Our pick of the best cruises, from a gourmet journey on the Rhône, to island-hopping in Scotland
One of the best things about cruise holidays is being able to tick off multiple dream destinations in one trip. Well-planned cruise itineraries allow you to explore places which are tricky to reach on foot, or multiple island destinations which would otherwise involve flying.
They also give you a chance to enjoy awe-inspiring views as you sail from one destination to another, like story-book castles along the banks of the French Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde Rivers or sun-drenched vineyard valleys flanking Portugal’s Douro River.
Picking a cruise for your holidays means new adventures, maybe to a continent you’ve never ventured to before, or perhaps trying your hand at new activities like cooking, hiking, or wildlife spotting.
The time you spend at sea isn’t wasted time either. The majority of cruise ships, whether big or small, come with excellent facilities to help you make the most of your time on the water. Think luxurious spa facilities, outdoor pools, evening entertainment and stylish restaurants and bars where you can get to know your fellow travellers.
If you’re considering a cruise but are feeling overwhelmed by the choices available, we’re here to help.
We have an excellent variety of cruises available throughout the year. Tempted by a winter sailing to warmer shores? We’ve got an epic cruise to Panama and Costa Rica in January 2024 which will have the winter blues whisked away. How about a spring cruise to escape the summer hordes in Europe? We’ve got the perfect cruise of the Netherlands where you can marvel at the gorgeous tulip displays.
Whether you want to sail with celebrities on star-studded voyages, visit lesser-known islands and villages to get a real taste of a destination, or be wowed by spectacular wildlife, here’s a roundup of our favourite cruises for 2023 and 2024 to help you choose.
Island hop in the untouched Hebrides
From empty beaches to dramatic lochs and towering mountains, a cruise around the untamed beauty of the Inner and Outer Hebrides makes for an unforgettable experience. On this incredible 11-day cruise of these intriguing Scottish islands, you’ll get to take in the fantastic scenery as you hop from isle to isle, with visits to whisky distilleries and tweed weavers along the way.
Sail to Antarctica on an icy adventure
Antarctica is a continent like no other. Wild and unspoilt, this frozen wilderness is home to breathtaking scenery, extreme climate conditions, roaming icebergs and marvellous marine life. Join our cruise to the white continent on this 14-day expedition on a specially-designed ship to see the unforgettable wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Take a leisurely river cruise along Portugal’s Douro River
Portugal’s Douro Valley is characterised by quiet villages, rolling hills, and terraced vineyards promising a bounty of exemplary wine. Explore this corner of Europe on an eight-day discovery of the region’s food, wine, culture, and history aboard a luxury river cruise ship. Food and wine tastings are a prominent feature throughout, and you’ll return home knowing more about the wine-making processes and history of Portugal’s wine.
Set sail for northern Spain this summer
Northern Spain is loved for its lush landscapes, fine gastronomy, elegant cities and quaint villages bordered by golden beaches. It’s also packed with cultural attractions to explore, with art and architecture to discover around every corner. This luxury five-day cruise in August 2023 over the bank holiday weekend will take you to some of the highlights of northern Spain as you sail in style on the inviting ship Bolette.
Uncover the beauty and history of Venice
Join our cruise to Veneto in July and you’ll sail on a luxurious boutique ship, the S.S La Venezia, to see many of the region’s most beautiful destinations. You’ll begin your journey in Venice, where special out-of-hours trips to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica have been arranged so you can enjoy these historic buildings without the crowds. Art historian, journalist and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon will sail with you for part of the cruise.
Luxury Venetian Lagoon cruise
Another option for anyone looking to delight in the wonders of Venice is this luxury sailing to the Venetian Lagoon in October with celebrity chef, Rick Stein. During this week-long trip, you’ll have plenty of time to visit all the unmissable sights of Venice and get to know Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Chioggia, and Murano, painting a complete picture of life in the Venetian Lagoon. Rick Stein will join the cruise for three days and accompany a visit to a market in Chioggia to gather ingredients for his cooking demonstration.
Cruise the majestic fjords of Iceland
There’s no better way to experience the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Iceland than on an adventure cruise, and our wonderful two-week trip in September 2023 will take you to many highlights of this magical country. Making the trip extra special is the chance to meet popular weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who’ll join you on an optional excursion and give an insightful talk and Q&A in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.
A glamorous Mediterranean cruise
On our Mediterranean cruise you’ll stop at some of the coastline’s most stylish ports, including Cannes, with its famous Boulevard de la Croisette, Sardinia’s Alghero, with its ancient city walls and cobblestoned historic centre, and sunny St Tropez, where you can relax in chic seafront beaches, bistros, and bars. Making the trip extra special is the company of TV Chef James Martin who’ll join you on board to share some cooking skills.
Savour the flavours of Bordeaux
On this seven-night all-inclusive river cruise, you’ll wind your way through the picturesque Médoc wine region, visiting exceptional traditional wineries and charming châteaux. You’ll be joined by a very special guest, the celebrated French chef, Raymond Blanc. He’ll host an interactive cooking demonstration of some of his favourite dishes and answer your questions in a Q&A session.
Cruise the Rhône in luxury
Sail through the same beautiful landscapes in the south of France that inspired painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin and discover the gourmet secrets that make this region one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. On this cruise, you’ll sail in the company of cricketing legend Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham and chef Rosemary Shrager, who’ll join you for a special wine and food-themed activities.
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