Cruise Holidays

Fred. Olsen has launched the special offer on selected fly cruises visiting Spain, Greece, Italy, the Canary Islands and more this autumn and winter

Summer holiday season is well under way – and for those returning from abroad already dreaming of their next trip, there’s the option to book a getaway in autumn and winter when there are fewer crowds. For travellers looking to visit multiple destinations without the fuss of several bookings, a cruise is a top option with a number of money-saving deals now on offer.

Fred. Olsen has launched offers on selected fly cruises, offering holidaymakers the chance to skip the sea days and discover their destination sooner with flights from London or Manchester. Whether jet-setters want to soak up the sunshine in the Canary Islands or explore the picturesque coastlines of the Mediterranean, there’s plenty of options for swapping out the chilly UK weather for somewhere warmer.

The popular cruise line, favoured for its smaller ships which mean the fleet can visit ports that bigger cruise liners can’t reach, is offering passengers £150 on board credit per cabin to spend on selected fly cruises this year. This offer ends on September 30 and is in addition to half price flight offers on some trips – terms and conditions can be found here.

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The first cruise to be included in the offer is the Wonders of the Mediterranean holiday, a 21-night exploration of iconic landmarks and lesser-known ports starting from Limassol, Cyprus on November 9. Priced from £3,099 per person, the next stop after Cyprus is Alexandria in Egypt, followed by Marmaris and Istanbul in Turkey, then visits to Greece, Malta, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, and finally Tenerife.

Also in the £150 credit deal is the Mediterranean Icons voyage from £4,299 per person, offering the chance for UK holidaymakers to escape the dreary winter weather for a whole month by setting sail on November 9 for a 31-night adventure. Also beginning in Limassol, this cruise adds an extra 10 nights on to the aforementioned Wonders of the Mediterranean trip, following the stop in Tenerife with visits to Las Palmas and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, then Funchal, Lisbon and Matosinhos in Portugal.

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Fred. Olsen is offering holidaymakers up to £150 credit per cabin to spend on board selected fly cruises in 2026.

Alternatively, holidaymakers can opt to go Country-Hopping from Greece to Tenerife, and take advantage of half price flights as well as the £150 to spend on board. Beginning in Piraeus, Greece and priced from £1,499 per person, this 11-night cruise sails on November 19 to stop off in Malta, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco, before finishing in the Canary Islands at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Another winter sun option is the Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth trip, which is on offer with a half price flight at the start of the cruise as well as the £150 credit. Also starting in Piraeus, Greece on November 19 before embarking on a 21-night adventure around the Mediterranean via Malta, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco, followed by stop-offs across the Canary Islands in Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote, before finishing in Portugal, this cruise is priced from £2,399 per person.

Rounding off the year is the Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta, which also has a half price flight deal at the start of the cruise on top of the £150 per cabin spend. Priced from £1,329 per person and beginning in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on November 30 before embarking on a 10-night tour of the Canary Islands and Portugal, this holiday is centred around the festivities that come with the reunion of the Fred. Olsen fleet in Las Palmas.

For more last-minute fly cruise deals, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering trips with flights included in their price as a budget-friendly family option. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise beginning from Majorca and stopping off across Corsica, Italy and Spain, which is on offer for £985 per person, and the Grecian Discovery holiday sailing from Cyprus to mainland Greece, Santorini, Turkey and Crete, now priced from £994 per person.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Cruise Line also has special offers on selected Caribbean fly cruises sailing this year. For those who can’t wait to get away, the earliest departure date is on the Atlantic Horizons and Caribbean Discovery cruise, which is priced from £1,499 per person with the option to get 50% off flight upgrades and free coach transport.

Back at Fred. Olsen, holidaymakers who want to plan ahead for next year can also choose from more than 20 fly cruises scheduled for 2027. The shortest option is the Scenic Greek Island Hopping trip from £1,349pp, while the longest is the Scenic Shores & Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean from £3,899pp which lasts a whopping 33 nights.

Fred. Olsen has earned a rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Trustpilot based on more than 15,000 reviews. One of the newest reviews reads: “Fantastic suite with extras included. Great, friendly and efficient staff. Many varied activities available. Food was exceptional. Boat size was enough and the atmosphere was lovely and friendly.”

Another passenger fed back recently: “Cabin was spacious with plenty of storage. All the staff were superb and went the extra mile to look after everyone. Food was exceptional everywhere on the ship. It never felt crowded as everyone was doing their own thing all over in the numerous areas to relax. Our first cruise and no doubt we will do it again.”

And a third echoed: “Probably the cleanest ship we’ve ever been on! Staff were excellent with a good variety of food. Definitely will return!”

Regarding fly cruises, some customers felt that the schedule had room for improvement, with one writing: “Sadly the Fred. Olsen pre arranged flight back to the UK was too late in the day. It should have been arranged for early afternoon, which would have allowed us to arrive in Manchester by 6pm rather than 10pm.”

While a different reviewer suggested: “For guests joining the ship at various locations along the way a morning flight would be better, this would enable guests to settle in before evening meal and be refreshed for any excursions they have booked the following day.”

