"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky. And all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer  her by."
The tall ships John Masefield had in mind when he penned those words were probably a little different from the luxurious cruise ships that nowadays ply the oceans, but the sentiment is still the same. The sea has long held a fascination for travellers, but unless you're a weathered salty sea dog chances are you're looking for a more comfortable way to sail the seven seas. Richard Holmes looks at some of your best options to rule the waves across the globe.
Bigger is better
Gone are the days when cruisers were on first-name basis with the Captain, and could do a leisurely circuit of the deck in under five minutes. Cruise ship architects are firm believers in 'bigger is better', and the past few years have seen some floating giants take to the water.
The latest addition to the small family of super-cruisers is 'Independence of the Seas', which welcomed its first passengers aboard in April. Carrying 4375 passengers and 1360 crew, the ship is more floating village than cruise liner. "I am the mayor of a small town," says Teo Strazicic, the ship's Croatian captain.
Independence of the Seas sails under the Royal Caribbean flag, the same company which owns the second and third largest cruise ships in the world; the 'Freedom of the Seas' and the 'Liberty of the Seas'.
The main attraction a holiday on-board of these super-cruisers is the wide range of activities they have available, which include the FlowRider® surfing simulator, ice-rink, mini-golf, gym, art gallery and casino. There's even a chapel for those who decide to take the plunge at sea!
These giant ships offer dozens of choices when it comes to shopping and dining. The 'Royal Promenade' - billed as " Main Street U.S.A., right in the middle of the ocean" – will leave your credit card in need of a life preserver, while your waistband will also be begging for mercy after sessions at on-board restaurants ranging from an Italian pizzeria and English pub to the Johnny Rockets '50s-style restaurant.
As if those weren't large enough, Royal Caribbean has plans for a new 'Genesis' class of ship, set to launch in 2009 and 2010. Carrying 5400 passengers, the ships will be so large they'll be separated into neighbourhoods clustered around a 'Central Park' the size of a football field.
Big ships don't come more beautiful than the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 though; she's billed as "the most magnificent ocean liner ever built", and following in the wake of the famous QE2 it would have to be! You won't find wave-riders or mini-golf here… rather get set to enjoy lectures by world-famous academics, star-gazing in the planetarium, a tasting of fine wines, or perhaps a massage in the state-of-the-art spa and gym.
When the sun goes down there's no tacky after-dinner cabaret show on your trans-Atlantic crossing (the QM2's specialty). Beaded gowns and black tie are called for as you sweep across the largest ballroom at sea in the Queens Room, or soak up live jazz in the Commodore Club. Fancy a flutter? Spin over to the casino with its tuxedoed croupiers and live out your James Bond fantasies. The QM2 is high-style on the high seas, so don't forget to dress for dinner!
Offering almost every activity under the sun these super-ships of the world cater for every whim and there's almost no reason to set foot on land during your cruise. This is just as well, as due to their size these ships are unable to dock at many smaller ports, so if shore excursions are important then you may want to consider a cruise on something smaller.
River cruises
Something, perhaps, like a river cruiser. From the high seas to the river mild, canal-boating has become a popular holiday option in Europe, with travellers donning the captain's hat and steering their own way from point A to B. Sleeping a few couples at most, canal-boats are a great way to enjoy a low-key family holiday at your own pace. But what if you want to enjoy the river without the responsibility?
Larger river cruisers – carrying around 150 passengers – ply the major rivers of Europe, and are a fantastic way to explore some of the continent's historic capitals. Much of Europe's trade and commerce was built on the waterways, and many cities have their hub around the waterfront, making exploring each city as simple as stepping off the gangplank.
This is especially true for the Danube, Western Europe's largest river which rises in Germany and flows 2850-kilometres through nine countries on its journey to the Black Sea. Companies such as Avalon Waterways offer a range of tours on rivers across the continent, but 'The Legendary Danube' cruise is certainly one not to be missed.
The cruise begins in the German city of Nuremberg, which was completely restored after WWII and boasts fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses, before beginning its slow journey to the south-east. Through the countryside of Germany, the Danube makes its way inevitably towards the sea, passing the idyllic Austrian towns of Linz and Vienna. Skirting the bottom of Slovakia before diving south, the Danube delivers you to the intoxicating capital of Eastern Europe; Budapest, where seven bridges cross the mighty river to connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left.
