Fly-cruise issues rise

Rising air fares are prompting cruise passengers to drive hundreds of miles to ports of embarkation instead of flying there, the extra costs in carrying more hold baggage are making many people think again, and luggage problems, notably at Heathrow 5, are also making people nervous.

Because cruises tend to demand a bigger wardrobe than other holidays do, this is really causing doubts among cruise passengers.

1. One answer is for more cruise ships to operate out of the UK and we’ve seen several new ships using Southampton as their home-port so we can expect this trend to accelerate over the next couple of years.

2. Some cruise lines are said to be reconsidering the laundry services they offer on board, so that passengers can pack more lightly. This includes offering self-service washing machines and dryers so people can pack less and wash and wear more often

3. Otherwise, passengers will probably dress more casually as casual clothes tend to take up less room, be lighter and be easier to replace if they get lost and this will continue the trend away from formal nights and dressing for dinner.