Whatever destination you choose, cruising is a fantastic opportunity to visit a variety of destinations within a relatively short space of time. This is advantageous in many ways; you have five-star luxury on board the ship, and you have ample time on-shore to visit each resort or island with plenty of time to take a tour or simply laze on the beach or sightsee and shop. 

A cruising holiday offers so much more than a one-stop destination, and can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you choose. Major cruise ships are equipped with everything that the very best hotels can offer, as well as allowing you to visit a variety of locations.

Between destinations you will find there is much to do on the ship.  Choose from a variety of great activities and workshops, including everything from origami to ice sculpture, deck games like giant chess, quoits and French boules, kids activities and plenty of fun in the pool. Sample some fine cuisine and wines in one of the many restaurants and cafes, or enjoy a poolside snack.  If you like to read and relax, you can visit the quiet and well-stocked library. Whether you are looking for an active holiday, some exploration or just some lazy days, a cruise will not disappoint.  In the evenings the entertainment continues, and after dinner you can choose from soft jazz clubs, ballroom dancing, discos, shows, games, the casino or movies under the stars. There are also regular theme nights for guests to enjoy.

Weddings are common sights on board as many couples now opt for a wedding at sea. Those celebrating that special anniversary or birthday also choose to cruise as cruise packages have become more affordable and represent great value, offering some wonderful memories to cherish forever.

There are several famous cruise lines that have great programmes for kids. These programmes can prove extremely beneficial to both parents and children. Not only do some of them offer to take care of children under the age of three for free, they also offer great hands-on programmes. Many of these interaction programmes can be found specifically on family themed cruise ships. These particular programmes promote fun through learning via arts and crafts and science experiments. Young children will be overwhelmed with the numerous activities courtesy of Fisher Price and Crayola, while the older kids can participate in events such as toga parties, computer stations, rock climbing walls, video arcades, ice skating and rollerblading.

Of course there are other famous cruise lines that cater to families with children who range from the ages of 4 to 12 years, but almost anyone of any age will appreciate a family themed cruise. Kids on a family cruise are treated to numerous activities and entertainment. There are also a great many pools, interactive games and theatres to enjoy. Most cruise lines also have a nursery for children under the age of four years.

Finding great family cruise deals is easy as there are many ships that also cater to teens by offering them a mix of educational and entertaining activities that include trivia challenges, scavenger hunts, teen discos, video games, arts and crafts and a video wall. Younger kids can also participate in a number of great activities such as sing alongs, bingo and colouring contests.

For those who have never cruised before, the thought of staying on a ship is particularly exciting.  The typical hotel or holiday apartment is replaced by a spacious cabin.  Additionally, cruise ships have excellent facilities for you to enjoy whilst you are on board.  A cruise is also a great way to meet new people and have a lot of fun.
 
The ship will have all the facilities that you would in expect in a land based resort.  There are restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, spas and fitness centres, swimming pools, casinos and even ice skating rinks.  Additionally, there are activities geared especially towards children and teenagers.

Holiday cruises are renowned for their catering.  People can choose to dine in the ship’s restaurant or to have a snack in one the on board cafes.  Usually the variety of food available is phenomenal.

Holiday cruise deals can be enjoyed anywhere in the world.  There are often shore excursions for when the ship pulls into port.  You may decide to go on one of the organised tours, or, if time permits, hire a car and spread your wings further in the place you have docked.

Some packages included return flights to the port from which you embark.  Free parking is often included for those arriving at the port by car.

Imagine cruising on honeymoon.  How much more romantic could it be – days in the sun and evenings under the stars – a perfect start to your new life together?

Imagine cruising in celebration of that special anniversary.  What better way to have fun on your special day than to spend it en route to the Bahamas, the fjords or the Greek islands?

Imagine cruising with the whole family.  With so many on-board activities even the most energetic children cannot become bored and for the older ones, there are poolside activities and games by the score – more than enough to keep your teenager occupied and happy that they did come on holiday with Mum and Dad after all!

Imagine cruising after working really hard all year. A cruise is the perfect place to forget the rat race, the daily commute, the targets, the customers, the stress and the strain – take it easy and relax doing a lot or doing nothing at all.  On a cruise your time is your own – wristwatch optional.

Imagine cruising after graduation.  What better way to celebrate your entry into your chosen profession than a few days or weeks of utter relaxation?  Gym, sports, pools, Jacuzzi and spa are on tap as well as some terrific destinations and luxurious living.  Why say no?

One of the best ways to get a good deal is to search for budget cruise lines.  Choosing a cheaper ship may mean that you have fewer amenities and slightly less luxurious surroundings, but it is still possible to have an excellent holiday on one of these vessels.  You may also find that opting for an older ship from one of the more expensive lines gets you a better deal.  Remember to keep an eye out for special offers and promotions from cruise lines and travel agents.

Another way to save money is to go away for a shorter period of time.  A two week cruise on a luxury cruise line might be out of your budget, but you may well be able to afford a shorter voyage for a week or five nights. This is a great way to get the experience of sailing on a luxury cruise liner without breaking the bank.