Setting sail from Southampton, the 98-night Fred. Olsen cruise makes more than 25 stops across the continents via vibrant cities, pristine beaches and lush rainforests

Summer holiday season often means time spent soaking up the sun in the usual haunts year after year – but holidaymakers looking to embark on a getaway with more of a wow factor can take a trip around the world from the UK in 2027. Fred. Olsen’s longest cruise available to book sets sail from Southampton this January for a “once-in-a-lifetime” voyage.

The World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii is a 98-night holiday calling at over 25 ports across the continents, from Singapore to Spain to South Africa and beyond. Setting off from the port of Southampton on January 21 and not returning until April 29, this incredible trip gives passengers the chance to skip the UK winter altogether in favour of soaking up the history, culture and scenery of more than 15 countries.

Unsurprisingly, a coveted spot aboard this adults-only cruise doesn’t come cheap, with the cheapest cabins priced from £13,999 per person. However, for those lucky enough to have the cash to spare, it’s worth bearing in mind that this works out at as little as £143 per night, with travel, accommodation and full board dining all included, plus an offer of £200 credit per cabin to spend on board.

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The first stops on the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii are the bustling Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the breathtaking scenery of Madeira, before the soft white sands and crystal waters of the Caribbean beckon with visits to Barbados and Grenada. Any of these destinations would make a top-drawer holiday on their own – but on this cruise, they’re just the start of the three-month adventure.

The Borealis ship will then spend four days exploring the islands of Hawaii. With the volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and lush rainforests providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to this section of the trip, passengers will also have the chance to embrace the spirit of Aloha at a traditional Luau, enjoying hula, music and local cuisine.

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This cruise sets sail from Southampton in 2027 for a 98-night journey visiting more than 25 ports across the world.

The highlights of this cruise holiday include overnight stays in Tokyo and Osaka offering up the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique history and culture. Passengers will have the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions, from tasting sake and sushi to meeting Geisha and experiencing an authentic tea ceremony.

Fred. Olsen writes of this leg of the trip: “Timed for fewer crowds and the chance to witness the beauty of the late plum blossom season (Ume), your journey through Japan allows you to explore ancient castles and temples, take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, ride the bullet train in Osaka and enjoy our maiden call into Shimizu.”

After stops in bustling Hong Kong and Singapore, passengers can relax on the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Mauritius before discovering Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain. Holidaymakers can also take the chance to experience whale watching in the Canary Islands due to their year-round warm waters, completing their epic journey around the world.

Here’s the full list of destinations in order of stops on the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• Funchal, Portugal
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• St George’s, Grenada
• Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
• Colon, Panama
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Huatulco, Mexico
• Hilo, Hawaii
• Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Nawiliwili, Hawaii
• Tokyo, Japan
• Shimizu, Japan
• Nagoya, Japan
• Osaka, Japan
• Hong Kong, China
• Hiep Phuoc for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Singapore
• Phuket, Thailand
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Richards Bay, South Africa
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Jamestown, St Helena
• Praia, Cape Verde
• Las Palmas, Canary Islands
• La Coruna, Spain

Fred. Olsen writes of the epic cruise: “This journey offers once-in-a-lifetime moments, from whale watching in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii to witnessing Hong Kong’s iconic skyline illuminated by the Symphony of Lights.

“You’ll have the chance to visit Pearl Harbor, wander through Singapore’s futuristic Gardens by the Bay and experience the untamed beauty of South Africa, where you can seek out the ‘Big Five’ and admire the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.”

As well as travel and accommodation, the price of a cruise also includes full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea, and selected drinks with lunch and dinner. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the ship, with the fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, expert talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.

For those seeking something more budget-friendly, the longest cruise on offer from fellow cruise line Ambassador is the Caribbean Sunsets and South American Secrets holiday. Sailing from London Tilbury in January 2027, this cruise currently has 30% off all cabins with prices now starting from £3,233 per person, and visits 12 countries over 45 nights, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.

Meanwhile, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering last-minute summer cruise deals with flights included in their price. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise, which is on offer for £944pp reduced from £1,623, and the Grecian Discovery holiday, now priced from £949pp down from £1,598.

Back with Fred. Olsen, the cruise line has earned a rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Trustpilot based on nearly 15,000 reviews, ranking it among the top-rated cruise companies operating in the UK. One passenger wrote: “We have just booked a second world cruise for 2028. We loved our previous cruises , one world, one Mediterranean on Borealis.”

They continued: “It’s a lovely ship which feels like home to us now because of the wonderful staff who can’t do enough for you. The food is great and we enjoyed so many of the facilities, shows, quizzes, the lectures, the classical recitals and the choir. Looking forward to 2028 and hope to see some of the friends we have made on past cruises.”

Another reviewer praised: “Everything was perfect! The cabin, the staff, the food were all impeccable. We’re already planning on taking their world cruise and have already booked another cruise with them in two months.”

