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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. Cruising means seeing the world while unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids and teens -- all for free. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship for you. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with staying at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- all their extras.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their cabins but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors.

Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes lower. Here's a tip: Many times, the smaller ships from these lines offer the smallest prices.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

Being flexible will get you the best last-minute cruise deals. If you live near a cruise port and can drive, you're probably going to be able to jump on those deals that might pop up a week or two before the ship is set to sail.

If you don't have flexibility with dates and locations, be willing to bend on destination. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise costs on average. When you see it drop, pounce! Many cruise lines update pricing several times every day, so be prepared.

Best cruises in 2020

Part of the appeal of cruising is that there's truly something for everyone. Ships come in an array of sizes, some loaded with so many activities, you couldn't get to them all in a week.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations to which they sail. The Caribbean is a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, also is a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, MSC and Holland America for a family cruise.

River cruising has been heating up over the past few years, with itineraries that send passengers down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to even more exotic locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam or the Volga River in Russia. Popular river cruises embark in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. Popular river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal.

If you're a thrill-seeker, consider an expedition cruise. These cruises, often onboard small ships, offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world, including Antarctica, Alaska, Australia and Greenland. Passengers will spend their time kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Quark Expeditions.

Luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard smaller ships with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be smaller, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships can't -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Oceans and Silversea.

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Travel with the experts

Selected exclusively for mail on sunday readers, these tours will let you see the world like never before.

Sail the Danube and see the Lipizzaners with Lucy Worsley

In association with TS Tours

This seven-night itinerary will introduce you to former imperial capitals Vienna and Budapest as well as Bratislava and the dramatic Wachau Valley

Uncover the enchanting beauty and history of Venice with James Martin

In association with Uniworld

Cruise in luxury around fabulous Venice and the romantic Veneto region, with exclusive access to some of the city’s best landmarks and appearances from top chef James Martin

Scottish Highlands by Steam Train and meet Kirsty Wark

In association with TS tours

See breathtaking Scottish scenery of dramatic mountains and tranquil lochs as you travel on the iconic Jacobite steam train

Attend the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe on a luxury Paris break

In association with Racing Breaks

Enjoy the perfect long weekend in Paris, with hospitality at Longchamp, a five-star hotel stay and a drinks evening with Frankie Dettori

Cruise Scotland's Highlands & Islands with Carol Kirkwood

Join TV’s favourite weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood, on a small-ship cruise around the Highlands and islands of Scotland

Cruise the Islands of Venice with Russell Watson

Join a decadent ship in Venice for a seven-night cruise and an enchanting performance by Russell Watson

Visit Colditz Castle and Stalag Luft III with Guy Walters

WWII was the conflict that shaped the modern world. This unique tour takes you to some of the war’s most iconic locations in the company of an expert historian.

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Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn't plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise , for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it's the local hurricane season.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines’ cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.

Are river cruises worth the money?

River cruises are quite relaxing, with much more varied scenery than you'd experience on an ocean cruise. These ships often also feature several stops along the river, so passengers can enjoy a greater variety of destinations to explore. Viking river cruises are especially adept at providing this unforgettable experience.

What cruises are best for families?

The best family cruises in 2024 / 2025 tend to be Disney cruises with plenty of offerings for kids and adults alike, though MSC cruises are known for their iconic Children Cruise Free promotion. Disney cruises, specifically, are essentially a Disney theme park on a boat with live shows, rides, and attractions with your kids' favorite characters.

How much does a cruise ship cost?

Cruise prices can vary quite a bit, with cheap cruises and especially luxurious all-inclusive cruises available. Budget lines can offer cruise tickets as low as $50 per night in some cases, while the more high-end experiences can reach up to $1,000 per night and more.

What are some of the best cruise lines?

Several different cruise lines have a lot to offer, such as Viking cruises , which are known for traversing oceans and rivers with a style that blends outdoor and indoor splendor. Celebrity cruise line is more upscale with luxurious features like WiFi, included beverages, champagne, and suites with panoramic views. Other top cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise , Disney Cruise , and Norwegian Cruise .

How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?

