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You have considered all the holiday options, but what makes a cruise so special? Is it really good value? Won't I get bored? What about seasickness? Aren't cruises just for old, rich retirees?

Read through some of the statistics, and you may be surprised at some of the answers!

Luxury. Romance. Escape. Adventure. Getaway. Pampering. Solitude. Entertainment. Sightseeing. Total relaxation. So many reasons to enjoy a cruise.

Why People Like To Cruise

1. Cruises Are The Best Holiday Value

• Generally 85% of the total holiday spend is included in the cost of a cruise
• Accommodation is included - unpack once!
• All meals are included (as well as all those in between snacks..)
• Entertainment is included - movies, shows, theme nights, formal nights, onboard activites...
• Port Taxes are included
• Transfers included on some luxury cruises
• Airfares and pre/post cruising accommodation can also be included

What's generally NOT included:

• Items of a personal nature
• Shore excursions (however some river cruises will actually include shore tours)
• Drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks) - generally 15% gratuity applies
• Tipping (roughly USD$10 per day as a guide, but not compulsory)
• Transfers to/from the ship at the start & end of your cruise

2. Do As Much Or As Little As You Please

• Relax - soak up the sun, read a book, a flutter at the casino, beauty treatments, a cocktail or two by the pool...
• Be Active - rock climbing, mini golf, bingo, gym workout, circuits on Promenade deck, pool activities..
• Shore Excursions - city sights, jetboat rides, hot air balloons, helicopter rides, escorted sightseeing..
• Classes At Sea - cooking, photography, dancing, craft, art, computers..
• Enrichment Lectures - history, art, nature, destinations..
• Be Entertained - movies, cabaret shows, comedy, nightclubs, talent shows..
• Shopping - jewellery, art, clothing, souvenirs..
• Kids Club - supervised activities for kids and teens

3. Meet Like Minded People

• Find others with common interests in different destinations
• Catch up with other families and kids
• Get to know other Retirees
• Meet up with other singles
• Travel with or find other groups with common interests

4. Visit & Experience New Destinations

• Many 1st time cruises decide on their cruise based on the destination
• Explore inaccessible destinations (such as Antarctica or The Kimberley region)
• Visit places you wouldn't normally visit (Kusa Dasi, Aruba, Juneau or Tallin)
• Have a taste of places you may want to revisit
• Most popular cruising destinations for Aussies? South Pacific, Asia, Alaska & Europe

5. Cruises Are Safe & Comfortable

• Overcome language barriers
• Unlikely to be affected by outside threats (war, weather or disease)
• Visas are generally not required as they are covered by the ship
• Most ships are floating resorts, with staff, facilities and amenities geared towards pampering you!
• You can be as involved or as private as you want on board

Overall, cruising is a fantastic way to holiday! We recently travelled around the top of Australia from Perth to Sydney with 2 young kids (7 & 4) and were amazed at the level of service and facilities on board. The kids absolutely had a ball in the kids club, and we were able to spend some quality time with just the two of us. The range of activities on board, as well as the variety of shore excursions at the ports we visited made for one of the best holidays we have ever experienced. Thoroughly recommend cruising!