Cruise holidays take the financial stress out of your holiday, with virtually all expenses included in the fare from food, entertainment, accommodation, facilities and transportation between destinations. Cruises are no longer considered to be just for
retirees or newlyweds; the rise in popularity has seen more and more cruise ships reach Australian shores, with different cruise operators offering something for everyone.
Anyone is welcome on all the cruises but certain cruises suit different life stages better than others. Here we take a look at just some of the cruise options available.
Carnival Cruises (Gen X)
Ideal for the single, young or simply young at heart, Carnival Cruises attract one of the youngest demographics industry wide. Their wide selection of funky bars, cocktail lounges, poolside parties and thriving nightclubs continue to attract Gen X members wanting to revel in some good old fashioned hedonism. But it’s not just the parties that the younger travellers keep coming back for; it’s the range of awesome activities on offer port-side like zip lining, kayaking and ATV riding and the array of extravagant on-board facilities and entertainment options.
Royal Caribbean (Families with young kids)
While Royal Caribbean Cruises offer something for all ages, families with young children will particularly love the attention paid to the little ones aboard these spectacular ships. Royal Caribbean have a Complimentary Kids Program with young staff dedicated to ensuring that each day is filled with age-appropriate fun, with agendas tailor made for children aged 0-3, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11. Their ships come with rock-climbing walls, 3D movie theatres, mini golf, water parks and ice skating rinks, with family friendly dining options. But it’s not all about the kids; adults will marvel at the fabulous dining, bars, casino, Broadway entertainment and day spas, with babysitting services meaning you can really kick back and relax.
P&O Cruises (Families with teenagers)
The P&O Cruise name has an outstanding reputation across all age groups, but families travelling with teenagers will be thrilled to know that P&O’s Pacific Pearl now boasts the line’s largest ever teen centres, HQ and HQ+ catering specifically to 11-17 year olds. The teen centres are packed with PlayStation’s, giant screen movies, surround sound system, dance floors and floor to ceiling windows providing epic views. What a great place for your teenagers to make friends from all around the globe while parents enjoy the decadent range of facilities and entertainment that P&O is famous for.
Princess Cruises (Empty nesters aged 50 – 65)
If your children have left home and you’re finding yourself with the new found freedom of an empty nest, Princess Cruises may be calling your name. This highly reputable cruise line is known for its dedication to romantic offerings, making it a fabulous retreat for couples who can finally enjoy some time kicking back and reconnecting. Princess vessels offer everything one could possibly want from an all-inclusive cruise, including a range of sporting activities, poolside fun, educational programs, cinemas (including the pool side Movies Under the Stars), theatre productions, dancing, comedy shows, karaoke, libraries and outrageous parties. What better way to spend some well-deserved R&R.
Cunard Cruises (Retirees 65+)
Lesser facilities for children means Cunard ships generally attract a more mature market and provide a dignified, elegant cruise holiday for retirees and seniors looking for relaxation, luxury and new friendships. These classy cruises are spacious and offer award winning White Star Service with a fabulous selection of impeccable dining and bar options. Cunard’s even offer Enrichment Programs that include academic seminars, book clubs, wine appreciation, water colour painting and computer lessons, not to mention night time entertainment like musicals, theatre, quiz nights and karaoke.
Keep in mind that each cruise line have a wide fleet of ships, with each ship offering something unique. When booking a cruise make sure to confirm the activities and facilities on offer on the particular ship you will be embarking to make sure you are getting everything your heart desires.
Sources:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/travel/holiday-ideas/cruises-are-more-popular-in-australia-than-any-other-part-of-the-world/story-fnjjv4qv-1226951814765?nk=7a63f562efdf6216cced5e3a5c967e19
http://cruiseholidays.com.au/1st-time-cruisers/why-take-a-cruise
http://www.royalcaribbean.com.au/
http://www.pocruises.com.au
http://www.cunardline.com.au/
http://www.princess.com.au
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1665