Think you know cruise holidays? Your Guide to Cruising brought to you by CLIA UK & Ireland

www.cruiseexperts.org

Think again...

www.cruiseexperts.org

Carnival Cruise Lines

A Welcome from Andy Harmer Director, CLIA UK & Ireland

It’s a real pleasure to introduce this ‘Think you know about Cruise Holidays’ guide. Cruising really is the ultimate holiday for everyone. There’s just so much choice with more than 45 different cruise lines and world-wide itineraries taking you to lots of exciting destinations on one holiday. This guide is designed to dispel any preconceptions you may have, tell you what cruising’s really like and help you choose the perfect holiday that matches you and your style. The cruise industry is proud of its universally high standards of service and guest satisfaction, and for providing a unique and rewarding holiday experience. Welcome aboard.

Think you know cruise holidays?Think again...

See the World

Find your Style

Keep active or relax

Norwegian Cruise Line

Ama Waterways

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Treat Yourself

A cruise for all

An Inclusive holiday

MEDITERREANEN

Hurtigruten

Seabourn

There is nothing like a cruise to bring you up close and personal to some of the world’s greatest places, from the beautiful cities of Stockholm, Istanbul and St Petersburg; to the wilderness of Alaska and Antarctica; from the stunning islands of the Caribbean to the exotic cities of Asia - cruising takes you there. And whilst the ship is in port you are offered a wide choice of options in which to immerse yourself or you can simply sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Generally on an ocean cruise your ship will arrive in port in the early morning giving you all day to explore some of these wonderful places. There are a wide variety of organised shore visits or you can head out on your own or with new friends you have met during your holiday. In some places cruise ships spend a few days to give you more time to explore.

And on a river cruise holiday, the ship takes you right into the centre of cities and towns while you can also enjoy stunning scenery as your ship takes you along iconic rivers.

So you think you know about cruise Destinations?

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ANTARCTICA

FJORDS

CARIBBEAN

MEDITERREANEN

See it by SeaSome places can only truly be explored by sea - take for example the Norwegian fjords, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska or the South Pacific islands.

Stay the NightIncreasingly more cruise lines are staying overnight in key destinations, allowing you time to explore a different side of the destination and see vibrant cities come alive as the lights go down in places such as Amsterdam, St Petersburg or New York or in the cities and towns across Europe on a river cruise.

Make the most of itYou can take a cruise line organised shore excursion that will maximise your time, visiting must-see places with an experienced guide, or sometimes you may wish to take a more in-depth longer excursion to iconic sites.

Plus, a number of cruise companies offer on-board speakers and specialists who further enhance your knowledge of the destinations you are about to explore.

Azamara Club Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Did you know?On a typical 14-night cruise, you could be transported to up to 10 different places and only need to

unpack once.5

ASIA

AUSTRALASIA

M

EDITERRANEAN

Photo Credit: P&O Cruises

Looking for a holiday where you can dress-up to impress? Or something more relaxed? Or something where you are free to be casual? There is a cruise for you. With a cruise, you can always choose the holiday to suit you.

Choose your cruise styleDress up, dress down; big ship, small ship; well-trodden destinations or brand new discoveries; kick back and relax or have the adventure of a lifetime.Some are formal, some have formal occasions and some are completely relaxed. It is all about you choosing the cruise that matches your style.

Service with a SmileNo matter which style of cruise you go on, you can be certain of one thing, fantastic service with a genuine smile. The cruise industry prides itself on providing a holiday where service is second to none, from the captain to your room steward, their job is to ensure you experience a warm, friendly service with an attention to detail like no other.

So you think you know what a cruise holiday is all about?

Oceania Cruises

10Did you know?

CLIA Member cruise lines operate ships carrying

between 50 guests to over 5,000 and everything in between, each of them offering a very different

experience.

Seadream Yacht Club

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Tauck

Carnival Cruise Lines

Cruise holidays offer a huge choice of activities, classes and facilities allowing you to be as active or relaxed as you like.

EntertainmentDid you know that modern cruise ships can offer guests ice rinks, jazz bars, nightclubs, West End style production shows, cinemas, water parks, casinos, planetariums and kids’ clubs, and you have the choice to do as much or as little as you wish. EnrichmentFor those who want to learn as well as relax, many cruise lines now offer special cultural itineraries with guest lecturers and excursion programmes to enhance your experience. This is in addition to themed cruises in areas such as wine, food and history, and on-board classes ranging from cookery to music. Learn Something NewDid you know that you can use a cruise to learn new skills, such as cookery, trying your hand at a musical instrument or foreign language or brushing up on your IT skills.

DiningYou can enjoy world-class food and drink on a cruise holiday. Some ships offer speciality restaurants from celebrity chefs while other offer regional cuisine to complement itineraries. 

Holland America Line

So you think you know what you can do on a cruise?

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Princess Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Did you know?Many of the activities and facilities on board

are included in the holiday price

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Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International

Remember that many cruise holidays already include your evening entertainment, all meals, snacks, daytime activities, gym & fitness classes, a wide choice of relaxation opportunities, children’s facilities, lectures, room service and much more.

Some cruise lines include pretty much everything else so that you can enjoy a fully inclusive holiday, whilst others give you the freedom to add all-inclusive packages so that you can enjoy your holiday your way.

On every cruise you can expect very high standards of service and wrap-around luxury. A cruise will often take you right into the heart of the destination, with the excitement of a different place every day.

