Taking a cruise holiday has been an area of the travel industry that has been enjoying a period of growth for some time now and there are many reasons for the continuing popularity of holidays afloat.

One of the key factors behind this ongoing buoyancy must be due to the massive variety of people attracted to travel by sea by the wide range of activities which can be undertaken onboard or ashore. Activities which appeal to customers interests, and passions which they may not always have the opportunity or the time to participate in during their day to day life when busy at work or with family or other commitments etc. For these customers, they must be keen to pick a holiday where they have the option to fully immerse themselves in their hobbies if they so wish.

Cruise Holidays offer the option to take part in such a massive range of hobbies and interests – they really are a great holiday choice for many many people. An example would be golf, a much loved sport by many Brits, both male and female, and by people of all ages. Holiday makers who are keen to practice their swing when they have a break from work won't go far wrong with a cruise. Many cruise lines offer some form of golf onboard in the shape of mini courses, golf simulators or lessons. There are even cruises available where you can visit and even some of the finest golf courses in the world ashore, often in breathtakingly beautiful coastal locations.

Other active hobbies and interests which can be indulged when on a cruise holiday include in line skating, ice skating, surfing or rock climbing with Royal Caribbean International, boules with Celebrity Cruises, and ten pin bowling with Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Passengers on cruise holidays can also learn new skills, or increase their knowledge or abilities in a wide variety of subjects at the large range of classes that are available onboard. These include wine tasting, cooking, dancing, chess and card games. Some cruise lines, such as Cunard even offer what they call 'Enrichment' programmes, and they invite specialists onboard to teach their guests on various fascinating subjects such as astronomy, art or acting.

And travellers mustn't forget to look at the host of shore excursions where they can also indulge in their hobbies on a cruise holiday, or take up a new interest. How about scuba diving or snorkelling at some of the world's most beautiful beaches? Fishing in stunning Alaska? Horse riding in the Bahamas or the opportunity to hone their photographic skills in some of the most jaw droppingly stunning locations on the planet.

Whatever your hobby or interest may be, it's certain that there will be the perfect cruise holiday out there for you, and a travel agent or cruise specialist will be able to advise where and with which cruise line you can enjoy the perfect trip. And if your hobby isn't yet available on a cruise, it's sure to be an option soon as cruise lines add an increasing number of activities on their new ships to cover something for everyone!!!