8 minute read
Why I Love Cruise
If you’ve ever thought cruising wasn’t for you, then think again – we hear from three devoted cruise fans about why holidays on the water are the way to go
If you’ve ever thought cruising wasn’t for you, then think again – we hear from three devoted cruise fans about why holidays on the water are the way to go
LGBTQI+ CRUISING
Travel blogger Marcus Adams looks at why cruise has always been a big hit with the LGBTQI+ community
For me, cruising appeals because of the variety and value for money. But it’s also unique – no other holiday gives you the chance to tick several places o your wish list without having to pack and unpack over and over.
Crucially, it provides a safe space for those in the LGBTQI+ community to be themselves and be open about who they are. A big draw of cruising is the social aspect and the ability to meet like-minded people who you can share experiences with. On top of this, cruise lines such as newcomer Virgin Voyages openly encourage crew to be ‘themselves’ too and reflect their own individuality.
Cruising also o ers a hefty dose of pampering and indulgence – such as out-of-this world entertainment on Royal Caribbean International and mouth-watering culinary options like those found on Princess Cruises. All this, set within stunningly designed spaces and impressive accommodation and suites, plus real destination immersion and cultural exploration on river and expedition cruises, means there really is something to suit every taste and budget.
When it comes to destinations, I know that, sadly, personal safety is still a concern for LGBTQI+ travellers, but in many years of cruising, I have – thankfully – never seen or had a negative experience. Almost every cruise line has adopted policies to protect LGBTQI+ travellers, including banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and, in some cases, gender identity.
Cruise ships travel to ports across the world and, broadly speaking, these are seen to be safe. But some are considered less friendly towards LGBTQI+ travellers. This includes some parts of the Caribbean, Middle East and Asia. My advice is to research the various destinations in advance, and remember, there’s always the option to stay on the ship. For further peace of mind, talk to the excellent
shore excursion sta and book excursions through the cruise line if you have any concerns.
LGBTQI+ travellers also have the choice of specialist cruise options, with companies such as Atlantis Events chartering some of the world’s most impressive ships to provide a unique experience on board. This includes parties and exclusive shows hosted by celebrities and influencers.
And if you’re after a family cruise, you’re not forgotten either. Cruises increasingly cater for little ones with exceptional entertainment and family facilities, while also being rated very LGBTQI+ friendly. Companies such as Disney Cruise Line tailor their whole experience around family and child-friendly activities featuring all your favourite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters.
Cruising is one of the best ways for people to see the world, meet new people and embrace new experiences. Maybe I’ll see you on board one day. 8 Clockwise, from far left: Harmony of the Seas’ AquaTheatre; Disney Cruise Line; Ovation of the Seas entertainment; couple on Celebrity Apex; casino on Navigator of theSeas; writer Marcus Adams; Pizza Place on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady
Clockwise, from far left: Avoid tender ports, where it can be difficult or even impossible to go ashore; writer Michele Monro; wheelchairaccessible stateroom with Princess Cruises
ACCESSIBLE CRUISING
Lifelong cruise lover Michele Monro, daughter of Born Free singer Matt Monro, offers her take on why cruising is a top choice for people with disabilities
Living with a disability presents a lot of challenges, but a cruise doesn’t have to be one of them. I have cruised for more than 40 years, and 25 years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After that, I began to notice obstacles I hadn’t encountered before, but with a little forethought, cruising is still my first choice for a stress-free holiday. I don’t fly any more – I simply drive to one of the British ports, park the car, get on the ship and I’m on holiday. What could be better than if the countries or islands come to you? When I was diagnosed, I was nervous about being away from home as my symptoms can change daily, but every modern cruise ship has medical facilities. I use sticks or a walker, but on embarking and disembarking I book a wheelchair at the port and am taken right to my cabin. When planning a cruise, ship choice is most important. Larger new-builds o er bigger accessible cabins, roll-in showers with fold-down benches, handheld showerheads, bathroom grab bars, lower wardrobe rails, alarm buttons, ramped balcony access, and incorporate the latest visual or tactile technology for those with hearing and sight limitations. Many also have electronic doors with wider stateroom and bathroom WHEN PLANNING openings, and braille signage in lifts, corridors and on stairwell handrails.