And there are plenty of different cruise holidays to choose from, including large cruise ships packed with lots to do for the whole family, to those that are smaller and more intimate, and everything in between. It really is your choice.

There are over 45 cruise lines in CLIA membership in the UK & Ireland, each offering a different holiday experience. That choice means that you can be assured there is a cruise holiday that will perfectly match your holiday needs and budget.

American Queen Steamboat Company

Celebrity Cruises

Hebridean Island Cruises

So you think you know what’s included in a Cruise?

8Did you know?Many customers now

choose a cruise holiday that starts in a UK port, which means no luggage

restrictions.

All Day Dining

Daytime Activities

Multiple Destinations

Guest Lectures

Gym & Fitness

Kids Clubs

Hotel Accommodation

INCLUDED AS STANDARD

INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE FARE

INCLUDEDAS STANDARD

INCLUDEDAS STANDARD

INCLUDEDAS STANDARD

INCLUDEDAS STANDARD

INCLUDEDAS STANDARD

INCLUDEDAS STANDARD

Cinemas & TheatreINCLUDEDAS STANDARD

Outdoor PoolsINCLUDEDAS STANDARD

Choice of Entertainment INCLUDED

AS STANDARD

Royal Caribbean International

Did you know?When comparing cruise

prices against land-based holidays, remember to

think about what you will spend whilst there too.

Cruising is amazing value!

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Great ServiceINCLUDEDAS STANDARD

Uniworld

Did you know?Many elements of a cruise are more

affordable than their land-based equivalent with so much included

in the price.

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

A cruise is a holiday that can revitalise and re-energise. It’s a chance to relax and completely chill using state-of-the-art spas and treatments. A chance to get fit, keep active and eat healthily.

RelaxationThe added luxury of on board spas also brings the chance to indulge in health-boosting therapies and comprehensive beauty treatments to invigorate the mind, body and soul.

Healthy eatingWith so many different dining choices, there’s no better place to get a balanced healthy diet. Almost any type of dietary request can be catered for including gluten free, low cholesterol and sugar/salt-free diets. Most cruise lines offer low-calorie or low-fat alternatives too.

FitnessMany ships today come with complimentary ocean-view gyms equipped with the very latest equipment and fitness studios for classes that can include yoga, spinning and cycling. Most ships also include running tracks, open air sports courts and all come with invigorating sea air.

MSC Cruises

So you think you know how to be healthy on holiday?

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Did you know?Many cruise ships

employ personal trainers who are knowledgeable

about how to get the best results through exercise

and diet.

Whether young, young at heart, a family, couple or cruising solo you can find the perfect holiday for you. With such a wide choice of cruise holidays you can guarantee that there is a cruise to suite you and your travelling companions.

FamilyMany companies cater for the whole family with clubs for the kids and teens to enjoy, along with activities like climbing walls, ice rinks and bowling. And while some are enjoying more energetic pastimes, others can relax in adult-only bars, pool areas and spas and experience other activities such as lectures and classes from cookery to cocktail making.

Adults OnlyNaturally, you can expect there to be more families on board during school holidays and on shorter cruises. So if you’re looking for a quieter holiday, it may be best to avoid these periods or choose a longer itinerary. And if you’re looking for the strictly adults-only cruise experience there are plenty of cruise lines that offer just that.

Fit For Any OccasionWhatever the occasion, from that well-earned annual holiday to special celebrations such as weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries or birthdays, a cruise can provide the perfect memories.

AccommodationWhatever your accommodation needs, cruising has it all, from solo traveller rooms to rooms with spectacular balconies with sea or river views. These well appointed staterooms include the latest in in-room entertainment and the finest room service. And if you’re looking for something extra special, ask your travel agent about penthouses, suites, villas or luxury cruise lines. Disney Cruise Line

Silversea

So you think you know who cruising is for?

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Did you know?CLIA Travel Agents

can help you choose the perfect cruise to fit your or your

family’s holiday needs

A-RosaAmaWaterwaysAmadeus River CruisesAmerican Cruise LinesAmerican Queen Steamboat CompanyAPT Luxury River CruisesAvalon WaterwaysAzamara Club CruisesCarnival Cruise LinesCelebrity CruisesCosta CrociereCroisiEurope River CruisesCruise & Maritime VoyagesCrystal CruisesCunard LineDisney Cruise LineEmerald Waterways

Fred. Olsen Cruise LinesHapag-Lloyd CruisesHebridean Island CruisesHolland America LineHurtigrutenIsland CruisesLouis CruisesMekong WaterwaysMSC CruisesNorwegian Cruise LineOceania CruisesPaul Gauguin CruisesPonantPrincess CruisesPullmanturP&O CruisesRoyal Caribbean International

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CLIA UK & Ireland is supported by the world’s leading cruise lines

To find the right cruise holiday for you, contact a CLIA member travel agent or seek further information from one of our member cruise lines via cruiseexperts.org

Regent Seven Seas CruisesRiviera Travel River CruisesScenic ToursSeabournSeadream Yacht ClubShearings HolidaysSilversea CruisesSt Helena LineSwan HellenicTauckThe River Cruise LineThomson CruisesUniworldVoyages of DiscoveryVoyages to AntiquityWindstar Cruises

Contact a CLIA agentwww.cruiseexperts.org