises); 13 Day Imperial Jewels of China (Viking River Cruises)
Visit: vikingrivercruises.com.au; luftner-cruises.com
Niche cruises: getaways with a twist
Niche cruises – or themed cruises – are a product of the booming cruise industry. As cruising continues to grow as a highly desirable travel option, so too does the range of experiences and activities one can engage in whilst on board. With cruise packages specifically designed for foodies, comedy-buffs, avid dance lovers, aspiring artists and more, it’s now easy to book a holiday that will pair relaxation and sightseeing with your individual passions and hobbies. Destination specific adventure cruises – such as the Wet Season Adventure Kimberley cruise – are also an excellent option for those with a particular type of trip in mind. Check out P&O for their short-break Food and Wine cruises and SeaBreak Comedy cruises and Oceania for their budding Artists’ Loft program aboard the Marina and Riviera ships.
Cruise line recommendation: P&O Cruises; True North Luxury Adventure Cruises
Trips: 4 Night Melbourne Food and Wine Festival SeaBreak cruise (P&O Cruises); Wet Season Adventure Kimberley cruise (True North Luxury Adventure Cruises)
Visit: pocruises.com.au; northstarcruises.com.au
