Cruise Holidays
Set Sail for Adventure: Your Guide to Cruise Holidays
From gliding past ancient castles on a winding river to waking up on the open ocean, discover a world of travel without the packing.
Imagine a holiday where you wake up each morning to a brand-new view, without ever having to pack or unpack your suitcase. That's the unique magic of a cruise. It's a holiday where your hotel travels with you, serving up a fresh destination almost every day. Whether you choose a magnificent ocean liner – a vibrant, floating city sailing to sun-drenched islands and iconic ports – or an elegant river ship gliding through the heart of historic landscapes, cruising offers an effortless way to explore the world.
Forget any old-fashioned ideas you might have; cruising today is one of the most diverse and exciting ways to travel. It can be a non-stop festival of fun for the whole family, a sophisticated escape for foodies, a deep dive into history and culture for the curious explorer, or simply a chance to relax and watch the world float by. It’s your holiday, on your terms, with an ever-changing backdrop.
So...Why Go?
See the World,
Unpack Once
This is the ultimate appeal of a cruise holiday. The sheer convenience is unbeatable. You settle into your comfortable cabin on day one, and it remains your home base for the entire trip. There are no frantic dashes to catch trains or stressful airport transfers. Whether you’re hopping between Greek islands or meandering down the Danube, your relaxing sanctuary is always waiting for you.
A Different View Every Morning
There’s a special thrill in drawing back your curtains each day to a completely new scene. One morning it could be the dramatic cliffs of a Norwegian fjord, the next the glittering skyline of Barcelona, and the next a sun-kissed Caribbean beach. On a river cruise, you might wake to see misty vineyards, a fairy-tale castle, or the charming architecture of a medieval town just metres away. It’s a multi-destination holiday without the travel fatigue.
Something for Everyone, All Under One Roof (or Sky!)
Modern cruise ships are marvels of choice. Ocean liners are like floating resorts, packed with swimming pools, luxurious spas, West End-style theatres, cinemas, kids' clubs, and a dazzling array of bars and restaurants. River cruises offer a more intimate, boutique hotel experience, often focusing on gourmet dining, fascinating lectures, and simply soaking in the incredible scenery gliding past your window.
A Look at the Cruise Lines
Cunard: A Timeless Touch of Class
With a rich British heritage, sailing with Cunard is to experience the golden age of travel. Known for their iconic Transatlantic Crossings on the magnificent Queen Mary 2, Cunard offers a sense of occasion with glamorous formal nights, ballroom dancing, and a signature Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters. It’s a traditional, elegant, and sophisticated way to see the world.
P&O Cruises: Britain's Favourite Way to Sail
P&O Cruises is like a home away from home on the waves, making it a fantastic choice for first-time cruisers and families. With everything from a proper cup of tea to Marmite at breakfast, it has a distinctly British feel. Their fleet offers something for everyone, from huge, family-fun ships with amazing entertainment to smaller, adult-only vessels for a more peaceful escape. Plus, with many cruises sailing directly from Southampton, you can start your holiday without setting foot in an airport.
Azamara: Dive Deeper into Destinations
Azamara is for the traveller who wants to truly experience a destination, not just see it. Their smaller, boutique-style ships can dock in more unique, less-travelled ports that bigger ships can't reach. They are famous for their 'Destination Immersion' philosophy, which means longer stays, more overnights in port, and unique evening events, allowing you to soak up the local culture long after other cruise passengers have sailed away.
MSC Cruises: European Flair and Family Fun
Get ready for a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle with MSC Cruises. This Italian-helmed line is known for its modern, glamorous, and feature-packed mega-ships that are paradise for families. Expect incredible water parks, partnerships with brands like LEGO®, high-tech entertainment, and a lively, international atmosphere on board. They offer a vibrant, fun-filled, and great-value way to cruise.
AmaWaterways: The Art of River Cruising
As a leader in luxury river cruising, AmaWaterways offers an intimate and immersive way to explore the great waterways of Europe and beyond. Their elegant ships feature spacious cabins (most with balconies), a focus on exceptional, locally sourced food and wine, and a sundeck with a pool. What truly sets them apart is their range of included guided excursions, often featuring gentle, regular, and active options like hiking and cycling tours, so you can explore at your own pace.
4 Top Tips for Your Cruise
The Smart Way to Make the Most of your holiday
Choose Your Cabin Wisely
Your cabin is your sanctuary, so it pays to pick the right one. An 'Inside' cabin has no window and is the best value – perfect if you plan to be out and about all day and just need a base. An 'Oceanview' gives you a window to the world, while a 'Balcony' cabin offers your own private slice of outdoor space to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening drink. For scenic sailings like the Norwegian Fjords or any river cruise, a balcony is a real game-changer.
Don't Miss the Boat (Literally!)
This is the number one rule of cruising! When you’re off exploring a port independently, always be aware of the 'all aboard' time. The ship runs on a strict schedule and it will not wait for you. It's always a good idea to set your watch to ship's time and plan to be back at least an hour before you need to be. To avoid any pre-cruise stress, it’s also highly recommended to fly to your departure city the day before your cruise begins.
Look at What's Included
Cruise fares can vary wildly in what they include. Most ocean cruises include your accommodation, standard meals, and some entertainment, but you’ll often pay extra for drinks, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi, and tips. Many luxury and river cruise lines are more inclusive, with drinks, excursions, and tips bundled into the price. Look at the beverage and dining packages on offer; buying one beforehand is almost always cheaper than paying as you go.
Embrace Life on Board
A cruise is just as much about the journey as it is about the destinations, so make sure you explore your ship! On a big ocean liner, book a table at a speciality restaurant, see a show, have a flutter in the casino, or join a dance class. On a more intimate river ship, attend the fascinating port talks from your Cruise Director, get to know your fellow travellers over a drink in the lounge, and spend time on the sundeck watching the incredible 360-degree scenery unfold.
Get In touch to get a quote!
All Aboard for the Good Life!
A cruise holiday offers a truly unique combination of discovery and relaxation. It’s the thrill of adventure and the freedom of seeing multiple incredible places, all wrapped up in the blissful convenience of a floating hotel that takes care of everything for you. Whether you crave the non-stop buzz of a resort-at-sea or the gentle, cultured pace of a river journey, there is a ship and an itinerary just waiting to welcome you aboard.
Ready to cast off? Navigating the world of cruising can seem complex, but that's where CTG Tours comes in. We’re experts at matching you with the right cruise line, the perfect itinerary, and the best cabin for your holiday dreams. We handle all the planning, so you can focus on the important stuff, like what you’re going to wear for dinner. Get in touch, and let's get your adventure on the water!
