Cruise news

Brits already mourning summer holiday season can ditch the cold for the sun-soaked beaches of Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and more

The summer holiday season is officially at its end – but for those already dreading the return to the daily grind after their sun-soaked getaways, jetting off for a Caribbean cruise is sure to lift the spirits. And one cruise line has slashed prices on its autumn trips for the bank holiday weekend, with just hours left to save.

Ambassador is offering 5% off all of its remaining Caribbean cruise holidays in 2026, with prices including return flights from either Heathrow or Manchester Airport, to escape the dreary UK autumn/winter weather for golden sands and warm waters. Customers just need to book by midnight on August 31 using the discount code BANKHOL5.

First up is the Atlantic Horizons and Caribbean Discovery voyage, an epic 24-night journey sets sail from London Tilbury on October 29 and calls in France, Portugal and the Azores before crossing the Atlantic towards the islands of the West Indies. Priced from £1,709 per person for an ocean view room using the discount code – working out at just £71 per night – highlights of this trip include Antigua, Martinique, St Lucia and more, with a return flight from Barbados back to the UK included at the end.

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Next is the Tropical Treasures cruise holiday from November 22, a 14-night adventure sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados to visit the vibrant streets of Curaçao, the lush hills of Dominica, the coral reefs of Bonaire and the iconic peaks of St Lucia. Available to book from £1,614 per person using the August bank holiday discount code, there’s also the option to secure a half price premium drinks package and save on flight upgrades too.

Sailing at the start of December is the Island Rhythms and Blue Horizons trip, another 14-night holiday beginning in Barbados before heading to the likes of the lively port town of Pointe-à-Pitre, the colourful streets and bustling markets of Fort de France, and Kralendijk, Bonaire’s capital with calm beaches and rich marine life. The cheapest of Ambassador’s 2026 Caribbean cruises from £1,519 per person using the BANKHOL5 code, this voyage has eight ports of call in total to swap the depths of British winter for tropical island-hopping.

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From £71 a night

Ambassador

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Ambassador is offering 5% off its 2026 Caribbean voyages to customers who book by midnight on August 31 using the discount code BANKHOL5.

Rounding off Ambassador’s Caribbean cruise offers is the Christmas & New Year Caribbean Celebration, giving holidaymakers the chance to ditch the chaos of Christmas at home for a festive season with a difference. Priced from £2,469 per person with the discount and beginning a 14-night voyage on December 20, this trip will see passengers spend Christmas Day on warm sands and welcome the New Year with music, dancing and celebration at sea, exploring Grenada, Curaçao, Tobago, St Lucia and St Kitts.

Ambassador writes of its autumn/winter Caribbean cruise offering: “It’s a time of year when the Caribbean truly shines, with warm breezes, long daylight hours and a slower rhythm that invites you to breathe deeply. Whether you’re wandering colourful markets or unwinding on deck, each day brings something new.”

Ambassador isn’t the only cruise line offering Caribbean getaways as the UK weather begins to trend cooler and wetter. Fred. Olsen still has spots left for its Caribbean Christmas Island-Hopping holiday, a 31-night winter sun trip with Christmas Day at sea and New Year’s Eve in Antigua, priced from £5,799 per person with a special offer of £150 on board credit to spend.

Or for holidaymakers seeking a more budget-friendly option, TUI’s Marella has also slashed prices on some of its Caribbean cruise offers. One of the earliest deals sailing at the start of November is the Passage To Paradise trip travelling from Malaga to visit Antigua, Dominica and Barbados, now priced from £1,209 per person with a £776 discount.

Back at Ambassador, the price of each cruise includes return flights and transfers between the airport and ship, as well as full board dining while on board. Passengers will also have plenty to keep them entertained in between stops, including the use of the ship’s gym, swimming pool and hot tubs as well as a range of daily shows and activities from fitness classes, quizzes and crafting to plays, cabaret, music and dance.

Ambassador has earned an average rating of 3.9 out of five stars on Trustpilot. One passenger wrote in their review: “Fabulous Caribbean Cruise. Good food, excellent staff, great entertainment and lectures and a fantastic itinerary meant this was a fabulous holiday.”

Another fed back: “Our 45-day adventure on board Ambassador’s MV Ambition exceeded all our expectations! Sailing from Tilbury to the Caribbean via the Azores, calling at many beautiful islands. Escaping the winter weather and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean while being pampered and entertained.

