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Over the past few years, the perception and definition of a cruise holiday has changed quite dramatically - to a point where there is now a cruise holiday available to virtually suit all tastes and demands.

So what makes a cruising holiday so popular? We look at a number of reasons why people now look to cruising as a value for money holiday alternative.

Brief Introduction

Cruising has come a long way in the past few years. The market for cruising particularly in Australia has grown at an incredible rate. Gone are the days of "Fairstar the Funship"... We now have Pacific Sun, Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl, Dawn Princess and Sun Princess operating cruises out of Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle all year round. Destinations such as the South Pacific, Asia, New Zealand, circumnavigations of Australia and even round world cruises are readily available from Australian ports. There must be something in this...

Why People Like To Cruise

There is no doubt that holidays on cruise ships are increasingly popular. Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than virtually any other holiday or vacation experience. So what makes cruising such an attractive proposition?

1. Value For Money

Your cruise fare generally covers about 85% of your holiday cost. Things like accommodation, meals, entertainment (day and night), port taxes and more are all included in your cruise fare. When compared, a cruise works out at generally 20-40% below what you would expect to pay for a land-based vacation of comparable inclusions and quality. (According to both the industry and our own calculations). The deal can even be better overseas, where variances in currency can create some incredible bargains and cruising experiences!

2. Surprising Simplicity

You only have to pack and unpack once (who has done the coach tour thing? Up for brekky at some ungodly hour, bags out by the door, pile in the coach for endless kilometres, check in for the next night only to get up again early next morning...). See a variety of destinations without lifting a finger. Effortlessly select among a range of dining options and activities knowing that all the details are taken care of. And you certainly don't come back from cruise needing another holiday!

3. Activities

As much or as little as you desire. Fill your days with sightseeing "shore tours", at-sea lectures, sporting activities, games, competitions, educational tours (led by historians and naturalists), catch up on the latest release movies, stretch out on deck with a romantic novel, laze by the pool, or simply grab a deck chair and stretch out for a couple of hours. It's a hard life. At night, there's cabaret shows, musical revues, bands, bars, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

4. New Sights, New Destinations

With an incredible array of over 1,800 ports of call and some simply stunning places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. Fall asleep in one destination, and awake to find a new experience awaiting! Visit the stunning scenery of Alaska, where a cruise allows you to a perfect vantage point to see incredible glaciers, pods of whales and abundant wildlife. Spend a week cruising the rivers of Europe, experiencing the amazing history and culture as you make your way from city to city. So many destinations, so many cruise experiences! Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, the Caribbean, South America, Canada / Alaska, Europe, Norway, Russia, Egypt, Asia, Antarctica.... the only limit is your imagination!

5. Family Friendly

Cruising is made for families! With a great variety of supervised kids club activities, youth programs, kid-friendly menus and safe onboard activities, parents can have a well deserved break, knowing that the kids will have an awesome time getting involved in their own activities. A win-win situation for everyone!

6. Dining

From burgers and pizzas and ice creams to gourmet fine fare that showcases a range of exotic ingredients, a cruise offers dining options that will never leave you short of alternatives. From in-room dining to 24 hour buffets, casual eateries and fine dining restaurant alternatives, you can be pretty much guaranteed that your taste buds will never be lonely on a cruise!

7. Service & Pampering

Service is the cornerstone of cruising. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines outdo themeselves to pamper their guests with a very high level of service that have you feeling like royalty. From room service staff to dining, spas, beauty treatments and even the entertainment staff through to the Cruise Director, you will leave your cruise feeling like you are leaving friends behind.

Next: Planning A Cruise Holiday