Why are cruises such a massive draw?
The allure of the magnificent ocean liner is an incredibly powerful thing. After all, they are an undeniably astounding feat of engineering and the sheer size of them, especially when up close, or better still, as one steps aboard, is awe-inspiring. For some, it is as much the magnetic attraction of the vessel itself as the promise of visiting distant lands that clinches the deal. To experience the magic of gliding seemingly effortlessly in and out of exotic ports and across vast expanses of unfathomable ocean is simply irresistible. Surfing the net for on-line deals and viewing each ship in a company like Caribbean cruises’ fleet only heightens the sense of anticipation in a way even the most stunning land based hospitality venues can’t always manage. All of this is quite understandable when you start to consider the wealth of knowledge, the skill and the craftsmanship that has gone into the building of these majestic queens of the seas. From naval architects and engineers to plumbers, electricians, plasterers, cabinet-makers, interior decorators, flower arrangers and many more, all play an essential role in creating a fully functional, luxury seafarer that will exceed the expectations any holidaymaker’s fantasies. Lines such as NCL cruises have precious reputations to safeguard and go to great lengths to ensure top quality service and total customer satisfaction which of course will encourage passengers to return. These ships have often been termed ‘floating palaces’ and in the case of a line like Cunard cruises, this is no exaggeration.
Looking down on the Library
"Our cabin was a surprise - much more spacious than the pictures in the brochures indicated. There was sufficient storage space in both the main cabin and the bathroom." - O'Keeffe, Bourne End on 16th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)
Safety first
A typical P&O cruises craft can weigh up to a staggering 100,000 tons, measure 300 meters in length and comprise more than a dozen passenger decks with around 1500 staterooms which in turn can accommodate around 3000 passengers as well as more than 1000 crew. All of which is quite mind-boggling and leads one to wonder how they still manage to float. Safety is, of course, a primary concern and in fact, modern ships, as commissioned by MSC cruises, have many precautions in place both in terms of design and practice. The passengers’ safety and peace of mind is paramount if they are to fully relax and take advantage of all the amenities on board. At the point of construction, in order to prevent holes such as that which caused the demise of the Titanic, modern ships have a ‘double bottom’ or second steel layer inside the outer hull. Additionally, there are a number of water-tight compartments so that if there is any flooding, it can be easily contained by sealing off those affected. Naturally, the crew are all highly trained in the safest of work practices and there is always a shipboard infirmary and medical team. Once assured of their personal safety and that of their loved ones, guests can concentrate on luxuriating in the very best the hospitality industry has to offer. Those who are particularly interested in learning more about the internal workings of these villages at sea can try requesting a peek behind the scenes.
Preparing to leave Southampton
"The daily trip, included in the holiday cost, was equally enjoyable and you were given bottled water each time you left the ship." - Lomax, Aston Clinton on 16th Jun 2009 (Peter Deilmann)
Cutting edge design in combination with the utmost in fuctionality
You will no doubt be amazed to see how much goes on below deck to ensure everything goes swimmingly. A glimpse inside one of the kitchens (or galleys, as they are known on ships) is a memorable experience. Princess cruises, for example, have up to 100 cooks and chefs per vessel preparing meals for thousands three times a day. Everything needs to run like clockwork to get meals out on time and that means having a workspace that has been carefully planned with ingenious space-saving devices. Anyone who is thinking of having a new kitchen fitted at home can’t fail to come away inspired by some of the creative solutions shipboard like handy pull-out larders and wire baskets which are built not only to maximize space but also to last, durability being paramount given the amount of battering they’ll have be subjected to. Space, of course, is at a premium in all quarters of the ship but when it comes to passenger accommodation, whether cabin, stateroom or suite, there are many ways designers can give the impression of spaciousness without forgoing comfort or compromising the elegant décor, be it traditional or contemporary. This is done by devising clever storage and nifty accessories, much as in stylish domestic bedrooms and bathrooms. These days it is possible to reserve an entire family apartment replete with mood lighting so there is no chance of feeling claustrophobic, especially given that Royal Caribbean cruises and others have liners which feature airy atriums and grandiose wood-panelled ballrooms.
Standard cabin
"The ship was fantastic. The hightlight was the attentive and friendly cabin staff(Pandi) who even decorated the cabin on her birthday." - Burton, Filey on 16th Jun 2009 (Thomson Cruises)
Spoilt for choice
Ocean liners have certainly come a long way since their inception and are becoming bigger and more sophisticated every year. Whether you want a serene and soothing voyage or an action-packed, party atmosphere, an online search of cruises from Southampton will supply you with ample options. Most people probably want a degree of both and that too is easy enough to pin down. Having brought up a company website, click on the ‘Our ships’ tab to get an overview of the amenities and general ambiance aboard. Next look at ‘Activities’ and if you are new to this type of holiday, you will be truly stunned at what is on offer. Fred Olsen cruises, for one, features on-deck jogging tracks and lavish spas. Others provide rock-climbing walls, mini golf courses and even ice rinks along with the customary pools and casinos. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could tear themselves away from all this, but of course the beauty of the package is that it’s all still there waiting for you at the end of a brief foray on land. Celebrity cruises’ itineraries, like those of many companies, are highly likely to cover whatever part of the world you’d most like to see. The tricky part is narrowing down the options. One thing that helps first-timers and old hands alike is to get the benefit of other people’s experiences either in person or on one of the many online forums which have sprung up before you go ahead and book.
Ship in port
"The experience was a delight from begining to end. The cabins were wonderfully well equipped and spacious." - Broad, S Gloucestershire on 16th Jun 2009 (Peter Deilmann)