“Our daily routine was very enjoyable, lectures, daily choir practice sessions leading to two shows towards the end of the cruise! Plenty of socialising, exercising on deck in the sunshine or relaxing in the spa, working out in the gymnasium with fellow athletes and trainers.”

They added: “MV Ambition is a comfortable ship with pleasant bars and restaurants, friendly and attentive staff that worked hard to make sure we had all that we required. The entertainment team were excellent, such great shows, musicals and fabulous performances!”

Not everyone gave their experience five stars, however, with one person commenting: “We were on a 46-day cruise to Cuba and the Caribbean and found the staff to be excellent, the cabins comfortable and facilities ok. I have marked the experience down due to the fact that despite saying that they cater for vegetarians we were disappointed with the food on offer.”

Towering snow-capped mountains — even in May — the sea everywhere you look, beautiful, traditional houses and, of course, a few trolls to keep you company. Clare Fitzsimons takes a trip to Tromsø

Visiting the Arctic Circle isn’t necessarily everyone’s first thought for a holiday, but as I’m descended from Viking royalty (apparently… a looooooong way back), it’s always been on my bucket list of destinations.

And arriving in the city of Tromsø, the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, was as spectacular as I’d hoped.

Towering snow-capped mountains — even in May — the sea everywhere you look, beautiful, traditional houses and, of course, a few trolls to keep you company. So what do you need to know to have a fabulous time in the unofficial capital of the Arctic, known as the ‘Paris of the North’?

When to go

It all depends on what you’re looking for on your trip. The famous northern lights are often visible from the city and tourists flock from all over the world in the hope of catching a glimpse of them.

But you don’t have to go in winter — late spring and summer have plenty of plus points too, including the Midnight Sun.

It’s undeniably weird — but also quite a lot wonderful — to walk out of a building in the middle of the night to find it full daylight. Confusing? Undoubtedly. But absolutely worth seeing. Just remember your eye mask for getting some shut-eye.

How to get there

Of course, you can fly into the city, but why not make a trip out of it?

I cruised up the coast with Hurtigruten on the MS Trollfjord to really enjoy the incredible scenery (not to mention some delicious food and drink) on the way.

What to do

The world’s northernmost distillery, Aurora Spirits, in Arctic Lyngen, is worth the couple of hours’ drive from Tromsø. The scenery along the way is almost beyond description as the Lyngen Alps tower above you and fjords stretch ahead of you as you wind through valleys that feel like they were created at the dawn of time.

The distillery itself is in an equally striking setting and makes whisky and other spirits using Arctic ingredients, including local botanicals and glacier water. It’s also a former NATO base and if you get a chance, visit the underground bunkers where they mature the whisky.

They also make a special Seaweed Gin for the Hurtigruten cruise ships I travelled on. If you aren’t able to travel beyond the city, there are plenty of things to do within walking distance.

If you’re feeling brave, you can do an Arctic sauna and polar plunge in the harbour, though that all seemed a little chilly for my liking.

For some culture there are Norwegian heritage experiences, to celebrate the traditional indigenous Sámi people, with joik (throat singing), duodji (Sámi handicrafts) and language classes. And for a slightly more light-hearted look at the traditions of the country, there’s also the Troll Museum.

Where to stay

There are lots of options for every budget, but for ease and a little luxury, Clarion The Edge on the waterfront was perfect. Comfy rooms, a fabulous breakfast, a stone’s throw from the centre of the city and excellent blackout blinds!

Where to eat

If you’re looking for a special dinner, then Hildr is a great option. It’s pricey, but their seasonal menu celebrates local Norwegian ingredients with a modern twist. There are plenty of more wallet-friendly places to eat too. Raketten Bar is famous for its hot dogs, including a reindeer one, and is hilariously tiny.

Tromsø is also home to the world’s northernmost McDonald’s and I couldn’t resist a couple of chicken nuggets in the Arctic Circle!

Where to drink

In a word… Everywhere.

The streets of the city are lined with cosy bars and coffee shops to sit in the sun or snuggle under a blanket and watch the world go by.

I was there to see teams of relay racers running through the streets and if you time it right you could catch the Midnight Sun Marathon there.

Sitting and watching the runners has got to be more enjoyable than doing it, right?

Though be warned the prices can be enough to make London bars blush and might make you wish you’d put your running shoes on after all…

Book it

Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line (Northbound) travels from Bergen to Longyearbyen over eight days. There are 14 departures between May 2027 and September 2027, on MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol .

