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Get the Lowdown on Cruising today

Cruising for the 21st Century

Hello, and welcome to a cruise website with a difference designed specifically with contemporary travellers in mind, whatever their age.

Not sure whether to take the plunge? Go for it - things have changed! Our belief is that cruising is for EVERYONE and would hate you to miss out!

Who are we?

Hi, I ‘m Kathy Taylor and I live in Greater London, UK. with my husband John, and together we are “Cruise Lowdown”.

We are not travel professionals, but we do love to travel and I love to write, so we thought we would combine the two. As well as this project, I am also a travel journalist with a regular column in Sail Away Magazine. I have previously contributed to various travel guides and have authored training materials for the travel and cruise industry. Whilst I am the main writer and content creator, John is my silent partner but essential science and technical adviser, photographer, sub-editor, chauffeur, and most importantly my travelling companion.

The emphasis of our blog is very much on contemporary, stylish cruising and travel, whatever your age. Personally, I favour modern design - whether that is in fashion, interiors, architecture etc. Living in the capital, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy pop-up restaurants, rooftop cinema, bottomless brunch, and West End musicals. At home we love affordable luxury - pure white cotton bed linen, big fluffy towels and indulgent toiletries. So obviously, we want our holidays/vacations to reflect this.

Our Aim

We want to bring you the highlights from the best of what’s out there - whats new, and what’s already fabulous. There is a smattering of practical, general need-to-know information and those all-important FAQs. We publish all the latest news direct from the cruise lines themselves, including special offers.

Although, joining the cruise revolution quite late, we have still managed to clock up over 50 cruises, accumulating 500+ days at sea and visiting more than 50 countries. We have witnessed a seismic shift in the industry, and a huge effort to widen appeal. What was once considered, a holiday for “the newly wed or the nearly dead” is most definitely not so now - it is very much multi-generational and an ideal choice of younger travellers looking for something different. A good option too for solo travellers and young families .

We hope you will be inspired to open the (cabin) door to what might be a different type of vacation for many of you - we just wish we had discovered it sooner.

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LOOKING AT CRUISING WITH FRESH EYES

No doubt you already have an opinion about cruise holidays. However, we hope to give you a new perspective and show you how sea travel is having a makeover!

Think of this as the on-line equivalent to your favourite coffee-table book - the one you keep dipping into for that much-needed escapism.

Forget every preconception you may have about cruises and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Take a voyage of discovery and read on to find out what is available for discerning travellers today, from exciting itineraries and innovative amenities to activities sure to excite even the most intrepid explorer or adrenaline junkie.

So What’s changed?

Image courtesy of MSC Cruises

Image courtesy of MSC Cruises

With state-of-the-art technology, improved connectivity, jaw-dropping interiors, celebrity chefs, lush spas, and Adrenalin-fuelling activities - just about EVERYTHING!

We are smack-bang in the middle of a revolution and it would be a shame to miss out. Cruise companies are on a mission to shake up the demographics on their ships and are turning to all kinds of nifty tricks to appeal to the contemporary traveller.

There are more adult-exclusive options; more appropriate child-friendly facilities to encourage families; more single accommodation with better pricing for solo travellers, and generally just a much younger vibe.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? JUMP RIGHT IN, THE WATER’S LOVELY!

Destinations

Ports of Call, Itineraries, Bucket List Must-Do’s

Top Cruise Destinations

Photo by Emily Bauman @amanacer-art via Unsplash.com

The first choice for glorious winter sun, white sand beaches and the bluest of seas. Choose from The Bahamas, Eastern or Western Caribbean, or the Southern isles. Some itineraries include visits to Mexico and Columbia, and one of the most iconic cruises you can take is through the Panama Canal.

Ultimate Caribbean Guide

Photo by Hello Lightbulb on Unsplash

Best for Spring/Summer cruises, a Med itinerary might cover the coasts of Spain, Italy, the Adriatic (Croatia and Montenegro), the Greek Islands or even as far afield as Turkey. One of the most memorable trips you can do is to sail into Venice along the Grand Canal. Unfortunately, Italy has banned the larger ships from doing so, but you may still find a smaller vessel that still docks in the centre of the city. If you visit Santorini, beware of the donkeys!

Ultimate Mediterranean Guide

Canary Islands

Photo by Lucy Joy on Unsplash

Photo by Lucy Joy on Unsplash

A great winter option for guaranteed sunshine, and the bonus that if you are based in the UK you can probably do this as a cruise-only from Southampton. Incorporating lush vegetation, volcanic islands and caribbean-style sandy beaches, this option will include Tenerife, Gran Canaria (make sure to explore Las Palmas), Lanzarote, and windsurfers and beach-lovers’ favourite Fuerteventura, You may also get to visit Madeira and La Gomera on this itinerary.

Norwegian Fjords

Photo by Laura B on Unsplash

Photo by Laura B on Unsplash

A good choice for a first cruise as this itinerary is usually only for seven nights and is cruise-only from the UK. Travel from late spring to early Autumn and pack for all weathers. The scenery is breathtaking and you will have the added benefit of having one or two cruising days to explore your ship. If you are extremely lucky, you might even get to experience the Northern Lights phenomenon.

The Baltics

Visit some of the finest cities around the Baltic Sea. Usually a 14 night itinerary encompassing Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallin, Gdansk, and of course the iconic St Petersburg. You will not be able to do independent touring in Russia without a special visa, so one of the rare destinations that I’d advise only booking a ship’s excursion. You could even get to visit Moscow!

Alaska

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

One for the bucket list! Alaska, the 49th state of the USA, is also the largest. Wildlife, rugged scenery and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, this itinerary has it all. The Alaskan cruise is usually 7 nights, although some are longer. You will cruise the Inside Passage and/or Glacier Bay, with lots of land-based adventure opportunities. Some combine the cruise with a journey across Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer; whilst others choose to do a cruse and stay in Denali National Park.

See Alaska related posts here

South America

El Chalten, Argentina by Fabien Moline @ unsplash.com

El Chalten, Argentina by Fabien Moline @ unsplash.com

If you want a more adventurous itinerary, consider taking a South American cruise. You will encounter a range of different terrains - tropical rain forests, rugged tundra, infinity fjords, soaring mountains, and contemporary cities. Whether you are interested in nature, wildlife or history you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stretching from the Equator to Antarctica, this continent comprises no less than 14 countries and a whole range of eco systems. Home to many indigenous people with their own special cultures this is bound to be a memorable trip. Cruises usually start in either Buenos Aires or Santiago and May include a journey around Cape Horn or a trip to the Galápagos Islands. Remember “take only memories and leave only footprints”.

World Cruise

Of course, if you are having trouble making up your mind, and have the time and resources, why not consider a World Cruise. The duration of these cruises are usually 2-3 months (although you can opt to join the ship for “Sectors” at various points around the planet). They will visit most (if not all) continents around the globe. A must for the bucket list!