It's generally best to book a cruise about 6 to 12 months before your cruise departure. That's the safest way to balance availability and affordability. Technically, you can book earlier or later than that, with some last-minute cruise deals occasionally available up to a weekbefore cruise departure.

Are cruise trips affordable?

They can be, and it's especially simple to search for more affordable cruises with Expedia.com. Not only can you filter by cruise length, cruise line, and cabin experience, but you may also sort your results by price to put the more affordable options first on your search results page.

What is it like to go on a cruise?

A cruise is generally designed to offer the most relaxing experience possible. Despite the size of the ship, it's possible to feel the wave. Many passengers report that the movements help them sleep. Additionally, many fun cruises offer live stage performances, several restaurants, and shopping opportunities. When the ship is in international waters, you may even be able to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

Are cruises a good way to travel?

Cruise travel is great if you're looking for some varied fun. Compared to a plane or a train, cruises have their own attractions and can be considered an integral part of cruise vacations. Plus, a cruise can hit several different destinations as well, with plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and scenic locales. It's certainly worth it for a unique experience no other method of travel can match.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

The actual cheapest cruise available depends on a variety of different factors. Still, Carnival Cruise tends to be very affordable overall, most of the time with great options like the Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Horizon . Royal Caribbean is also another fantastic cruise line offering great deals if you are watching your budget.

How can I get the best cruise deals in 2024 / 2025?

If you're looking for some of the best cruise deals, booking through Expedia.com makes it easy since you can sort your cruise search results by price and have access to special deals. One Key members can earn  OneKeyCash  on all eligible bookings and get instant discounts with Member Prices. Sign up today!

What do I need to know when I book a cruise?

To book a cruise, you'll need to know where you'll be setting off from and where you'll be going, in addition to how many people will be with you and the features of the specific cruise you book. Keep in mind that you'll want to factor in spending money in your budget for the cruise's restaurants and shops in most cases.

Where should I go on a cruise in 2024 / 2025?

Plenty of incredible cruise destinations are accessible such as cruises to the Bahamas and cruises to Mexico . You may also be interested in cruises to Alaska or cruises to Europe for something outside of the Caribbean.

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

A lot of countries are accessible via a cruise, but the best include a cruise to Australia . However, a cruise to Australia is quite a long trip at sea and really allows you to take in everything the cruise ship has to offer.

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

Yes, last-minute cruise deals are often available, and you can find them on Expedia.com by inputting your travel dates in your search and sorting your results by price. The deals will automatically be applied to the price estimates so that the cheapest estimates will show up first on your search results page.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Cruises aren't always all-inclusive, but they can be. If you're interested in all-inclusive cruises, you can activate a search filter for it to ensure your search results only show cruises that meet your all-inclusive standard.

Is food free on a cruise?

Food is sometimes free on a cruise, but there are often specialty restaurants that aren't included with the general booking that you'll have to pay for separately. Check the details of each cruise before you book in the "What's included" section after clicking the cruise on your search results page.

What cruise lines are adults only?

Several lines offer adults-only cruise experiences, including Viking cruises , Carnival cruises , and Princess cruises . With an adults-only cruise, you can relax in a tranquil and laid-back setting without kids running around and enjoy all the cocktails you want.

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

Viking cruises are considered exceptionally luxurious, with smaller ships and larger cabins that make them feel more exclusive, but Celebrity cruises offer luxury cruise lines too. Booking a luxury cruise means you can expect high-end amenities including gourmet restaurants, sizable suites, top-tier performances, massive pools, and much more.

What are the best cruises for couples?

Viking Cruises have much to offer for a more romantic experience. Holland America Line cruises can be quite refined and romantic as well, with an adult-oriented experience that's sophisticated rather than rowdy. Romantic cruises offer exceptional service as well as cozy suites for you and your partner to enjoy that's complemented by delicious food often themed around the cruise destination.

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

Going on a cruise is a great way for you and your new spouse to be pampered with luxury while also being able to explore a new destination. Whether you're taking a cruise to Hawaii or a cruise to Bermuda , a particularly romantic experience is almost guaranteed thanks to the sheer number of things to do.

Are there any Christmas cruises?

