What is a holiday, but free time to spend at our leisure, any way we want. For many, this means relaxing on a beach or taking a trip somewhere exotic, while for others, free time provides the opportunity to learn a new skill or try something new. So what if you could do both?

Cruise companies have realised there is increasing interest in learning something while on holiday, and there are all kinds of educational cruise options available to travellers. Check out some of the options below:

Passengers on Crystal Cruises have the option of taking classes, with the Creative Learning Institute, or attend inspirational and informative seminars and lectures with the Crystal Visions programme. From the history of art to the art of Tai Chi, the range of subjects is wide, and no doubt you will find just the course for you.

Princess Cruises offer the Scholarship@Sea programme which gives passengers the opportunity to learn hands-on crafts like scrapbooking and pottery, get technical with digital photography and computer classes, or enjoy cooking and wine-tasting sessions. The courses require a small fee but there are also plenty of fascinating lectures which are free to attend, from maritime history to science and politics. So even those who are sticking to a tight budget on discount cruises can enjoy the benefits of this motivational programme.

There is also the Celebrity Cruises’ course structure called Celebrity Life, which offers a range of classes in three main categories: Savor (food and beverages), Discover (learning new and useful skills) and Renew (health and wellbeing). Whether you want to learn how to mix the perfect cocktail, figure out how to use Photoshop, pick up the basics of a foreign language, or learn some new tips for a longer, healthier life, you can do it all on board Celebrity cruise ships!

Learn something new on a discount cruise with www.cruiseanswers.co.uk