By James Cole, managing director, cruise division, World Travel Holdings

Some say cruising is for the old, that it’s boring and that customers are herded round like sheep. All I know is it’s the best holiday experience IN THE WORLD.

There has never been a more exciting time for the cruise industry, as cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises push the boundaries of what’s possible with the launch of two of the most incredible ships ever to take to the seas – Britannia and Anthem of the Seas.
I was fortunate enough to be invited on the launch of both ships in the last couple of months.

P&O Cruises’ Britannia is an incredible ship and features 13 different restaurants on board. The company has enlisted the help of some of the world’s most renowned celebrity chefs, to bring guests some of the finest cuisine at sea, as well as fabulous cookery classes where cruisers can hone their culinary skills. What’s more, the ship’s opulent new Oasis Spa is the most luxurious wellness facility in the P&O Cruises fleet. The ship is the largest ever built for the British cruise market.

Royal Caribbean also took the cruise industry by storm with the launch of its latest ship Anthem of the Seas. This state-of-the-art vessel boasts a wealth of ground-breaking features and firsts at sea, bringing a whole new dimension to the cruise experience.

Some of her most cutting-edge features include the RipCord skydiving simulator, the North Star observation platform and the SeaPlex – the largest indoor activity space at sea. The cruise line has also broken the mould when it comes to entertainment.The ship’s Two70 venue magically transforms, offering panoramic views by day, before changing into a performance space by night. At the Bionic Bar, guests order their drinks on a personal tablet, before watching a robot create and serve them.

The ship has opened up a world of new possibilities for cruisers unlike anything that has ever been seen before. This ship has redefined cruising, harnessing new technologies and imaginative design.

Both cruise lines have played their part in showcasing the future of the cruise industry. If you want a more traditional cruise experience, along with a British feel then go with Britannia.

If you are looking for something that challenges every myth of cruising, something that will keep kids entertained like nowhere else at sea, then go with Anthem of the Seas.