Inside East Bedfordshire Magazine - March 2021 - Magazine - Page 15
Then you might be surprised at what is on offer as
cruising has evolved enormously in recent years. In
2016, the UK cruise market saw another year of record
growth with an 11.2% rise in river cruises and a 6.7%
increase in ocean cruising.
One of the reasons may be convenience as the number
of cruises which depart from UK ports increases, with
cruises departing from London Tilbury, Southampton,
Dover, Poole and Portsmouth in the South of England
alone. Another no-fly option for some river cruises
is via Eurostar, an attractive alternative for those who
don’t want flight luggage limitations.
Adventurers will be spoiled for choice: join an
expedition to Antartica or the Arctic to see penguins
or polar bears, search for the Northern Lights with
Hurtigruten, cruise the Galapagos Islands with
G:Adventures or take a Chobe River safari cruise with
AMA Waterways. AMA Waterways also includes
guided biking and hiking where possible as part of its
river cruise itinerary.
The world’s oceans and rivers are yours to explore:
what are you waiting for?
However, other reasons for the rise in the popularity of
cruises may be due to the huge and growing choice in
both destination and type of cruise, which strive to cater
for all tastes and budgets.
Those new to cruising could opt for a short break to
Belgium or Holland with Cruise & Maritime Voyages
which offer sailings from 14 UK or Irish ports in classicstyle ships carrying 550-1400 passengers. C&M’s cruise
experiences are developed for the British market with
sterling currency on board most ships.
Families will be delighted with the many activities
and entertainments from companies such as NCL or
Royal Caribbean, including swimming pools, cinemas,
climbing walls and sports, as well as dedicated
supervised areas for young children and teenagers.
Adults can enjoy shows, dining experiences and bars,
workout in the gym or indulge in a spa treatment.
For those looking for something a little different, Star
Clippers offers a unique sailing experience in tall ships
which carry 170-227 guest in olde-world luxury with all
mod cons. Would-be sailors can help raise the sails or
climb the mast to the Crow’s Nest – or just sit back and
relax!
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