Have you ever been on a cruise? The number of UK people taking a cruise in 2015 hit an all-time high, and with all of the major cruise companies investing in bigger and better ships to serve the UK market, this number is set to rise. So if you’ve never considered a cruise holiday, perhaps it’s the time to set sail on your next holiday.

Average Age Falling

Industry statistics prove that the average age of a cruise passenger is falling all of the time. In 2002, the average passenger was 56, and by 2011 this had fallen to 50. By 2015, the average passenger was 46, and there is no indication that this trend will reverse any time soon. A large part of the drop in age of the average passenger is an attempt by the cruise companies to redesign cruises to appeal to younger adults and those with children; gone are the formal dinners where you are required to wear cocktail dresses or dinner suits, and in are the kids’ clubs, buffet style restaurants, flumes and slides. The more traditional cruise is still available though, so it’s important to check out the facilities and range of dining options on a ship before committing to a booking.

Range of Destinations

Part of the appeal of a cruise is the chance to visit lots of different destinations on one holiday. Cruises no longer just mean going around the Caribbean islands; all of the major companies offer a wide range of cruises around the Mediterranean, northern Europe, South America or Alaska. Many of the European cruises offer the opportunity to embark in a UK port, which means no flights, no delays and no airport stress. More adventurous travellers don’t have to go on the organised tours at each port either, you have the option to explore under your own steam, but just make sure you’re back at the port before sailing.

Themed Cruises

Whatever your hobby, the cruise companies have developed a cruise to enable you to combine your hobby with a holiday. Ballroom dancing, cooking, art, history or sport are all catered for by the cruise companies, who regularly invite celebrities on board to share their knowledge with passengers. This is a great way of meeting like-minded people and lets you have a holiday with a difference with a gourmet meal cooked by a celebrity chef thrown in.

Practical Considerations

All cruise companies are different, and although many passengers assume that a cruise is just the same as any other all-inclusive holiday, this isn’t always the case. Make sure you are clear about what is and is not included before booking. Insurance sometimes also causes a problem; you can’t use EHIC cover for example on a Mediterranean cruise as you are only temporarily visiting ports, not staying in the country concerned. Delays are perhaps less likely when flights are not involved, but having too long a lunch in a Barcelona tapas bar could mean the ship sails without you.