Updated August 2018
Deciding where you want to go is one thing, but choosing your cruise ship is another factor that could require some deliberation. With so many different cruise lines to choose from these days, people who have never cruised before can find it confusing and even those who regularly cruise are sometimes afraid to try something different.
For this reason, we arrange for our customers to have an opportunity to experience a day onboard a cruise ship. The day gives you a chance to look around the ship and all its facilities before making a decision. Accompanied by our cruise experts and a representative of the cruise line, you will be shown everything from entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, fitness centres, spas, lounges, and cabins (if available).
Once you have had a chance to see the ships’ facilities, we will take you to the main dining room where you will have the opportunity to sample the onboard cuisine with a delicious three-course meal with wine followed by coffee.
Take a look at some of our staff ship day visits below.
Cunard's Queen Victoria - Toby, IT Team Leader
"The ship itself is simply amazing. The facilities unbeatable; you can unwind in the Britannia Club or the onboard Spa (or my favourite the Gin Bar), or, (as an avid reader) I found a two-story library onboard with over 6000 books - unbelievable."
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Silhouette - Winfred, Email Specialist
"When visiting Celebrity Silhouette I felt incredibly spoiled to experience the extensive range of special privileges onboard. These included seeing the different suite categories and various upgrades available, the speciality dining, the VIP lounge, and even the personal butler service 24/7. It was also fantastic to visit the different restaurant options available, such as the restaurant Luminae which is exclusive to Suite Class guests. Michael's Club was also another great private area for Suite Class guests, it was so intimate and inviting. Anyone who wishes to cruise with Celebrity Cruises won't be disappointed - their services make everyone feel special."
Carnival Cruises, Carnival Horizon - Joe, Video Content Executive
"I was lucky enough to go on a brand new Carnival Cruises ship – Horizon – which was an incredible experience for me, especially because at the time I was quite new to the cruising industry. It was a real eye opener and really helped me to appreciate all the fantastic opportunities there are when it comes to cruise holidays."
Princess Cruises, Royal Princess - Andrew, Email Marketing Assistant
"I think ship visits are an incredible chance to try before you buy, with a guided tour, learning about the ship and sitting down to enjoy a meal onboard in one of the most popular restaurants on the ship! If you don’t know whether a cruise line or ship is for, you experiencing the ship for a day is an offer too good to refuse.
As for the Royal Princess, the ship is beautiful with so many things to do onboard from table tennis and golf to movies under the stars and a kids club. I was delighted with the standard of the ship; it was so clean and the interior decorated to the highest quality - and the food was delicious!"
P&O Cruises, P&O Azura - Mark, Sales Consultant
"It was great to see a cruise ship and it was useful to look at all the different cabins, restaurants, shops and facilities that are available to guests.
We had an amazing sample taster at the Epicurean restaurant. On the menu was Smoked Salmon followed by the most amazing Iberico ham. Both were served at the side of the table and then at the end, we had Crepe Suzette, prepared and flambéed at the table, all with fantastic wine. We then visited the Sindhu restaurant to try a sample menu of famous Indian dishes which were amazing.
All the staff were very friendly and helpful. Seeing and sampling onboard means you can pass on very useful and reliable information to future guests."
MSC Cruises, MSC Magnifica - Sabrina, Customer Care Executive
I think ship visits are essential to someone who is looking to book a cruise, as they can really get a ‘feel’ of the ship once onboard. I find that when you see something in the flesh and experience the atmosphere and sounds of the ship, it helps you decide if it's right for you – this is especially helpful for first-time cruisers. Cruising can sometimes be an expensive holiday option, so by visiting the ship first, you can make sure it's worth it for you and your family. Having the option to view the cabins – especially different grades - can help to make the decision about what to book in the future, whether it be with the same cruise operator or another.
All in all a great opportunity to try before you buy.
If like many people you prefer to try before you buy, please note that places do get booked very quickly, so if you would like to come to one of our visits, we suggest you book early. We have availability on our guided ship tours from just £25 pp.
To book, call our concierge team on 020 8254 3534 or email concierge-cruise@iglu.com. Find out more about other ship visits and cruise events.
