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They say there is a cruise to suit everyone. Small ship. Big Ship. Expedition. Adventure. Romance. Family. Luxury.

So we have undertaken a bit of an exercise to look at the different stages of life that people may find themselves in, and see if we can suggest a few points as to why cruising may be a potential consideration for your next holiday!

Lazing by the pool. In the pool. On the deck. Ice creams. Cocktails? I've got a book to read. What time is bingo? Loving the band. Did you see the whales this morning? Looking forward to another awesome sunset. Where do you wanna go for dinner?

Cruising Appeals To A Wide Audience

In other cruising articles on this site, we have already outlined a number of good reasons why cruising is so popular:-

• You only have to unpack once
• 85% of your holiday cost is already included - meals, accommodation, entertainment, port taxes
• You have opportunity to do as much or as little as you desire
• See and experience new destinations
• Sit back, relax and enjoy being pampered by top class service

Personally, I find most of these to be quite compelling reasons!

Truth is, the cruise market has grown so much over the last few years that there is literally a cruise product to suit just about anyone at any stage of life. There are options available to suit all tastes and budgets, with itineraries stretching to all corners of the globe.

So what we have done is to put a little list together detailing various stages of life you may be at, provided a couple of reasons that cruising may appeal to you, and made a couple of suggestions as to the sort of cruise that may be appropriate for you.

Cruising For Families

• Take advantage of the kids club available on many cruise lines, catering for kids from 3 - 17 years. Fully supervised programs where you can leave the kids at certain times of the day, giving you plenty of free time to enjoy time alone or to get involved in the many other activities available onboard.
• A cruise offers great value for money. No digging in the pocket for the kids - no hidden extras for midnight snacks, movies, friends around for dinner, pool parties. No "borrowing the car"!
• Plenty of dining options with flexible meal times to suit your needs. A great variety of food to cater for the most fussy of eaters, and guess what? There is absolutely no preparing, cooking or washing dishes required on your behalf!!
• You don't need to make the beds
• There is entertainment on board to cater for everybody - from kids discos to cabaret shows. Some cruise ships even have rock climbing, water slides, outdoor movies, "circus schools" and more..

Destination suggestions:
- Australia, South Pacific, Caribbean, Fiji, Hawaii, North America, Mediterranean

Cruise Line suggestions:
- P&O Australia, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney, NCL Hawaii, MSC, Costa (MSC & Costa offer under 18's free when sharing a cabin with 2 adults)

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Cruising For Couples

• The romance of the seas... spectacular sunsets, midnight strolls on promenade deck... absolutely ideal for a honeymoon or anniversary!
• Cruising offers privacy and seclusion
• Live in luxury and be pampered without having to lift a finger!
• Fine dining options for romantic dinners for two
• Shows and entertainment abound

Destination suggestions:
- Pretty much anywhere! Our favourite destinations for romantic cruising include Hawaii, Fiji, Alaska, Mediterranean, Asia, Europe

Cruise Line suggestions:
- Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, MSC (Yacht Club), Costa, Oceania

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Cruising For Singles

• Meet like minded people on board
• The chance to mingle through various activities and onboard entertainment
• Range of adventurous or expedition type itineraries
• Range of dining options to meet and get to know others over a meal
• Nightclubs, theme nights, formal nights, shore tours and other shared experiences
• Value for money holiday option, including accommodation, all meals and entertainment

Destination suggestions:
- "Sampler" cruises, South Pacific, Australia, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia, North America

Cruise Line suggestions:
- P&O Australia, Carnival, Celebrity, Orion, Holland America, NCL (their latest ship has single studio cabins without the extra cost for a single room)

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Cruising For Retirees

• Meet like minded people on board
• The chance to mingle through various organised activities and onboard entertainment
• Friendly onboard staff to look after all your needs
• Well stocked library and games room
• Opportunity to see and experience remote destinations
• Range of dining options available
• Value for money holiday option, including accommodation, all meals and entertainment

Destination suggestions:
- Australia, South Pacific, Asia, North America, Europe, Canada / Alaska, South America, Middle East, Mediterranean, Round world itineraries or "sector" cruises.

Cruise Line suggestions:
- Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, Avalon Waterways, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises, Orion, Scenic River Cruises, APT River Cruises, Oceania

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Organising A Cruise Group

• There are many opportunities to be able to organise a group of like minded people for a cruise, and it isn't as hard as you think!
• A group can be anything from a local sporting group, social club or association through to a bunch of friends or families who decide they want to go away and experience something together.
• Most cruise lines have dedicated programs for groups which include discount cruise rates, onboard credits (a credit that can be used towards onboard spending) and sometimes more flexible payment options.
• Groups can easily be coordinated by your travel agent (Personal Travel Manager - that's us!). We can help you to decide on an ideal cruise itinerary, assist in promoting your cruise event through presentation nights and information sessions, co-ordinate bookings and paperwork, organise for cabin allocations, payment schedules and visa requirements, and assist with any special requirements such as dietary, medical or special occasions.

Destination suggestions:
- Australia, South Pacific, Asia, Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America, North America, Europe

Cruise Line suggestions:
- P&O Australia, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival, Celebrity

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