Cassidy Travel's Top Tips for Cruise Holidays

The stereotypical image of cruise holidays as a trip for the elderly is quickly diminishing as they are becoming one of the top selling holidays across Ireland and the UK. According to the Telegraph almost 2 million Irish and British holidaymakers embarked on a cruise holiday in 2016.

There is a good reason for this increased popularity too, cruises offer the chance to see many destinations without the added hassle of feeling like you are spending half your holiday traveling.

Cruises these days render a varied audience with packages suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends. With many activities for children, cruise holidays can be a superb option to enjoy a culture rich and minimum stress holiday for the family.

We look at cruises as the modern day interrailing and so do our customers. Cruises to the Mediterranean have spiked in popularity in recent times.

Cassidy Travel works with several excellent cruise companies ranging from MSC to Celebrity cruises to Disney cruises. These companies have varying fleets so if you are interested in a huge ship or more of a boutique cruise holiday there are plenty of options. Similarly, there are cruises beginning from 4 days to a round the world trip for 100+ days.

So if you are planning your first cruise holiday we have several choices for you but here is our top advice for the newbie cruiser.

Hazel, our in house cruise expert has some advice for your first cruise experience:

Speak to a cruise expert who will make sure that they match the right type of cruise/cruise line to you (or the other way around!!)

Pack light, you don’t need 25 pairs of shoes

Bring clothes that are easily mixed and matched

Take time to consider your dining time options, sometimes flexible dining options can result in log queues at popular meal times – where you can book in advance if not on traditional dining times (set times, set table )

If you are a light sleeper consider an inside cabin – they are also great for people on a budget or those who don’t spend any time in their cabin.

If you are in any way claustrophobic – I recommend that you don’t book an inside cabin

Be aware that some things on a cruise can cost money like drinks/tips etc – always check with your cruise consultant to see what is covered in your cruise fare.

Sail-away days are busy up on deck or at bars with good views, get there early if you want a good spot to watch the port disappear into the distance

Tidy away any personal items that you don’t want your room steward to tidy away for you .. because they will.