M
any 4 and 5-star ships are often
very similar. Service, food and
entertainment can be almost identical.
Passenger capacity plays a very important
part. Do you want a family holiday, with
all the bells and whistles, or do you want
more elegance, a personalised service and
just the right passenger mix for you?
As I grow older, I guess I fall into the
latter category. I love meeting and
mixing with fellow passengers that I
have something in common with, even if
it is just the love of cruising.
Without wishing to sound elitist, I don't
want to mix with fellow passengers that
have bought a drinks package and are
determined to consume as much alcohol
as possible to get their money's worth. I
don't want to sit with someone in a hot
tub eating a burger and consuming as
much beer as possible, when prime rib is
on offer in the main dining room, served
on spotless linen by attentive waiters. Now
let me say that for some, the former may
be their idea of heaven, that's great and
there are ships at a price point which are
designed for them.
With cruising becoming so affordable,
many young adults and families with
children are taking advantage of the
great value cruise vacations on offer. They
T R A V E L
Adrift in a sea
of decisions
For novice cruisers, choosing the
right cruise is not easy. Who do
you trust for advice? The shipping
lines are selling more and more
on the internet, big travel agencies
prefer you book with them on line.
Some even charge you to talk and
book with a consultant. As a senior,
dealing with young consultants
(who may not have cruised a lot)
and asking their advice can be
a minefield, although there are
some very knowledgeable young
consultants, writes John Pond.
RC Ovation of the Seas (artist's impression)
the-retiree.com.au
Autumn 2016
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