Finally, consider travelling out of peak season as this can be a really good way to find cheap cruises.  Sailing around the Caribbean in the autumn, for example, will be considerably cheaper than doing so in the middle of spring or summer, and winter is a great time to get a good deal in the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean cruise deals, on the other hand, offer travellers a wide variety of sights and activities. While they may certainly include some world famous and beautiful beach locations on their interesting itineraries, a lot of the time these cruises are truly fantastic for the fascinating culture and the history of this exotic and beautiful part of the world. There will be so much to see and the shore excursions to ancient cities and ruins, museums and churches will delight anyone who has ever wanted to go see what the Mediterranean has to offer.

River cruises are also increasingly available from many companies.  A river cruise allows tourists to travel with small numbers of fellow shipmates.  Ships that cruise up and down the world’s rivers provide comfortable accommodation, and unlike their larger cousins, they stay close to shore at all times.  This means that tourists have the opportunity to sightsee in more towns and cities than is possible when traveling on an ocean liner.  Typical river cruises may make up to three shore calls each day.

A representative river cruise is the River Shannon Cruise offered by European Waterways.  This river is the longest one in the British Isles and crosses through a full third of Ireland’s counties as well as three provinces.  Interspersed with frequent lakes, it provides travellers with an idyllic and relaxed atmosphere and allows them to get to know Ireland without feeling rushed through it.

Another popular option is a cruise through the canals of France, a nation with almost three thousand miles of inland rivers and waterways.  Tourists in southern France can travel from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean without ever resorting to land means if they take a French canals cruise.

Many of the Mediterranean cruises begin at the Port of Civitavecchia in Rome. Almost all major cruise lines operate out of Rome or Venice for Mediterranean cruises. Since cruise line companies recommend arrival in the port city a day or two before departure, this is a lovely time to discover the rich history and culture of Italy.

Here are some of the most enchanting destinations in the Mediterranean region:

Athens, Greece: The seat of Greek history and philosophical debate, Athens is home to the ancient site of the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch.

Barcelona, Spain: Enjoy the age-old traditions of Spanish culture set amidst the bustle of the modern world.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: A World Heritage site with a land tour of the city and its ancient medieval walls.

Istanbul, Turkey: Discover the beauty of the Sultan’s Topkapi Palace and marvel at the incredible Blue Mosque.

Seville, Cadiz, Spain: Southern Spain’s cultural centre must be visited for archaeological treasures and historical landmarks.

For a more intimate cruise, board one of Windstar Cruises’ tall-masted sailing vessels and explore the many wonders of unspoiled beauty and Mediterranean sea breezes throughout the Greek Islands.

Most cruise lines offer Mediterranean Sea cruises, including Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

First, it is important to find both a cruise and an itinerary that are kid-friendly. Larger vessels that travel on ocean cruises are better suited to children. Smaller vessels used for river cruises typically do not have any children’s’ facilities. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises generally offer the most activities and programmes for children.

One option is to consider a suite or connecting rooms when booking a cruise. This is an ideal option for older children who may appreciate some privacy. Most cabins have additional berths that can comfortably accommodate younger children. Parents may also wish to find out if a crib may be placed in the cabin.

Larger ships will have dedicated areas where children’s’ activities take place. Usually, the kids are divided up into different age groups to allow for more age-appropriate activities. These typically include crafts, games, and musical activities. Teenagers may have dedicated clubhouses of their own with video games, computers, and possibly discos. There are often special, supervised shore excursions available for kids.

An advantage to having access to children’s’ programmes is that some run until late at night, which is helpful if adults plan to attend a show. Group child minding for a small fee per child is also standard on most ships. This is often treated as a slumber party to make the experience more fun for the kids.

Choosing the right Caribbean cruise is almost as much fun as getting there. The weather is beautiful almost all year long and the different islands offer a background of diverse cultures in their everyday life.

The architecture, attitudes, customs and music are all coloured by the native tropical climate and physical landscape. While some island life is based on colonial standards, others are more influenced by the heritage of African slaves and native indigenous tribes.

Barbados is most closely associated with British colonialism. Carefully preserved, many island landmarks are a history lesson come to life. Antigua still feels the colonial influences, but there is a much more laid-back approach to life on this island.

Jamaica, on the other hand, is passionately self-sufficient and more closely influenced by post-colonial island life, where colourful Rastafarians blend seamlessly into a modern world with a few remaining staid British customs.

There are Dutch elements that flavour the lifestyle of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba, although American influences are creeping into island life. Guadeloupe is the island of African and French influences with the emphasis on French customs and culture.

Nearby Puerto Rico is a hybrid of Spanish and American lifestyles with modern, teeming cities on the coastline and a simpler, more rural life in the interior. The Dominican Republic is almost the exact opposite; largely undeveloped, except for the city of Santa Domingo, it is a throwback to native tribal life.