Yes, quite a few cruise lines operate around Christmas, and you can find them easily by entering travel dates around Christmas into your 2024 cruise search. Some of the most popular Christmas cruises are available with Carnival and Disney.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Whether or not you need a passport depends on where you're going and the kind of cruise it is. Any US territory like Bermuda and Puerto Rico won't require a passport, of course, but you also don't need one if you're on a closed-loop cruise. This is a cruise that begins and ends at a US cruise terminal, even if there are stops in other countries on the way.

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

Booking a cruise with Expedia.com makes it easy to find a cruise type that works best for you. You can use the cruise finder and sort by cruise line, type, destination, length, and itinerary. One Key members also earn OneKeyCash on all eligible bookings that can be used to save on future eligible trips.

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

Every cruise has a different cancellation policy, but generally, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for a future cruise at a later date. Remember that they may automatically change your booking to their rescheduled date, so you may have to contact them if that date doesn't work for your schedule.

*OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia,  Hotels.com  and Vrbo.

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Top Cruise Destinations

• Cruises to Alaska
• Cruises to Bahamas
• Cruises to Caribbean
• Cruises to Europe
• Cruises to Hawaii
• Cruises to Mexico

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• Cruises from Boston
• Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
• Cruises from Galveston
• Cruises from Honolulu
• Cruises from Los Angeles
• Cruises from Miami
• Cruises from New Orleans
• Cruises from New York
• Cruises from Port Canaveral
• Cruises from San Diego
• Cruises from San Juan
• Cruises from San Francisco
• Cruises from Seattle
• Cruises from Tampa

Top Cruise Lines

• Holland America Line

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

Whether you want a weekend getaway or to max out your vacation days, there’s a cruise for that.

Cruise lines offer itineraries ranging from a few days to monthslong . But there are more differences between short and long sailings than just the amount of time guests spend on board. The length of a cruise can help dictate the types of ports passengers visit, the kind of ship they’re sailing on and even the general vibe on board.

“It's important to walk our guests through and for cruisers to think about, what's the experience that they're trying to have,” said Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea Travel, a Dream Vacations franchise. “So, we try to tease out that information, like, ‘What's your vacation style?’ ”

What can guests expect from short cruises?

Cruises can be divided into those shorter or longer than a week, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. “So, anything less than that is really considered a short cruise,” he said.

Those around three nights long are often aimed at new-to-cruise guests “who aren’t really ready to commit to seven days but really want to quote-unquote test the waters, let's say – to see if cruising is right for them,” he added.

Those sailings typically feature just one port and a sea day and often visit tried-and-true cruise destinations. Travelers sailing from South Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale will likely visit Nassau in the Bahamas or one of many cruise line private islands , for example. While those sailing from Galveston, Texas, can expect to stop in Cozumel.

Margolis called three-and-four-night voyages a “great intro to cruising,” albeit with more limited itinerary choices. “Is their dream to go to Saint Kitts? They're probably not going to find that on a short sailing,” she said.

Shorter cruises may also lend themselves more to a party atmosphere and be less kid-friendly. But Margolis noted that’s not unique to cruising. “I mean, it's the nature of travel that short weekends can be celebratory,” she said.

And with diverse onboard offerings – from ship-within-a-ship concepts to kids clubs – passengers can often carve out their own experience.

Cruise lines have new offerings in that shorter category. Celebrity Cruises is launching its first regular weekend itineraries in the Caribbean this month, and Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas will offer three-and-four-night sailings when it debuts in July.

What can guests expect from long cruises?

Feldman said any sailing over seven days could be considered a “longer cruise.” Those can range from around 10 days to more than six months. Royal Caribbean is operating a nine-month world cruise to more than 60 countries.

While short cruises “can feel like a bit of a whirlwind,” according to Margolis, longer itineraries offer more time to explore a greater variety of ports. They may feature less-visited destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao and often take place on smaller, older vessels (though ships are refurbished regularly).

That’s partly due to the limitations in places they stop. “Some of the ports … cannot really accommodate this large ship hardware,” Feldman said. “So, you need a smaller-size ship to navigate in and out of these ports.”

The onboard demographic also tends to skew older on those cruises since retired passengers typically have more free time, and travelers with kids are often beholden to school schedules.

