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Cruise deals
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The allure of cruise holidays lies in their unmatched convenience: visit multiple destinations without the hassle of repacking suitcases, enjoy world-class dining and entertainment on board, and benefit from the transparency of all-inclusive packages. Modern cruise deals combine return flights, comfortable accommodation, full-board meals and curated shore excursions in one booking, eliminating the stress of coordinating hotels, transfers and restaurant reservations across several countries. By joining the membership community, you unlock exclusive access to handpicked cruise offers featuring premium ships, carefully curated itineraries and exceptional savings on Mediterranean, Caribbean, river and boutique cruise experiences tailored to discerning travellers.
The most beautiful cruise offers
Costa Celebration Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure with a 2-night Barcelona stay followed by a 2-week cruise calling at Tunis, Malta, Izmir, Istanbul and Rome. This flight-inclusive offer combines cultural exploration with on-board comfort, allowing you to discover ancient ruins, bustling bazaars and stunning coastlines. The Costa Celebration provides a full itinerary of shore excursions, dining options and entertainment, making it ideal for couples and families seeking a comprehensive Mediterranean experience without the hassle of multiple hotel bookings.
What we love: The perfect blend of city break and cruise, with two nights in Barcelona to explore Gaudí's masterpieces before setting sail across the eastern Mediterranean's most iconic ports.
Douro River Cruise
Glide through Portugal's enchanting Douro Valley on a leisurely river cruise departing from Porto. This package includes flights from the UK and a carefully curated programme of included excursions: vineyard visits with wine tastings, guided city tours and stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites. The intimate atmosphere of river cruising allows you to savour the region's terraced vineyards, historic quintas and charming riverside villages at a relaxed pace, with all meals and most shore activities included in your package.
What we love: The intimate scale of river cruising combined with Portugal's world-renowned wine culture—every bend in the river reveals another postcard-perfect vista of terraced vineyards and whitewashed villages.
Croatia & Montenegro Gulet Cruise
Experience the Adriatic's hidden gems aboard a traditional gulet, sailing from Dubrovnik along the stunning Dalmatian coast. This small-ship cruise visits Cavtat, the island of Mljet, and the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, offering an intimate alternative to large ocean liners. With half-board included and local excursions to medieval towns, secluded coves and UNESCO sites, this boutique cruise suits travellers seeking authentic cultural immersion, personalised service and the flexibility to swim directly from the boat in crystal-clear waters.
What we love: The boutique experience of a gulet cruise—just 30–40 passengers, traditional wooden craftsmanship, and the freedom to anchor in secluded bays inaccessible to larger ships.
Alexander the Great Nile Cruise
Journey through ancient Egypt aboard the luxury boutique cruiser Alexander the Great, offering 7–10-night itineraries with optional Cairo hotel stays. Sail between Luxor and Aswan, visiting the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Philae Temple and optional excursions to Abu Simbel. This Nile cruise combines Egyptology-led guided tours with on-board comfort, allowing you to witness millennia of history from the deck of a beautifully appointed vessel. Flight-inclusive packages and full-board dining make this an effortless way to explore Egypt's greatest treasures.
What we love: Waking up each morning to a new ancient wonder on the riverbank—temples, tombs and monuments that have stood for thousands of years, all accessible without the stress of overland travel.
Types of cruise deals and when to book
Ocean cruises: Mediterranean, Caribbean, transatlantic — what to expect
Ocean cruises range from mid-sized vessels accommodating 1,000 passengers to mega-ships carrying over 5,000 guests, offering an extraordinary variety of on-board amenities, dining venues and entertainment options. Typical durations span 7–14 nights, though transatlantic crossings often extend beyond two weeks as ships reposition between continents. Mediterranean cruises commonly depart from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice or Southampton, calling at ports including Palma, Marseille, Valletta and the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Caribbean itineraries frequently embark from Florida ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, visiting Nassau, private islands and tropical beaches throughout the Bahamas and beyond. Transatlantic repositioning cruises between Europe and the Americas provide longer voyages at lower per-night rates, appealing to travellers who relish extended time at sea. Ocean cruises suit guests seeking variety, comprehensive entertainment, multiple dining venues and the convenience of unpacking once while visiting several countries. The Costa Celebration Mediterranean cruise exemplifies a comprehensive itinerary blending cultural landmarks with on-board luxury.
