World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

More than 24 major cruise lines are operating today, offering short and long-term cruises to destinations worldwide. While some require you to fly to and from your ship, others – such as certain P&O cruises – offer no-fly options from ports like Southampton. Every cruise is different, so how do you choose the one that’s right for you?

Important things to consider are the age of your group, the degree of formality you’re after and the length of time you want to spend at sea. There are many types of cruise holiday, from weekend “samplers” in local waters, to 7 and 10-day tours of the Mediterranean, to transatlantic voyages lasting several weeks; all are covered in the P&O cruises 2012 brochure.

The atmosphere on board is very important. Some cruise lines, such as Cunard, offer a very traditional holiday, while others, such as NCL, have a far more laid-back approach. Certain cruise lines, such as Fred Olsen, have limited family facilities and appeal predominantly to the older age group, while others, like Disney and Royal Caribbean International, are family-friendly through-and-through.

P&O cruises offer the perfect balance between family-focussed fun and tradition. While Adonia, Arcadia and Artemis are adult-only ships, the rest of the fleet offers excellent facilities for younger passengers, with kids clubs, babysitting and teen activities, as well as a full range of sports facilities and live entertainment which the whole family can enjoy. With childcare facilities well into the early hours, parents can enjoy much needed “me time”, secure in the knowledge their younger offspring are being well looked after.

Friendly, affordable and British to the core – just three reasons passengers prefer P&O cruises and this year will mark a really special date; the 175th anniversary of the P & O line. On July 3rd, all seven ships of the fleet will be sailing from Southampton together for the first time, bound for Greece, Iceland, Tunisia, the Netherlands and many other fabulous destinations.

As the winter months set in, grey skies descend and the temperatures plummet. There is no better time for sitting down at the internet and searching for cruise deals to somewhere warm and tropical. But what are the best sunshine destinations for this time of year?

Here are some of the best tropical destinations that can be visited in the comfort and luxuries of a cruise ship for that all important fun in the sun:

Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands offer plenty of great cruises with island hopping routes from Honolulu to a selection of other stunningly beautiful destinations. Famed for their warm hospitality and welcome the Hawaiian people will ensure your trip is a truly memorable one. Here you can unwind and soak up the sun whilst enjoying all those luxurious extras on the cruise ship.

The Caribbean
This is possibly one of the most popular cruise ship destinations. The combination of sun, stunning scenery, diverse cultures and locations and some of the most iconic ruins will make your tropical getaway the most thrilling, sun baked experience.

The South Pacific
Head to Tahiti and the breathtakingly beautiful French Polynesian islands for a spectacular winter get-away. On this cruise you can enjoys miles of sandy beaches, balmy sunshine filled days and tropical evenings; perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.
This cruise destination can often be quieter than the Caribbean or Hawaii making it a paradise to those who discover this sunny place. With no crowds you can simply relax and enjoy this beautiful location.

The Canary Islands
With cruises from Southampton in 2012, this sunny haven is a popular choice. The islands are located close to the coast of North Africa where you can be sure of sunshine 365 days of the year. Every island has something new to offer and great sightseeing opportunities.
If you want to escape the winter gloom opt for cruise deals and escape to the sun.