There was a time, and not so very long ago, when the very notion of cruising would see people turning green around the gills and this was not necessarily solely down to the contemplation of mal de mer. Cruising and shipping in general had a less than desirable reputation, but oh my goodness!, how things have definitely changed.

Today, cruising represents one of the most luxurious forms of travel you could ever imagine. Indeed, the average cruise ship is more akin to a five star floating hotel: opulence exudes around every corner of this floating paradise and you find it hard to believe that this is mainly a form of travel between different exotic ports.

The cruise ship, in itself, is for many people the main highlight of their holiday. The destinations being visited are merely an extra perk that is an added bonus.

This is very easy to understand when you consider the range of facilities that you will find onboard. This generally includes huge bars and restaurants, swimming pools, gyms, cinemas, full theatrical productions and even abseiling walls on some ships.

Then, of course, you have the cabins - better known as State Rooms on some of the more reputable ships. You will generally tend to find that the standard of cabin rises as you go up the levels of the ship. The cheapest tending to be down in the bowels of the vessel and the best being higher up, outside cabins, with their very own balconies at times.