And a third customer echoed: “Fantastic trip to and from the Antarctic on the Borealis. Excellent ship, brilliant crew and marvellous itinerary. Already really looking forward to next year’s world cruise.”

Some felt that the facilities on board had room for improvement, with one person feeding back: “The wine that was included in our freedom fare was OK but maybe a couple of choices of each varietal would have been nice.”

While a different person fed back: “Just love Fred. Olsen ships, the staff are brilliant. Food good but could be better vegetarian options.”

Jeff and Debb Knapp met, fell in love and got married on a cruise ship – but the cramped conditions do produce arguements

Jeff and Debb Knapp uprooted their life on land, trading it for permanent living on cruise ships. They have not been on land for a single night in more than two years and are fully booked to continue living like this until April 2028.

Despite the monthly £7,500 cost for their tiny 28 square-meter suit, the couple claim their unique lifestyle is cheaper than owning a home. Now in their mid-50s, the couple don’t stay on one ship but rather switch between different Celebrity Cruises ships with back-to-back itineraries and hopes to keep their lifestyle like this “forever”.

“Instead of cramped quarters, we see it as living in a luxury suite where our living room expands to include the entire ship, the ocean, and a new destination outside our balcony almost every single morning,” Jeff told http://creatorzine.com

“When you cross off a mortgage, rent, utilities, car payments, auto insurance, property taxes, vehicle repairs, and grocery bills, the math works out heavily in our favour. Right now, we are fully booked all the way until April 2028, and our plan is to keep doing this forever.”

In their cramped living quarters, Jeff assures no arguments get too out of hand: “Our minor disagreements usually come down to someone’s tone of voice when they are tired or hungry. A few hours of rest or a good meal quickly fixes everything.”

While their monthly costs hit an eye-watering £7,500, the couple do save some money by living on cruise ships through avoiding everyday purchases like groceries. They use the onboard doctors for day-to-day medical needs and arrange routine appointments for during port stops or breaks on land.

Travel visas and entry requirements are also tracked around their constantly changing itineraries.

Jeff said: “People constantly ask if we ever get bored but honestly, there is not even enough time in the day to do everything available to us. We have not been bored a single day since we met.”

Jeff and Debb first met by chance on the Celebrity Ascent in February 2024. They were both travelling solo when they happened to strike up a conversation at the ship’s cafe.

They discovered they both shared one vital common interest: cruises. At that time, 52-year-old Jess and 53-year-old Debb had a combined total of 90 cruises booked and many of their future itineraries were identical.

After spending numerous cruises together, Jeff decided he wanted to make their life at sea permanent and proposed on the Celebrity Beyond in April 2025. The couple legally got married in Miami that June and held a second wedding on the same ship in November.

Permanently living at sea had been Debb’s dream for decades after stepping on her first ever cruise ship in 1995. She spent nearly three decades hard at work for the Washington State government and flipping properties to achieve her dream.

Jeff, on the other hand, had avoided cruises for much of his life due to having seasickness on local ferries. The former craftsman was eventually persuaded to try a cruise and when he discovered the larger, modern ships didn’t make him ill, he was hooked on a life at sea.

Both Jeff and Debb had been teenage parents before their chance meeting, and together they have six adult children and five grandchildren. Despite their globe-trotting lifestyle, they make family time a priority with video chats and live streams, or even getting their family members to join a cruise.

The couple has also built a following online through their The Ship Show content brand, sharing the realities, costs and tips of living aboard cruise ships. But despite their unconventional home, they say the lifestyle has given them the freedom they wanted.

The cruise line is returning to the Amazon for the first time in almost a decade, with their latest cruise also giving holidaymakers the chance to witness the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica

With summer holiday season in full swing, many Brits who are sick of the usual beach resort might already be planning something more unique for their next getaway. And the wow factor doesn’t get much bigger than with Fred Olsen’s newest cruise that stops off at an incredible 28 ports – but holidaymakers will need to have some hefty savings.

The Amazon and Antarctica Adventure has just been announced by the cruise line, and it’s one of the longest trips available to book. Setting sail from Southampton on January 5, 2028, this cruise aboard the Borealis ship is a whopping 87 nights long and visits dream destinations across five continents, from the Canary Islands all the way down to the Antarctic Peninsula via the likes of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Brazil and Chile.

The voyage marks the first time in nine years that Fred Olsen has offered a cruise to the Amazon – and it’s the only cruise line sailing from the UK to do so, offering British holidaymakers a unique opportunity. “Time ashore brings you closer to lush rainforest, with toucans, butterflies, monkeys and pink river dolphins among the wildlife to look out for,” the description of the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure teases.

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A place on this adults-only cruise understandably doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting from £11,499 per person. But with travel, accommodation, food and entertainment all included at under £140 per night, those with the cash to spare might consider it worth the investment to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

For those seeking something more budget-friendly, the longest cruise on offer from fellow cruise line Ambassador is the Caribbean Sunsets and South American Secrets holiday. Sailing from London Tilbury in January 2027, this cruise currently has 30% off all cabins with prices now starting from £3,233 per person, and visits 12 countries over 45 nights, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.

