Sailaways – are they great or butlins at sea?

As an avid cruiser myself, I am a member of various Facebook groups as I do love to read other people’s questions, thoughts and reviews of their previous trips. One thing apart from the tipping debate that always gets varied opinions is a Sail away party.

Love them or loathe them, majority of the main stream cruise lines will hold at least one sail away during the cruise. I do tend to enjoy the one on the first sailing out of Southampton but mainly because I then know my holiday has begun. Whilst I might be up on top deck (weather permitting) to see us sail out of the other ports, I wouldn’t say I make a point of being round the main pool ready to watch the entertainment team show of their well rehearsed dance routines, or listen to the band on deck to play us out as we sail out of port. The sail aways also seem to be an excuse for the photography team to come out and take pictures of you not looking your best.

P&O do seem to enjoy their sail away parties more than the other cruises and each cruise 7 nights or more is subjected to their Great British Sail away which is their highlight of the week and they decorate the decks with Union Jack flags. – having sailed on P&O many times now, the songs never seem to change, and it maybe a touch of snobbery but I am now bored of it as you know what is coming next – Delilah and the green, green grass of home for Wales, the Proclaimers and their 500 miles for Scotland – and everyone waving a Union Jack flag, whilst the bar staff are trying to sell you over priced Prims or champagne. Here’s my family at the Great British Sail away when we were on Ventura earlier this year

Sail aways do seem to get a mixed opinion as some people on the forums view the sail away parties as Bullins at seas, whilst others enjoy them and see it as part of their cruise.

What do you think of the sail away parties? Do you enjoy them and go to them, are they an integral part of a cruise? or do you avoid them, or do you think they are Butlins at Sea? Let me know your thoughts.

Have a great couple of weeks

Kerry

xx