Singles Cruises and Cruising for the under 30s. Afloat Holidays for Young People

The Good News is cruises are no longer just for the over 60s. Yes there are still plenty of cruises aimed at the older generation where the ballroom reverberates with the sounds of Strictly Come  Dancing and the occasional Jive or Twist. But cruising has changed and there are now many cruise lines targeting young families, singles and the under 35s.

I travel a lot with my job. Not as glamorous as it sounds but quite the reverse. I fly, at short notice, to far flung parts of the world to rescue clients in distress. So you can imagine I've had it up to here with packed airport lounges, endless security queues and characterless hotels.

A cruise is the perfect alternative. You can relax from the minute you get on board. If you pick a cruise line targeting the under 35s, as well as lots of sporty activities like rock climbing, swimming or tennis, you can dance the night away in a club or bar without having to wear a ball gown.

My favourite activity on a cruise (no not that! What sort of girl do you think I am?) is just chilling on a sun lounger by the pool with a good book and a cool drink.

Each port of call offers opportunities to explore new cities or Islands or indulge in adrenaline-fuelled activities such as kite surfing or scuba diving.

So far I’ve only gone cruising with a bunch of girl friends but if you are on your own its possible to go on a singles cruise where they match you to a room mate (same sex).

It’s apparently a great way to meet people of both sexes although I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to risk holidaying alone!

This singles cruise concept can either involve the whole vessel or alternatively be organised by a singles club that take part of a suitable cruise and organise singles activities and accommodation in one part of the ship.

Depending where you live, you may be able to get on a cruise without the need for a flight and those annoying airport queues and delays. Cruises embark from most big cities with port facilities, for example Fort Lauderdale, New York, Rome or Southhampton (in the UK).

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One of the many reasons why young people don’t do cruises is because cruises have a reputation for being expensive.

However, modern cruise lines such as Carnival or Ocean are much more affordable with informal dining resulting in more cost-effective fares.

You can also pick up big reductions on cruises by accessing specialist cruising websites. Once the embarkation date gets close them the cruise lines drop their prices in order to fill the ship.

Ocean Village, the Mediterranean and Caribbean cruise line, use the slogan “the cruise for people who don’t do cruises”.

Their cruises are billed as fun -filled and are marketed to attract a younger generation of cruisers.

My favourite fashion style for a cruise is the Nautical Look. Where better to sport a ship-shape wardrobe than on board a cruise liner? The great thing about nauticals is they mix and match so well.

You can begin the day in a bikini by the pool. Cover up when the sun gets hot with a nautical top or teeshirt and a pair of nautical shorts. Then slip on a long dress when the evening gets chilly or you just want to look a little more elegant for dinner.

Don't forget some sensible shoes for exploring those tropical islands or trekking round Greek or Roman ruins.

You'll also need some nautical accessories to finish off the Nautical Look. A light raincoat just in case. At least one nautical-style hat to keep the sun off, a bag or two and some sea-inspired jewelry such as shell necklaces or bracelets and bangles.

So girls, do something different this year. Don’t just fly off to a concrete jungle beach resort on a packed budget charter jet.

Why not treat yourself to some total relaxation? Chill out and let those exotic foreign locations come to you instead of the other way round.

Start looking on the Internet for suitable cruises and to select your fabulous nautical wardrobe for the trip. Then imagine waking up after a deliciously comfy first night on board.

Just slip into some shorts and a tee shirt and grab a buffet breakfast by the pool. Doesn't it make perfect sense? No more worries except what to wear for dinner and what to do when the next exotic destination comes into view.

Oh, and don't forget that gorgeous but shy boy you met in the shopping mall. Will you take up his offer of a coffee this afternoon? Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising!