It’s cool to cruise, and that’s official. Record numbers of younger people are taking cruise holidays and the average age of passengers is falling to an all time low.

A typical day in the life of today’s cruise passenger could involve catching the waves on an on board surf simulator followed by canyoning down a waterfall before taking a relaxing hot stone aromatherapy massage.

Then it’s a time for stylish cocktails in a trendy bar before a table for two in an intimate bistro. After dinner, take in a late night stand-up comedy act before heading to the disco until the early hours.

No wonder almost all passengers vote cruise holidays better than previous land-based holidays.

More people take cruises than go skiing

And with more people going on cruise holidays than go skiing, the appeal of a holiday at sea is now attracting a younger mix of passengers than ever before.

It’s easy to see why with modern mega-ships offering resort-at-sea facilities, a chilled out approach and great value.

Today’s cruise passenger demands flexibility, choice and value for time. Cruise lines have reacted by building superb new ships offering the quality and range of activities, dining and entertainment you would expect from a top class hotel or from a holiday in any cosmopolitan city in the world.

Excursions are no longer just coach tours

Shore excursions are no longer simply round-city coach tours. Today’s favourites include canyoning (hurling down waterfalls in a wetsuit and hard hat); river tubing; quad-biking; snorkelling and horse-riding. There is also a demand for independent city tours, cycling trips and Jeep safaris.

Ships’ spas are no longer the preserve of women – one in three health, fitness and beauty treatments are now booked by men. Whilst men are choosing stress-busting head and neck massages, hot stone aromatherapy and poultice massages top the polls of women’s favourite treatments.

Eat when you like, where you like

There is now a fast-expanding range of dining options on ships – from speciality bistros with celebrity chefs, to Italian trattorias and US-style steakhouses, pizzas and burgers, Asian-fusion and seafood. Eating when you like, where you like and with the companions you choose is now the order of the day.

Younger passengers with new tastes have sparked on-board innovations in entertainment from Tai Chi and digital photography to rock bands, laser shows and alternative comedy clubs.