By: Julia Aidan
Submitted: 2011-08-30 10:51:01 | Word Count: 520
Enjoy the best of both worlds with a cruise and stay holiday from Hays Travel. The UK's largest independently-owned travel agency works with leading cruise lines to create the perfect combination: holidays at sea combined with a hotel stay.
"It's perfect for holidaymakers who want to really explore a destination," says Emily, editor of Hays Travel's blog, "Spend a few days relaxing or getting to know somewhere before you set sail on your cruise."
Many cruises depart from exciting cities like Barcelona, Venice and Miami, giving travellers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a city break in conjunction with their cruise. Cruise and stay holidays are ideal for those who are short of annual leave but want to see as much of the world as possible. One popular choice is to precede a Caribbean cruise with a break in New York.
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"All the sights of the Big Apple, followed by a cruise round some of the world's most beautiful islands - it's the perfect mix," says Emily.
But cruise and stay holidays don't have to involve city destinations. In many cases, it's possible to stay at a relaxing beach resort before or after your cruise. This winter, Hays Travel have put together a cruise and stay holiday that allows you to spend some time soaking up the rays on the Costa del Sol, before embarking on a European cruise.
As well as classic destinations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean, it's possible to enjoy a cruise and stay holiday in the Red Sea. Thanks to great weather and the relatively short distance from the UK, Egypt holidays are hugely popular. You can now sail the Red Sea during the winter. Spend a week exploring mesmerising ancient sights in Jordan, Cairo and Luxor - then another one kicking back on a relaxing all inclusive holiday in Sharm el Sheikh.
Cruise and stay holidays are the perfect way to experience culture and history with relaxation in one unforgettable trip. They're a brilliant compromise for couples and groups who all want different things from their holidays.
"There's no pressure to disembark a cruise ship when it docks at a port, so if you're not interested in seeing the sights at that particular stop, just stay on board," says Emily.
Indeed, modern cruise ships are so packed with things to do that it's impossible to get bored on board. Depending on cruise line, you can enjoy dazzling evening entertainments, delicious food spas, fitness centres and a host of other on board activities.
With so much to see and do, cruise and stay holidays are the new way to see the world.
