Steve Hart: Relax or be the life of the floating party

COMMENT

It won't be long before cruise ships once again grace our shores. Their size and sheer majesty sum up perfectly the romantic notion of sailing away on the holiday of a lifetime. They are an icon of all that's good about a holiday.

It used to be that cruises were aimed at a certain market, a particular section of people. Not so long ago they really were the "holiday of a lifetime" as few people could afford to travel on a luxury ship twice. But times have changed. The elitist aspect of cruising is evaporating - they are now family affairs and cater for people of all ages from all walks of life.

One Herald travel writer last week even went as far as saying they are ideal holidays for people with disabilities as most ships cater well for the mobility impaired.

While even a modest cruise is not within everyone's reach - they are a realistic alternative to flying to a resort and sitting on a beach.

Sometimes a cruise is better value than traditional package tours because the price includes main meals, children's clubs and entertainment.

There are more cruise ships today than 10 years ago. More are being built and the constant refitting and updating of older ships means most are way up there in terms of luxury and comfort.

Pacific Sky, which will be here in November, is one of those that has undergone a refit. I travelled on it earlier this year and thought it looked perfect. Now, I'm told, it looks even better.

Prices are being edged lower because of the number of cruise ships touring the oceans. For example, P&O is offering an 11-night Sydney return cruise to places such as Vanuatu and New Caledonia from $1549 in November. This is the lead-in price and offers value for money (flights are extra).

Lead-in prices disappear quickly and may not put you in the best cabins, but the only time you will use the accommodation is to rest after hearty meals, fine wine and the lengthy list of activities on offer.

I think cruising is really two holidays in one. There's the on-board life, where for the most part there is non-stop entertainment, the chance to make new friends and mingle. Or you can opt out and curl up with a good book somewhere secluded on deck and watch the world sweep by. The only decision will be which cocktail to order from the discreet waiting staff.

And then there are the destinations. Enchanting islands, home to people who often have a different set of values and way of life. Cruising offers a snapshot of these lives, time to explore a new land and dip into the local culture before returning for more magic, comfort and the journey to the next port.

Many people describe cruise ships as floating hotels, a term that is not accurate. I don't know of any hotels where the room rate includes all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets, sumptuous lunches and a la carte dining. Or free entertainment, live shows, movie theatre and - in many cases - full-on activities for the children.

With the summer cruising season just around the corner I for one am looking forward to seeing those big white crafts drawing admiring crowds when they dock at Auckland.