The 5 best cruise experiences to look out for in 2017

With every year that passes, we seek our next big adventure and often there is so much out there that we find ourselves dazzled by the choices on offer. 2016 showed great progression within the cruise industry with more and more of you choosing cruising as your holiday experience - 2017 can only bring bigger and better things, so look no further. Here’s our list of the 5 best cruise experiences to look out for in 2017: 

The ABTA Travel Trends Report 2017 states that, “People are becoming more adventurous,” with their choice of holiday destination - so why not jump on the adventure bandwagon and do something a bit out of the ordinary? One of the most popular and fast-selling destinations in 2016 was the Arctic, and when you witness the wonder of this winter wonderland, it’s easy to see why. Not only can you enjoy husky rides, go cross-country skiing, enjoy sea kayaking and join the search for the elusive northern lights, but you can do it against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. It is here that you can also bear witness to the stunning flora and fauna - with many of the destinations on offer home to wolves, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, the mystical narwhal and, of course, the King of the Arctic, the polar bear. 

Whilst many enjoy sunbathing by the pool or sipping a few cocktails onboard, cruising has so much more on offer than just sun and relaxation. 2016 saw a surge in activity-led holidays and it seems that we are embracing the move to becoming more active when we go away. Where cruising is concerned - the opportunities for activity-led holidays abound. With Azamara, you can enjoy stunning Mediterranean islands whilst soaking up the glamorous atmosphere of the Monaco Grand Prix. If ocean cruising doesn’t appeal, then fear not! Plenty of river cruises offer itineraries that are absolutely jam-packed with daily activities to enhance your cultural knowledge and delight your mind. 

Sometimes, we look further afield for a holiday experience and overlook our very own British Isles in favour of something more exotic. But, our very own isles have plenty of magic to offer of their very own. One of the cultural focuses of 2017 is the celebration of many great British writers and their books with this year being declared as the Year of Literary Heroes by VisitEngland. It’s 125 years since the first Sherlock Holmes story was published, 200 years since the death of Jane Austen and 20 years since Harry Potter made his first appearance in the Philosopher's Stone. From The Beatles and the urban nature of Liverpool to the outstanding natural beauty of Fowey in South Cornwall, there is an abundance of history, creative influence and beauty hidden in the British Isles. So, why don’t you stay closer to home and explore what the UK has to offer? 

In 2017, try a cruise with a difference and go off the beaten track for your next overseas adventure. The Far East is a mysterious, ancient and magical destination that is far-flung from any experience you may have had before. Cambodia’s sugar palms, the futuristic metropolis of Singapore, the eastern promise of Vietnam and Hong Kong’s iconic skyline are bound to appeal to all five of your senses. These destinations are not for the faint-hearted and provide landscapes and cultures that you can fully immerse yourself in- you’ll find yourself inspired and invigorated by the things you have seen, heard, tasted and smelled. You’re bound to return home with incomparable experiences under your belt and a lifetime of memories to hold dear. 

It is without a doubt that the recent changes within Britain’s economy have touched a nerve where money-conscious individuals are concerned. But why should you have to worry about your spending habits when you’re planning a well-deserved break? There are many options available for those who are conscious of currency, with many cruise lines including Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and P&O Cruises keep the currency onboard as pound sterling. Not only are there an abundance of cruise lines that are conscious of their pennies and pounds, but there are many destinations that enable your money to go further. The ABTA Travel Trends Report 2017 shows that destinations where the pound may go further include Argentina, Mexico and South Africa. So you don’t have to miss out on your ideal holiday, nor do you have to worry about counting the pennies!