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This 87-night cruise sets sail from Southampton in January 2028 and visits 17 countries across five continents.

Meanwhile, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering last-minute summer cruise deals with flights included in their price. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise, which is on offer for £944pp reduced from £1,623, and the Grecian Discovery holiday, now priced from £949pp down from £1,598.

Back at Fred Olsen, another highlight of the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure is the Antarctic Peninsula, described by the cruise line as a place with ‘vast glaciers and snow-topped mountains’ where there’s also a chance for passengers to spot penguins and whales. Here’s the full itinerary of stops and highlights on this 87-night cruise:

• Santa Cruiz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands
• St John’s, Antigua
• Samana, Dominican Republic
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
• Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
• Willemstad, Curacao
• Kingstown, St Vincent and Grenadines
• St George’s, Grenada
• Roseau, Dominica
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Cruise past Barra Norte, Brazil
• Santarem, Brazil
• Cruising Amazon River, Brazil
• Manaus, Brazil
• Parintins, Brazil
• Alter do Chao, Brazil
• Fortaleza, Brazil
• Buzios, Brazil
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Puerto Madryn, Argentina
• Punta Arenas, Chile
• Cruise by Cape Horn, Chile
• Cruise Drake Passage, Antarctica
• Cruise Antarctica Peninsula
• Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
• Montevideo, Uruguay
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Salvador, Brazil
• Mindelo, Cape Verde
• Las Palmas, Canary Islands
• La Coruna, Spain

As well as travel and accommodation, the price of a cruise also includes full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea, and selected drinks with lunch and dinner. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the ship, with the fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, expert talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.

For those looking to get away sooner, this isn’t the only bumper cruise Fred Olsen is offering. The cruise line’s longest holiday currently available to book is the World Cruise with Japan and Hawaii, which stands at a staggering 98 nights and sets sail from Southampton in January 2027 with prices starting from £13,999 per person.

The third-longest is departing from Southampton this September for a last-minute autumn and winter getaway lasting 71 nights. The Exploration of the Mediterranean is priced from £9,999 per person and visits Spain, Italy, France, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Gibraltar, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Portugal.

The ultra-luxury cruise ship recently docked in London for the first time so I went to see what passengers can expect from a holiday that includes two helicopters and a submarine

As a travel journalist, I often have to convince people that my life isn’t all glitz and glamour, but it was difficult to argue my case as I sat drinking champagne on a six-star cruise ship.

The Scenic Eclipse II docked for the first time in London last month, and I got the chance to have a nosey around and see what life is like onboard this luxury vessel. Coming out of the very unglamorous tube, I immediately spotted the boat moored just off of Greenwich Pier, looking more like the kind of superyacht you’d see in the waters of Monaco than in the murky Thames.

While many cruise lines compete to build bigger and bigger ships, Scenic Eclipse II has focused on quiet luxury and an exclusive experience for those onboard. Only 228 guests can board each of its voyages, (200 if it’s visiting polar waters) and with a staff ratio of nearly 1:1, service is incredibly personal. Each of its 114 suites comes with butler service, and the layout means everyone gets a veranda where they can enjoy the views. Which is handy, because the ship visits plenty of places where you’ll need a good camera.

Our group took a quick, if choppy, Thames Clipper service across to the Scenic, and were relieved to step onto its much more stable floors. As soon as you step onboard, you definitely feel the luxury vibes, and it felt more like the lobby of a five-star hotel than a cruise ship. Sipping a glass of champagne in the plush lounge, and taking a sneaky peek at the top shelf drink selection for all-inclusive guests, I started to make a plot to stowaway on the ship.

But I settled for a sneaky peek around its deluxe rooms instead. Firstly, to one of the top decks to see the vast Owner’s Penthouse Suites, set at the front of the ship so you get to make the most of the views, presumably while soaking in your private spa tub while the butler tops up your drink. It had a plush bedroom area, huge living room with its own bar, and walk in-closets where you can store all your best cruising outfits for black tie galas.

You certainly won’t be slumming it if you opt for one of the lead-in Verandah Suites. These have a king-size bed, a curtained off living area, and marble en-suite bathrooms, and even the ‘basic’ level rooms on this ship get butler service, in-room dining, and much more included.

Of course, nobody goes on a cruise just to sit in their room, and Scenic Eclipse II is clearly for cruisers who have a more adventurous side. Passengers can book trips on one of the ship’s two helicopters, or even get onboard its submersible to explore the deepest waters with 360-degree views. The relatively small size of the ship compared to many mega cruise ships mean it can also visit a wider variety of places, and its itineraries range from Antarctic adventures to relatively tame Mediterranean voyages.

One feature that I found really fun was that the navigation deck would be kept open for the duration of the cruise, so you can pop along and chat to crew members, see the equipment up close, and live out your fantasies of being captain. But sadly, they won’t let you press the buttons.

A team of 38 chefs onboard means you have a huge range of culinary options for a relatively small ship, about 10 all-inclusive choices overall from lounges with snacks and coffee to impressive Italian, fine French dining, a sushi counter, and a Teppanyaki grill experience.

