Get the most out of your next cruise
Cruise Academy Tips.
Having just returned from an inspiring travel conference and another specialist cruise training day I felt it might be useful to pass on some of my hard earned knowledge!
There is no doubt that if you love cruising you will likely have done multiple cruises and if you are lucky the enjoyment levels of each exceeded your first experience each time.
However, if you are finding the initial excitement is starting to lose it’s shine then maybe it is time you re-think the cruise that you book.
Consider some of these tips before you decide on your next cruise and speak to a consultant that is not only CLIA trained but whom has tried a variety of cruise experiences!
- Start with the time of travel
If you have taken a cruise holiday at the same time every year or in the same season consider mixing it up a bit. Look at a different hemisphere or simply change your travel month to open up a choice of destinations.
- Destination
All cruising does not need to be tropical and summer destinations. One of my favourites and most awe-inspiring trips was to Alaska and the scenery and experience was breathtaking. The Baltic, Galapagos, Artic and Antarctica are all high on my bucket list!
- Choose a new cruise line
Cruise lines have many different offerings from the ships they operate to where they source their staff. Some focus on service, luxury, activities, adventure, cultural immersion and a myriad of other experiences.
But don’t keep comparing back to your all time favourite cruise line if you choose to travel with another. Embrace what they offer and the benefits it provides. So often travellers allow their past experiences to colour the new however, you may not choose to do that type of cruise again so don’t waste the moment!
- Cruising experiences
The type of ship is important when you want to try something new. For example, if you have been on-board a cruise line that carries 4,000 passengers perhaps consider a ship that may take half that number. If you are use to a large ocean liner perhaps look at a small ship that is able to enter smaller ports therefore offering different excursions and ambiance on board. Consider the popularity of the cruise line with different nationalities, if it offers more educational opportunities or more active options like the expedition ships that focus on destination and experience rather than luxury accommodations. Alternatives may be a river cruise or hands on sailing experience with the likes of Star Clipper tall ships that might only take 170 guests.
- Cruise with friends
I love this style of cruising where you are with a group of friends from a club or just your normal social scene. We are seeing more family groups as well with three or four generations sharing the cruising experience.
Other group departures are interest based. For example do you love wine or culinary experiences? There are many cruises that will take you to a number of specialty wine regions for exclusive excursions and on-board you can enjoy meals designed by the chefs with wine parings and other activities based around this interest. There are so many choices of cruises offering music themes, history based voyages or a vast array of special interests to enhance the cruise experience...you will be amazed at the choices!
- Shore Excursions
Ask your advisor to arrange a special experience with perhaps a private guide and not just the standard offering of the cruise lines. Shore excursions can be customised to allow you to discover new destinations with your interests and passions in mind.
- In addition to cruise line loyalty clubs Virtuoso also offers an enhancement program with exclusive value added amenities on hundreds of sailings. Enjoy the camaraderie of like minded guests, an on-board host, unique shore experiences and on-board special receptions. Enquire with me about these special sailings.
I have been fortunate enough to enjoy cruises on the following lines in addition to the numerous ship inspections I have done in port.
Star Cruises - Cunard - Holland America - Royal Caribbean - Star Clippers - Fred Olsen Cruises - P&O Cruises - Cruise & Maritime Voyages - Classic International Cruises - Captain Cook Cruises - Blue Funnel Line
Stay tuned for my next adventure in November '16 on the newly launched Ovation of the Seas on her inaugural voyage into Australian waters. In the meantime, feel free to contact me so I may help you plan your next fabulous cruise experience!