Mrs. Victoria Soluade is a notable vacation consultant and the managing director of Soltan Travels, Lagos, Nigeria and Canada where she currently lives and operates from. In this interview with JIMOH BABATUNDE, she talks about why cruising is the fastest growing segment in the entire leisure market today and what a tourist will find interesting while cruising.

Here is an excerpt .

On her first cruise and where

Soluade in Bahamas with her daughter on a Caribbean Cruise.

I went on my first cruise in 2006, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas which was one of the largest cruise ships at the time. It was a 7-night Mediterranean sailing, out of Barcelona, Spain round trip, with stops in Italy and France.

On what the experience was like

The experience is really indescribable. I had so much fun, no sea sickness, no rocking from side to side as one may imagine. One could easily forget that one was not on land. There was so much to eat and drink, entertainment galore, loads of activities with no dull moment.

My favourite activity by far was attending the Broadway productions. It is still what I enjoy doing most on any sailing. The ship was like a mini land resort with every amenity one will need, plus the fact that I could visit so many places in one week without stress, got me hooked! That trip for me was one week of utopia!

On why anyone should go on a cruise

It is an easy and convenient way to travel. You unpack once and journey from port to remarkable port on any fleet of innovative ships. You will experience the best of the region you are visiting in one cruise vacation. There is nothing easier than simply waking up in the morning in the world’s most exciting and interesting cities. For example, on a 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyage you will visit nine ports of call including Barcelona, Istanbul, Athens, Rome, Venice and more.

Enjoy exclusive entertainment, dine as a family, with friends, or savour a romantic dinner for two. You make your vacation your own. It’s that easy on any cruise line.

Unbeatable value. So much is included — a wide range of accommodations, delicious dining options, award-winning entertainment, exciting on-board activities, a variety of stateroom amenities and more. Plus, you won’t have to pay for costly airfare, trains, or motor coaches/buses to get you from one city to the next.

Warm, welcoming service. You will be right at home without a care in the world. From sun-up to late into the night, the crew members are there to anticipate your every need. And by voyage’s end, the crew will feel just like family.

Finally, there is nothing comparable to being out on the open sea with warm ocean breezes. It is more than a vacation-it’s an experience like none other.

On activities a tourist can engage on board a cruise ship

Tons! Depending on the ship, you can relax at the full service spa, work out in the fitness center, go shopping, ice skating, climb the rock wall, take the water slide, surf on the Flowrider, bumper car drives, casinos, pool games, tournaments, wine tastings, audience participation events, wi-fi service, theatre/production shows & guest entertainer shows. movies, bars, nightclubs, discos, bingo & gaming Lessons, dancing, karaoke & comedy.

Also library & book clubs, zumba classes, afternoon trivia, theme night parties, deck parties, enrichment activities and loads more!!

On average cost of taking a cruise

Fares can be as low as $750 per person, inclusive of taxes for a 7-night sailing. However fares are based on date, itinerary, stateroom category, cruise line and length of sailing. Guests can also take advantage of the early-booking promotions advertised by all cruise lines to get even more value for their money. The secret is booking way ahead of your sail date.

On what type of cruise she will recommend and time

For the budget conscious, I will recommend Europe in April/May/October/November or Dubai & Emirates in November and March. Otherwise, you can pretty much sail anywhere in the world at your convenience.

On why cruising is the fastest growing leisure market

Cruising is the fastest growing segment in the entire leisure market today, with annual growth rate of 8% – 10% and here are some of the reasons :They have a wide range of amenities catering to a diverse customer base, including every age group and lifestyle. There is no special celebration you cannot hold on board a ship today. From board meetings to trainings, AGMs and conventions; from weddings to family reunions and special milestone celebrations and religious events – any activity can be and is accommodated on board.

The value added is that there are no venue and equipment fees. Once your group is booked, every other thing is included in the fare you pay and all the work is done by the cruise line. Ship charters for music concerts, fashion shows and other large events are also possible and available.

Whatever you do on land can now also be done on board a ship with the stress totally taken out for the organizers and participants while everyone enjoys a fabulous holiday and return home unforgettable memories.