River cruises, such as 'The Legendary Danube', are perfect for more active cruisers who enjoy being able to settle into their comfortable stateroom for the duration of their holiday, but also want to get out and explore during the day. The energetic can hop off the ship every day to explore the latest stop, and with some of Europe's most exciting cities on the waterfront there's no shortage of stimulating destinations. If you've had enough of padding the cobbled side-streets you can simply sit back and enjoy the passing scenery… and there's certainly more to see than on an ocean cruise!
River cruisers won't have the range of facilities, shopping and dining options of large ocean liners, but still have more than their fair share of home comforts. Ships such as Avalon's modern 'Tranquility' offer Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen satellite TV, a hair salon and a fitness centre. With river-cruising the emphasis is on enjoying the scenery and stop-overs, not just entertainment on the high-seas. While ocean cruising is all about the journey, on the river mild the destinations share the limelight with the luxurious life on-board. Think of it as a hotel on the move, rather than a theme park with propellers.
Adventure
Cruising is usually seen as a bit of a soft-option when it comes to travelling…. entertaining and relaxing, yes, but a far cry from the swashbuckling adventurers that used to ply the high seas. Thankfully, some cruises offer more than a casino to set your heart a-flutter.
One of the wonderful things about cruise ships (when properly equipped) is that they can access areas cut off from travellers restricted to planes, trains and automobiles. And the main attraction when it comes to cruising off the beaten track is the ability to explore the ends of the earth; both north and south of the equator.
Cruises to Antarctica are top of any aquatic adventurer's to-do list, although cruises are restricted to the summer season from November to March. Many of the ships in use are converted Russian research ice-breakers, so don't be surprised if you find yourself boarding the Akademik Sergey Vavilov!
Most cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, the southernmost town in the world and itself a great destination to spend a few days exploring. From Ushuaia you'll cross the dreaded Drake Passage (pack the seasick tablets!) as you head south towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Most ships offer Zodiac trips ashore so you can explore the Peninsula, while cruises including helicopter trips, kayaking, camping and even scuba diving are all on offer depending on your budget. Trips further afield to the preserved huts of famous Antarctic explorers, the Ross Ice Shelf as well as the islands of South Georgia and the Falklands are also popular.
At the other end of the globe are the treacherous waters of the Arctic Ocean, home to the fabled Northwest Passage which claimed hundreds of sailors searching for a sea route to Asia. Cruises range from sightseeing circuits around Greenland and Iceland to four-week adventures across the top of Russia and even a nuclear-powered journey to the North Pole!
While the Antarctic may lay claim to breathtaking vistas and giant icebergs the Arctic has more to offer in the way of wildlife; with narwhals, walruses, whales and polar bears to keep you company. Journeys to the far north are also popular for marvelling at the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. These are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere winter though, and the all-day darkness could put a dampener on your other sight-seeing.
If you decide to brave the darkness, the Hurtigruten Line offers one of the most interesting ways to enjoy the Aurora while exploring the dramatic coastline of Norway. With daily departures from Bergen en route to Kirkenes across the Arctic Circle, the ships call at 34 ports never visited by commercial cruise liners. Delivering freight, post and passengers to remote communities, some of which are home to just a few hundred people, this is a wonderful way to combine the comfort and adventure of cruising with a taste of the local culture.
The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System offers a similar service for budget travellers on the United States' Pacific coastline, but there are also a host of commercial cruise ships offering a more comfortable ride past the glaciers, forests and waterfall of the wildest state in America.
Under sail
After all that snow, ice and darkness you're probably about ready for some sun, sea and sand! Head then, to the eastern Mediterranean, where small ship cruising in the sun awaits.
Turkey is famous for its ragged coastline of rugged peninsulas and calm bays watched over by towns dating back thousands of years. The best way to experience this craggy coastline is on a Turkish gulet; a traditional wooden sailing ship usually sleeping 12 – 16 passengers in six to eight cabins. A major advantage of guletting is that you can either charter an entire boat (if you have a large group of friends or family), or simply rent a cabin on one of the scheduled cruises. There are also a wide range of cruises on offer, from historical voyages exploring ancient civilisations of the Aegean to simply relaxing sails in the sun where snorkelling and swimming are all that's expected of you. Although most gulets aren't overly luxurious, the small crew do all the work on-board and will ensure you're well looked after.