If you want a middle ground, though, Margolis said a seven-night cruise “really takes you through what I think is, like, the whole cruise cycle.”

"You get on, you get acclimated, you find all the different amenities, and then you're able to … truly relax, disconnect, unwind,” she said. ‘And then you know, midweek, you start getting your luggage tags, and you go through that mental process of accepting that you're going to have to get off in a couple of days and go back to work.”

At that length, it's also easier to tack on a bit of extra time on the front or back end of the sailing to explore on their own, Feldman added.

Are short or long sailings cheaper?

Because short sailings frequently take place on larger ships, they are “very attractively priced” to help fill the cabins. But that doesn’t mean they’ll always be cheaper than a longer cruise.

A cruise with more stops will have higher port fees, but passengers may book longer itineraries further out and get better fares.

Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals.

“Most times, you're not going to book a three-to-four-night sailing 12 to 18 months in advance,” said Feldman. “You're going to book that much closer in.”

The ship’s age also plays a role in how it’s priced, with shiny new vessels commanding higher rates . “So, there's a lot of different variables in play that kind of dictate where you're going to come out ahead or how much your cruise is ultimately going to cost based on those factors,” said Feldman.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Travel /  Cruise

The small ship that takes you to Dalmatia’s top spots

LADIES! Please! This is an Elegance cruise!’ cries Vedran, our young tour manager, rolling his eyes playfully as eight members of a Californian women’s swimming club drop their bathing suits and dive into the sea.

Holidays – Cruise

I’ve adored the ocean since my pirate DJ days

(even if the ship did reek of diesel)

What’s new on the high seas

BE AMONG the first aboard the swish 700-passenger Silver Ray this summer. Its asymmetric design gives the pool sweeping sea views. A seven-night cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona on June 15 calls at Cadiz, Valencia and Majorca. The all-inclusive cruise is from £6,600pp. Flights are extra. silversea.com

Glitz ahoy!

CRUISING is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry, so perhaps it’s no wonder that some of the world’s most exclusive hotel groups are gunning for a piece of the action.

Cava fizz… and a whizz round historic Cadiz

ON A cruise around the coast of Spain I was expecting historic cathedrals, tiny chapels, even the occasional remains of a Roman temple. What I wasn’t expecting was the chance to worship at a cathedral of wine.

I love dressing for dinner - but you won’t see me in a boring tuxedo

MR MOTIVATOR

Whales, glaciers and a real Bear in Alaska

OUTSIDE, in breezy sunshine, there’s the mighty Hubbard Glacier in a fjord off Alaska’s Inside Passage. Forbidding snow-tipped mountains line the mainland on one side, craggy islands the other.

Is bigger really better on the world’s largest cruise ship?

THIS is it. The lumbering, slavering, glowering apex predator of the cruising industry, weighing nearly 260,000 tons and 1,198 ft long — Royal Caribbean’s Icon Of The Seas is the largest cruise ship in history.

Escape – Cruise

Great Lakes are worth the plunge

AS the hatch shuts above our heads and the pilot prepares to descend, I’m wondering if a submarine dive is perhaps too far from my comfort zone.

Stay on land either before or after your voyage- and linger for longer

CRUISE lines have upped their game by creating imaginative itineraries for passengers that fly out early or stay on to go to festivals, visit white-knuckle theme parks, explore cultural cities, hike in national parks or just laze by a pool. Here’s our guide to the best on offer.

Cruise into 2024 with a flotila of new ships and destinations

WHEN a gleaming new cruise ship comes over the horizon, it is always something to celebrate. And there’ll be no shortage of them in 2024, including the world’s biggest. It’s been a record-breaking year for cruising, with more than 31.5 million passengers, and bookings for 2024 are expected to top that again. Here’s a pick of the most exciting new ships to book now.

Sailing into pole position for the Formula 1 in Miami

Qualifying session and race day grandstand tickets are included in this ‘Miami F1 With Ultimate Caribbean’ holiday. Spend a night in Miami before a ten-night Caribbean cruise on Emerald Princess, followed by a six-night stay in Fort Lauderdale for the Grand Prix. Costs from £3,499pp, departing Heathrow on April 19 ( cruise.co.uk ).

