Planning a holiday is almost always exciting. Choosing where to go, how long to spend away, buying new things and deciding what to do while you are away add to the wonderful sense of anticipation.
As with all leisure activities, choosing where and how to holiday is a deeply personal decision and what would be heaven for one person is hell for another. If you are planning to take a cruise, the same level of decision making applies. Do not be fooled into thinking there is a one-size-fits-all cruise out there. Some people are looking for quiet relaxation, gentle activities and plenty of private time and space. Others prefer to stay up late, make new friends or take part in more strenuous activities. There is no right or wrong way; in the same way some people prefer a beach and others prefer skiing, different types of cruise suit different types of people.
Your own tailor-made holiday
So, how do you select what’s right for you? The best place to start is by listing everything that you are looking for from your break. Are you going alone, as part of a couple or with friends and family? The chances are couples are looking for something a little more romantic and private, while those with young families will likely want activities and entertainment for their little ones.
Cruises are rated using the standard five-star system, with the more high-end luxury cruises rated five star and the less deluxe ones rated lower. That’s not to say that a five-star cruise is going to be the best one for you. If you’re seeking fun, adventure and activity, the luxury of a five-star ship won’t matter as much.
Food on board is another criterion to think about. Cruise ships are well known for offering delicious, copious amounts of food, but again which you choose should depend on your personal circumstances. Superior service and the finest ingredients may well appeal if you are travelling with a partner, for example, but if you are travelling alone or with children, you may want something a little less formal.
Where to go?
Of course, you also need to think carefully about your destination. Does the Caribbean take your fancy, or maybe the Mediterranean? Perhaps you’d prefer to tour the Balkans. Cruise ships travel all over the world, stopping off at various destinations so you can explore. Think carefully about how you’d like to spend your time off the ship, where you would like to visit and what sort of day trips are on offer. Think about the time of year you would like to go to ensure that you have a good chance of enjoying the best weather. As with most holidays, costs tend to vary at different times of the year too, so it’s a good idea to have a budget in mind before you book.
Once you’ve made your wish list the fun really begins! Depending on how you prefer to book, you can search online or visit your travel agent and explore all the options open to you. Then it’s just a case of booking and looking forward to the exciting adventures to come.
