Your current location:HOME >opinions >I've spent a decade going on more than 120 cruises 正文
TIME:2024-06-03 16:55:41 Source: Internet compilationEdit:opinions
Whether it's families, solo travellers, adventure-seekers or those after new-to-cruise taster weeken
Whether it's families, solo travellers, adventure-seekers or those after new-to-cruise taster weekends, the choice has never been bigger — and there's a cruise for all. More than two million UK cruise passengers are expected to hop on board in 2024.
With new ships launching almost every month that number is likely to rise, especially as holidaymakers — fed up with the hassle of airports — are choosing to sail from the UK. Best of all, though: with so many all-inclusives now on the market — as well as enticing packages covering drinks, tips and wifi — cruises are better value for money than ever.
I've travelled on more than 120 ocean and river cruises as a writer over the past 14 years, from the glitzy ports of the Mediterranean to the magnificent ice sheets of Antarctica. Here are my favourite cruises on offer right now across a range of categories to suit different types of travellers.
Kids' menus, waterslides, teen clubs and sports courts make for happy families on the ocean. River cruises are also introducing family cabins alongside kids' clubs, swimming lessons and pizza-making. These are my top picks …
Royal Caribbean offers seven-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day round-trips. Ideal for the whole family
Playgrounds, waterslides, teen clubs and sports courts make for happy families on the ocean
A butler, suites with balconies and (often) a chauffeur to and from the port mean there's nothing more to pay on elegant luxury ships — and that includes the champagne.
Relax and take in the sea views in a hot tub on deck on a Regent Seven Seas cruise
The Regent's grand dining area. Highlights on Seven Seas Splendor's sailing include visits to Monaco's race circuit
The Regent Suite master bedroom on the all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas cruise
West End tickets can be pricey, so theatre shows add huge value to a cruise. The quality is usually top-notch, from 21st-century versions of classic musicals to Las Vegas-style high-energy acrobatic performances and light shows.
Enjoy a Brief Encounter with Noel Coward on Cunard's Queen Anne
The Royal Court Theatre on board Cunard's Queen Anne, departing from Southampton on December 1
Dancing the night away can be wonderful after days ashore in the sunshine. Festival-style live music and mega deck and pool parties with DJs really do rock the boat.
Virgin Voyages' seven-night French Daze and Ibiza Nights on Scarlet Lady includes an overnight stay on the party island of Ibiza
Day-glo dancers hit the floor on the Virgin Voyages cruise
From the Amazon to Alaska, Antarctica and the Arctic, one of the best ways to reach the world's most remote regions is by cruise ship. Check flights are included, as these sailings can sometimes include multiple hops.
Silversea's six-day King George Island to King George Island Antarctica expedition on December 7 includes door-to-door service (and possible penguins)
There's nothing quite like seeing our coastline from the sea before exploring ports and cities rich in history. And there's still so much to learn about our green and pleasant land when visiting castles, historic ruins and stately homes with spectacular gardens.
P&O Cruises' Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration trip on Britannia departs from Southampton on June 6 next year
Saga offers five-night Edinburgh and the East Coast sailings on the Spirit of Adventure
The historic city of Edinburgh will always be a popular destination on British cruises
If you can't decide between a land holiday or a cruise, do both. Pre and post-stays also take the rush out of getting to and from a port — with travel arranged by the cruise line to make it easy.
Azamara Cruises' 15-night South Africa Intensive Cape Town round-trip on Azamara Quest offers an all-inclusive four-night safari in Greater Kruger National Park
Adults-only sailings have a completely different, relaxing ambience for solo travellers, couples or friends. They are also a popular way for parents to spend some quality time with their grown-up offspring.
Viking offers a seven-night Iceland's Natural Beauty voyage - without any little barbarians tagging along
This bed on the Ambassador Cruise will be so much easier for couples to enjoy without children jumping all over it
Cast off on a knitting-themed cruise or learn a new skill such as chocolate-making, mosaic-making or watercolour painting in purpose-built craft areas — it's fun to take home a new hobby.