Avoid the masses... and enjoy some Saar quality

THINKING of taking a river cruise in Germany? Of course there’s the Rhine, with Cologne and Bonn on its banks, or the Danube, flowing from the Black Forest through Bavaria to Vienna. But these teem with tourists and hundreds of ships jostling for space.

Indulge in culture and cuisine on luxury cruises from the UK

WHICHEVER corner of the globe beckons, discovering it from a small, luxurious cruise ship means that after a day spent exploring you’ll feel like you’re coming home to the warmth of family.

Mesmerised by Malta’s myriad mix of cultures

WHATEVER the weather, I am never seasick and can sleep through any storm, but I do respect the sea, its tides and currents.

Corsica’s plain sailing - if you arrive by ship

THERE are no signs of life as we leave the train station and walk into the village. But then we see the jolly red awning of Bar des Amis - and it’s open.

My parents first brought me to Venice when I was 14 - and I’ve been in love with it ever since

In this series, household names revisit their favourite childhood holiday destinations. This week, River Cafe co-founder and podcast host RUTH ROGERS returns to Venice.

Norway’s majestic fjords are always a winner

SAILING transatlantic aboard Queen Elizabeth II in the late 1990s with the family was my first voyage. The ship was wonderful.

Santorini was fun - but my biggest thrill was getting close to Antarctica’s penguins

MOST of my last cruise is a blur. Four days after leaving Southampton aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria, my phone started going bonkers with messages.

All Aboard: Upgrade with Oceania Cruises

The rock stars of the Douro Valley

THINK of the Douro Valley, and its ruby red wines and vertiginous vineyards spring to mind. But tucked away on the banks of one if its tributaries in northeastern Portugal is an extraordinary open-air gallery of prehistoric rock art.

A rebirth at sea

AS STEFFAN the Welsh tenor belts out Con Te Partiro (Time To Say Goodbye), Crystal Serenity eases out of Venice. There are cheers on the pool deck, anticipation in the air.

All Aboard: Michel Roux's gala menu

TWO Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux is working with Cunard to create a gala menu for the Queens Grill on new ship Queen Anne. Launching in May next year, a 14-night British Isles cruise departs from Southampton on May 24 from £1,899pp ( cunard.com , 0344 3388 641).

Cut a dash around the Med

AVOIDING airports has become all-important, which is why no-fly cruises have become so popular. This one comes with a twist because rather than heading for Portsmouth or Southampton, I take the Eurostar, change trains in Paris and arrive in Cannes in the South of France for a pre-cruise night in a hotel.

The entertainers were so brilliant I gave them a 10!

I’VE been cruising for decades and took my son David on four or five Disney cruises when he was young. He loved it and would always take his guitar to play to the audience.

My narrow escape (at 4mph) on the Oxford canal

WE had fallen asleep to the distant hoo-hooing of an owl and woken to the contented cooing of wood pigeons. Mist rising from the water, dew on the bow and a family of swans, seeing signs of life, paddling towards our narrowboat.

I first went on the QE2 in the Falklands War… my next sail on her was more of a pleasure

WHEN I left the Falkland Islands in 1982, I was flat on my back.

The beauty of the Baltics

ONE day I stand on a station platform, another in the middle of a bog and the next among the shelves of a public library. All places you wouldn’t expect to find on a cruise.

Sailing past Lady Liberty at dawn is a lifetime memory

IT’S wonderful unpacking my suitcase once, and that’s it until the end of the cruise. Then I am free to enjoy all the good food on offer.

The art of cruising

Hopping on board a river cruise ship can be like stepping into a fully-fledged art gallery… and their destinations are a pretty picture too

A rescue drama off Cape Verde - in my tuxedo

NO-FLY cruising out of Southampton or Portsmouth is always a winner for me, as my home is only a 20 minute-drive from the ports.

Alaska’s icy waters will melt your heart

WITHIN 24 hours of sailing out of Vancouver bound for Alaska, I’m watching fog retreat towards the Inside Passage’s forested coastline.

A new Queen is getting ready to rule the waves

IN just over a year, Queen Anne will join Cunard’s three other great monarchs of the seas: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. To whet your appetite for its debut, visit an exhibition celebrating the line’s best advertising, or grab an early deal aboard the new ship.

