Are you one of many people who have always written off the idea of going on a cruise but you don’t quite know why?

Could it be because you don’t really know how they work, or you’re not sure what’s expected of you on a cruise and you don’t want to feel awkward and uncomfortable on your holiday?

Part of the problem with people and cruises today is not really understanding what to expect  or what might be expected of you on a cruise ship. Many of us have memories of watching TV programmes about cruises set in the 1970′s where everyone goes for dinner in black tie and begs to get a place on the Captains table where they can live it up in the company of the (always) charming and genial Captain of the ship.

These days the reality is rather different. Some Cruise companies have moved with the times and cruising is no longer the preserve of the landed gentry or people who like to pretend that they are! Normal people from all walks of life and all backgrounds are enjoying amazing cruises every day which go all over the world. Not only that but modern cruise ships are bigger and better than they ever were before. Better facilities, more to do, more exciting food and even more luxury at lower prices than ever before!

One of the new generation of cruise operators are Ocean Village Cruises. In fact, they specialise in NOT being like the old fashioned cruise liners described above. Their mission is to provide fantastic cruise holidays without the stuffiness. And, by booking online you can save 5% off brochure prices. Ocean Village Cruises try to cater specifically for (relatively) younger people. Again, many people have the impression that cruises are only for the very old (as well as the very rich). Ocean Village Cruises on the other hand, specifically try to cater for people between 30 – 50 (though everyone else is welcome too of course!). What this means is that you can expect modern, relevant entertainment and not just songs from the 1920s.

One current promotion is up to £300 off per couple on meditteranean cruises this summer.  This cruise takes you to the big-hitting highlights of Rome, Barcelona and Monte Carlo, gorgeous Greek islands and the must-see sights of Cairo, Venice and Istanbul.

The cruises are not completely all-inclusive but prices do include a lot of what you will need for your holiday (including charter flights, tips and most food). Rather than keep you guessing here is a list of everything that IS included in the price:

• Charter flights to/from the ship including in-flight snacks/meals.
• UK Air Passenger Duty on fly-cruise holidays.
• Cabin accommodation with en suite facilities.
• All meals on board. An extra charge applies for some optional lunch items at La Luna and dinner in La Luna and the Bistro.
• All basic tips on board (but you’re welcome to recognise great service with discretionary tips).
• Use of the on board leisure and sports facilities.
• Evening entertainment including: contemporary acrobatics, stand-up comedians, tribute bands, a deck laser show and quizzes.
• Children and Teenagers’ programme on board supervised by the Youth Team, with an extensive programme of play, sport and entertainment.
• All UK and overseas port taxes.
• All coach transfers between the airport and the ship.
• All transfers from ship to shore when the ship is not berthed at port.

The best thing to do if you want to check out the prices is to go and do a search on the Ocean Village Cruise website because prices obviously vary depending on the time of year, the number travelling, and the choices you make for your cruise.  Going on a stunning cruise might cost a lot less than you think, so click here to find out more about their Cruise holiday prices.

Easycruise cruise ship

If you’ve ever considered a cruise holiday but have been put off by the flashy marketing material and huge prices, not to mention the terror of having to sit in a dinner suit at the Captain’t table, then take a look at Easycruise for your next cruise holiday. With cruises around Greece and Turkey with sensible and transparent pricing, you can relax in the knowledge that you’ll know exactly what to expect on your holiday. Their website provides tons of detail about the cruise ships, the itinery, the trips available to you and the facilities onboard, and this includes video tours so there’s nothing left to guess work. The emphasis is on informality, so no old fashioned stuffy protocols to adhere to either, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy luxury and relaxation onboard. It also tells you what is included in the price of your cruise holiday and what is extra.

This is modern cruising the Easycruise way. Take a look at the website now. You might be surprised at what you’ll find. Many of the Greek and Turkish cruises are 3-4 day trips, so combine this with a few days stay either side and you’ve got a really memorable mediterranean holiday. Prices start from only £160pp (depending on the cruise and the time of year), so you’ll be getting a lot more luxury for your money that you might have expected!

Libra Holidays offer Egyptian River Nile cruises at very competitive prices. These are 7 or 14 night stays and include sight-seeing and overnight stays on land so you can visit Egypt in style. They also offer a range of board options. If you want to visit Egypt but aren’t keen on staying in a hotel, then take a look.