Ocean cruising
Whether you’re after massive or modest, upmarket or mid-range, classic or expedition, there’s sure to be a ship to suit. Our experts offer the best advice on which cruise is best for you.
Brought to you by Cunard
Hassle-free holidays: The world’s best ocean cruises
Want adventure and inspiring destinations without sacrificing ease and comfort? Then board a cruise ship, relax and set sail. Here are 10 top itineraries that highlight the varied best of life at sea.
- by Brian Johnston
Ditch the shorts and T-shirt: 15 essential rules of cruise etiquette
Black tie galas, tipping and Captain’s Table invitations ... with ship life comes a sea of traditions but here’s how to navigate them and ensure smooth sailing.
- by Lee Tulloch
How to choose the best cabin on a cruise ship
The location of your cabin influences cost, convenience, noise levels and movement, and also creates subtle differences in cabin space.
- by Brian Johnston
How to travel on a luxury ship for half the price
Want to try a new cruise line or sample the high life on a luxury ship at below regular cost? A repositioning cruise might bag you a bargain-price holiday.
- by Brian Johnston
How to make the most of your time ashore during a cruise
When it comes to cruise ship shore excursions it pays to be sure of what you want to see and do when going ashore.
- by Anthony Dennis
Sneak peek: A new Queen of the seas is coming
Cunard’s first new ship in a decade will be a 3000-passenger giant joining its three other iconic Queens of the sea.
- by Dave Monk
New ship’s unique design means you’ll never want to get off
Designed for warm weather sailing, with an open plan that doesn’t impede the spectacular views, Silver Nova is a destination in itself.
- by Lee Tulloch
On board ‘the world’s most beautiful cruise ship’
There’s eye candy everywhere you look on this floating hotel – you can tell a lot of money has been spent on it.
- by Brian Johnston
From straw mats to luxury cabins: How cruising transformed over 150 years
Between 1900 and 1920, about 12.5 million Europeans crossed the Atlantic to the US and the Holland America line carried over 1 million of them.
- by Jill Dupleix
Thinking about your first cruise? Here’s how to choose one
You wouldn’t book a budget urban hotel and expect swish resort-like amenities. Nor should you book a cruise ship that simply doesn’t suit.
- by Brian Johnston
Six incredible short walks from cruise ship ports
Need to work off your buffet breakfast? Here are six scenic walks straight off cruise ships that offer two hours of exercise – or a slower-paced day of sightseeing.
- by Brian Johnston
Tripologist: Is it possible to travel on a cargo ship as a passenger?
They’re hard to find these days, but one cargo ship sails a spectacular location and takes passengers.
- by Michael Gebicki
Spain’s notorious party isle is surprisingly beautiful
It might have a party island reputation, but fortresses and natural wonders await beyond the nightlife at Ibiza.
- by Ute Junker
Buffet, bistro or fine dining? The best places to eat on cruise ships
From fish-and-chips to haute cuisine, cruise ships provide a temptation of dining choices. Here’s our food-lover’s guide to the best restaurant meals at sea.
- by Brian Johnston
Opinion
What it’s like to dine at the captain’s table on a ship
It’s often reserved for loyal customers and those in expensive suites. But I was really only interested in one thing: how dangerous is polar cruising. Really?
- by Lee Tulloch
Move over Iceland: It just got easier to visit this hugely underrated island
Now you can explore the unique wonders and heritage of Greenland on an upgraded cargo ferry with the launch of three locally driven itineraries.
- by Julietta Jameson
Why cruise ships are great for travelling solo
A cruise ship is a safe, predictable environment, and provides abundant opportunity to socialise – but it pays to plan ahead.
- by Brian Johnston
The world’s 10 most exhilarating port towns
From big cities, small towns, fortified medieval harbours and ultra-modern ones, here are 10 ports you’ll long to see.
- by Brian Johnston
New ship’s alternative route reduces the cruise crush in Venice
Norwegian Viva offers an appealing new option for those wanting to experience Italy while easing pressure on cruise-crowded Venice.
- by Jane Richards
Eight myths I busted on my first cruise
As respected colleagues returned from cruises around the world, seemingly completely taken with it all, I started to wonder if I was the only person who didn't get cruising.
- by Trudi Jenkins
New luxury cruise ship requires loose-fitting clothes
Oceania’s new and indisputably glam ship has no fewer than eight restaurants, three bars/lounges and a cafe.
- by Trudi Jenkins
Six reasons why the Kimberley is best seen from the water
It is one of the oldest and largest wilderness areas in the world, which is one of the many reasons the Kimberley is best seen by boarding a ship.
- by Helen Pitt
Ten of the most beautiful port towns on the Mediterranean
Small ports can still be spectacular.
- by Brian Johnston
The world’s southernmost town becomes expedition cruise hub
Visitors return from this icy land determined to save it.
- by Catherine Marshall