Cruise history & culture

Today's cruise lines, competing for a share of a very canny market, are taking the onboard experience to new heights. For many people who are regular cruise travellers, rock-climbing walls, waterslides and bowling alleys don’t really cut the mustard. So cruise lines have a second line of attraction: showcasing history, culture and natural wonders in the regions they visit, so that passengers can enjoy a deeper understanding of their holiday destinations.

In addition, hobby and learning cruises are becoming increasingly popular: Crystal Cruises has a range of themed sailings including an Arts & Antiquities cruise and the Crystal Wine & Food Festival, while Holland America is offering a Culinary Arts Centre that showcases celebrity chefs from around the world and will deliver show kitchens, classes and cooking demonstrations on all thirteen of HAL’s ships. Oceania Cruises is noted for its culinary cruises but offers history and political science based lecture cruises too and most lines will have theme cruises such as wine tasting seminars and guided buying from Masters of Wine.