Add to this a couple of pools, an incredible spa with a gym and yoga room, and a plush lecture theatre offering a program of talks as well as workshops and entertainment, and I can’t imagine you’d ever get bored during your cruise.

After leaving Greenwich, the Scenic Eclipse II is made its way to Hamburg, continuing through Ostend, Belgium, before cruising the Elbe River. This five-night itinerary starts at £4,4951 per person.

The specifications of the ship mean it has plans to visit some of the world’s most extreme environments in the future, including Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as classic Mediterranean destinations, Oceania, and the remote archipelagos of South East Asia and Indonesia. Find out more about Scenic Cruises here.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Marella Cruises announces it’s first-ever musical theatre cruise – and one star of the show has already holidayed on the ship

Former Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett says a family holiday aboard a Marella ship ticked all the boxes – and now she’s returning as one of the headline performers on the cruise line’s first-ever musical-themed sailing.

Zoe will join fellow West End favourites Lee Mead, who shot to fame after winning BBC show Any Dream Will Do, and Jenna Lee-James, best known for playing Elsa in Frozen in London.

The five-night cruise aboard Marella Voyager will depart in October 2026, promising guests a programme packed with show-stopping musical theatre numbers and live entertainment inspired by hit musicals.

For Zoe, however, the trip will feel like something of a homecoming.

The singer and actress, 41, revealed she holidayed on the very same Marella ship last year with her family after her dad persuaded them to give cruising a try.

“My dad loves cruises, he’s a total buff,” she said. “I’d never been before and he said, ‘Look, this is great for families.’ So we booked it and honestly it ticked all the boxes.”

Travelling with her nine-year-old daughter, Zoe said she quickly understood why cruises have become so popular with families.

“The entertainment was brilliant, the food was fab and if you want everything in one place, I think it’s perfect.”

The holiday wasn’t entirely anonymous, though.

“There were whispers on the first night and then the next day there was an influx of people saying, ‘Oh my God, that’s Tina Turner,” joked Zoe, with a few holidaymakers recognising her from her musicals past.

“It was really lovely. The entertainment team on board were fantastic and everybody was so friendly.”

Now she’ll be swapping the audience for the stage with a show celebrating the roles and artists that have shaped her career.

“I’ve got some Tina songs in there,” she explained. “I’ve got some Whitney Houston songs, some Janet Jackson and some Michael Jackson. I also talk about Pop Idol because a lot of people know me from way back.

“I like to boogie, so I do expect everybody to be dancing with me.”

Away from the cruise, Zoe has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades, appearing in productions including Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Bodyguard and The Witches. But she says portraying the legendary Tina Turner remains the defining role of her West End career.

“It was a career highlight,” she explains. “I had to delve very, very deep into her personal life, her career and everything she faced from misogyny, ageism, racism and violence. Then you’ve got her vocals on top of that and the dancing. It was probably the toughest thing that I’ve done, but also the most rewarding.”

The role demanded more than simply recreating Tina’s famous songs. “The way she walked was so particular and even the way she held her microphone. People who are hardcore fans want to see those little nuances.”

Although audiences only see the finished performance, Zoe admits life in the West End is far more demanding than many people realise.

“It’s incredible, but it’s extremely hard because you’re doing eight shows a week with only one day off. The life of a West End lead, the ensemble, the crew and wardrobe is definitely a sacrifice. Getting a show off the ground takes an incredible team and hours and hours of work, but it’s always worth it in the end because of the response you get from audiences.”

The former Pop Idol contestant was just 16 when she was thrust into the spotlight on one of Britain’s biggest television shows.

“The general experience of Pop Idol was fab because I was really looked after. Because I was only 16, my mum was allowed to be with me a lot of the time, which was brilliant.

“And Simon Cowell loved me! Which helped. I got off quite lightly!” she jokes.

She also formed a close bond with fellow teenage contestant Gareth Gates: “We were only 16 and 17 together all the time. We got on really well because we were going through very similar experiences.

“We were doing our GCSE’s one minute and then performing in front of a panel the next.”

Since then, Zoe has continued to diversify her career, recently touring stadiums with Take That, appearing in BBC comedy Smoggie Queens, presenting television programmes and working as a DJ.

After finishing the run of Take That tour dates, Zoe said: “The response online has been unbelievable.

“I text Gary Barlow afterwards and said, ‘You know where I am if you ever need another northerner with a soul-rock voice.’

“He replied, ‘I really hope to see you soon.’

“The Take That boys are just incredible. They are so professional but also so down to earth and they love to have a laugh. That tour will be in my heart forever. They made me feel so welcome.”

When she’s not performing on board, Zoe already has a plan for making the most of her return to cruising.

Describing her ideal day, Zoe says: “I’m a gym-aholic, so I’m straight to the gym first, then a nice breakfast, then relaxing by the pool.

“I definitely want to watch the theatre shows in the evenings as well because I remember thinking they were absolutely brilliant.”

