Yep, once the sole preserve of the blue rinse brigade and the over privileged fat cat, 'cruising' has very much become the buzz word among Irish travellers who wish to embrace the concept of exploring different regions and cultures around the world.

A cruising holiday can be truly unique because there are many different types of cruises to suit many different budgets and expectations.

For example, if your sense of sophistication is satisfied neither by size nor trappings, but by enjoying new experiences, then sailing to the remotest corners of the globe is bound to excite the adventurer in you.

However, if ambience, classic elegance, entertainment, open decks, unashamed luxury, a touch of pampering and fine dining in the ultimate retreat is your cup of tea, then a floating resort with non-stop activities and abundant alternatives is a must.

Simply put, cruising has something for everyone.

Just think of it. An entire holiday experience with no bored hotel receptionist, no taxis, no drunks, no crawling back to your hotel on all fours trying to dodge unsavoury characters following a night on the tiles;

just fumble your way back to your cosy cabin and fall into your comfy bed.

Sheer bliss.

According to popular belief, Americans and Brits are usually the world's most enthusiastic cruisers, but not to be outdone, we Irish, dreaming of an SSIA holiday of a lifetime, are reaping the rewards of our investment plans and making cruising part of our rapidly growing travel portfolio.

In short, we are talking ship!

And, with the likes of travel specialists Saga Cruises, who have been operating as travel specialists for over 50 years, (and as cruise specialists they will celebrate their 10th birthday this May, ) now catering for the lucrative Irish market with departures from Dublin and Cork, yes, you did read it correctly, departures from our Emerald Isle; sure your holiday can begin from the second you step on board their luxury liners.

This has got to be good news for travellers with limited mobility who wish to minimise the drama of added air travel.

It may be common sense, but in order to get the most out of any holiday, cruises included, you must put plenty of thought into choosing the right deal for you.

Saga operates its own cruise ships, and with sister ships The Saga Rose, maximum capacity 587 passengers, and the Saga Ruby, maximum capacity 661 passengers, making them both quite an intimate size by modern cruise standards, and with both classed as 4 star ships by travel bible, the Berlitz Guide to Cruising 2007, taking to the high seas has got to be every holiday makers favourite way of spending that spare SSIA windfall.

However, there is a catch.

You must be over 50 years of age to book a Saga Cruise - although you can bring along your younger travelling companion as long as they are over 40.

Another big advantage in favour of Saga Cruises operating out of Ireland is all prices are quoted in Euro;

none of your awkward currency conversion or additional charges for flights to join the ship or flights to return home again at the end of your cruise, no penalties for looking in the mirror twice or finding spare cash for the usual staff gratuities and port taxes.

This is all included in the price.

In fact, the entire package is quite competitive and will surely bring serious competition to the Irish market.

For those planning on a mid summer adventure, the Saga Ruby is departing from Dublin on 21st July and visits Iceland, the Shetland and Faroe Islands and takes in the stunning Norwegian Fjords. This is a 13 night cruise with prices starting at Euro2,342 per person.

And for those of you who wish to depart from Cork, the Saga Rose leaves historic Cobh on 8th August for a 15 night extravaganza to Greenland, Iceland, The Faroe and Orkney Islands.

Prices for this cruise start at Euro2,788 per person.

But cruising doesn't only appeal to the more mature types; it's popular with most age groups and standard passenger types have changed as the industry has developed.

So for those young guns reading this who yearn for a life on the ocean wave, Saga's sister company, Spirit of Adventure is also a cruise ship but the good news is, you only need to be over 21 to find your sea legs for this fantastic voyage.

However, I should point out that, the special forbidden fruit which made a fabulous journey into a risquAcopyright adventure for many travellers - gambling - is not available on any of Saga's cruises.

The huge range of ships, amenities and packages available guarantees something for everyone. And, if you want to spend your SSIA on something other than that petulant grandchild's private education, then why not opt for the Silversea Cruise signature 6 star personalised service for the ultimate sailing experience.

This year, Silversea Cruises have added even more destinations to their already extensive collection, delving deeper into the world of culture, with unique onboard programmes. So if you are the corned beef and cabbage connoisseur, beware; because Silversea can make even the most unsophisticated Irish traveller morph into a culture vulture; and the catch? Well, this 6 star service comes with a 6 star price tag.

For example, Silversea voyage 1710 - Silver Cloud, departs from Rome on 16th May on an eight day cruise making port calls in Barcelone, Spain; Port Vendres, France; Antibes, France; Portofino, Italy;

Livorno, Italy; Ajaccio on the beautiful island of Corsica, France before finishing in Monte Carlo, Monaco on 24th May, 2007.

The cost for this all-inclusive cruise only fares start at Euro4,091 per person, and this includes a 30 per cent Silver Sailings discount and all port charges and taxes.

Silver Cloud carries 296 passengers who have a first class staff and crew at their beck and call 24 hours a day;

so at least for that price you will feel pampered and privileged with one of the highest space per person ratios in the industry and all the ultra luxury amenities and services of a larger ship but in a more relaxed atmosphere.

So, now you know a little bit more about the cruise holiday experience, it is also worth mentioning that in real terms, this type of holiday is probably the best value you can get for your Euro. You can do a hell of a lot more on a cruise holiday than you can on land based holiday options in terms of getting around.

A cruise changes your scenery almost every day, takes in a variety of ports and cities that would be much more expensive if you attempted to visit them in any other way, and, for those who want opulence, well, a cruise will allow you to travel in much greater style than any other form of transport.

Just think of the advantage of sun, romance, excitement, safe environment, convenient, relaxing and invigorating; an adventure to suit couples or singles with a variety of tastes, styles and expectations.

Cruising is definitely travelling par excellence!