Finding your Sealegs

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Try out your sea legs on a Holland America Line cruise to Belgium, France and Guernsey, where 4-nights costs from just �399pp, full board.

How does three nights of fun sound, splashing around the pool by day, watching a stage show before heading off to the casino? Sky Travel has a special cruise offer, perfect for those who want to give it a try.

According to cruise specialist, Manda Churchill, well over 90% of people who take a cruise for the first time will go on a cruise again.

That certainly says something about how good a holiday this is. And it really is. You've got all of the facilities of a classy hotel at your beck and call.

There's also excellent dining and entertainment available, just as if you were staying in the West End of London.

Best of all, depending on the cruise itinerary you've chosen, you'll wake up to a brand new port of call - or even a brand new country - every single day.

On a cruise ship, it seems as if you don't travel to your destination; your destination comes to you.

No fuss, no formality - unless you want it

So, by now, you're probably thinking, "dress for breakfast, dress for day, dress for dinner, dress for evening". Well, the truth is, it's entirely up to you. There are cruises for all sorts of people.

You can indeed experience the timeless elegance of cruise lines like Cunard and Holland America where DJs and dresses are part of the fun. But, there are just as many companies that offering an informal, let-your-hair-down type of holiday.

Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, prides itself on shipboard fun, enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Norwegian Cruise Lines promotes their informal approach under the "Freestyle Cruising" label. Other cruise lines, such as Costa Cruises, as a sort of half-and-half.

Top value for money

Talk to anyone who's been on a cruise and they'll talk about the great value for money.

So much is included in a cruise package; generally, all of your meals, accommodation, onboard activities, evening shows, and all of that fantastic service.

In fact, it's probably only your drinks that'll you'll find the need to pay for.

What's more, you don't have to book a guided excursions in port, you can simply explore under your own steam, if you prefer.

Giving it a go

So, how do you try out a cruise if you're intrested, but feeling unsure? Choose a short itinerary, sailing close to home. That way, you've not made a big commitment in terms of cost, or time away. If it turns out that it's not for you, no great loss.

What you'll probably find, though, like over 90% of the other passengers on board with you, is that you'll be back for more.

With this much fun to be had, who wouldn't be?

Sky Travel is pleased to offer a fabulous 4 night "taster" cruise with Holland America Line, sailing from Dover to Belgium, France and Guernsey from just £399pp.

→ Book a 4-night cruise with Holland America Line