Zoe Birkett will be headlining on Marella Cruises’ ‘Musical Med-leys’ in October 2026. The five-night first ever musical themed mini cruise includes musical style performances onboard Marella Voyager. Find out more about Marella Cruises’ holidays at www.tui.co.uk/cruise/

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a triple discount on holidays with hundreds to save on once-in-a-lifetime trips

The summer holiday season is officially here – and those who are bored of lazing on a beach every year might want to try something a little different by embarking on a cruise. While the cost factor may usually be enough to put travellers off the idea, one popular cruise line has launched some huge discounts on holidays for 2026 and beyond.

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a series of stacked deals on voyages setting sail from ports across the UK. With more than 200 holidays to choose from, there’s 20% off to be had on selected cruises running from London, Liverpool, Newcastle and more in a sale running until July 29.

Holidaymakers can also score an additional 5% off all no-fly cruises using the code SMILE5, on top of all other sale offers, with just hours left to nab this deal. And to top it off, Ambassador is offering an extra 15% off a handful of its winter sun trips with the discount code SAILMORE15 – giving holidaymakers the chance to save up to 40% in total on a cruise to the likes of the Caribbean or Canary Islands.

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One of the biggest deals gives passengers the chance to kick off the New Year in style with the Gems of the Caribbean Sea cruise setting sail from London Tilbury on January 5 for an incredible 42 nights. Calling at 14 countries, stop-offs include iconic destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Antigua.

At £3,415 per person, this six-week trip doesn’t come cheap – but those who book before 9 am on Friday, July 17 and stack their discount codes can get on board from £2,049 with a huge 40% saving, working out at less than £49 per night. And the beauty of a cruise is that travel, accommodation and dining are all included in that price.

Get up to 40% off Ambassador cruises

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Ambassador Cruise Line is offering multiple discounts on holidays from the UK to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands and more.

Another top deal comes on the Gems of the Adriatic & Mediterranean Autumn Sun holiday, which also has 40% off if passengers book before 9am on Friday, bringing prices from £2,903 per person down to starting at £1,742. Setting sail from London Tilbury on November 3 for 31 nights, this journey has 15 ports of call across seven countries, from beauty spots in Greece and Croatia to hidden gem destinations in Morocco and Tunisia.

And for those seeking a shorter and more budget-friendly option, there’s also the Autumn Escape to the Canary Islands, which not only has 10% off all cabins and an extra 5% off on top, but is also on a Cruise of the Week offer, spelling an extra 10% discount. Now available from £991.50 per person, this 14-night holiday from London Tilbury promises “volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and stunning beaches” as it visits Madeira, La Palma and Tenerife.

Meanwhile, those who plan ahead can also bag a buy-one, get-one-half-price deal on Ambassador cruises from April 2028, meaning passengers can bring a loved one along for less. But this isn’t the only cruise line offering savings on holidays departing from the UK.

Fred Olsen is also running special offers on selected winter sun cruises, such as the Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth holiday in November 2026. Passengers can get a half-price drinks package and a free flight at the end of the cruise back to London or Manchester.

Half-price drinks and a free flight are also available on the Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta. As well as a discount for solo travellers on B-grade cabins.

In addition, TUI Marella Cruises is also offering a selection of last-minute cruise deals for summer holidaymakers, although it’s worth bearing in mind that these also include flights. Top offers for the summer holidays include the Mediterranean Medley trip sailing from Palma on August 1 for seven nights, now priced from £1,114 per person with a £712 discount.

Another option is the Aegean Delights cruise from Cyprus for seven nights from August 5. Now £1,095 per person with a discount of £822.

Cruise passengers who dock for the day in Barcelona now face having to pay a hefty fee per passenger per day, as the mayor looks to slash the number of short-stay cruise visitors to zero

Barcelona’s city council has approved plans to triple the amount that cruise passengers pay when they take a day trip to the popular city break hotspot.

The levy for cruise ship passengers will be hiked from €8 to €24 per passenger. In addition, a €6 regional tourist tax is already payable to visitors who spend less than 12 hours in Barcelona, which means the cost of setting foot in the capital for cruise passengers will rise to €30 per person, just under £26.

The hike is part of Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni’s plans to slash cruise tourism to the Catalan city according to cruise news outlet Deep Arrival.

Barcelona welcomed around 16 million visitors in 2025, 3.99 million of which were cruise passengers, with campaigners claiming that the influx puts a strain on public services and leads to overcrowding during the peak summer months. The tax increase is aimed at discouraging cruises from visiting the city completely, rather than just reducing overall numbers.

In July 2025, the city’s council approved plans to gradually increase the levy paid by cruise passengers gradually over four years, but reports within cruise trade publications indicate that this timeline could be sped up, and higher charges could be implemented as soon as 2027.

Cruises that begin or end in Barcelona would not be charged this increased fee, as these sailings are seen to have a postive impact on the city compared to day trips. A report on the sustainability of cruises on the city showed that day trippers from cruises spent an average of 5.7 hours in the city, and mostly visited popular attractions as as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Last year, Barcelona cut the number of cruise terminals from seven to five, and began to reroute larger cruise ships away from the most central ports, which now prioritise smaller boats and local marine traffic.

