Prior to the sixties, travelling by ship was common and the way of going from Australia to another continent.  Travel by air, in passenger jets, which were absolutely luxurious, then became available for a privileged few.  Even when Boeing introduced its famous 747 jets, travel by sea continued, probably because of the comparative price difference.  Boat travel back then was nowhere near as pleasurable and relaxing as it is today but it was a cheaper option.

'The Love Boat', the popular seventies TV series, dramatically changed the popular view of travel aboard a ship.  Suddenly cruise travel epitomised luxury; wonderful floating hotels gliding around the world offering every comfort and recreation from lounging about poolside on deck drinking in the beauty of the surrounding ocean, swimming and playing games, and, of course, dining in the variety of fine restaurants.  The popularity of cruise holidays has been only increasing since then with shipping companies today enjoying the same success they had before the advent of the Boeing jet.

Today cruise choices are enormously varied from the duration of the cruise, to the size and amenities of accommodation on board, as well as the cost.  This makes it possible for everyone irrespective of their budget or special needs to enjoy cruising.  Best of all, you only have to unpack once.  Cruises continue to enjoy growing popularity and have become the prime holiday choice for many.

There are many activities on these modern resort ships.  If you like fine dining, then there are all sorts of eating options throughout the day and night (you can find something to munch on even in the middle of the night).  If you're trying to stay fit, you can head to the gym and pump iron or sign up for classes such as kickboxing, yoga, or Pilates.  If you're a golf fanatic, many ships have computerized driving ranges that analyse your swing and help you improve. Do you like to learn things when you travel?  You can find all sorts of classes and lectures to attend from cooking, digital photography and histories of the areas you're visiting. If you just want to relax, you could take in an after-dinner show, watch a new release movie, lounge by the pool, or curl up in a deck chair with a book.  Some even have rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks! All of this even before mention of all the ports of call and the interesting shore excursions available.

Cruises cater for all age groups. You can find young singles looking to party, honeymoon couples on their first holiday together, families with kids, as well as retirees enjoying travelling without the return to work woes.  Spencer Travel has a cruise specialist available to discuss cruising from a variety of international destinations as well as cruising from Australia.  Here are some examples of our smorgasbord of selections!

Pacific Princess
Los Angeles to Sydney - 14 February 2010

29 nights fly, cruise & stay package - $9,499 pp twin share Inclusions: •

One Way Economy Class International airfare from Sydney to Los Angeles

• 2 nights pre-cruise stay at the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach, Los Angeles

• 27 night cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney aboard Pacific Princess

• Port charges, government fees and air taxes

Upgrades to Premium Economy Class on Air New Zealand start from $665 per person.

Sydney to Singapore - 14 March 2010

33 nights fly, cruise & stay package - $10,970 pp twin share

Inclusions:

• One Way Economy Class International airfare from Singapore to Sydney (SQ in Y Class)

• 32 night cruise from Sydney to Singapore aboard Pacific Princess

• 1 night post-cruise stay at the Park Hotel Clarke Quay, Singapore including breakfast

• Port charges, government fees and air taxes

Book an inside cabin and receive a free upgrade to a balcony.

Oceania Cruises - Europe 2010

Mediterranean Tapestry – Regatta

Venice to Barcelona

 Departs: April 28 & September 17, 2010

Cruise only from $5,235pp - based on 28 April 2010 departure - CAT G

Fly, Cruise & Stay from $8,160pp - based on 28 April 2010 departure - CAT G

Inclusions:

• Return (Open Jaw) Economy Class International airfare from Sydney to Venice and from Barcelona to Sydney (QF in O class)

• 1 night pre-cruise stay at the Dei Dogi Hotel, Venice including breakfast

• 14 night cruise from Venice to Barcelona aboard Regatta

• 1 night post-cruise stay at the Barcelona Centre Hotel, Barcelona including breakfast

• Port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes

Scandinavian Splendours - Regatta

London to Stockholm

Departs: June to September, 2010
Cruise only from $5,255pp - based on 2 June 2010 departure - CAT G  

Fly, Cruise & Stay from $8,940pp - based on 2 June 2010 departure - CAT G

Inclusions:

• Return (Open Jaw) Economy Class International airfare from Sydney to London and from Stockholm to Sydney (CX in V class)

• 1 night pre-cruise stay at the Strand Palace Hotel, London including breakfast

• 14 night cruise from Dover to Stockholm aboard Regatta

• 1 night post-cruise stay at the Clarion Sign Hotel, Stockholm including breakfast

• Port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes

Greek Isles Odyssey - Nautica
Athens to Istanbul

Departs: September 10 & 22, 2010
Cruise only from $4,775pp - based on 10 September 2010 departure

Fly, Cruise & Stay from $7,945pp - based on 10 September 2010 departure

Inclusions:

• Return (Open Jaw) Economy Class International airfare from Sydney to Athens and from Istanbul to Sydney (SQ in N class)

• 2 nights pre-cruise stay at the Hilton Hotel, Athens including breakfast

• 12 night cruise from Athens to Istanbul aboard Nautica

• 1 night post-cruise stay at the Sirkeci Konak, Istanbul including breakfast

• Port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes