This made us think, how could the process of finding the cruise you want be made easier? Searching the internet is time consuming and so is reading the endless offers sent by email. This instigated the plan, which is as far as we know unique, to create a programme that would enable you to define what you are looking for down to the area you want to cruise, the sort of accommodation you want and of course the price you would like to pay.
The project got off to a flying start and within a few days Melair, who operate the Cruise Club for our readers, had found cruises that matched what readers were asking for in over 90% of the requests.
If the first offer is not attractive, we continue to alert you when another cruise becomes available that matches your request. In addition, any special offers, on board discounts etc are identified so you can see what you will get for the budget you have indicated. Sometimes we found that the initial price was slightly above the requested budget, but when the special offers were taken into consideration, the price was matched or even reduced.
The database covers three cruise lines, each quite unique, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. As a quick guide this is what you can expect from each cruise line, all considered to be brand leaders in the cruise market.
Royal Caribbean: Large ships and outstanding features. Depending on the ship there will probably be between 3,000 and 6,000 guests. That sounds a lot, but the ships are enormous with up to 17 decks. For families they are a wonderland with everything for kids to see and do, including fly wires, ice rinks, pools and spas and top class entertainment. The ‘Allure of the Seas’ (Winner of the Best Overall Cruise Ship award for two years running) sailing from Barcelona and Rome this summer, has 21 swimming pools, 25 restaurants, an Aqua Theatre, FlowRider® surf simulators and much much more. Youngsters are well catered for with clubs and activities. Parents can relax and leave the kids in the hands of specialist staff.
Celebrity Cruises: Slightly smaller ships that are constantly winning the highest awards for the excellence of their service, food and facilities, they normally accommodate around 3,000 passengers with a high passenger to staff ratio. The vast majority of their staterooms are with balconies. They also have Aqua Class for the health conscious traveller which even has its own dedicated restaurant, ‘Blu’. Suites have your own European style Butler to offer an even higher standard of attention in your suite, that will include afternoon tea served on your balcony, room service for any meals you would like to eat in your suite and even help with unpacking. Children are catered for, but Royal Caribbean might be a better choice for families. Although there will be one or two ‘formal’ nights, the dress code is smart casual in the main restaurants. Entertainment is outstanding with a large ‘West End’ style theatre featuring top line entertainers and musicals every night. You won’t have the chance to get bored, (unless you want to).
Azamara Club Cruises: These are the smallest and most luxurious ships carrying around 750 passengers. Being smaller ships they can visit ports that the larger ships can’t access. Service levels are very high and within a day most of the staff will know your name and greet you personally. These are the most ‘formal’ of the three cruise lines we work with, and are constantly winning awards for their excellence.
Read our reviews of the ships. Most of the ships from these three cruise lines have been reviewed by our own staff who have travelled anonymously as paying guests, so we can be totally honest about each cruise, ship and standards. We have even looked at features for those with accessibility needs. On our website click ‘TRAVEL’ at the top of the page, and then ‘Cruises and Cruise Ships’. There is a wealth of information there to help you choose the best cruise line for your own needs.
All you need to do then is go to www.cruiseclub.theportugal
news.com and fill in a few quick details of what you would like, and then leave the rest to us.