Want the perfect outdoor holiday? Let cruises take you there
Humans have been exploring mountains far longer than they have been sailing on yachts and ocean liners. Although at first glance the two might not seem mutually compatible this is not the case. I find that combining the two activities makes for the ideal holiday. My husband and I have been avid mountaineers for years now. We enjoy nothing more than scaling a steep precipice or sinking our picks into a sheer ice cliff. The only thing better is setting off on cruises from Southampton that will deliver us to gorgeous foreign locations to explore new mountain wildernesses and landscapes. Ocean holidays are a great way to travel to different countries and locations to explore their varied and bountiful nature while still enjoying the voyage. Don’t worry about falling out of shape while you are en route as there are plenty of exercise amenities aboard almost all ships these days. These holidays are also a great way to keep the kids entertained while you indulge your mountaineering and outdoors passions. Cunard cruises even offer some voyages with free child places which can really help make the most of your family vacation without dipping too far into your savings. There are so many activities for kids to do on board and at port that your children will be completely entertained while you enjoy your interests with other like-minded adventurers. Whether you chose Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises there will be plenty of activities to keep you and your brood pampered and entertained.
Amazing Flowrider
“We felt that the ship was beautiful and very spacious, a big improvement on other ships we have cruised on. A very good cruise, with a lovely cabin, excellent food, service and everything was spotlessly clean at all times.” - Farnes, Hessle on 2nd Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)
Staying fit on board
There is a vast plethora of activities and adventures to be had on board. You may choose to spend your time before arrival at port resting and relaxing. I often do, knowing that soon I will be exerting myself to the extreme coming up against cliffs and mountains, waterfalls and rapids. Even if I choose to spend many an hour reading by the pool or visiting the spa I still usually squeeze in at least an hour at the gym or on the tennis courts. There are always various fitness activities and facilities on board. For those who are true climbing junkies Royal Caribbean cruises offers indoor rock climbing walls on some of their largest vessels. You don’t even have to miss a day of training on board this vessel. It’s so large they even have an indoor surfing area. Many ships offer supervised and age appropriate activities for kids of various ages. This can be a great help at keeping your kids entertained and out of your hair so that you get a real vacation. Don’t forget to take the time to pamper yourself. Get that mud wrap or deep tissue massage, take an herbal sauna or have a pedicure and manicure. What better time than on holiday? You can go almost anywhere in the world too. Celebrity cruises has voyages to over 148 exotic destinations around the globe on 9 incredible ships, so it will take many years to exhaust all of the amazing options.
Ocean casual resturant
“The ports of call were excellent, the only one we didn’t really enjoy was Helsinki.Overall the cruise was excellent, organisation of embarkation and disembarkation excellent.” - Peace, Marston Green on 2nd Jun 2009 (Celebrity Cruises)
Also great for childless couples and solo travelers
True, there are many benefits for parents and families on board, but ocean holidays are great for childless couples and singles as well. These ships are renowned for their incredible nightlife. You can gamble and there are always many different bars and clubs on board. If you want to completely let loose away from the presence of children P&O Cruises offers child free (no kids) cruising on their vessels the Arcadia and Artemis. There are many different businesses on board you can find a romantic jazz wine bar, a classic pub or a bumping nightclub complete with high-tech lighting and sound systems. There is also plenty of on board entertainment such as ballets, musicals, comedy shows, circus performances and lectures, to name a few. If you are hoping to meet someone on board (and it really is a great place to do it) you may want to look at Princess Cruises which often has special packages geared towards singles. Many companies offer deals like this with special events held to help passengers meet and get to know one another. It can really be a romantic place to hit it off with someone before taking a long hike or going ice climbing once you get on shore. There are many great deals to be found online and through travel agents too. Don’t be discouraged if you think an ocean holiday might be out of your budget. For example I just saw an NCL Cruises ad online offering 15% off 2009 voyages.
Sindhu Restaurant
“We really enjoyed this cruise, very different from the Med cruises we have done before.” – Brown, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire on 2nd Jun 2009 (Fred. Olsen Cruises)
Endless activities and adventures
One of my favorite activities, aside from scaling mountains and sleeping under the stars in my tent after a full day rock climbing, is eating. Counterintuitive for someone watching her physique, but with healthy moderate eating I can enjoy a lot. Moderation can be difficult, both on board and when sampling exotic cuisine at your destinations. The food is so good and varied that you’ll get to sample all kinds of amazing food. Don’t worry if you are not close to Southampton. Fred Olsen Cruises has ships leaving from Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle, Greenock and Portsmouth as well. Once you arrive at your destination there are many activities that you can participate in. You want to see what is included with the package you purchase as often shore excursions cost extra. Some voyages are geared towards outdoor enthusiasts and offer more outdoorsy and mountaineering activities than others, so be sure to shop around. If you want to feel extra cared for I would recommend MSC cruises, as they have incredibly friendly staff. Once on land you can go ice climbing in Iceland, mountain trekking in Australia, repel down waterfalls in the Caribbean, rock climb in Italy, or go white water rafting in Columbia. You can also just relax in a hammock, take in a native cultural performance, visit temple ruins and museums, or go for a stroll in the town square. You will never be bored on an ocean holiday because there is so much to do and enjoy.
Sea Princess next to Explorer of the Seas
“The staff could only be described as fantastic – they really can’t do enough for their guests. The ship was spotless throughout, the food was superb and plentiful.” - Turner, Norwich on 1st Jun 2009 (MSC Cruises)