TRAVEL SPECIAL....... CRUISE ALONG!

TRAVEL... CRUISE ALONG!





Break free from your routine and discover a new world of everchanging shores, as you set sail on vast expansive waters

Holidays are a time to be with family and if you have elderly parents travelling with you, it's time you considered cruising. From the moment you step onboard, you can count on superb dining choices, spacious and comfortable accommodations, non-stop onboard activities, all sorts of fun and adventurous programs at each individual port of call, nightly entertainment, the list goes on... Most cruises will conduct a wide range of activities to engage the youngest member of the family to the most mature. You will be surprised at the sheer number of choices offered, ranging from culinary arts to photography classes and lessons on fine-tuning your digital photography skills. You can also attend food and wine pairing workshops, wine tastings, hands-on arts classes or pick up a foreign language.

Some cruise companies have teamed up with Apple to offer a number of onboard courses in using computers, iPhones and iPads especially for senior citizens.

All this in addition to musicals, casinos, lawn games and live entertainment, will ensure you do not have a single spare moment to kill.

Cruises are a great solution for all ­ you, your children and your young-at-heart parents.Whether on national or international waters or one of many gigantic rivers in India, they are guaranteed not to disappoint.

A PERFECT BLEND OF OLD AND NEW

REGION: CROATIA

Croatia is one of the most exciting and diverse countries in Europe. Discover this eclectic gem on a cruise and get under the skin of this fascinating country, from the spectacular walls of Dubrovnik (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the scenic coastline of Split. The coastline is so beautiful that you can enjoy it without leaving the vessel, but we recommend that you step ashore and experience the land's beautiful history, culture and cuisine.

You can kayak along Dubrovnik's city walls or discover the hidden beach cave of Betina and you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Take a wine-tasting tour through charming Dalmatian villages and vineyards and sample the world famous seafood in the town of Mali Ston, while sipping some of the region's finest wines.

BREATHTAKING SCENERY, SPECTACULAR GLACIERS AND WILDLIFE

REGION: ALASKA

This is one of the world's most popular cruise destinations, with more than a million people taking an Alaskan cruise every year.

It is easy to conclude why! This cruise is a visual treat that comprises of ever-changing glaciers. Virtually all cruises sail via the Inside Passage, the spectacular labyrinth of islands, inlets, fjords and mountains that start north of Vancouver Island and runs to Juneau, the Alaskan state capital and beyond. With the spectacular scenery come countless opportunities for wildlife watching.Keep your camera ready at all times as Glacier Bay is a popular hangout for humpback whales; grizzly, brown, and black bears; sea otters; bald eagles; and more--and there's a good chance you'll spot them. Those who want to see more, can pair with land tours that visit Anchorage, Denali National Park and the Yukon and indulge in a wide variety of outdoor activities and get a chance to explore the cultures of the many indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.

SUNDERBAN RIVER CRUISE

REGION: INDIA

You don't have to cross the seven seas for a fabulous cruising experience. If you are hard-pressed for either time or budget, there is a wonderland called the Sunderbans in Eastern India, which has to be explored through waterways only and river cruise is a wonderful option. The Sunderbans Cruise sets sail on the vast delta formed by the convergence of three famous riversPadma, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The surrounding region is covered by winding rivers and impenetrable Sundari mangrove forests, which lend their name to this land.

On this cruise you get to explore the biodiversity of the Sunderban Tiger reserve, walk through the mangrove forest, experience farming, paddy husking, honey packing, fishing and various occupations of the region which are a part of the village life; and if you are lucky see some crocodiles basking in the sun or catch the `big cat' swimming along the cruiser. You also get to visit some river islands and observe mangrove species and exotic birds and wildlife.

Pallavi Gaitonde

ETTR27APR17