Taking a cruise is one of the most relaxing vacations available to individuals, couples and families around the world. Traveling by sea has a soothing effect and a cruise ship is a one-stop destination that can take you to different countries.
Another great benefit of this form of holiday is its convenience. You just need to book your tour and once you’re on board, everything is planned for you. There’s no need to find a hotel and restaurant or think about what activities to do. A special formal dinner is even organized in an elegant setting and most ships offer a nightly entertainment show for its guests.
The cruise industry enjoys a yearly passenger growth rate of 7 percent and this trend is predicted to remain through 2018. This growth rate is attributed to the existence of larger ships including the Holiday Cruise Line, more local ports, more destinations and new activities offered both on board and on shore.
The competition is tighter these days with each cruise line focusing on specific aspects of a vacation. These include entertainment, food and dining establishments. Tourism and travel experts are also seeing an addition of dining venues on board ships. The focus today is on providing more choices to passengers to allow them to enjoy a culinary treat.
In terms of destinations, cruise lines such as the Holiday Cruise Line normally follow their usual route with some adding new places in their itinerary.
Related: Go On A Cruise ALONE!
Holiday Cruise Line is a trusted company that helps individuals and families book exciting, family friendly cruises and vacations at affordable rates. The best cruises are the ones you take with family. no matter where you go, or where what you do, the truth is as long as you’re spending time with your family, a cruise is going to be special and bring joy to your family, according to a Holiday Cruise Line representative.
And where is the absolute best cruise destination? The Caribbean is always one of the most popular destinations. St. Martin, St. John, Antigua St. Thomas, and Santa Cruz just to name a few are some of the most picturesque archipelagos in the entire world. And the fact they’re so close to Florida makes going on cruises one of the most exciting things you can do with your family, the representative added.
Hot Destinations for 2014
Cruisecritic.com reveals that Asia, Bordeaux and the Panama Canal are this year’s top destinations. American cruise lines are targeting Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Australian travelers thereby offering tours in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Indonesia and Singapore.
In Hong Kong, cruise ships dock at the Kai Tak terminal which opened last year. It is a world class facility that accommodates two large ships and with famous attractions nearby.
Singapore is considered an oasis in Southeast Asia. It boasts of modern infrastructures, a very clean surrounding and lots of unique attractions notably in Sentosa, Orchard Road and in the colonial district. It is a popular cruise destination for day-long port calls or for disembarkation.
Tokyo welcomes cruise ships at its Yokohama port. The port is easily accessible to Japan’s capital city by train. Yokohama itself is a popular tourist destination featuring a mix of the old and the modern culture.
River cruises are also popular these days and those who want to explore the major rivers in Asia can enjoy a cruise along the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia as well as the Irrawaddy River in Burma.
In the European continent, the wine producing region of Bordeaux is considered a top river cruise destination. Situated in the southwestern coast of France, Bordeaux has the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde rivers where cruises take visitors to the area’s finest wine regions and give them an opportunity to savor different types of wine.
In the Americas, the Panama Canal cruise is strongly recommended more so that the centennial of this world famous passage is coming.
Booking Tips
Summer is the best time to go on a cruise vacation. If you plan to do this, it is important to choose the right cruise line, ship and itinerary. You can do a little research on the internet from various resources or do some comparison shopping on a website dedicated to cruises.
Certain factors should also be considered when planning for your holiday. Decide on the style of cruise line you prefer because each have their own unique theme. The Disney cruise, for instance, is ideal for families while the Celebrity cruise offers a more mature and luxurious atmosphere. The Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, focuses on offering activities on board and on shore.
Consider the season of your destinations as well. Cruises in the north are normally available from late spring to early autumn while those in warmer climates run all year round.
The length of the cruise tour and your budget are also important considerations. Keep in mind that the longer the cruise, the more expensive it gets.