Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious voyage at sea, an island-hopping adventure or a relaxing trip through some of Europe’s most beautiful waterways, cruise holidays offer a very different way to travel.

Cruising has become an increasingly popular choice for couples, families, solo travellers and groups, offering the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip while enjoying accommodation, dining and entertainment along the way.

From Mediterranean escapes to expedition cruises, we explore why cruises are so popular, the latest cruise travel trends and some of the destinations inspiring travellers to set sail.

Why Are Cruise Holidays Becoming So Popular?

One of the biggest appeals of a cruise holiday is convenience. Rather than organising several hotels, transfers and journeys yourself, much of your trip is bought together in one experience.

Visit multiple destinations in one cruise

Cruises make it possible to experience several cities, islands, or even countries during the same holiday.

You could:

• Explore several cities or countries without the hassle of changing hotels.
• Wake up somewhere new almost every day.
• Experience several cultures and destinations with one itinerary.
• Spend less time organising transport between stops.

For travellers who enjoy exploring, but don’t want to constantly unpack and repack, this can make cruising particularly appealing.

Cruise holidays can offer great value

Depending on the cruise package you choose, accommodation, meals and entertainment may already be included in the price.

Some cruise holidays can also include activities, children’s clubs and onboard facilities, making it easier to understand what much of your holiday will cost before you travel.

It’s still important to check what is and isn’t included, as excursions, speciality restaurants, drinks packages and other extras may cost more.

Plenty of entertainment onboard

Modern cruise ships can feel like destinations in their own right. Depending on the ship, onboard facilities might include:

• Live shows and entertainment
• Restaurants, cafes and bars
• Swimming pools and waterparks
• Children's clubs
• Fitness centres
• Spas and wellness facilities
• Sports and activities

This variety can make cruise holidays for families, couples, and groups particularly attractive, as everyone can choose how they want to spend their time.

What are the latest cruise travel trends?

Cruising now goes far beyond the traditional ocean voyage. There are more types of cruises to cater to all types of travellers.

Short cruises and mini cruises

Mini cruises and long-weekend sailings can be a great introduction to cruising, particularly for travellers who want to experience life onboard without committing to a longer itinerary.

River cruises

River cruises offer a different pace of travel, typically using smaller vessels and stopping close to cities, towns and cultural attractions.

Popular European River cruise routes include journeys along the Danube, Rhine and Rhone.

Wellness Cruises

Wellness is becoming an increasingly important part of the cruise experience, with many ships offering fitness classes, spa facilities, healthy dining options and wellbeing-focused activities.

Expedition Cruises

For travellers looking for adventure, expedition cruises offer the chance to visit more remote destinations.

Destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic and other wildlife-rich regions are attracting travellers looking for something beyond the traditional beach holiday.

What are the most popular cruise destinations?

One of the best things about cruising is the variety of destinations available.

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises remain a popular choice, with itineraries often visiting destinations across Spain, Italy, Greece, France and Croatia.

They can be ideal for travellers who want a combination of sunshine, food, culture and historic cities.

Norwegian Fjords

The Norwegian Fjords are known for dramatic scenery, waterfalls and picturesque coastal towns, making them a popular option for travellers interested in nature and sightseeing.

Alaska Cruises

For wildlife and spectacular scenery, an Alaska cruise can offer glaciers, mountain landscapes and the opportunity to experience some of North America’s most striking natural surroundings.

Tips before booking your cruise

Before booking your next cruise, it’s worth spending some time finding the itinerary and ship that best suit the type of holiday you want.

Consider:

• Which destinations you most want to visit
• The length of the cruise
• The size and style of the ship
• What meals and activities are included
• Whether excursions cost extra
• Any additional gratuities or service charges
• The weather across the different destinations on your itinerary

You may also need clothing for very different occasions, from sightseeing and excursions to evenings onboard, so checking your itinerary before packing can make preparing much easier.

Do you need travel insurance for a cruise holiday?

Having suitable travel insurance for a cruise holiday is an important part of preparing for your trip.

Before setting sail, check the terms and conditions of your chosen policy carefully and make sure it provides the cover you need for your cruise and destination.

Depending on the policy, cruise-related travel insurance may include cover for things such as medical emergencies, cancellation, missed departures, lost luggage or changes to your itinerary.

Explore what’s covered in all of Albert & Eddie’s cruise travel insurance policies here.

At Albert & Eddie, we compare travel insurance from our trusted brands to help you find cover that suits your trip and your needs. Click here to get a quote today and set sail with confidence.