The popularity of cruises is increasing year on year, with the Caribbean still remaining the cruise destination of choice. The number of cruise passengers last year was a massive 16 million, with 1.77 million coming from the UK. Cruise liners are still keen to attract tourists away from conventional package holidays of sun and sea.
The ability to travel to a variety of different destinations in one holiday and experience different cultures is cited as a real selling point for cruise holidays. More importantly, the cost of cruising is dropping as ships become bigger and more economical. Cruise liners are now able to market themselves as an affordable holiday option, often leading with terms such as ‘cheap cruises’.
As well as dropping prices for cruises holidays, liners have become organised ‘themed’ cruises. USA Today recently published an article discussing the wide range of themed cruises now available to holiday makers: ‘theme cruises make it possible to sail with like-minded folks who share your passion for, well, nearly anything, immersing yourself in camaraderie, learning, workshops and fun, often accompanied by top-notch lecturers. The gamut of themes runs from ballroom dancing, baseball, jazz, gardening, quilting to culinary cruises.’
One of the more unusual themed cruise holidays taking place this year, is a ‘Titanic’ cruise being organised by the Azamara cruise line. The cruise will leave New York on 10th April and be at the location of the Titanic wreck by April 14th to conduct a memorial service for all those who perished on the ship. The ship will have a range of Titanic ‘experts’ on board to deliver lectures and Titanic related events for the passengers. The ship will also stop off at Halifax and Nova Scotia and passengers will have the opportunity to visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where victims of the Titanic were buried.
For those who don’t fancy a trip on the Atlantic Ocean, there are plenty of other options closer to home. The Azamara is sailing a ship for gardening buffs in May, a ‘Chelsea Flower Show Voyage,’ sailing from Amsterdam to Southampton and stopping at horticultural showcases on the way in Rouen and Paris.
Another alternative is a Jazz themed cruise in the Fjords ending in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. For Jazz enthusiasts, this is a particularly attractive option as it includes a visit to the famous Molde International Jazz festival.
Cruising has obviously moved a long way from the image of retired women in sequins and shoulder pads. Whether opting for the common choice of a Caribbean cruise or being perhaps more adventurous with a themed holiday, there’s a good chance that you will find something that ‘floats your boat.’