What is a cruise holiday?
Cruise Ships today are floating resorts in their own right offering a chance to relax and unwind in comfortable surroundings, with attentive service, excellent food, and a variety of entertainment to suit everyone.
It is virtually a hassle-free, and, more importantly, a crime-free holiday.
Everything is close to hand and there are always polite people to assist you.
A cruise provides great value for money, variety (in ship size, destinations, facilities, cuisine, entertainment, activities and shore excursions). A ship changes the scenery for you, providing the unique opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and overall, provides the ingredients for a wonderful holiday for everyone, whatever your age.
Where can I go on a cruise?
There are over 30,000 different cruises to choose from each year, and about 2,000 cruise destinations in the world. A cruise can also take you to places inaccessible by almost any other means, such as Antarctica, the North Cape, the South Sea islands, and so on. In fact, if you close your eyes and think of almost anywhere in the world where there’s water, there’s probably a cruise ship or river vessel to take you there. The Mediterranean is by far the most popular overall cruise destination, followed by the Caribbean. Wherever you want to go The Co-operative Travel Cruises will find the cruise for you…
How long can I go for?
The duration of a cruise can vary from 2 nights (mini/sampler cruise) to over 100 nights for an “A round the World” cruise. However long you have and depending on your budget, The Co-operative Travel Cruises can help you find the perfect cruise to suit your needs. And if you want to stay longer in a particular place, we can make all the arrangements for a pre or post cruise stay in the area of your choice.
Who can go?
Cruising has something for everyone. There are cabins available for single travelers as well as for couples and families. Many ships also have well equipped spacious cabins to accommodate guests with special needs such as wheel chairs.
The Co-operative Travel Cruises also has a dedicated team dealing with group enquiries, so if you are going with all your friends and family to celebrate a special occasion or you are a member of a special interest group, such as dancing, bridge, WI, or golf, just let us know and we will negotiate a special package for your group.
What about children?
It’s no surprise that cruising has always been a holiday with parent-appeal because so much more is included in the price than the equivalent land-based holiday.
A cruise provides families with more quality time than any other type of holiday (family cruising is the largest growth segment in the cruise industry). Activities and kids clubs are tailored to various age groups and many cruise lines have made considerable effort to cater for children of all ages. In addition, a cruise is educational, allows children to interact in a safe, crime-free environment, and takes them to destinations in comfortable and familiar surroundings. In fact, children have such a good time aboard ship and ashore, you may have difficulty getting them home after the cruise (if you choose the right ship). And you as parents, single parent, or grandparents will get time to enjoy life, too.
If you are traveling without children several cruise lines offer child-free sailings.
Should I worry about security?
Cruise lines are subject to stringent international safety and security standards. A cruise ship provides a secure, controlled environment with limited access (far different to resort hotels on land); it’s rather like having a building with 24-hour security. Passengers and crew can embark or disembark only by passing through a security checkpoint. You will be far more secure aboard a cruise ship than almost anywhere on land.
Cost of cruising
Isn’t cruising expensive?
Compare what it would cost on land to have all your meals and entertainment provided, as well as transportation, fitness and sport facilities, social activities, educational talks, parties, and other functions, and you can see the incredible value of a cruise. Also, many cruise lines offer free child places so booking early is definitely recommended for families. There are price choices ranging from basic to luxury, so give yourself a holiday budget, call The Co-operative Travel Cruises and let us take care of things for you.
How does a cruise compare with an all-inclusive land holiday?
When compared realistically, a cruise is by far the better value. In general, aboard any cruise ship, service levels are higher, staff are friendlier and better trained, there is more variety of food and drink, and a cruise can take you to several destinations all in one holiday (a land-based resort can’t do that).
What’s included in the price?
The price includes: your accommodation (cabin), all meals and snacks (including spectacular midnight buffets on some ships), all daytime shipboard activities, night-time entertainment, fitness centers, swimming pools, feature films, and much more!
What’s not included in the price?
Things you will need extra money for include: Shore excursions, drinks, spa treatments, hairdressers, tips (gratuities), laundry & dry cleaning, gambling, duty free shops. Many ships now offer specialist alternative restaurants which may require a cover charge.
How does pricing work?
Prices are per person and calculated based on the assumption that two people will be sharing one cabin. Therefore, if you choose to travel on your own, you are likely to incur a supplement for single occupancy. Please ask us, as single fares are available but they do vary and single cabins are limited on most ships. We do get special offers for singles from time to time so keep checking our website and newsletters.
Some other questions
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is very rare on larger cruise ships. Modern cruise ships are now equipped with stabilizers which are designed to minimize the feeling of movement. In addition, the availability of accurate weather forecasting and the development of effective preventative medications have gone a long way to eliminate motion sickness.
Can I stay in touch with home?
Quite easily in this day of modern technology. Nearly all cruise ships provide a television in your cabin and will generally be connected to at least one international news channel and other local/international channels depending on satellite reception. You will also be kept up to date with a daily news sheet produced onboard, providing a summary of headline stories from major UK newspapers. Aboard many ships, e-mail facilities have now been added to some degree or other. Several ships now have an Internet café or Internet centre where you can log on and check your e-mails but charges apply for using this service. There are also telephones provided in your cabin but please be aware and check the rates you will be charged before you call home.
Most mobile telephones will work whilst in port or ashore, please check with your service provider regarding charges and network coverage.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any land based holiday. Cruises are casual by day, whether you are on the ship or on shore. In the evening, ships dress codes vary according to which cruise line you choose and your preferred style of cruising. If you don’t like dressing up in formal evening wear then don’t. Remember there are cruise ships to suit everyone’s taste, just ask our Cruise advisors who will be only too happy to help.
