CRUISING NORTHERN EUROPE- A GROWING TREND

One of cruising's unquestioned growth areas in recent years has been in cruising along ports located on the Channel coast of Western Europe, and it's not a trend limited by seasons. With many ports such as Hamburg and Amsterdam almost awash with festive Christmas markets  and fun stuff to see and do, perhaps what is surprising is that the cruise industry has taken so long to realise the actual potential of these trips.

A perception existed for many years in the cruise industry that few, if any passengers would be attracted by active commercial ports such as Rotterdam and Bremerhaven; places nioted primarily for their links to heavy industry. But beyond the immediate front of places such as Europoort lies a glut of historic attractions and sights that simply got lost up in that old, overall image. Cruise lines are now beginning to realise that age old error.

Then there was the other, age old obsession with weather. In the minds of many, a cruise had to translate to a sunny, seagoing adventure. Indeed, for many decades it was wired into the very DNA of cruising; so much so that it became the industry's Holy Grail. The idea that passengers might actually be persuaded to book cruises to places where the weather was less than guaranteed was seen as laughable.

My, how things have changed. It seems that people are just as happy to stroll the charmed, cobbled quaysides of Honfleur in October as they are to do so in the height of a French summer. A new generation of seagoing fans are just as happy to enjoy waffles and good Belgian beer in the Gothic splendour of Antwerp at any time of year. And, truth be told, many of these cities are far less crowded in the traditional 'off'' season for travelling; a fact that, if anything, actually enhances their appeal for many.

And the advantages of travelling by ship are legion; no airport hassle, no limits to the amount of luggage you can take, and no worries about booking hotels and transfers. in short, the ship simply moves the scenery- and the shopping options- for you. Little wonder, then, that companies from Cruise and Maritime to Cunard are cashing in on this sudden new appreciation for these channel charmers.

Food for thought? I would think so. And definitely ideal for a late bargain even at short notice. Lovely stuff.