It’s not just cruise passengers who’ll pay higher fees in Barcelona. As of April 1, general accommodation tourist taxes have also increased, making them among the highest in Europe. Visitors pay both a regional and a municipal surcharge, meaning the total tourist tax ranges from €7 to €12 per person per night (approximately £6 to £10.38).

Barcelona has been at the heart of the overtourism protests sweeping Spain, and in June 2025 the city hit the headlines as protestors marched through the streets holding signs with slogans such as “Your Airbnb used to be my home”, and people sitting on outside terraces were squirted with water pistols.

Further protests are expected this summer from groups such as Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism More Life), including protests in Palma, Majorca set for July 26 to coincide with the start of school holiday season.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.

I’ve been on a number of cruises with various companies, but always get surprised with one dress code gets ignored

Having discovered my passion for cruising last year, I’ve now embarked on quite a few voyages with a range of different companies. There’s something truly special about drifting off to sleep and waking up in an entirely new destination, all without the stress of airports and flying. The onboard entertainment and activities are second to none, and formal nights are without doubt my personal highlight.

Formal night is a prestigious occasion, typically held on the second-to-last evening of shorter sailings, where passengers are invited to don their finest, elegant or formal attire. Gentlemen generally opt for suits, while ladies tend to choose cocktail dresses, evening gowns or other sophisticated ensembles.

The evening usually features an enhanced dining experience, the chance to have professional photographs taken, and specially curated entertainment.

While dress codes vary among cruise lines, the occasion is designed to deliver a truly unforgettable, glamorous atmosphere, giving guests the opportunity to revel in the timeless seafaring tradition of dressing up.

On a week-long cruise, you may even be treated to two formal evenings.

Naturally, those who’d rather not participate are perfectly welcome to dine at other restaurants or visit the buffet in their everyday casual attire.

However, during my most recent cruise, I was taken aback to spot guests turning up to the main formal restaurant dressed entirely casually.

While the vast majority of passengers respected the dress code and arrived smartly dressed, a handful turned up in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.

Some even in short dresses that were not appropriate for this evening.

I found this rather surprising, given that the dress code had been clearly communicated in advance and was designed to create a special atmosphere for everybody on board.

I personally relish formal evenings as dressing up isn’t something that features heavily in my day-to-day life, so it was disappointing that not all guests adhered to the rules.

While other cruise lines may enforce their policies more rigorously, I feel the one I sailed with could have done considerably more to uphold the dress code.

It was a similar story on my cruise the previous year, when a number of guests turned up at the main dining room on formal night without the appropriate attire.

I expected a no-frills Caribbean cruise – but instead found white-sand beaches, all-inclusive perks and surprisingly luxurious touches that felt far beyond the price tag

Stretched out on the top deck of a catamaran, after a dip in impossibly clear water, I looked back at the white sands of an uninhabited Caribbean island that was ours for the day. This felt a long way from the so-called “budget” cruise I had imagined. For my first trip to the Caribbean, I boarded Marella Discovery, one of five ships in TUI’s all-inclusive fleet. Flights, transfers, food, drinks, and tips are included in the price. On paper, it promised value for money but in reality, it felt like far more. The Tropical Isles itinerary offers something different, even for seasoned Caribbean travellers. Instead of the usual tourist trail, we stopped at newer ports including Puerto Rico’s second city, Ponce, and the tiny island of Isla Catalina. After a short tender ride to shore we were welcomed with a live band and dancers before being waved to rows of neatly lined sunbeds, an all-inclusive beach bar and grills preparing a complimentary barbecue. Best known for its snorkelling, Isla Catalina’s crystal-clear waters looked too good to miss. I headed out on a catamaran excursion along the milky-white coast, swimming among shoals of tropical fish before drying off in the sun with fresh fruit as merengue music played.

By the time we returned, the smell of grilled seafood was drifting across the sand. Passengers helped themselves before retreating to shaded loungers – where there was little left to do but switch off and listen to the waves. Back on board, The Marella Discovery doesn’t try to compete with the Caribbean’s mega- cruise liners brimming with waterslides, waterfalls and ziplines. Instead, it offers something more relaxed – and for many, far more appealing. With nine restaurants, seven bars, two pools and a packed entertainment programme, there’s more to do than most passengers will manage in a week. Entertainment leans towards easy-going fun appealing to all ages with an outdoor cinema, mini golf and in the evening, West End-style shows to fill your day. Before my trip I’d been warned it was easy to get lost on a huge cruise ship, but the Discovery layout is very manageable and centred around a five storey atrium. Within a day, I had my bearings – starting with my cabin. For the week, I stayed in a recently refurbished balcony room. It was spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage. From summer 2026, Marella customers can upgrade further with premium Elemis products as part of the new “Suite Service Max” package – one of several add-ons available to elevate the experience.