All-inclusive meals and unlimited selected drinks are included, with prices starting from £2,466pp, based on two people sharing a Polar Inside cabin onboard MS Trollfjord, departing on 30 August 2027. Flights and transfer options start from £250pp per route.

Cruisers are being warned over a common balcony habit that breaks strict P&O rules and could see their holiday terminated early

Passengers looking forward to a cruise holiday may have packed their cigarettes or vape without giving much thought as to whether or not they can be used on the ship. But P&O Cruises has strict rules about smoking on board, with some breaches potentially putting the rest of a traveller’s holiday at risk.

Smoking is not permitted in cabins, on cabin balconies or in public rooms across P&O Cruises ships. Instead, guests are restricted to designated smoking areas on the open deck, which can vary depending on the weather and cleaning arrangements.

The same rule applies to electronic cigarettes. P&O says e-cigarettes, including those which do not produce smoke or vapour, can only be used in designated smoking areas and are prohibited in the same public areas.

This means a passenger who steps onto their private balcony for a cigarette is still breaking the cruise line’s rules, despite being outside. Guests are instead told to use the ashtrays and receptacles provided in designated smoking areas and make sure smoking materials are fully extinguished. The permitted locations are signposted, although the cruise line says they can change.

Consequences of breaking P&O rules

P&O’s code of conduct sets out the potential consequences of serious or disruptive behaviour on board. The cruise line says disrespectful or offensive behaviour can result in a holiday being terminated, with onward travel arranged at the guest’s own cost.

Its FAQ separately states that dangerous or violent behaviour may result in an individual guest or an entire party having their holiday terminated and having to make their own way home.

P&O’s published smoking policy does not say that every smoking breach will automatically result in immediate removal from the ship. However, passengers should not assume that breaking on-board rules is consequence-free, particularly where behaviour is considered serious or disruptive.

Beyond the threat of early disembarkation, guests caught lighting up inside their stateroom also risk steep cleaning charges billed directly to their onboard account. Because fire is considered the primary safety threat at sea, cabin smoke detectors are highly sensitive and actively monitored around the clock.

Passengers are advised to check their ship’s daily newsletter or speak to guest services upon embarkation to locate designated smoking zones. Taking a moment to double-check permitted deck areas ensures holidaymakers avoid costly fines or an unwanted confrontation with security.

Clare Fitzsimons took a trip on the Hurtigruten cruise ship MS Trollfjord, sailing up into the Arctic Circle on a voyage that had her eating seaweed and scaling mountains

As someone with only a passing grasp of balance, tottering across a rocky shoreline doesn’t seem the best idea. Add in pools of water, crashing waves, and very slippery seaweed underfoot, and it’s tantamount to a disaster in the offing. So what could be worth all this peril?

Truffles. Well, sort of. “It tastes like truffle,” says Angelina Eriksen, handing me a sprig of what looks like purply-red moss. Eyeing it dubiously, I nibble a bit. And it does taste like truffle, even though it is in fact… seaweed.

Having grown up near the north-east coastline and spending many a day sliding over seaweed-covered rocks, I’ll admit it had never occurred to me to start eating it. But here in remote Lofoten, one of the most northerly areas of Norway, somehow chomping seaweed straight from the water doesn’t feel so odd.

Of course, most of us have tried seaweed in Asian and Japanese food, but having it directly from the sea is a very different experience, and one that Angelina and her business partner, Tamara Singer, who run Lofoten Seaweed, are celebrating.

OPINION

Seaweed has been eaten for hundreds of years. The Vikings even used it to avoid getting scurvy and it thrives in the light — something it’s definitely not short of during my visit in May as Norway transforms into the famous Land of the Midnight Sun.

Instead of darkness, the sun appears to bounce off the horizon and begin to rise again. All in all, it’s an odd but incredible sight, looking out over the glistening blue water as the next day already begins in daylight.

Then again, a trip along the Norwegian coast aboard the Hurtigruten cruise ship MS Trollfjord feels like a constant stream of once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Spinning 360 degrees just a few feet from towering cliffs of a fjord in the ship’s namesake Trollfjord. Tick. Sailing by a huge mountain, Torghatten, with a hole right through the middle of it. Tick. Crossing into the Arctic Circle. Tick. Visiting the city that has the most rainy days in Norway. Tick.