A CRUISE, THE American cruise lines have to conform to the Americans with Disability Act.MOST IMPORTANT When it comes to public spaces, look
THING IS YOUR for automatic deck doors, accessible restrooms, swimming pool hoists,
SHIP CHOICE assistive listening devices in theatres with designated seating for wheelchair users, and lower gaming tables in the casino. The restaurants accommodate guide dogs, cater for special dietary needs, and braille menus are available upon request.
You don’t have to lug all your equipment with you, either. Companies such as Mobility at Sea can take care of everything, whether it’s a bed hoist, raised toilet seat, power chair, scooter or walker.
Select your destination carefully and avoid tender ports whenever possible – if you’re a permanent wheelchair user, you can’t get o the ship if you have to tender ashore. There are a few exceptions – notably Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet on Beyond, Edge and Apex – where state-of-the-art equipment enables a wheelchair user to access the tender. Princess Cruises also has an accessible tender on some ships, while Holland America Line’s scissor lift can transport a wheelchair user down the gangway and onto the tender. Once dockside, the tender uses a hydraulic levelling system to adjust to the height between the dock and the tender, allowing the wheelchair to be rolled o safely.
The great thing about port stops is you can always see something new. One of my favourites is Lisbon – I’ve been more than 30 times but always find new streets or little treasures to explore. If you prefer lounging on a beach, some cruise lines’ private islands have accessible landing quays, beach wheelchairs and adapted bathroom facilities.
Cruising has become very accessible – do your research to select the ship and ports of call that suit your needs best, and have a marvellous time! * Michelle is author of The Autonomous Cruiser: The Complete Guide to Cruising For and With Disabled Travellers, out now in paperback and ebook.
SOLO CRUISING
Keen traveller Teresa Machan explains why she loves sailing solo and finds it’s the best of both worlds
“Y ou’re spending Christmas alone?” So said friends when I told them a few Christmases ago that I was leaving the cold and commercialisation of the festive season behind in favour of a tall ship cruise around the Caribbean. Admittedly I had doubts – dining can feel rather solitary on holiday, and I suspected eight days of exploring independently might get dull by day three.
In the event, of course, neither came to pass. The ship was small (227 passengers) and the sailing element encouraged time on deck, which was conducive to casual chat and mutual appreciation – of sunrises, sunsets, island-spotting, dolphin sightings and the neverending nautical ballet of tackles, winches, pulleys and sails.
By the end of day two, solitary mealtimes were out of the question. The restaurant set-up encouraged small-group dining and had I not met people the maître d’ would have smoothed my passage into the company of strangers. I let my hair down and laughed a lot, and when I did fancy a night o with a book (once), I ordered room service and su ered FOMO.
Subsequent solo sailings have been successful. I’ve tried all sorts of activities, including diving and kayaking, and have never felt alone or bored. Cruising solo a ords the best of both worlds: time alone with a cabin to yourself and company on tap when you want it. Keen travellers nervous about going it alone will never need to fret about logistics.
Find a cruise line that waives single supplements. Increasingly, newer ships are built with cabins for solo occupancy (try Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, NCL, Oceania Cruises and Holland America Line, and on the rivers American Queen Voyages, CroisiEurope and AmaWaterways). Bigger lines, including Cunard and HAL, have dedicated hosts for groups of single travellers.
As a rule of thumb if you’re a confident solo traveller, opt for a smaller ship. Assuming you want to socialise, the sooner you meet your co-passengers the less ‘alone’ you’ll be. Go with a positive attitude and maybe try a new activity – it breaks down barriers quickly. You never know, you might leave with invites to several more destinations… Clockwise, from top: Smaller ships are more conducive to interaction; enjoy the best of both worlds; writer Teresa Machan