Isn’t cruising just for the older generation?
Not at all – the average age of passengers gets younger by the year. Although on longer duration cruises or a world cruise you can expect to meet retired young at heart people who have found cruising to be a safe way to travel the world, the average age of first-time passengers is now under the age of 40.
On a typical cruise you’ll meet singles, couples, and families with children of all ages (including single parents and grand parents), honeymooners, second-or third-time honeymooners, groups of friends, and even wedding parties for people who have chosen to tie the knot at sea.
Will I be bored?
Certainly not – There’s way too much to do, see, explore and experience (day and night).
What is the smoking policy?
Smoking policies vary by cruise line in terms of designated smoking areas. In all cases, smoking is not permitted in food service areas, restaurants or show lounges. Fire is the biggest hazard at sea, so great care is taken to explain to you onboard, where you can smoke and how to dispose of your cigarettes.
What is the alcohol policy?
Passengers are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages onto the ship. They can be purchased in the ships gift shop or in ports of call but will be retained by the cruise line until the end of your cruise. A wide choice of wine, beer, champagne and mixed drinks are available on-board. American ships do not permit the consumption of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
What about tipping?
It is customary, on the majority of ships, to offer tips to staff as appreciation for good service and attention, as a way of saying ‘Thank you’. On most cruise ships tips are expected from all passengers and form an essential part of the crew’s remuneration.
The traditional way of tipping is providing cash in envelopes at the end of your cruise for your dining room waiter, his assistant and your cabin steward. However, some lines automatically add tips to your shipboard account at a fixed rate as this method of tipping is becoming more appropriate with flexible dining where you may have different restaurant staff each evening. Tipping policies vary depending on the cruise line and guidelines can be found in the back of cruise line brochures or alternatively call one of our expert cruise advisors for further details.
Cabin facilities
Most cabins provide the following:
Private bathroom with shower, washbasin, and toilet (toiletries and towels provided)
Electrical outlets for personal appliances, usually 110 and/or 220 volts (varies according to cruise line).
Multi-channel radio, TV with satellite news and films.
Telephone, for inter-cabin or ship to shore communication.
Vanity area and hairdryer
Clothes storage area with hangers
Tea & Coffee making facilities (varies according to cruise line)
Personal Safe
Refrigerator (varies according to cruise line)
Dining/Cuisine
The most talked about aspect of any cruise experience…
Cruise ships traditionally have 2 sittings for dinner – the first around 6.30pm and the second around 8.30pm. At the start of your cruise you are assigned a table by the Maitre d’ and have the same waiter staff and companions for dinner each evening.
Many cruise lines now offer open seating dining, which simply means that you can sit at any available table, with whomever you wish, at whatever time you choose (within dining room opening hours). So, just turn up, and you’ll be seated.
Food is available in abundance and the quality, presentation and choice of menu is of the highest standard. If you are on a special diet don’t worry, the Chef will cater for most needs such as vegetarian, diabetic, gluten free, low calorie etc: just advise us at the time you book your cruise holiday. Along with the main restaurant there are lots of other dining options available from themed buffets to poolside grills offering simple hamburgers and hotdogs. And if that’s not enough, you can always order room service, at no extra cost.
Whatever your preference food is available almost 24 hours a day so be prepared to gain a few pounds.
Medical Service
Almost every cruise ship provides a medical center with health care professionals on-board to handle first aid, general medical problems and emergencies. Please be aware that any visit to the ships Doctor for medical advice will incur a consultation fee along with the cost of any prescribed medicines. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, inform the cruise line at the time of booking. Also ensure that you have adequate travel insurance as medical costs can soon escalate if you are unexpectedly hospitalized whilst abroad.
Entertainment
Every day you will receive a daily program detailing all activities and entertainment on-board the ship. This will normally be delivered to your cabin the evening before the day that it covers. Every evening there will be West End/Broadway style shows in the main theatre, along with Comedians, Singers and guest artists. Other bars and lounges throughout the ship will also provide various activities and entertainment from Karaoke to Classical Trio’s, or if you simply just want to relax and unwind then why not try a cocktail in one of the more intimate bars. Many activities are also available during the day and may include: Card games, ice carving demonstrations, pub quizzes, Bingo, sports competitions, cooking demonstrations, flower arranging, and lots more. There is also a whole activity program for children of different age groups.
Shore Excursions
Many cruise lines provide a detailed program of their shore excursions and will usually provide you with a booklet prior to your cruise so you can choose to pre-book tours if you wish. If you want to explore on your own and go independent of the ships tours you are entirely free to do so. If you don’t want to go ashore and wish to relax by the pool, then that’s fine too.
Baggage Allowance
One of the advantages of sailing in and out of a UK port means you can take as much luggage as you like as there are no baggage restrictions. If you book a fly-cruise however, airline baggage restrictions will apply and this will vary according to the carrier, check at the time of booking.
Other on-board facilities
Due to the size and variety of ships available, on-board facilities will vary accordingly.
Generally most of them will have: swimming pool, gymnasium, spa, library, computer room, restaurants, show lounges, bars, nightclub, photo gallery, gift shops, children’s play areas, and casino. On many of the new super liners you may also find: climbing wall, ice skating rink, running track, 9 hole putting course, golf simulator, table tennis, ten pin bowling, surf pool and even giant scalextric.