Cruise holidays offer a unique hassle free experience, transporting holidaymakers to exotic destinations that would be virtually impossible to cover in a similar land-based break.

Different lines provide swimming pools, casinos, nightclubs, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and restaurants designed by celebrity chefs.

There is an ever growing range of cruise options available covering all corners of the globe, offering something to suit everyone.

Ships vary in size from 49 to more than 3,000 passengers. Itineraries range from polar bear tracking and adventure cruises to simply relaxing and unwinding with state of the art on-board facilities such as gyms and spas.

Cruise lines cater for all tastes

Some cruise lines and individual ships cater for specific types pf passengers, like families with young children, honeymooners, singles and couples.

Others offer themed cruises for people with specific interests – whether it be golf, gastronomy, art or wine tasting, for example.

The great thing about cruising is that all your meals and entertainment are included in the fare, with some lines even offering on board credit towards the cost of drinks and supplements for speciality dining.

Only unpack once

Once you’ve unpacked you need not worry again as your cabin will act as your base for the entire holiday. Attentive cabin stewards are on hand to help with any requirements and will ensure everything is clean and tidy every day of your cruise.

Ships either depart from UK ports such as Southampton, Dover or Harwich or cruise lines offer flight connections to where you join your vessel abroad before setting sail.

No wonder then that cruising has been confirmed as one of the fastest growing holiday pastimes.

More Brits than ever are taking cruises

A record 1.2 million Britons took to the high seas on holiday in 2006, up 12% on the previous year.

And the number of UK cruise passengers is forecast to grow to two million by 2010.

Latest cruise industry research shows that the most important factors for an enjoyable cruise are good food and drink (35%), followed by the itinerary (27%), standards of accommodation, and then value for money and price.

Good private and public facilities are also important, as is the range and quality of entertainment available on board.

The Med’s the top cruise choice

The Mediterranean is by far the most popular overall cruise destination, accounting for around 38% of the 1.2 million cruises booked. The Caribbean is the second most popular destination, accounting for 17% of the market.

As the trend for short duration cruises of between two and seven days from UK ports grows - attracting first-time passengers, groups and parties – so the numbers travelling to the Med are expected to grow significantly.

Other awe-inspiring cruise destinations include Alaska, Asia, the Canary Islands, Russia, Scandinavia, South America, Australia and New Zealand and Hawaii.