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How do I choose my perfect cruise holiday?

Planning your perfect cruise holiday should be exciting and not daunting. Everyone has different needs and requirements, whether it is an adult only oasis or a fun filled family cruise, we have some planning tips to help you find what is right for you. 

Which Destination?

Probably the most important consideration for most. With so many ports of call available, Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Baltics, Black Sea, Caribbean, Far East, Australia and New Zealand, West Coast USA, Mexico, Hawaii, East Coast USA, Canada & Alaska or Round the World Voyages, the World is your oyster. 

Which Ship is right for me?

Whether you prefer the super-sized ships with climbing walls, zip wires and water chutes or the smaller more intimate ships offering a more classical elegance, we can help. We can recommend the perfect ships for active families or ships for adults only. Our Cruise Experts are here to ensure you find the perfect ship. 

What type of cabin / stateroom should I book?

There is generally a range of cabins available on almost every ship ranging from Interior to deluxe Balcony Suites.

Interior staterooms have no windows, but have ample lighting and clever use of mirrors to maximise the brightness. Some of the newer and refurbished ships even have ‘virtual portholes’ or  ‘virtual balconies’ – bringing the outside in to interior cabins. Have a look at Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.

Oceanview staterooms will have either a window or a porthole to allow natural daylight into the cabin. The window type will be advised to you at the time of booking. 

Treat yourself to a Balcony Stateroom and enjoy the luxury of your own outside space to sit and relax and watch the world go by.

Splash out on a Suite and enjoy even more space and even have your own butler to help with all your day to day needs.

No matter which stateroom option you select, you can be assured that it will have a private bathroom, TV, comfortable beds and most importantly your cabin steward will service your cabin up to twice a day with all the necessary requirements. 

What’s included in my cruise?

With so much included in your cruise as standard you will be spoiled for choice. The most talked about aspect of cruising is generally the food; breakfast buffets or waiter service, lunch, afternoon tea, deck barbeques, pizza and burgers, afternoon tea, late night buffets and the highlight of a sumptuous dinner served by attentive waiters – cruising has it all.

The on board evening entertainment is varied and innovative with many West End show productions in the main theatres, Classical music recitals, Comedians, Cirque performances and much more. On some ships the children can even meet their favourite cartoon characters!

Daytime entertainment is always active with galley tours, ice sculpting, music and films on deck, dance classes, bingo and so much more all organised by the ships on board entertainment team you will not be disappointed.

If you prefer the quiet life then relax in the pool or hot tub, or if you feel energetic have a work out in the state of the art gym. You can do as much or as little as you wish. 

What about Tips/Gratuities?

Certainly one of the most commonly asked questions! Some cruise lines now make this easier for you allowing you to pre-pay for these in advance and incorporate into your holiday cost. This means that you can budget more easily and there are no surprise payments at the end of your holiday. On average you would expect to pay around £4-7 per person per day. This is obviously down to your own personal choice and is non-compulsory, but ask our Cruise Experts about our current special offers we may have these already included. 

What are the Dining Times?

Dining policies are dependent upon the individual cruise lines and there can be various dining options available to you. Your Dining time is selected at the time of your booking so ask our Cruise Experts to advise you on the different options available for your chosen cruise.

Early Dining is generally from 6pm, Late Dining from 8pm and some ships offer the more flexible Anytime dining. If you do not wish to dine in the main restaurant there are always alternative venues including the buffet  or for a special treat and a small additional fee you can try one of the on-board speciality restaurants. 

What clothing do I need?

On the freestyle ships casual clothing is encouraged and with no formal evenings, you can be as relaxed as you wish.

On other ships they will have a combination of smart casual and formal nights where a jacket and tie or dinner suit for gents and a cocktail dress or trousers for the ladies is requested.

It’s always a highlight to glam up on the formal nights and see everyone in their finest and these nights are also a great photo opportunity to provide lasting memories of your time on board.

Anything else?

Our Cruise Experts are here to advise you on all of these things, ensuring you are best placed to have the most perfect holiday and choose the right cruise for your needs.

Call us today on 0800 197 8050 to arrange your perfect cruise!

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Carol was excellent to deal with she took time to explain everything. I will be recommending all my friends who go cruising looking forward to October and will definitely be using cruisekings again

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First time booking with Cruisekings and I’d like to say what an excellent company to deal with. Professional in every way , always at the end of the phone to find you the very best deal available. The paperwork that accompanies your booking is so easy to follow. I would like to thank Adam especially, so much so that we have now booked a second cruise going to Alaska this time. Thankyou Adam and all the girls and boys at Cruisekings for your amazing attentive and pleasant service . Good Luck in all you do !

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