All aboard!
Been toying with the idea of a cruise? Travel broker Suzie Wilson provides some insider hints and tips to ensure you get it right.
Aerial view of beautiful white cruise ship above luxury cruise close up at stern of cruise sail with contrail in the ocean sea concept tourism travel on holiday take a vacation time on summer.
RIVER CRUISES
River cruising is extremely popular and often needs to be booked a year in advance. Like all cruises, one of the biggest benefits is not having to pack/unpack each day. They are also smaller ships – on average 150 people – so there is less time spent getting to and from your cabin.
One of the biggest drawcards are the outdoor decks where you can watch the world go by, and the sights are closer than they would be on an ocean liner.
SMALLER SHIPS
Want to be closer to home? There are some great small ship options in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific. For example, there are some beautifully elegant sailing ships in Tahiti that only take 150 guests – think intimate, understated luxury, amazing cuisine and stunning scenery! The perfect way to dip your toe into cruising!
DESTINATION CRUISES
For a bucket-list trip – consider a cruise trip to Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands. These are often smaller ships accommodating 50 to 100 guests, and include scientists or specialists on board for a great learning experience. These ships have small boats on board called zodiacs, which will allow you to get up front and personal with the ice and stunning scenery – not to mention the wildlife.
AN ADD ON
If you are a first-time cruiser or not sure if it is for you, there are some shorter trips that can be added into the itinerary of your holiday, without making it all about cruising. Some of my favourite destinations to do this with are …
Croatia – there are many options from small, budget-friendly trips to yacht charters and beautiful motor yachts for a bit more of that luxury feel.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka – these are becoming very popular, but also affordable destinations and are quite diverse in what they offer.
Sports Events – Events like the Melbourne Cup, Bathurst, Singapore Grand Prix, the list goes on, are all great short events that draw you overseas and can easily be combined with a cruise to extend the holiday a little bit longer!
What I never travel without
When flying overseas there are a few things I will never board an aircraft without …
Noise-cancelling headphones – they are great for blocking out noises, or helping you to relax. And they make watching in-flight movies that much easier!
Swimming togs. Imagine getting to your destination and your checked bag hasn’t turned up and you are sitting by a pool in 30 degrees heat – without your togs and sunglasses!
Travel insurance policy – the most important thing of all!
Suzie Wilson is an NZ Travel Broker based in Marton with 40 years in the travel industry. She loves using the tricks of the trade to ensure her clients have the best time exploring new destinations. She is most at home at the beach or having a quiet drink with friends and family. nztravelbrokers.co.nz
