Ocean cruises
Large ships, small ships and everything in between. Big-ship holidays bring choice — restaurants, shows, spaces to suit different moods. Smaller ships trade some of that for calmer surroundings and ports the larger vessels can't reach.
Cruise
There's a cruise for almost everyone.
Finding it is the interesting part.
Cruise holidays vary enormously depending on the line, the ship, the destination, the itinerary and the way you like to travel. Two people can take the same route and come home with entirely different holidays.
New to cruising
Never cruised before?
It's a fair question to ask whether cruising is for you. Here are the things people most often want to know before they book their first one — without the jargon.
- Will I feel hemmed in?
- Modern ships are far bigger than most people expect, with plenty of quiet corners as well as busy ones. Choosing the right size of ship makes most of the difference.
- What's actually included?
- Usually your cabin, main dining, most entertainment and travel between destinations. Drinks, speciality restaurants, excursions and gratuities vary by line.
- Do I need to dress up?
- Some lines still enjoy a formal night; others are relaxed throughout. It's worth knowing before you pack.
- What if I'm not sure about sea days?
- There are itineraries built almost entirely around ports, and others designed for slow days at sea. We'll steer you towards the balance you'll enjoy.
Ways to cruise
Different ships, different holidays.
Adults-only cruises
For travellers who want a grown-up onboard atmosphere: quieter deck space, dining that takes its time, and evenings that feel more relaxed than energetic.
River cruises
A slower way to get closer to destinations. You wake up in the middle of towns and cities rather than at a port some distance away, and you unpack once.
Luxury cruises
Smaller ships, exceptional service and a more inclusive way of travelling, where drinks, gratuities and often excursions are built into the fare. One option among many — not the only one we recommend.
Expedition cruises
For travellers who want the destination and the exploring to take centre stage: zodiac landings, expert guides and places most itineraries never reach.
Family cruises
Ships designed with different generations in mind, where children have space and things to do, and the adults still get to feel like they're on holiday.
Cruise line explorer
Every line has its own character.
Cruise lines differ in atmosphere, pace, dining, dress and the kind of traveller who feels at home on board. None of them is better than another — they’re simply different, and the right one depends entirely on you.
Here’s a plain-English look at some of the lines we book most often. Open any one to read more.
This isn’t everyone we work with. If a line you’re considering isn’t listed, just ask.
More than the cruise itself.
If your cruise starts overseas, we may also be able to arrange suitable flights, pre-cruise accommodation and transfers as part of the overall trip. We normally recommend arriving at least one day before departure rather than relying on a same-day flight, helping leave some breathing room before you sail.
Choosing the right cruise
Ten things worth thinking about.
You don't need answers to all of these before you get in touch — they're simply the things we'll talk through together.
Cruise line
Every line has its own personality — dress codes, entertainment, average age on board, what's included.
Ship
Two ships from the same line can feel very different depending on size, age and refit.
Itinerary
Port-intensive or plenty of sea days? How long in each place, and what time you sail.
Departure port
Sailing from the UK, or flying to join the ship? Both have advantages worth weighing up.
Cabin
Inside, outside, balcony or suite — and where it sits on the ship — shapes the whole trip.
Dining
Fixed sittings, freedom dining, speciality restaurants and what costs extra.
Drinks packages
Sometimes excellent value, sometimes not. It depends on how you actually drink on holiday.
Excursions
Booked through the ship or arranged independently — each suits different travellers.
Onboard atmosphere
Lively and sociable, or quiet and unhurried? This is the thing people most often get wrong.
Who's travelling
A couple, a family, a group of friends or a solo traveller will all want different things.
Let's find the right ship for you.
Tell us how you like to travel and we'll do the comparing.