Meet chef Michel Roux on a cruise of the Seine

PARIS, the City of Light, is the start and end point for this fabulous cruise on Europe’s most romantic river. The eight-day break also calls at several charming spots along the Seine including Rouen and Versailles, and the beaches of Normandy on France’s northern coast.

Relax on a sunshine break or a long, slow ride into autumn

WHAT nicer way to celebrate the warmer weather than by booking a cruise? Whether you fancy a spring mini-break, a summer river cruise or a long voyage for autumn, check out my pick of the best here.

All aboard: The latest news for your next cruise

IF VALENTINE’S Day leaves you with the question of a wedding venue, many cruise lines feature harbourside, island and onboard ceremonies. They include Princess Cruises’ packages with optional live broadcasting of the ceremony ( princess.com , 0344 338 8663), while MSC has a dedicated wedding planner and nuptials can be arranged at sea or on private island Ocean Cay in the Bahamas ( msccruises.co.uk , 0203 426 3010).

Schooner trek that eclipses all others

A NEW year brings new opportunities to see more of the world on once-in-a-lifetime holidays. Here’s my pick of cruises in 2023.

Take the first steps to a walking holiday

EVERY week our Holiday Hero NEIL SIMPSON takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you don’t have to. This week: walking holidays for first-timers.

Choose an adventure by sail, rail or scooter

WITH the heat of summer like a long-forgotten memory, now is the time to book cheering cruises to look forward to next year and even into 2024. Here’s the pick of the best.

Try a chocolate themed cruise

SAGA’S chocolate-themed cruise led by TV Bake Off Crème de la Crème winner Mark Tilling features a chocolate-making class, a chocolate afternoon tea and a patisserie demonstration. The five-night Capitals of the Emerald from Portsmouth to Dublin and Belfast departs on April 4, 2023, from £1,466 pp. ( travel.saga.co.uk , 0808 258 2477).

Snap up a bear hunt bargain... with Bear!

IF YOU’RE planning an escape for Christmas or an expedition next year, there are deals to be had on luxury cruises with an element of daring. Spot whales in the wild, stare in wonder at the Northern Lights or learn survival from adventurer Bear Grylls in my picks below.

Book now for the Christmas sails

WHETHER you’d love one last getaway this year or wish to plan a holiday for next year or 2024, there are some great cruises to book now. Here are CAROLINE HENDRIE’S pick of the best.

Catch four Canaries ...with just one cruise

YOU fancy a tour of the Canaries, taking in several islands, but you have only a week’s holiday - so how do you fit them all in? Look no further than boutique line Azamara’s latest ship, Azamara Onward, and its fabulous whirlwind Canaries round trip. This mid-size ship carries fewer than 700 passengers, leaving plenty of room for bars and lounges, from the airy, glass-walled Living Room overlooking the bow to the cosy, book-lined Drawing Room. Or simply chill around the pool with drinks (included in the fare) from the Sunset Bar.

All aboard to the fjords

You won’t lift a finger on Saga’s epic voyage through Norway’s great outdoors

An autumn cruise on the Seine will take you to Monet’s garden at Giverny

Cruise News

A getaway that will give you a rosé glow

WITH winter round the corner, what better time to plan a cruise to sail away from it all. Here’s my pick of the end-of-year getaways.

Ibiza, perfect for a (luxury) hippy shippy break ashore

INSIDE Es Tragon, a former finca-turned-restaurant, plate after plate of exquisite little dishes are placed before us to collective gasps. We pause, fixated on the tiny works of art. The menu, we are told, is a trip around the Mediterranean that draws on the ingredients of ancient civilisations.

and wave goodbye to your winter blues — with a cruise for up to 75 days

New cruise ships that are green and clean

SAILING off the coast of Normandy, Le Commandant Charcot - 500ft long, nine decks of glass and steel - glides through the water with barely a sound.

Stay on a super yacht? It’s not just for billionaires

HIGH summer is when the billionaire super-yachts come out to play, moored in glitzy marinas in holiday hotspots and always drawing envious stares. Yet if you think staying on one is ridiculously out of reach, think again.

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