Why choose a cruise?
There's never been a better time to try cruising.
The shipbuilding boom which started in the late 1980s has created a huge number of new ships and stiff competition, particularly in the UK - which is the world's second-biggest cruise market after the United States. So prices are now more affordable than ever.
There's never been a better time to try cruising.
The shipbuilding boom which started in the late 1980s has created a huge number of new ships and stiff competition, particularly in the UK - which is the world's second-biggest cruise market after the United States. So prices are now more affordable than ever.
And because cruises include more elements - like food and entertainment - than most land-based holidays, they offer excellent value for money.
They're also the world's most convenient touring holiday, taking you to a range of destinations in one 'hit' - without the hassle of lugging baggage around, fretting about timetables or enduring the stress of driving.
Picking the right ship
There are many styles of cruise ship and even more destinations you can explore on a cruise, and at fi rst glance this can be a frightening prospect for a newcomer to holidays at sea.
But in reality, it's no harder to choose a cruise than any other type of holiday.
There are just two simple steps.
First, ask yourself a few questions to establish exactly what your requirements are.
Then let one of Thomas Cook's cruise consultants guide you to the right ship, style of cruise and destination for your needs.
Then let one of Thomas Cook's cruise consultants guide you to the right ship, style of cruise and destination for your needs.
BUDGET ships are generally older, mid-sized vessels, offered at low prices to tempt traditional 'bucket-and-spade' holidaymakers to try cruising.
Budget ship operators include Ocean Village, Thomson Cruises and Island Cruises.
Who will enjoy them? Families and couples on a budget who nonetheless enjoy a bit of style; these ships can appeal to traditionalists who find bigger 'resorts at sea' a bit intimidating.
In recent years, these older ships have lost some ground to a new CONTEMPORARY category of big, modern ships with room for up to 4,000-plus passengers.
Still affordably priced (though more expensive than the Budget ships), these 'floating resorts' offer large-scale facilities including multiple bars and restaurants, extensive gyms, vast spas, a range of swimming pools, open-air ballgame courts and imaginative children's centres.
Some of the most recent also feature groundbreaking innovations like mini golf courses, ice rinks, rock climbing walls and surfi ng pools, so they're a great choice for families, sporty types and people who like plenty of activities to choose from on holiday.
Contemporary ship operators include Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Who will enjoy them? Families, fun lovers, sporty types, the young and the young at heart - anyone who likes the idea of being on a big city afl oat and able to do as much or as little as they like will love these ships.
The next category, PREMIUM ships are often equally large scale but more exclusive - and expensive - than Contemporary vessels as they carry fewer passengers and generally offer better quality food and service, more unusual itineraries and /or onboard 'cultural' programmes led by expert lecturers.
Increasingly, the larger Premium ships offer higher-spending passengers extra perks like concierge and butler service, designer bathroom toiletries and fine bedlinen.
Not all Premium ships are big, though: some smaller specialist vessels - like sailing ships - are classed as Premium because they offer an unusual onboard experience.
Premium ship operators include P&O Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity, Fred Olsen, Windstar Cruises, Star Clippers and Orient Lines.
Who will enjoy them? Travellers who want bigship facilities but don't like to share them with too many other people; Those in search of an offbeat experience (eg a sailing ship cruise) or those keen on exploring art, history, botany and other subjects with the help of expert lecturers.
At the very top end of the cruise market, LUXURY is the final category.
Luxury cruise ships range from just over 4,000 tons to nearly 70,000 tons and can carry as few as 100 passengers or as many as 1,100. All offer exclusivity, elegance, and top-class service to clients wealthy enough to avoid travelling en masse.
That said, you needn't be a millionaire to afford a luxury cruise. If you can afford the top suite on a Premium ship, the lowest-grade suite on a Luxury ship is within your reach - and most luxury ships include 'extras' like onboard wine, drinks, gratuities and even some shore excursions in the price.
Luxury ship operators include Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Hebridean International, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Lines. Who will enjoy them? Anyone with the cash to buy some panache! Read all the story H E R E ....
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