With P&O’s latest ship, Pacific Explorer boasting a barefoot bowls green and an evening supper club, it’s clear cruising is on the rise for holidaymakers of all ages.
Over a million Australians headed off on an ocean cruise in 2015[1] and it’s easy to see the appeal, but picking the right cruise can be tricky. No two are the same – you can choose from leisure, adventure, family or seniors, travelling around Australia, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Europe and more.
So what do you need to know to cruise successfully?
Barbara Lima from cruising experts Cruiseabout has these tips:
- Search for deals – You can snap up bargains if you are prepared to wait until the last minute, bags at the ready. Consider early-bird discounts, and often back-to-back cruises come with fare reductions.
- Try a short cruise first – Unsure about life on the high seas? Then try a two-night “cruise to nowhere” that heads out to sea and back. You will soon know if shipboard life is for you.
- Study the deck plan – if you are a light sleeper avoid booking near a stairwell or lift. If you enjoy going to the gym get a cabin on the same deck, or if you like taking a dip, check out the pool locations so you don’t waste time walking the corridors.
- Check your passport – Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Pre-purchase beverage, coffee and spa packages to save money – Beverage packages include wine, cocktails, beer and bottled water while coffee cards offer savings for a daily coffee fix. Spa passes give access to whirlpools and relaxation lounges where you can chill out.
- Turn off roaming on your mobile phone – The minute you sail away hefty roaming costs set in. Switch your phone to flight mode and head to the free Wi-Fi areas at ports. Follow the crew who know all the Wi-Fi haunts. Phone calls and internet are always expensive at sea.
[1] Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s 2015 Australian Cruise Industry Source Market report