Ok, the last one might not be top of your list, but Bergen is beautiful even through the showers and was where I began my voyage north.

Known as the city of the seven mountains, Bergen is surrounded by those peaks with a funicular taking visitors, commuters and even a kindergarten, to the top of Mount Fløyen.

Norway’s second largest city feels easy to navigate with its bustling fish market, delightfully wonky houses and array of restaurants. I tried the reindeer on our first night at Bryggeloftet, the oldest restaurant in Bergen, before collapsing into bed at the wonderfully comfy Clarion Admiral hotel ahead of the cruise sailing the next morning.

Many people think of a cruise and immediately envisage thousands of people and 20 decks of entertainment. For some, that’s heaven. But for those looking for a calmer, slower and altogether more intimate sailing experience, Hurtigruten is perfect.

MS Trollfjord first worked as a coastal transport ship, the equivalent of the local bus or train service for the remote coastal communities littering the shores. A four-year-old refurbishment saw it return to the waves as part of the company’s Signature Voyage range.

Unlike colossal cruise ships, it allows access to much smaller ports and fjords. With a maximum capacity of around 500 people, the ship feels cosy.

My Arctic Superior room delivered good night’s sleep — with an excellent blackout blind on the porthole for that midnight sun — before exploring our first port of Åndalsnes.

The quaint town sits under the imposing Romsdal mountain range, 5,510ft up. There is a walking path to the summit, but there’s also a gondola for the less energetic among us. It’s stunning, especially when the clouds parted, revealing the most incredible rainbow between the peaks.

Not all of the ports are big towns either; in fact, Træna is the absolute opposite. Home to around 500 people, its year-round resident population has hardly changed since the Stone Age. Our guide — and local resident — Ramona Remmen took us round their ‘open village’, a real working town sharing the reality of life for normal Norwegians.

While most of the cruise’s stops are only a few hours, it’s enough time to take in the local area and spectacular views. There are plenty of those aboard the ship, too, as it can hug the coastline and capture the incredible scenery along the way, including a special moment as you cross into the Arctic Circle for the first time.

Less time in the deeper ocean is much better for seasickness as well, so that means you can take full advantage of the variety of great food on board from the three restaurants available and their Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept, celebrating ingredients sourced from the farms, fisheries and fjords along the route.

The main dining area, Flora, is inspired by seasonal produce, while Brasserie Árran (named after the Sámi word for the fire at the heart of their lavvo tent) offers a traditional offering.

Røst is the ship’s fine-dining option, with a focus on fish on a three- to five-course rotating menu. I was lucky enough to have mine paired with a Havets Bobler tasting. Meaning ‘bubbles of the sea’ in Norwegian, it’s quite literally what it says on the tin. Well, the bottle.

The sparkling wine, from the Rathfinny vineyard in Sussex, is stored 34m deep in the 6.5C sea to speed up its maturation time. The bottles come with sand still covering them, and it only adds to the interest of what is a delicious glass of bubbly.

The exact location they’re stored underwater is a closely guarded secret.

It’s far from the only link to the sea on board. The restaurants try to feature seaweed in at least one dish per day. They’ve even got seaweed beer, with a slightly salty tang that just makes it taste even better.

Aurora Spirits, the world’s northernmost distillery, is great for a day trip from our last stop in Tromsø and created a special seaweed gin to be served on board.

You can also smell like seaweed (in a good way) as the soaps and beauty products on the ship are sourced from Lofoten Seaweed which I visited from the picturesque fishing village of Reine before a final leg to the unofficial capital of the Arctic, Tromsø. There, with a heavy heart, I waved farewell to what’s likely the closest I’ll ever get to the North Pole.

It was an unforgettable experience, and maybe next time I’m wandering along the coastline at home, I’ll keep an eye out for some stray truffle seaweed to add to my G&T. Well, if it was good enough for the Vikings.

Book it

Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line (Northbound) travels from Bergen to Longyearbyen over eight days. There are 14 departures between May 2027 and September 2027, on MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol .

All-inclusive meals and unlimited selected drinks are included, with prices starting from £2,466pp, based on two people sharing a Polar Inside cabin onboard MS Trollfjord, departing on 30 August 2027. Flights and transfer options start from £250pp per route.

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.

Book a Fred. Olsen fly cruise

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Fred. Olsen

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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.

Book the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii

From £13,999pp

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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.

Book the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure

From £11,499pp

Fred Olsen

Book here

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.

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