River cruises: Douro, Rhine, Nile — pace, included excursions and target travellers
River cruises offer an intimate alternative to ocean voyages, with vessels accommodating just 100–200 passengers and fostering a slower, more immersive travel experience. Unlike ocean liners that dock at coastal terminals requiring shuttle buses or tenders, river ships moor in city centres or charming villages, allowing passengers to step directly into historic quarters and local markets. Popular European river routes include the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, calling at Cologne, Strasbourg and Heidelberg; the Danube linking Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava; and the Douro winding through Portugal's vineyard-clad valleys. The Nile remains a classic river cruise destination, combining ancient history with luxury hospitality. Most river cruises bundle guided shore excursions, wine tastings and cultural lectures into the fare, eliminating surprise charges and appealing to mature, culturally curious travellers who value enrichment over entertainment spectacle. The Douro River Cruise and Alexander the Great Nile Cruise showcase the cultural depth and personalised service inherent to river cruising.
Small-ship, gulet and boutique cruise deals (what they include and who they suit)
Boutique and small-ship cruises deliver a markedly different experience from mega-ship voyages, emphasising personalised service, access to secluded anchorages and intimate on-board atmospheres. Gulets—traditional wooden sailing vessels common in the Adriatic and eastern Mediterranean—carry just 20–40 passengers, combining sailing heritage with opportunities for swimming stops in hidden coves. Expedition ships venture to polar regions and remote destinations, while luxury boutique cruisers host fewer than 200 guests in refined surroundings. These vessels reach smaller ports and private bays inaccessible to larger ships, offering flexible itineraries and the chance to anchor off deserted beaches. Packages typically include half-board or full-board, with select shore excursions bundled in and others available as optional add-ons. Small-ship cruises suit couples, solo travellers and groups seeking authenticity, cultural immersion and a relaxed pace free from the crowds and entertainment focus of mega-ships. The Croatia & Montenegro Gulet Cruise exemplifies boutique cruising, blending sailing tradition with cultural discovery along the Dalmatian coast.
Sample itineraries and popular routes to consider
Mediterranean highlights: Barcelona — Rome — Marseille — Palma (sample 7–14-day routes)
Classic western Mediterranean itineraries embark in Barcelona, calling at Palma de Mallorca, Marseille (gateway to Provence and Aix-en-Provence), Rome/Civitavecchia (for the Vatican and Colosseum), and often Valletta in Malta or Messina in Sicily. Seven-night cruises typically visit four to five ports, while 10–14-night voyages extend eastward to the Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, Dubrovnik, or the Turkish coast including Izmir and Istanbul. Many packages bundle pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in Barcelona or Rome, affording time to explore these iconic cities at leisure. The appeal is undeniable: a single booking delivers access to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse regional cuisines, and a harmonious blend of beach relaxation and cultural sightseeing. The Costa Celebration Cruise and MSC Armonia & Armadams Hotel packages illustrate how Mediterranean itineraries combine comprehensive port programmes with city-break extensions.
Caribbean & Bahamas: Florida departures, Nassau, private islands (ideal for beach + relaxation)
Most Caribbean cruises depart from Florida ports including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, though some embark from New York or Southampton as transatlantic fly-cruises. Eastern Caribbean routes call at Nassau, St Thomas and St Maarten; western Caribbean itineraries visit Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica; southern Caribbean voyages reach Barbados, St Lucia and Aruba. Many cruise lines operate private islands such as Great Stirrup Cay and CocoCay, offering exclusive beach days with complimentary water sports, barbecues and pristine sands. Caribbean cruises are ideal for families, beach lovers and guests seeking warm weather, snorkelling and a relaxed pace. Most Caribbean deals include flights from the UK, airport transfers and full-board dining, simplifying logistics for British travellers. The NCL Breakaway Cruise combines a New York city stay with Bahamas ports, blending urban exploration with tropical relaxation in a single package.
Europe & Adriatic: Dubrovnik, Croatia & Montenegro gulet-style cruises; Douro river itineraries
Beyond mainstream Mediterranean routes, European coastal and river itineraries offer immersive cultural experiences at a gentler pace. Adriatic gulet cruises traverse the Dalmatian coast, visiting Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Kor?ula and crossing into Montenegro to explore Kotor Bay. These voyages emphasise cultural immersion through swimming stops in secluded bays, guided walks in medieval walled towns and visits to UNESCO heritage sites. Contrast this with Douro river cruises: week-long journeys from Porto through Portugal's terraced wine valleys, featuring included vineyard tours, port wine tastings and guided walks in historic villages. Both styles suit travellers seeking authenticity, slower travel rhythms and regional cuisine. Packages typically include flights from the UK, airport transfers and half- or full-board. The Croatia & Montenegro Gulet Cruise, Cruise Through Croatia, and Douro River Cruise exemplify the depth of experience available on boutique European voyages.
Onboard activities and typical shore excursions
Family & entertainment options (shows, pools, kids' clubs)
Larger ocean cruise ships cater comprehensively to families, offering dedicated kids' clubs with age-grouped programmes for toddlers, children and teens, multiple swimming pools including splash zones and water slides, evening theatre shows, live music, comedy acts and themed deck parties. Many vessels feature cinemas, mini-golf, rock-climbing walls, and on the largest ships even ice rinks or surf simulators. Family cruise deals often include complimentary kids' club access, freeing parents to enjoy spa treatments, adult-only pools or shore excursions while children participate in supervised activities. Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises aboard larger ships prove particularly well-suited to multi-generational family holidays, with activities spanning all ages and flexible dining times accommodating younger guests. Entertainment is typically included in the cruise fare, with only speciality dining, premium drinks and spa services incurring additional charges, making budgeting straightforward for families.
Wellness, spa and active options (sports, fitness, wellness packages)
Modern cruise ships dedicate substantial space to wellness and fitness facilities, including thermal suites with saunas, steam rooms and heated loungers, treatment rooms offering massages, facials and body wraps, and well-equipped gyms boasting sea views and the latest cardio and strength equipment. Select cruise lines curate wellness-focused itineraries featuring yoga classes, meditation sessions, healthy dining menus and fitness programmes led by on-board instructors. Active passengers enjoy jogging tracks, sports courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball, and fitness classes such as spin, Pilates and aerobics, all included in the fare, while spa treatments and speciality wellness packages are available at extra cost. River cruises and boutique ships may offer smaller spa facilities but often provide complimentary bicycles for self-guided shore exploration. Wellness and active options appeal to health-conscious travellers and those seeking balance between relaxation and physical activity during their voyage.
Cultural and historical excursions (guided city walks, UNESCO sites, museum visits)
Shore excursions focused on culture and history present a rich array of guided tours at each port: walking tours of historic city centres including Dubrovnik's Old Town, Rome's Colosseum and Forum, and Barcelona's Gothic Quarter; visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Valletta, Kotor, the Douro Valley and Egypt's Valley of the Kings; museum and gallery tours including the Louvre during Marseille excursions and archaeological museums in Greece and Turkey; and specialist-led experiences like Egyptology lectures on Nile cruises and wine and olive oil tastings in Mediterranean ports. Some cruise deals, particularly river cruises and boutique ships, include a selection of shore excursions in the package price, while ocean cruises typically offer excursions as optional add-ons bookable in advance or on board. Independent exploration remains possible at most ports, with cruise lines providing port maps and suggested itineraries. The Alexander the Great Nile Cruise exemplifies culturally rich itineraries with expert-led excursions to ancient monuments.
Practical booking information and money-saving tips
What is usually included in a cruise deal (flights, transfers, board basis, airport meet & greet)
Most UK cruise deals marketed as fly-cruises include return flights from a UK airport such as London, Manchester or regional hubs, airport-to-port transfers, and the cruise itself with accommodation in a specified cabin category. Board basis typically consists of full-board covering breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in main dining rooms and buffet venues, with premium restaurants, speciality coffees and alcoholic drinks usually charged separately unless the deal specifies all-inclusive. Select packages include airport meet-and-greet services, pre-cruise hotel nights or on-board credit. Port taxes, service charges (gratuities) and travel insurance are sometimes included but often listed as extras, so scrutinise the detailed inclusions and exclusions on each offer page. River cruises and boutique ships more commonly bundle shore excursions, wine with meals and gratuities into the upfront price, offering better transparency and fewer on-board charges, which simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise costs.
