Today's cruises offer more than a relaxing way of going from destination to destination, you can enjoy world class dining, Broadway-style productions and a whole host of enrichment programs. Now the term 'enrichment program' doesn't get everyone going but taking a further look into what is on offer on modern ships has been a real eye opener.
As well as the usual art tours, dance lessons and bridge clubs there are a whole host of fun activities on offer. How does wine tasting with Olly Smith or gaining a PADI diving certificate sound? These are just a snippet of what you can do on a sea day.
Bread & Water
A growing trend onboard ships are the cooking classes. Holland America Line are the pioneers here with their 'Culinary Arts Centre', an innovative, theatre-style demonstration kitchen where passengers can either watch one of the demonstrations or take part in a cooking classes. These classes have been a hit, with passengers enjoying tips from the ship's top chefs and special guests and have inspired more cruise lines to follow suit.
P&O Cruises also offer the chance to learn from the experts and they offer the chance to enjoy wine tasting or take a class on how to match your wine and food from Azura's Glass House patron, and Saturday Kitchen regular, wine expert Olly Smith. You can enjoy similar classes onboard many cruise lines, but only the Azura offers the excitable Smith.
Whether food, wine or both are your passions, take in one of the regular courses or wait for a celebrity chef and come home with a few more tricks to impress family and friends.
Learn The Lingo
This is another aspect of cruising that is becoming increasingly popular, but why not try and pick up a bit of French or Spanish when cruising the Med, Caribbean or South America. P&O Cruises have teamed up with the Berlitz language school to offer classes in both. A few hours with these guys on a sea day should give you the confidence to have a go once you're in port.
Fancy A PADI
Did you realise that on a Caribbean cruise you can now pick up a PADI diving qualification. This may not be the most relaxing day time activity but in the warmer Caribbean waters and surrounded by the vibrant, colourful sea life why not give it a go? Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises and Holland America Line all offer different course, classes and diving related activities. Who said cruising was about sitting around or playing shuffle board.
Digital Workshops
Digital workshops are another activity growing in popularity onboard, you can learn how to use social media, write a blog or take a photography course. Holland America Line have teamed up with Windows and Celebrity Cruises offer Mac courses in the Apple Store. Pick up some handy tips to share your holiday memories with friends and family and keep them posted while you're having the time of your life.
Themed Cruises
Whatever your passion chances are that there is a cruise out there just right for you. MSC Cruises offer an 'astral cruise' once a year with astrology courses and star gazing all part of the fun, Ball Room dancing can be found on a variety of ships to suit your taste from Cunard to Costa. Cunard even have RADA graduates onboard the QM2 should you wish to work on thespian skills.
Next time you hear the term 'enrichment' when looking at your cruise, don't just think of art tours, spa day and book clubs, take a look as you'll be surprised by what you may find.