Food is a big part of any cruise – and here it’s a major selling point. There are nine dining options included and three specialty restaurants for those wanting to really push the boat out. On the first night, I opted for one of the all inclusive options, Piccadilly’s, a British-style gastropub menu where the show-stopper was a rich, slow-cooked steak and ale pie. Over the week I worked my way through nearly every restaurant on board. Gallery 47, the Italian venue, was a favourite thanks to its varied and regular changing menu. While The Glass House, a casual poolside spot, was ideal for lunches, offering everything from pasta and roast chicken to salads and freshly baked cakes. One evening, I tried Kora La, the ship’s pan-Asian restaurant (at a cost of £18.95 for three courses). With fragrant curries and beautifully presented Vietnamese-style dishes, it was worth the extra cost and a popular choice among diners wishing to celebrate a special occasion.

Marella’s fun-filled and friendly vibes continued ashore with each stop on this relatively new itinerary. In Puerto Rico, I joined an excursion to El Yunque National Forest, swapping blue seas for lush rainforest, waterfalls and birdsong. Our helpful guide offered insight that brought the island to life, something you don’t always get when travelling independently. Back in capital city San Juan, I wandered the cobbled streets where pastel-coloured buildings led the way to lively squares.

I followed our guide’s recommendation for lunch at Café Manolín, a must for authentic food, the place was packed with locals and dock workers. I ordered the Mofongo, a Puerto Rican comfort dish made from mashed green plantains, garlic and steak. It was every bit as good as the queue suggested.

Later it was time to try another Puerto Rican export. At the Ron del Barrilito rum distillery, we swapped the city for something slower-paced. Set within the historic Hacienda Santa Ana, we were served up a welcome cocktail of choice in the stunning gardens listening to the blissful sounds of the birds. The experience included a tour of the ageing warehouses and a guided tasting of several rums, including one from a £700 bottle. Another standout was a visit to the stunning Magens Bay on the island of St Thomas. This horseshoe shaped beach delivered exactly what you’d hope for from the Caribbean – powdery sand, sparkling waters and turtles swimming just offshore. With the help of our local guide Derek, we were able to swim with the stunning creatures as they glided through the shallows.

The final stop, Ponce, offered a glimpse of a more authentic Puerto Rico on our return to another side of the island. With cruise ships only arriving in January 2026 it felt refreshingly un-touristy. I found colourful buildings, a relaxed square and latin music drifting from every bar. Throughout the trip, what stood out most was how easy everything felt – from the relaxed feel of the ship, the organised excursions to the stress-free all-inclusive drinks and dining. The atmosphere among fellow passengers was sociable and lively. The ship came alive in the evening with live shows and packed dancefloors – even into the small hours at Bar 11.

At the Broadway Show Lounge, live performances became my nightly post-dinner treat. Being a massive fan of the Fab Four, I could not miss Marella’s newest show Life Story: The Beatles, a theatrical retelling of their rise to fame. While the West-End to Broadway show, a celebration of a number of hit musicals, led to a roaring standing ovation after a finale of Les Miserables classics brought the house down. After feeling inspired, on our final day at sea I indulged in the Great Musicals Afternoon tea – a must for any theatre fan. The weekly event brings the West End to Marella cruises with dishes inspired by famous musicals, served alongside a live pianist and special performances – the perfect end to the holiday.

Marella Cruises has built a reputation on affordable and straightforward holidays – but this trip proved it delivers far more than the price tag suggests in comparison to its competitors.

If the aim is a stress-free, fun-filled Caribbean escape with fantastic food, easy island-hopping and a sociable atmosphere, Marella’s Tropical Isles itinerary is hard to beat. It’s ideal for first-time cruisers, and will also impress seasoned explorers thanks to its brand new port destinations that have something special to offer beyond a well-trodden tourist trail. And while it may be sold as a ‘budget’ cruise, it delivers an experience that feels far more premium – proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the Caribbean in style.

Book the holiday

Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Tropical Isles round trip from La Romana, Dominican Republic on Marella Discovery from £1573 per person. Price based on two adults sharing a Deck 2/3 inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Includes flights from London Gatwick, 20kg of luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. Find out more at tui.co.uk/cruise.

It works for breaks across Europe and even long-haul holidays

Holidaymakers could snap up bargain return flights from as low as £30 to the most popular holiday hotspots thanks to a little-known TUI Airways booking trick. The ‘insider trick’, revealed by TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, reveals how travellers can snap up last-minute flights weeks before departure which include bargain breaks across Europe and even long-haul escapes for a fraction of the usual price.

On TUI’s dedicated ‘ Cheap Flights ’ page Brits can find seats on return routes which are regularly released at heavily reduced prices in the weeks and months leading up to departure. “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats,” said Chris Logan.

“We’re talking everything from quick European breaks to long-haul trips across the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 airports across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest regional airport.”

The best deals tend to be snapped up by those who can be flexible on dates and airports, with flights leaving from more than 22 UK airports. And it’s not just quick getaways. The deals can stretch from short breaks to two-week holidays or even longer.

Chris added: “For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”.

Right now, Brits can find deals such as: