It’s not all that long ago that the mention of a cruise holiday would have filled most people with dread.
Seen as the domain of older travellers who wanted to see the world when they were retired and had more time on their hands, cruise holidays weren’t really seen as an option for those travelling with their families, or young couples who would normally have spent their summer break lying on a beach topping up their tan.
In recent years, there’s been something of a sea change however (pardon the pun), with the cruise industry putting more focus on the family market in an attempt to bring through the latest generation of cruise maker.
And given how the major cruise lines are making huge investment in ever-larger vessels to cater for a younger audience, the adage that a cruise is for the ‘newly weds and nearly deads’ is something that gets less true by the day…
The reality is that a holiday at sea can now offer as much, and in some cases more, than a break in a ‘traditional’ resort, with something to do for all the family that will ensure your time on the water passes in a blur.
For those travelling with children, the chance to board a ship with Disney Cruise Line offers obvious appeal, with the whole experience geared very much towards the family market.
Amongst the experiences that will make a Disney Cruise magical are the chance to catch a stage shows featuring the major Disney characters, to have fun in huge aqua play areas featuring waterslides and pools, and – should you choose to head for the Caribbean - sail to a private Pirate Island packed full of adventure.
Other family friendly cruise lines where characters play a key role in the fun include Royal Caribbean, thanks to a tie up with Dreamworks that means youngsters can meet favourites such as Shrek and Kung Fun Panda, and Carnival Cruise – where The Cat in the Hat is the star attraction of the Seuss at Sea programme.
Carnival is another of the cruise lines to offer onboard water parks, whilst games arcades, cinemas, bowling alleys, crazy golf and even high rope courses and zip wires are now commonplace across the industry.
Family friendly cabins are now a regular feature on ships as cruise lines seek to provide the additional space needed for those travelling with children, whilst varied dining options that are less stringent than in the past offer the flexibility that is required if you have the kids in tow.
Just because you don’t have kids doesn’t mean you can’t have fun however, with the new Quantum class being pioneered by Royal Caribbean setting a new standard for the industry.
These ships offer the chance to experience the ‘North Star’, a pod that swings out across the ocean to provide the most astonishing views of the sea, whilst you could also go sky diving at sea or try your hand at surfing.
That’s before being served cocktails made by robot bartenders; a true indication of the digital world in which we now live.
You could walk the plank (albeit without getting wet at the end) or take a drink in an ice bar with Norwegian Cruise Line, take cookery lessons with P&O or enjoy one of the many AzAmazing Evenings that are offered by Azamara Club Cruises.
In short, no matter how old you may be, a modern day cruise is very much an experience to embrace and enjoy.