How to plan your holiday

With so many variables when it comes to itineraries and ships, it can all be a bit overwhelming when picking your first cruise holiday. Here are our top tips to help you choose your destination itinerary, ship and cabin. We’ll do the rest.

Top tips     Choosing a destination    Choosing your ship    Choosing your cabin

First time cruise tips

Not sure where to start? To help find the right cruise for you, we’ve listed the main factors to consider.

 

Time of year

You might have a specific date in mind for going away – like the summer holidays or half-term – so a good starting point is to search for cruises available on your desired dates. If you’re going abroad for a specific event, or if you’re seeking a natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun in Norway, you’ll be looking at going abroad at a specific time of the year.
 

Weather

While some regions follow a four seasons cycle, others offer nearly constant warmth and sunny skies. If you're flexible with weather conditions, you can pick up some great deals during the less popular times of year such as winter. So, if you don’t need endless sunshine, autumn and winter won’t just be the cheapest seasons, they could even be the best time for you to travel. 
 

Budget

The good news is that as incredible entertainment, accommodation, meals are all included in your holiday price, a cruise offers exceptional value for money – especially when you compare this to a land-based holiday. Our Early Saver prices, available on selected holidays offer great value when you book your holiday early.

 

All of our cruise holidays can be as exciting or relaxed as you like.

 

Choose your destination

We have hand-picked destinations to suit different types of travellers to help you choose the right cruise to suit you.

Relaxed beach holidays

Looking to relax and unwind? Our top destinations for the ultimate relaxed beach holiday include the Caribbean and Canary Islands.

Historical towns

Do you enjoy exploring old towns and historical landmarks? Destinations we recommend for explorers are the Norwegian Fjords, the Scandinavia and Northern Europe, Western Europe, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Winter sun

What better time to get some much needed sunshine? Our top picks for winter sun cruise holidays include Spain & Portugal, Canary Islands and the Caribbean.

Action-packed

All of our cruises can be as action-packed as you'd like with a variety of shore excursions at your finger tips. Destinaitons we recommend for adventure seekers are the Norwegian Fjords, Norway and Iceland, and Mediterranean.

Nature lovers

Experience the wonders of nature. Be at one with nature and visit destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords and the Caribbean.

1 of 5

Where would you like to go?

Once you have chosen your preferred region, then look for a cruise itinerary that ticks your boxes.
Destinations

Choose your cruise ship

Family friendly or exclusively for adults, larger or a little more modest - we've a ship for every occasion and style.

Family friendly

Arvia

With a retractable SkyDome, exquisite new restaurants and incredible entertainment, our newest ship promises happy days and fun-filled nights.

Family friendly

Iona

Iona has a host of surprises in store, with her luminous glass-roofed SkyDome, on-board gin distillery and whole world of dining.

Family friendly

Britannia

Inspired by our past. Designed for the future. There has never been a more stylish way to see the world. Your moments on board Britannia are sure to be truly memorable.

Exclusively for adults

Arcadia

Arcadia combines the chic with the classic, a relaxed pace, and more than a hint of extravagance. A mid-sized ship with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, and an array of features designed for pampering and indulgence.

Family friendly

Ventura

There’s always something happening on Ventura, enjoy delicious fine dining and many quiet spaces to unwind.

Exclusively for adults

Aurora

Mid-sized Aurora is a world-class ship, bringing you the joys of classic cruise travel with a slightly more intimate feel. With a retractable roof over her inviting Crystal pool, you’ll enjoy stylish surrounds whatever the weather.

Family friendly

Azura

Azura offers an incredible choice of things to do on board. Azura has lots of exciting and unique features, and is perfect for Fly-cruising.

1 of 7

Which cruise ship is right for you?

To help you decide on which ship would suit your preferences, you may find our ship comparison table helpful.
Ship comparison (PDF)

Choose your cruise cabin

We understand a cabin is a crucial part of the cruise experience. So, all our cabins offer luxury accommodation and deliver a new skyline every morning of your holiday – just one of the daily joys of a cruise holiday.

Suites

Delight in VIP treatment throughout your holiday with butler service, spacious accommodation, a superior bathroom with full-size whirlpool bath*, inclusive room service, breakfast each day in an exclusive restaurant plus all the luxuries included. Available across the fleet. Mini-suites are also available on Arcadia and Aurora.

Conservatory Mini-suites

A brand new innovation for Arvia and Iona; these cabins let the great outdoors in via an additional lounging area with floor-to-ceiling glass (and an external door) between the main cabin area and your balcony. Relax inside or out in complete comfort with incredible views. Available on Arvia and Iona.

Balcony cabins

If you like to feel the sea breeze and enjoy having your own private outdoor space, a Balcony cabin is ideal. Your balcony is the perfect place to savour a lazy continental breakfast or spend a few peaceful hours sunbathing with a book. Available across the fleet with the exception of Arcadia which features Deluxe Balcony cabins.

Sea view cabins

If natural light and a view are a must, our Sea view cabins ensure you’re never too far away from those relaxing views! Each one offers a similar layout and features of an Inside cabin, but with the addition of a window or porthole. Available across the fleet with the exception of Britannia.

Family cabins

A comfortable space for up to four guests, with two lower beds and up to two additional beds in the form of pull-down beds or a sofa bed, both of which will be made up each evening and put away every morning by your cabin steward. Available across the fleet.

Inside cabins

A practical and pocket-friendly choice if you simply need a comfy place to lay your head each night and know that your days will be spent enjoying everything that your ship has to offer. Two additional beds in the form of pull-down beds are available in selected cabins. Available across the fleet.

Single cabins

Single cabins offer everything the solo guest could ask for. They provide ample space, with a comfortable single bed for that perfect night’s sleep at sea. Selected cabins on Arcadia, Arvia, Britannia and Iona have their own private balcony space. Available on Arcadia, Arvia, Aurora, Azura, Britannia, Iona and Ventura.

1 of 7

Which cabin is right for you?

Find out more about our range of cabins on our accommodation page to find your holiday haven, including our accessible cabins.
Accommodation

 

A fusion of incredible destinations, exploration and on-board experiences await you.

 

Are you ready for your first cruise?

Booking your dream holiday has never been easier.

Find your perfect cruise

Find your cruise
Search By Cruise Code
Search


↩ Return to New to Cruising