ALL eyes are on Europe this summer, with cruise lines slashing the price of voyages around the Med and close to home.
With some destinations off-limits right now, holiday sites like iglu.com have recorded a surge in interest for locations such as Northern Europe, the Arctic and the British Isles.
Plus big names including Celebrity Cruises have up to £800 off staterooms.
David Gooch, boss at iglu.com, says: “Holidaymakers remain committed to travelling, but are carefully choosing their destinations.”
You’ll need to be quick to lock in those bargains, though.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the top summer cruise deals to bag right now:
SPAIN FROM SOUTHAMPTON
YOU can save £55pp on this two-week sailing around Spain’s sun-drenched coastline, ticking off the hotspots of Cadiz and Barcelona, where you can shop and gorge on tapas to your heart’s content.
Best of all, you won’t need to hop on a plane beforehand, as it sets sail straight from Southampton.
Step on board Cunard’s Queen Anne, home to 15 restaurants, a zen spa with a wellness studio and more than enough entertainment to keep you amused.
Exclusive to this ship is the Bright Lights Society, a classy velvet-clad venue where passengers can cosy down with a glass of fizz and live musical performances.
GO: The 14-night Sun-Kissed Spain itinerary costs from £1,314pp, departing Southampton on August 16 to Lisbon, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga and Cadiz. See cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.
BEST OF GREECE
HOW does a balmy week hopping around the rugged islands of Greece sound?
On board the glossy Celebrity Infinity, you’ll tick off the ancient city of Athens, where you can explore sandy ruins before sailing over to Rhodes, which boasts even more fascinating history.
The ship then makes its way to Ephesus in Turkey and Santorini and Hydra in Greece, with a final stop in Mykonos, loved by celebs and famous for more than just its nightlife, with stunning sandy beaches dotted across the island.
If you’re new to cruising, Celebrity Infinity is the perfect ship size for first timers, with room for just over 2,000 passengers and enough space for exploring — but it’s not so large you’ll feel overwhelmed.
GO: The seven-night Best of Greece voyage now costs £799pp (with discounts applied), departing Athens on July 4. Flights cost from £99pp.
MED, AEGEAN & ADRIATIC
YOU’LL be spoilt for choice when it comes to late fun on board Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess.
A buzzing Vegas-style casino sits alongside swanky cocktail bars and an epic two-storey theatre hosting concerts, movie nights and sports event screenings.
There are cracking kids’ clubs, for those travelling with little ones and teens.
Meanwhile parents can unwind with a daiquiri on a cabana in adults-only The Sanctuary.
In 14 nights you’ll tick off some of the most scenic Greek Islands, Croatian gems and some of Italy’s top foodie spots, including Naples, home to the best pizza in the world — at least the Sun Travel team think so.
GO: The 14-Day Mediterranean, Aegean & Adriatic voyage is from £1,339pp, departing Civitavecchia on August 18 and calling at Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Naples, Salerno, Santorini, Kusadasi and Katakolon. See princess.com.
NORWEGIAN FJORDS
NORWAY’S bright blue fjords and ice-capped mountains aren’t just for winter.
In fact these magical landscapes look even more spectacular during the summer months, under the sun’s glow.
On this seven-day voyage on board MSC Virtuosa, you’ll get to explore Lerwick, The Shetland Islands’ only town, then experience the spectacular silver sand beach on Maloy and cascading waterfalls in Flam.
Before returning to Southampton, the ship calls at Kristiansand, known for its glorious sandy beaches and fresh seafood.
While on board MSC Virtuosa, swing by the spaceship-themed Starship Club, where a friendly robot bartender named Rob can whip you up a cocktail.
GO: The seven-night Norwegian Fjords from Southampton cruise now costs from £792pp, departing Southampton on July 18. See iglucruise.com.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN
TICKING off some of Europe’s top bucket-list destinations, this week-long Mediterranean sailing is great for adventurous families keen to explore key landmarks but with time to unwind on board.
And if you’ve still got energy to burn, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas won’t disappoint.
With racing waterslides on the upper decks, a zipline and action-packed laser tag experiences, youngsters will never be bored.
Grown-ups needn’t panic, though, there are plenty of pools and seven whirlpools for those keen to take things at a slower pace.
In one week, you’ll be able to shop ’til you drop in Barcelona, pose in front of the leaning Tower of Pisa, see Rome’s ancient colosseum and more.
GO: The seven-night Western Med Cruise is from £783pp, from Barcelona June 28, calling at Palma, Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples.
See royalcaribbean.com.