Romantic Cruises Are a Thing of Beauty

If you have ever been on one of the nicer passenger liners that sail to various paradise locations, you will have noticed how much attention has been paid to the little details that together create a splendid presentation of grace and beauty. When, for example you are on the main deck of an NCL cruises vessel, you can spend hours just strolling around observing all of the beautiful accoutrements they have added to make your vacation even more special. It may be pottery or exquisite vases handcrafted in Thailand from the wood of the mango tree. Like any five star hotel, the goal is to make everything so outstanding that the minute you leave, you start thinking about returning next year for more of the same. These small things become what you remember most and often are what you photograph to show your friends back home. P&O cruises have gone to great lengths to find the most interesting and unusual artwork to adorn every quarter of their ships, which might include beautiful hand made flowers created from the leaves of rubber trees. All of the public areas onboard look like something from a glossy home decorating magazine with dramatic colours and enticing textures that create a specific ambiance appropriate to the usage of the locale. This is one reason that sea holidays have become so fashionable in recent years. Princess cruises give everyone the opportunity to experience a world that previously was only available to the wealthiest among us.

Sapphire Princess Lido Deck

"Wonderful Norway, made better by being able to board in Newcastle instead of having to fly. Met lots of lovely people, many from the north where we are known for our friendliness." - Stott, Ovingham on 24th May 2009 (Thomson Cruises)

Beautiful Places and Things

Another reason for the popularity of these trips is that they can take you to any number of stunning locales which will inspire you to take hundreds of photographs to show your friends when you get home. We all enjoy looking at pretty pictures and objects, and vacation photos are especially nice because they contain personal memories as well. When most of us go somewhere new and different, maybe on Fred Olsen cruises, we often buy souvenirs that will remind us of the culture, the people and the crafts of the country. In Thailand you might see handcrafted vases made of bamboo filled with flowers carved by hand from the sola tree. Bringing these unique crafts back from one of the MSC cruises will transform your house into a huge display of collectible items that your friends and relatives will always want to visit and enjoy. Onboard the ships, you get a constant exposure to new and unique items from everywhere in the world which only serves to enhance your enjoyment during the trip. The staterooms are incredible, not just with their visuals but their comfort as well. Some have a balcony so you can sit privately and stare out at the ocean. The décor is elegantly created on Caribbean cruises so that regardless of where you go on the vessel, there is something beautiful for you to see. A total visual experience is what they give you inside or out, in the dining rooms, night clubs and even in the gym.

Scared by the hanging towel sculpture

"Cabin was ok, decorated ok and a little bigger than expected. Food was very good, staff very good, entertainment very good." - Jones, Hartlepool on 23rd May 2009 (Thomson Cruises)

Dining in Elegant Surroundings

When you are aboard one of these fine ocean-going holidays, it can be very difficult not to spend all of your time eating. The food is more spectacular than anything you have ever experienced before. To start with there is breakfast like most of us have only dreamed of. On cruises from Southampton you can have eggs of any style and have as many as you want, Spanish omelette, scrambled, sunny side up or coddled. Add any ingredients to your meal that strikes your fancy, like smoked salmon, shrimp, veggies or meats. Get a side of bacon or smoked ham or both. Throw in some pancakes or waffles with real maple syrup washed down with freshly brewed coffee and orange juice. All the time that you are enjoying this morning feast, you will be surrounded by lovely decorations on your table and on the walls. There may be flowers, fresh or artistically handcrafted out of exotic trees in Thailand. When lunchtime comes around on celebrity cruises, it is time to start again. You can pick whatever style of food you want, like a huge sandwich with a side order of French fries or platters filled with delicacies from around the world. There are all manner of venues to choose from depending on what mood you happen to be in at the time you get hungry and each offers you a different selection of great food and drinks. And, in every place you eat, you will be thrilled with the decoration that surrounds you.

Silversea's Silver Wind docked in Kotor

"Another very enjoyable cruise aboard the friendly Oceana.The cabin was clean and comfortableand suited our needs with friendly staff to keep it clean and fresh every day..." - Edge, Rhyl on 23rd May 2009 (P&O Cruises)

Lighting Up the Night

After dinner and a rest in your stateroom to digest your banquet, you will be heading out to enjoy the amazing night time entertainment on offer on Royal Caribbean cruises. You might start with a live show sometimes featuring big name singers and dance crews from the United States and Europe. Besides the acts themselves, just being in the beautiful nightclub is a treat in itself. The decor is equal to any that you would find in the major cities of the world with high-tech lighting displays and exhilarating sound systems. On your table you might see para-rubber flowers made by hand in Thailand, which while not real flowers are far more breathtaking than the artificial flowers you are probably used to. They are an entirely unique form of art which look incredible and last a long time. Next, you might move into the discotheque on Cunard cruises for some dancing to the latest techno or house sounds being spun by a professional DJ. In between, you can enjoy your favourite cocktails brought to your table by the ship’s staff who are always friendly and probably are having as much fun as you are. They are attentive and actually enjoy serving you so they do everything they can to make sure you are having the best time of your life. After you’ve danced enough, head to the casino where you can do your best to win the house’s money but try to remember not to bet the kid’s college fund.

Towel sculpture on board the Navigator of the Seas

"It was the first time we cruised with NCl and we really enjoyed the cruise. It was a ten day cruise and we called at nine ports. The booking in was fast and easy." - Beardshaw, Leyland on 23rd May 2009 (NCL Cruises)