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You’ve got your heart set on a cruise. Well are you ever spoilt for choice! With so many fabulous, tantalising options available, how do you hit on the one that’s perfect for you? The key is matching your trip – and ship – to your cruising mood of the moment. Your decision will be influenced by so many factors – are you flying solo, rekindling a romance, getting the whole gang together for a family reunion or part-ay-ing with your BFFs on a ‘what happens on the ship stays on the ship’ vacation? So research! Talk to your travel rep but do online sleuthing, too. Reviews from those who’ve ‘been there done that’ often reveal what glossy brochures don’t.
Meanwhile, to narrow down your cruise personality, see which of the following applies!
What I want most from a cruise:
1 Mojitos, margaritas, mango daiquiris, a nightly conga line and karaoke for kicks!
2 To dance the merengue with a tall, dark stranger. Or two.
3 Sunset strolls on the promenade deck with my one true love, preferably sans raucous revellers and crazy kids. Perhaps canoodling in the corner of late night piano bar.
4 Serious pampering that may or may not include a daily hot-stone massage in a swanky spa.
5 Elegant evening soirees where I can dress to impress.
6 To park my backside on a well placed sun lounge and do pretty much nothing, especially not my hair! In fact, can I pay someone to reapply my sunscreen?
7 To go, go, go, mingling with locals in exotic ports, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling, diving for abalone, you name it. Sign me up!
8 To learn how to make balloon animals, pick up circus tricks and have stacks of fun with the kids.
9 Yummy food. And lots of it. I’ll deal with the fallout later!
10 To take advantage of the onboard gym facilities, and fitness and yoga classes.
Now you know, you can go!
For the time of your life
Step outside your comfort zone, let your hair down and be open to new experiences.
• Engage with fellow cruisers; you might just find lifelong friendship or true romance.
• Forget the diet – seriously!
• Dress to impress, even for just one night. Don’t forget a chic cardie or blazer for chilly nights.
• Pack sunscreen, sea-sickness pills, aloe gel, and device chargers.
• Try a tech detox – no phones!
You might also like:
4 surprising destinations you can cruise to in 2018
7 Things you didn’t know you could do on a cruise
How to choose your cabin on a cruise
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