Southbank Travel

The cruising industry is taking off phenomenally within Australia, with the 2014-2015 season seeing more Australians heading for a cruise than a traditional family holiday.

With so many different ships, itineraries and offers it becomes quite a daunting prospect to choose a cruise that is right for you.  

Here are some tips to maximise the value of your cruise:

• Avoid travelling over the school holidays if possible;
• Look for special offers that include things such as on board credit (OBC), cabin upgrades or bonuses such as included flights;
• Add a cruise to an existing holiday destination. If you’re headed to Europe why not add in a cruise to get the full benefit of the long haul fare;
• Ask your travel agent for a current cruise offer or deal; and
• Use an agent with cruising experience. They will have the knowledge to give you the best advice.

The other most daunting prospect is making sure that the “luxury” cruise you choose isn’t a glorified ferry. There are a number of ways to research a cruise line and find out what other people think of the ships they offer, and what there is to do and see.

The website www.cruisecritic.com offers readers a chance to see personal reviews of ships, itineraries and destinations. It also offers the facility to talk to other people who have the answers to most of your questions in a forum style.

After heading out on more than 60 cruises, which is my favourite? To me there are two competitors for that title and it’s really difficult to decide which is best. Silversea cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn are probably the two best luxury shipping lines. Standard within these two lines are complimentary drinks (yes free grog!) and world class dining opportunities.  The cabins are spacious and most offer the ultimate in sea going luxury … a balcony. If you’ve never had one, then you need to experience that next trip!

The main-stream lines are also very good value for money. P&O and Carnival offer itineraries from Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to various worldwide locations. This is ideal if the idea of a long-haul flight puts you off cruising in far flung countries.

Next year there are going to be more return cruises to Melbourne than ever before. Together with RCCL, Celebrity, Holland America and Princess are now making their way to Australia regularly. Now is really a good time to go on a cruise!