If the romance of sail is what you're after, but you'd like a little luxury too, then the West Indies are the place for you. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises were the original cruise operator offering holidays under sail, and have four ships based in the exotic Caribbean.
As the name suggests, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises are relaxed affairs, and you're encouraged to feel the sun-weathered teak beneath your toes while your ship sails the warm waters of the West Indies. On-shore excursions range from the active to the cultural, so whether you're a type-A adrenalin junkie or just looking to soak up the Creole culture there'll be a cruise for you.
If you want the sail with a little more sass, Star Clippers offers five-star tall ship cruising. The ships may sail like the hard-working clippers of the 20th century, but on-board you are certainly not expected to haul in the main sheet. The fleet consists of three impressive clippers, but the imposing Royal Clipper is the pride and joy. The only five-masted sailing ship built in the last 100 years, the Royal Clipper is driven along by 42 sails but boasts state-of-the-art navigation systems and five-star luxury, complete with three swimming pools, glass atrium and health spa with underwater portholes. Adventurous guests can even climb the mast to the 'crow's nest' for a bird's-eye-view!
Family
If you've got children in tow, cruising is perhaps the ultimate family getaway. The fare is (usually) all-inclusive so you know exactly what it's going to cost you and there's lots to keep energetic kids busy allowing parents to relax and have some time-out. With so many exciting activities onboard, "Are we there yet?" should be a thing of the past.
Apart from the usual range of activities on-board, larger cruise operators such as Royal Caribbean also recognise that kids need to be kept busy (and away from the parents!) on-board, and offer specialised kids programs while at sea. Adventure Ocean is a complimentary program of fun and educational activities open to guests aged 3-17, while Fisher Price Playgroups caters for infants up to three-years of age.
Carnival Cruise Lines, who offer journeys everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, have an even wider range of programs, with Camp Carnival (ages 2-11), Circle "C" (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17) offering everything from 'A-B-Seas' story-time for toddlers to teens-only shore excursions.
Both of the above cruise operators offer a good mix of entertainment for children and adults alike, but if it's a 'just-for-kids' cruise you're after then a trip on the Disney Cruise Line is hard to beat. Cruising exclusively in the Caribbean, these ships are a non-stop adventure for cruisers under the age of 17, offering everything from science labs and movie theatres to ship-simulators where kids can play captain. And for the parents, I hear you ask? There's the usual variety of pools, sports and even a health spa for you to enjoy while your kids are busy.
Local is lekker
Cruising in local waters – where seas can be rough, and there are often long distance between ports – has taken awhile to become popular, but Starlight Cruises are certainly giving local cruisers lots to get excited about.
From October 2009 Starlight Cruises will have two ships sailing in South African waters; the MSC Rhapsody and MSC Melody. Both vessels have long been favourites with the local market, and offer a good mix of on-board entertainment and exciting destinations.
Most of the cruises on offer leave from Durban and head north to explore the warm waters of Mozambique. Packages range from a three-day jaunt to Ponta de Ouro to longer journeys exploring Bazaruto and the coastline around Inhambane. The wonderful Barra Lodge is a popular stop-over on the New Year cruise for their (in)famous beach party!
Trips further afield to Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles are also on offer, as is the opportunity to join the ship in October for a 21-day voyage from its summer berth in Italy to Durban, or back to the Med in March 2009. Capetonians haven't been left out either, and cruises from the Mother City to Luderitz, Mossel Bay, Walvis Bay and Durban are on offer for the first time in ages. Fares for the above journeys start from as little as R2940 for three nights at sea, rising to R18700 for three weeks from Durban to Italy.
For a cruise back in time, the 14-day voyage from Cape Town to the island of St. Helena is an adventure and a holiday rolled into one. The only ship still to hold the title of Royal Mail Ship, the RMS St. Helena is a working ship that delivers both tourists and supplies to the island 1500-miles north-west of Cape Town. The 'St. Helena' may not have the theatre, casino or mini-golf, but you'll still be more than comfortable tanning by the pool or relaxing with travellers and returning 'Saints' in the lounges. Carrying just 128 passengers the RMS harks back to the old days of ocean liners, when officers dined with passengers and shuffleboard at noon was a non-negotiable.
So whether it's old-school on the mail-ship or razzle-dazzle on the world's giant cruise liners there is something for everyone sailing the seven seas. All you need to do is jump on board. Bon Voyage!
This article originally appeared in travelideas magazine.
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