Why choose ocean cruising

Holidays on the ocean have never been so popular. Now there’s an itinerary to suit every traveller’s bucket list.

The joy of an ocean cruise is that all the planning, food, drinks packages, entertainment and shore excursions are taken care of for you. An ocean cruise allows you to visit multiple destinations on a single trip without having to navigate several hotel and flight bookings. You arrive at a new destination almost every day. You spend less time in transit and more time enjoying your holiday. 

One of the best reasons to go on an ocean cruise is that they provide great value for money. Included in your cruise fare are your accommodation, meals, entertainment and some shore excursions. You can package your cruise with flights and hotel stays before and after the cruise. Planning for a trip of a lifetime has never been easier than this. 

There are lines to suit every taste and every budget: from the boutique, all-inclusive luxurious ships to the mega-ships with all the go-fast goodies such as water slides and go-kart racing catering for families with active kids in tow. 

It is often said that an ocean cruise holiday is like being in a giant resort at sea. You can spend your day relaxing under the sun by the pool, or you can zoom down water slides, go roller skating, or play a round of mini-golf, ping-pong or pickleball on deck. 

From watching breathtaking sunsets at sea to witnessing a pod of dolphins darting in and out of the water, there are so many simply unforgettable moments on any ocean cruise.

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Ship design and features 

The number of guests onboard an ocean ship varies from line to line. Usually at the upper end of the market, guest numbers are limited to 1000 passengers or less. Family ships are usually much bigger at 5000 passengers or more for a Royal Caribbean ship, while expedition ships are usually limited to about 264 on a line such as Ponant.

Today’s modern fleet are very well equipped with spacious gyms, spa treatment rooms and suites with balconies. Some luxurious lines have also installed works of art. The rise of specialty restaurants has made its mark, from a wide array of dining options headed by Michelin-starred chefs to popular burger and pizza parlours on deck on family ships. Other lines have upped their game on the on-board after-dinner entertainment.

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Food

No holiday is complete without a wide choice of dining options. For many five-star ocean cruise lines this mantra has been taken very seriously, with specialty restaurants a much talked-about hallmark of the ships. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has French high dining at Chartreuse; Silversea has the innovative S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) on board four ships, Silver Nova, Silver Ray, Silver Dawn and Silver Moon; and Crystal has its signature Umi Uma Japanese restaurant. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas offers a wide range of eateries from buffets serving seafood, tacos, sushi, chicken waffles and crepes to more swanky restaurants such as Chops Grille for the line’s signature steakhouse, all the way up to Celebration table, a private dining experience for 12.

Dining options on Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess range from buffets and casual eateries to specialty restaurants. Horizon Court is the buffet on board for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Specialty restaurant Sabatini’s has Italian fare in lovely surrounds, while Salty Dog Grill serves up mouth-watering gourmet burgers.

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Suites and amenities

Contemporary ocean ships offer a wide range of amenities and activities for guests of all ages and interests. There are swimming pools, spas, fitness centres, pickleball or basketball on deck, ping-pong and a range of activities such as yoga and Pilates classes. Family ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas have cabins that can usually accommodate three people and are equipped with sufficient storage space. For big families, the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony can accommodate up to six people; and if money is not an issue, opt for the two-level Royal Loft Suite with a wraparound balcony and baby grand piano. You may not want to leave the suite.