The concept of the staycation is becoming increasingly popular. More people than ever are seeing the value of holidaying closer to home, and not just financial value! Major cruise lines like MSC Cruises have also launched summer seasons of staycation cruises, but what is all the fuss about?
If you’ve heard of the term but are wondering, “What is a staycation?”, we’re here to answer all your questions. In this guide, we’ll cover not only the definition of a staycation cruise but also how to plan and book one!
What is a Staycation?
Simply put, a staycation is a holiday where holidaymakers stay in their home nation. Rather than going abroad, they travel to somewhere new and intriguing without flying or sailing to foreign shores. Staycation cruises, therefore, are journeys that set off from the UK and explore local seas, travelling around the British Isles.
These cruises are designed to provide everything that guests love about cruising, exploring UK cities and coastal areas they may otherwise not consider for a holiday, such as Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin. A host of leading cruise lines now offer staycation cruises, including P&O Cruises, Cunard, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
One of the biggest positives of staycations is that they set sail from domestic ports, meaning guests can benefit from convenient and relaxed departures without having to catch flights. Some of the UK’s most popular cruise ports include:
Is a Staycation Cruise Right For Me?
Choosing between a staycation cruise and an international cruise can be difficult. To help you decide whether a staycation cruise is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most important questions to consider.
Have You Cruised Before?
Cruising is an incredible way to see the world, but those who haven’t done it before can be apprehensive. Will they enjoy the accommodation, food, or pace of ship life? The first-time cruiser can be full of doubt, but a staycation cruise offers a great solution.
If you’ve never sailed before, a staycation cruise could be the perfect way to get your sea legs. Exploring the UK over the course of a short break, you can get a feel for what keeps people coming back to holidays at sea. From the dining options to the nightly entertainment, you can experience what it’s like to spend your days travelling the seas and visiting different ports of call.
A staycation cruise is short enough in length and limited enough in scope to provide the perfect sample of cruising life. If you like it, you can explore options for longer cruises, such as to the Mediterranean or Northern Europe. If not, the duration and familiarity of the journey will be welcome comforts.
Are You a Confident Traveller?
While many of us dream of exploring the world, the reality is that visiting new places and speaking new languages can be daunting. Sometimes, we need to build confidence before embarking on travel, and a staycation cruise provides the perfect opportunity.
By sailing familiar waters, a staycation cruise offers the perfect chance to build confidence when exploring new places and interacting with new people. With the support of a language and currency you’re familiar with, this experience gives you the freedom to develop confidence and the desire to push yourself further.
Do You Need a Good Break?
The beauty of cruising is that ships offer an escape regardless of the final destination. Those in need of a holiday that guarantees a sense of distance from the troubles of everyday life, a staycation cruise whisks you away and provides everything you need to have fun.
Requiring less arduous planning than an international cruise, no flights, no passports or visas, no bickering over the best place to go, a staycation cuts straight to the good part, welcoming you on board to enjoy the dining, drinks, activities, and entertainment that cruising is famed for.
How to Plan a Staycation Cruise
If you decide to embark on a staycation cruise, there are a few things you need to consider for planning a successful trip. Here’s our quick guide for how to plan a staycation cruise:
- Decide Your Duration & Budget: Finalise how much time and money you can dedicate to your staycation cruise.
- Find Your Most Convenient Port: Based on where you live in the UK, identify which departure ports are feasible for you to travel to.
- Consider Your Ideal Ports of Call: Just because it’s a staycation doesn’t mean that you can’t have particular destinations in mind. Browse the itineraries of different cruises to find which include your preferred cities.
- Decide Your Preferred Cruise Line: Different cruise lines offer ships, facilities, and philosophies tailored to suit various cruisers. Do you want a family-friendly, luxury, or adult-only cruise? If you’re torn between several cruise options, this will help you identify the best one for you.
How to Book a Staycation Cruise
Once you have planned your perfect staycation cruise, you can book with ease with Bolsover Cruise Club! By getting in touch or using our search filters, you can find and book the perfect staycation cruise. Click on a cruise that looks right for you to view the itinerary, on board amenities, and accommodation options.
At Bolsover Cruise Club, we make booking a staycation cruise simple and easy. Select your preferred cruise line, departure port, and cruise length, and we will find a staycation cruise you’ll remember for years to come.
Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club
Get ready to book your next staycation cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.
6 thoughts on “What Is a Staycation Cruise? Your Questions Answered”
Do you have to have a full COVID test to travel
Good Morning Marie,
Thank you for your comment. Most cruise lines do require you to have a pre-embarkation COVID-19 test before embarking and to be fully vaccinated, however it does vary per cruise line. If you’d like some further assistance, please call one of our Cruise Experts who will be more than happy to assist.
I am booked on the Iona cruise ship for a staycation cruise on21 August. How do I prove that I am fully vaccinated ?
I do not own a smart phone and when I ring 119 for a hard copy of a certificate, the automated message only offers options for travelling abroad. What are P&O doing for passengers in this regard please? there must be many people in my situation.
Good Morning Irene,
Thank you for your comments. At this stage, we are still awaiting P&O Cruises policy to what proof of evidence you will need when boarding. Be rest assured, as soon as we have more information, we will let you know.
Can children under 7 who are not COVID vaccinated travel on this staycation cruise?
Good Morning Deanna,
Thank you for your comment. Selected cruise lines allow children to travel who are not vaccinated. One of our Cruise Experts will able to advise you on this, and check availability also. Please give our Cruise Experts a call on 01246 819 819.