All hands on deck: Oceania Cruises' classes on its Culinary Masters' Cruise
Craft Cruises offers a seven-day Tulip Time knitting cruise, from Amsterdam on April 16, 2025
Ships with fewer passengers make for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, and on canals such as the Canal du Midi in France a chorus of nightingales will be your morning alarm call.
SeaDream Yacht Club's seven-night Glorious Grenadines round-trip departs from Barbados on November 23
Solo travel is on the rise and many new ships are adding single cabins. Cruises with no single supplement sell out fast, so befriend a cruise travel agent for early deals.
APT offers a 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on a Concerto river ship
New to cruise holidays? Take a short sailing to experience life at sea, or on a river, with entertainment, pools and spas, plus a new port to explore almost every day.
P&O Cruises' three-night Southampton round-trip to Bruges in Belgium (pictured) departs on August 29, 2026
Experience Central Europe on Riverside Cruises' five-night Danube Quartet cruise from Vienna to Budapest
The Riverside Mozart departs on June 26 from £2,007pp
When sailors climb the rigging, loosen the sails and haul the lines it takes almost an hour before every sail catches the wind — so sit back and enjoy classic sailing at its best.
Luxuriate on one of Aman's seven-day charters for up to ten guests on the 52-metre yacht Amandira
Float away in style on Sea Cloud II's nine-night Concerts At Sea & Ashore
When sailors climb the rigging, loosen the sails and haul the lines it takes almost an hour before every sail catches the wind
The thrill of seeing pods of whales or an albatross soaring above a cruise ship make for memories of a lifetime — and chances of sightings are higher with experts on board.
Having experts on board increases your chances of spotting creatures such as whales
Reef & Rainforest's seven-night Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon gives you the chance to encounter wildlife including toucans
Who doesn't love some pampering while on holiday? Check out ships with free use of spas and thermal suites. Many also have lifestyle and yoga coaches on board, while restaurant menus now almost always offer plenty of healthy options.
Lie back and relax on Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Southampton round-trip to Iceland
Many cruises also have lifestyle and yoga coaches on board, while restaurant menus now almost always offer plenty of healthy options
Many menus on cruises are now devised by Michelin-star chefs, and trips on land often celebrate the best local produce and wines, too. Here is my pick of voyages for foodies…
Always do plenty of homework before booking a cruise. Check how many ports of call are on the itinerary and ask how long the ship will be in each one.
Another Michigan dairy worker has bird flu, the third US case this year2024-06-03 16:31
Italian industrial heritage exhibition in Chongqing sparks cultural dialogue2024-06-03 16:09
Young Chinese vlogger strengthens China2024-06-03 15:59
Kyrou, Schenn and Walker score in 3rd period, send Blues past Kraken 42024-06-03 15:54
Another Michigan dairy worker has bird flu, the third US case this year2024-06-03 15:48
China's demographic dividend is turning into talent dividend2024-06-03 15:40
His latest dish! James Martin, 51, is arm2024-06-03 15:27
Lantern Festival function held for Taiwan business people on mainland2024-06-03 15:27
Toni Kroos shares a spine2024-06-03 14:58
Terrifying map reveals route Iran's strike force of 100 kamikaze drones will take to hit Israel2024-06-03 14:47
Chicago Bears are set to be featured on 'Hard Knocks' for first time2024-06-03 16:46
Terracotta Warriors act as ambassadors of culture to Spain2024-06-03 16:45
Lantern dragon dance performed to greet upcoming Lantern Festival across China2024-06-03 16:38
China launches campaign to combat movie piracy during Spring Festival holiday2024-06-03 16:21
Tribal police officer among 2 killed, 4 wounded by gunfire at Phoenix2024-06-03 16:18
Vladimir Putin's chilling new warning to the West as Russian despot tests an experimental nuclear2024-06-03 15:45
Three Homes Rayner? Would Labour's Deputy Leader inherit the perk of 18th2024-06-03 15:29
House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week2024-06-03 15:09
A guide to what's next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks2024-06-03 14:59
New building of museum at Shang Dynasty capital site to open this month2024-06-03 14:13