Why a cruise coud be perfect for you
Cruising not for you? Think again, it could be the best holiday you've had.
Hurry, the ship is sailing
Cruise holidays are enjoying something of a resurgence.
Cruise bookings made through Travel Counsellors are up by approximately 25% in 2026, with bookings rising by 46% in September alone. So what is behind this growing demand, and why are more people choosing to take to the water?
I think there are several reasons.
There really is a cruise for everyone.
Perhaps the biggest change in cruising is simply the choice now available.
The traditional image of cruising can be very different from what you will find today. You can choose from small ships offering an intimate experience, luxury vessels with exceptional service, expedition ships designed to take you to some of the world's more remote destinations, or huge resort style ships complete with waterparks, skywalks, entertainment venues and even distinct neighbourhoods.
And it isn't just about ocean cruising.
River cruises offer a completely different experience, taking you right into the heart of destinations and often allowing you to see several cities and towns without the need to constantly pack and unpack.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, food, entertainment or simply somewhere different to wake up each morning, there is likely to be a cruise that suits you.
Great value for money.
Value is another important part of the appeal.
With the cost of flights increasing, the overall value offered by a cruise can make it an increasingly attractive option.
Your accommodation, dining, entertainment and a range of activities are brought together as part of the holiday, meaning you can visit multiple destinations without having to arrange separate hotels and transport between them.
Of course, what is included varies between cruise lines and individual fares, so it is important to look beyond the headline price when comparing cruises.
The right cruise isn't necessarily the cheapest one. It is the one that offers the right combination of itinerary, accommodation, dining, facilities and inclusions for you.
Easy and stress free travel.
There is also something very appealing about the simplicity of cruising.
You unpack once, settle into your cabin and then let the ship take you from one destination to the next.
Compare that with a multi centre holiday where you might have to check out of one hotel, arrange transport to a railway station or airport, travel to your next destination, find another hotel and unpack all over again.
Cruising removes much of that logistical hassle.
It means you can spend more time enjoying the destinations and less time worrying about how you are going to get from one place to the next.
For many people, that is a significant part of the appeal.
And it isn't just for 'old' people.
Perhaps the biggest misconception about cruising is that it is primarily a holiday for older travellers.
That stereotype doesn't hold water anymore.
The latest industry data puts the average age of a cruise passenger at around 47, with 35% of passengers under 40.
Cruise lines have responded to this changing audience with a much broader range of experiences, from family friendly ships and entertainment led holidays to adventure, expedition, wellness, food and luxury cruising.
The result is an industry that looks very different from the one many people may remember from years ago.
So, is cruising right for you?
Whether you want a quiet escape, a lively family holiday, a luxury experience, a river cruise through Europe or an expedition to somewhere you've always dreamed of visiting, there really is a cruise for everyone.
And perhaps the most telling statistic is that nearly 90% of existing cruisers say they intend to cruise again.
That suggests that once people discover the type of cruising that suits them, many are coming back for more.
If you've never considered a cruise, or perhaps haven't cruised for many years, it could be worth taking another look.
The cruise industry has changed considerably.
The question isn't necessarily “Do I like cruising?”
It might be “Have I found the right cruise for me?”