How to compare offers: cabin types, board basis, single supplements, taxes and extras
Cabin categories range from inside cabins (no window, lowest price), ocean-view cabins (porthole or window), balcony cabins (private outdoor space, mid-range price) to suites (larger space, premium perks). Balcony cabins deliver the best value on scenic routes such as Mediterranean, Adriatic and river cruises, while inside cabins suit budget-conscious travellers who spend minimal time in the cabin. Board basis varies: full-board includes meals but not drinks or excursions, while all-inclusive covers alcoholic drinks, speciality dining and gratuities. Solo travellers face single supplements, often 150–200% of the per-person twin rate, though some lines offer dedicated single cabins or reduced supplements. Hidden costs include port taxes (typically £100–300 per person), gratuities (£10–15 per person per day), drinks packages, excursions and travel insurance. Calculate the total cost including all extras before booking, and compare the same cabin category and inclusions across different offers for a fair assessment of value.
Visa, passport and health requirements; travel insurance and ATOL protection basics
Passport validity requirements dictate that most cruise destinations demand at least six months' validity from the date of return, with some countries requiring blank pages for entry stamps. Visa requirements vary: UK passport holders typically do not need visas for short Mediterranean, Caribbean or European river cruises, but Egypt (for Nile cruises) requires a visa, often arranged on arrival or via e-visa, and some Caribbean islands or transatlantic itineraries touching South America may require advance visas. Check specific requirements for each port of call well before departure. Health considerations: no vaccinations are mandatory for Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises, but destinations such as Egypt or tropical regions may recommend hepatitis A, typhoid or malaria prophylaxis—consult a travel clinic. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation and missed departure is essential. UK package holidays including flights are ATOL-protected, safeguarding your money if the operator fails. Confirm ATOL certification and read policy documents before booking to ensure complete peace of mind.
Modern cruise holidays deliver unparalleled convenience, cultural richness and exceptional value for discerning travellers. By understanding the distinctions between ocean, river and boutique voyages, comparing cabin categories and inclusions, and booking during optimal windows, you secure the best deals on itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Douro, Nile and beyond. Membership access unlocks exclusive offers, early-bird discounts and curated packages designed for sophisticated travellers seeking unforgettable journeys.
Cruise deals
The cheapest months fall outside peak season and school holidays. For Mediterranean cruises, May, early June, September and October offer lower prices and fewer crowds. For Caribbean cruises, late April, May and early December (avoiding Christmas and spring break) are most affordable. Repositioning cruises in April and October/November can deliver significant savings. Booking during wave season (January–March) secures early-bird discounts on summer and autumn departures, combining lower fares with better cabin choice.
Fly-cruise packages marketed in the UK typically include return flights from a UK airport, airport-to-port transfers and the cruise itself. Some deals are cruise-only, requiring passengers to arrange their own flights—this can be cheaper for those using points, living near the departure port or combining the cruise with an extended stay. Always check the "What's included" section on the offer page to confirm whether flights and transfers are part of the package price or must be booked separately.
All-inclusive typically means flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals (main dining and buffet), snacks, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the upfront price. Some all-inclusive deals also cover gratuities, Wi-Fi and select shore excursions. Full-board (more common) includes meals but not drinks or excursions, which are charged separately. Read the detailed inclusions and exclusions carefully, as definitions of all-inclusive vary between cruise lines and offers.
Booking 6–12 months in advance often secures early-bird discounts, cabin choice and lower deposits. Wave season (January–March) is the prime booking window for deals on summer and autumn cruises. Last-minute deals (within 90 days of departure) can offer deep discounts if you have flexible dates and are not particular about cabin location, but choice is limited. Join the membership community to receive alerts on flash sales and exclusive member-only cruise offers throughout the year.
River cruises are smaller (100–200 passengers vs. 1,000–5,000 on ocean ships), dock in city centres (step off into historic towns) and focus on cultural immersion with included excursions, lectures and regional cuisine. Ocean cruises offer more onboard entertainment, diverse dining venues and visit coastal ports requiring tenders or shuttle buses. River cruises suit mature, culturally curious travellers seeking a relaxed pace; ocean cruises suit families, groups and those wanting variety, activities and beach destinations. Both offer excellent value and the convenience of unpacking once.