Cruise – and a Sea of Happiness

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POPULAR<\/p>\n

The cruise sector today is one of the leading sectors of Western tourism. It originated in the mid-19th century, when liner passenger companies had the bright idea of using their ships also in the off-season. The first regular pleasure cruises were organized in 1835 in England between the northern islands of Britain and Iceland. And two years later, the first company that began taking tourists on Mediterranean cruises was born – P&O. Exactly one hundred years ago, the first cruise ship was built, which served tourists year-round, only changing sailing directions. The leading positions in this new type of tourism business were taken by the USA, Great Britain, and Germany.<\/p>\n

The first to rush to spend their money on "love boats" and similar recreational cruise ships were American retirees. In the 70s of the last century, the cruise sector became increasingly democratic, first in the USA, and in the 90s – also in Europe. Today the clientele is very diverse in terms of age, income, and geography, with the number of Europeans in cruises ever increasing. Of the total number of cruise passengers, which amounted to 7.5 million in 2000, only 2.5 million were North Americans.<\/p>\n

TEMPTING<\/p>\n

Cruises are a very economical type of travel if you consider the cost of the services included in the package. You get the opportunity to visit several countries without spending on flights from one to another, you live on full board (full pension), the level of service on board is no lower than in the best hotels.<\/p>\n

On cruises, you are spared many inconveniences: no need to rush to train stations and airports, pack suitcases multiple times, book tables in restaurants and clubs, worry about tickets to concerts and shows.<\/p>\n

AFFORDABLE<\/p>\n

The Caribbean has always been and remains a priority destination for cruise traffic in the West. For our tourist, most of these cruises will require obtaining a multiple-entry US visa, but there are also "visa-free" routes on sailing ships departing from the islands of Guadeloupe, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Antigua. On the website cruisexpress.com.ua<\/a> you can see the most popular routes today. Sailing ships travel all over the world, only they have access to uninhabited islets with pristine nature, but such a vacation is expensive. These cruises gather people who want to spend time in an informal setting, without bothering to dress up for dinner with a tie. In advertisements, they are called "barefoot cruises."<\/p>\n

Cruise ships already visit more than 1,800 sea and river ports worldwide. Currently on the rise are Alaska, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. This summer, the nuclear icebreaker "Yamal" is departing from Murmansk on a unique tourist voyage to the North Pole. For lovers of the white silence, shore excursions are provided, and on board – performances by famous researchers and travelers.<\/p>\n

Cruises on Russian and Ukrainian ships are significantly cheaper than on foreign ones. From St. Petersburg, you can take a fascinating journey along the coast of Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) and return to Murmansk. Or you can go via Norway, France (with a visit to Paris), England (with an overnight stay in London), through the Kiel Canal, past Denmark to Kaliningrad.<\/p>\n

This summer, many cruise options are offered in combination with beach holidays at resorts in Italy, Croatia. From Mallorca, the ships Emerald and Topaz (3–4*) of the English tour operator Thomson operate. On the ship Topaz, alcoholic drinks are served without restrictions. This is the only all-inclusive cruise in the world. Very interesting is the route "Castles. Whisky. Fjords" through the cities of Northern Europe. You can have an inexpensive vacation on a "visa-free cruise" on the ship Regina Maris (2*+) with a Russian crew. Its route goes from the shores of Turkey to the Greek islands, with calls in Egypt or Athens. In combination with a week-long beach holiday in Antalya, it costs (including port fees) from $650.<\/p>\n

Cruises in Southeast Asia are rapidly gaining popularity. There are several options. If desired, you can combine a vacation in Bali with a cruise from Singapore, and a vacation in Thailand with a sailing ship cruise from Phuket Island.<\/p>\n

On cruises in South America, it soon becomes obvious that it is much safer and more peaceful to explore city sights while eating, showering, and sleeping on ships that meet the highest sanitary standards. Many routes start in Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires and pass through Santiago, from where it is easy to reach Easter Island.<\/p>\n

The search for a lost paradise resembles cruises to the islands of the Pacific Ocean – French Polynesia or Hawaii. Ships usually depart from Los Angeles or San Diego, spending 4-5 days in open sea. But then you can spend a week on the islands, relax, taste heavenly bliss.<\/p>\n

Special offer from Renaissance Cruises for June-July 2001: an 8-day cruise to the shores of Tahiti on a 4*+ liner in cabins with window costs from $799, in cabins with balcony – from $899. One small clarification: ships of this company only take non-smokers on board.<\/p>

You can choose a cruise around Europe or around Britain, or you can aim for a round-the-world trip. Round-the-world voyages from 90 to 138 days on 3-5* ships attract many with their variety of itineraries. It should be kept in mind that the earlier you book a 5-star cruise, the less you pay, and discounts can reach up to 30%.

DIVERSE

Cruise liners, like hotels, come in several star categories. They differ in size, number of passengers, range of services, and level of service. The 'number one' in cruise travel – the company P&O – uses the most authoritative classification according to the Berlitz system, which often does not coincide with what advertising offers.