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All Aboard: Why a Cruise Should be Next on Your Bucket List
Written by Annabel Fuller
Unpack once, relax and watch the world glide by on a memory-making cruise, where the journey itself is just as exciting as the destination.
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime onboard an unforgettable cruise: one of the most cost-effective ways to reach remote destinations and a great way to tick multiple locations off your bucket list in one trip. Experience resort-like ships as you sail aboard extravagant vessels to awe-inspiring destinations, immersing yourself in authentic port excursions.
There is an itinerary, budget and ship to suit all types of cruisers, whether you’re looking to zip-line above the seas, meet Mickey Mouse and friends, sail Europe’s history-clad rivers or transcend into adults-only bliss. Still not sure if cruising floats your boat? Here are eight reasons why cruising is the ultimate flop-and-drop holiday.
You only need to unpack once
Whether you’re a chronic over-packer, prone to misplacing important items or simply hate your linens creasing, the beauty of a cruise is that you only need to unpack once. Forget the days of delayed flights, confusing train schedules and lugging heavy suitcases. Settle in on a cruise and let the captain and crew take care of the rest.
Visit multiple destinations in one trip
How else could you visit Bora Bora, Hawaii, the Amalfi Coast and the Caribbean all in one trip? Choose an itinerary that visits all the cities on your bucket list. With some cruise itineraries offering a port stop almost every day, you can experience several different destinations in one trip. As ships typically dock in a destination for up to 12 hours, you are offered a unique opportunity to sample a variety of cultures, cuisines and climates. The best part is after busy days exploring, you can kick back poolside, savour a gourmet meal at the onboard restaurant and enjoy a quiet night in your stateroom, ready to wake up in an exciting new destination and do it all over again.
Cruises make planning a breeze
From the moment you board your cruise, you’re invited to unwind and let your worries float away. With all your dining reservations, transport and activities taken care of, cruises allow you to disconnect from the world. Forget lengthy immigration lines, transportation woes and language barriers. Cruises offer extensive shore excursions led by informative English-speaking tour guides, that tick off all the hotspots that you otherwise might not have had the time or budget to visit.
Visit destinations off the beaten path
Reach destinations that are difficult to access from land, especially if you’re cruising aboard a smaller, custom-built vessel that can dock at smaller ports and traverse narrow waterways. Glide through Canada and Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage with Holland America Cruise Line, navigate the intricate Panama Canal onboard Norwegian Cruise Line or drift past the mesmerising and vast South Pacific Islands with Royal Caribbean. For ultra-luxe, boutique ocean sailings look no further than Silversea and Azamara, while Scenic is your go-to for luxury river cruises.
Gourmet dining
Cruises offer a variety of onboard dining options guaranteed to please everyone, from the fussiest eaters to hard-core gourmands. Your fare almost always includes unlimited dining: choose from buffets, à la carte menus in the main dining rooms and deck-side ice creameries. Where cruises truly excel is in their speciality dining venues. While most speciality dining incurs an additional fee, these sumptuous, upscale eateries are well worth the hype. Indulge in mouthwatering fare with menus curated by celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver Curtis Stone and Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’”’ Matsuhisa in intimate onboard restaurants. Handmade pasta, grilled branzino or sushi lollipops anyone?
Resorts at sea
Modern ships are built with comfort and luxury in mind. From exploring ports to witnessing Tony Award-winning shows and relaxing poolside, you can make the most of every minute without venturing far from your floating resort. With no missed connections, delays or stressors, you are guaranteed to start each day refreshed and renewed, ready to enjoy your holiday.
Onboard activities offer everything from bingo to karaoke, comedy shows and cooking demonstrations. Larger ocean liners house a plethora of family-friendly activities (think waterslides, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf courses, surf simulators and rock-climbing walls, to name a few).
Those in search of relaxation can visit the lavish onboard spas or hit the bars for a nightcap. When it’s time to retreat to your private sanctuary, you’ll find yourself in a modern stateroom with dreamy bedding, tranquil ocean views and world-class amenities.
Cruising is for everyone
There is a cruise itinerary and budget for every traveller. Whether you’re seeking a romantic river cruise down the Seine or want to sail the seven seas, there is a cruise to fulfil your travel dreams. From ultra-luxe boutique cruise liner brands like Silversea, Celebrity and Azamara, to more budget-friendly options like P&O and Carnival Cruise Line, there is a cruise for every price point. When it comes to making memories, families love P&O, Royal Caribbean and Disney for their supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs, and facilities such as waterparks, dodgem cars and family-friendly entertainment. Couples drawn to romantic destinations, who prefer luxurious ships fitted with gourmet dining venues, may find sultry Virgin Voyages and extravagant Celebrity Cruises are the best fit. Norwegian Cruise Line caters to its solo travellers with single studio cabins whilst all large cruise lines cater to large groups, who can spend busy days in a port altogether and evenings enjoying long group dinners.
Looking for more cruising inspiration? Read What to Expect: Disney Cruise Line is Coming to Australia for the First Time Ever.
