5 ways to make your next cruise extraordinary
Are you starting to suffer from cruise déjà vu? Make some changes to your cruise routine and enjoy a whole new experience.
1. Choose an unusual destination
The Caribbean, the South Pacific, the Mediterranean – they are all fantastic cruise destinations, but most seasoned cruisers have seen them multiple times. For your next cruise, choose somewhere you never thought you would go. Whether its Patagonia, Alaska, Myanmar or Japan, incredible new cruise destinations are opening up every day. Cruising is a great way to see somewhere new because you can be confident in the quality of the ship while testing yourself for an unusual destination.
2. Pick a different cruise line
People are surprisingly loyal to their favourite cruise line. Even if you change between ships in a line, all will have similar features with the same restaurants, bars, room styles and excursions. It can all start to feel very repetitive and, because crew move around between ships in a line, you might even be served by the same staff. There are dozens of cruise lines sailing around the world, each offering their own style of travel.
3. Change your style of cruising
Do you always sail on large ships carrying thousands of people? Then try a smaller ship with just a few hundred passengers and a completely different range of facilities. Always an ocean cruiser? Head for the rivers and see just how different it can be. It’s easy to stick with the style of cruising that you’ve enjoyed in the past, but there are so many different options out there just waiting for you to try. You could easily find a new favourite.
4. Try new shore excursions
Even if you’ve visited a destination before, it’s unlikely that you’ve seen everything there is to see. To get a different view of a place choose a shore excursion that takes you further afield. You can visit local villages or schools, sample local restaurants or learn about the history of a destination. Push yourself with something adventurous, like whitewater rafting, kayaking or scuba diving. You’ll create new memories that will last a lifetime.
5. Book at the last minute
Want to really spice things up? Then go online or walk into your travel agent, ask them what great deals they have and book. Many people plan their next cruise up to a year out, so by the time departure day comes around the excitement has already worn off. With so many cruises departing from New Zealand you can take advantage of great last minute deals that let you step aboard in just a couple of weeks (or less!).
Are you a frequent cruiser? How do you make each cruise unique? Let us know in the comments.
Related links:
5 items to never bring on a cruise (and what to pack instead)
8 reasons to bring duct tape on your next cruise
7 secrets to enjoying food on a cruise