If you love a cruise holiday, or have been inspired by Cruising with Jane McDonald and fancy giving this form of travel a go, there are so many options available. From shorter breaks along Europe's coastlines, to weeks at sea exploring the Caribbean, there’s something to suit everyone! Dip in and out of different countries with our choice of the best cruises.
It's no surprise that Jane McDonald is such a big fan of cruise holidays. They offer time to relax, to unwind, and to sample new places. While most cruises start in large cities and visit major ports, they often go to more obscure places too, not to mention that while on route the onboard activity options keep transit days fun. Typical cruise ship travel includes all meals, world-class entertainment, enrichment lectures, spa, and health options, as well as providing transportation and accommodation.
Here are some of our recommendations for the best cruise lines this year...
A taste of the (Royal) Caribbean
If you like the idea of visiting multiple countries in a week, choose a Royal Caribbean cruise on its newest ship, the Wonder of the Seas. It offers more than 20 eateries, the Bionic Bar, which sees two robotic bartenders shake up the drink of your choice, West End musicals, ice-skating shows and aqua shows that take place in the air above you!
On the 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day Cruise, you’ll depart from Orlando, Florida and sail to CocoCay, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Such a variety of locations will let you explore Mayan ruins, nature reserves, beach clubs and waterparks.
Price: The 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day Cruise on Wonder of the Seas costs from £792pp in an inside cabin.
Where to book: Visit royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en
A foodie voyage on the Iona
Hop on board P&O’s most innovative ship to date, the Iona, for an unforgettable trip. Sailing to sunny Spain and Portugal, wondrous Norwegian Fjords or the stunning Canary Islands, the Iona will get you there in style.
There are five pools, multiple whirlpools (great for an evening dip), a spa, cinema and captivating evening shows that everyone will love. You’ll want to make a beeline for The Retreat – a secluded, adult-only space with panoramic sea views that’s perfect for a cocktail. You’ll never feel your stomach grumble as the Iona is a gastronomic delight – home to 14 lip-smacking restaurants, 19 bars and cafés. The highlight has to be a sunset dinner at fine dining Epicurean – you’ll want to saviour every single bite.
Price: A 14-night cruise to Spain and Portugal on Iona (G236) costs from £799 per person for an inside cabin, including full board, meals and entertainment.
Where to book: Visit pocruises.com or call 0344 338 8003
Disney Cruise: The Disney Wish
For a magical cruise with the family, Disney’s brand-new cruise ship the Disney Wish is bursting with fun. The ship sets sail from Port Canaveral in Florida, home to the Kennedy Space Center, and docks for the day at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, which is Disney’s private island.
There you’ll be able to relax on the beach, plus swim, kayak and cycle. On board are themed-family restaurants, plus an adult-only restaurant and lounge. You’ll not want for entertainment with live shows, movies and AquaMouse – a wild water ride suspended above the upper decks.
Price: Enjoy 3 nights on Disney Wish from £1,486 per person, calling at Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay and departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Where to book: Call Walt Disney Travel Company International on 0800 169 0742 or visit disneycruise.disney.go.com.
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady spends the summers sailing the Mediterranean and the winter making its way around the laid-back Caribbean.
Whether a sea-view fitness class is on your agenda, or lounging by the pool with music from live DJs, these cruises have it all. Get competitive on old-school arcade games, sing your heart out during a karaoke session, or have a gamble in the casino, all before hitting the dance floor. And don’t miss Scarlet Night – a ship celebration like you’ve never seen before!
Price: A 7-night Irresistible Med cruise on Valiant Lady starts at £1,591 per person for an inside cabin, departing May 7, 2023. The price includes meals, drinks, entertainment and wifi.
Where to book: Visit virginvoyages.com or call 0203 003 4919
Island Odyssey with Celestyal Cruise
Want to visit the Greek islands? This Aegean cruise allows you to explore five destinations in three days, with mouth-watering meals and drinks included!
Celestyal Cruise’s Icon Aegean cruise visits the stunning islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini plus the Turkish coastal resort of Kusadasi. There aren’t many short breaks where you get to pack in such inspiring destinations and experiences, plus there’s the added bonus of setting off from historic Athens. Celestyal Cruises is Greek-owned, which adds a distinct and delicious Mediterranean flavour to the experience, setting it apart from other cruise companies. Enjoy sampling ouzo and learning the traditional Greek dance (the syrtaki).
All meals and drinks, two excursions to Ephesus and the Palace of Knossos, port fees and gratuities are covered in the price. Ports of call include Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion and Santorini.
Price: The 3-night Iconic Aegean cruise onboard Celestyal Olympia costs from £379 per person, departing March 24, 2023.
Where to book: visit celestyal.com/gb