6 exciting cruises to take in 2023
Looking to cruise in 2024? We have plenty of options available - just speak to our team or look online. But you'll love our blog post for some travel inspiration: The Best Cruises to take in 2024.
Our handpicked cruises are perfect when you want something a little different from your nautical adventure, whether that's because it's in the company of a celebrity or expert or because of a particularly brilliant itinerary that reveals more about a destination than you might expect.
Cruises are a great way to see the world, waking up in a new destination each day. Perhaps you're looking to visit somewhere you'd not considered before, like the Venetian Lagoon or along a particularly scenic stretch of a celebrated French wine region, like Bordeaux. Or maybe you'll find yourself dropping anchor at the St Tropez regatta for a view of this maritime display from the decks of a magnificent clipper. It could even be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, like the icy landscapes of Antarctica. Stay closer to home and explore the beauty of the British Isles, in particular, Scotland's highlands and islands. Or why not celebrate the festive season with a trip to a Christmas market (or two)?
Whether you fancy a small luxury ship, a nostalgic sailing ship, or a purpose-built expedition vessel, we've picked six incredible cruises that all offer something a little different for a nautical adventure in 2023.
Why venture further afield when there's so much to discover on the Scottish coastline? Join an expedition cruise led by the expedition cruise line, Hurtigruten for a ten-night sailing around the Inner and Outer Hebrides. It's an adventure that takes you to wild and remote landscapes to admire the geology and peek at the wildlife. Lectures by the onboard science team at sea complement your visits on land, allowing you to delve into greater detail about the places you'll see.
Your discoveries go beyond Scotland's natural wonderland - on this cruise, you'll learn about the origins of tweed and Scotch whisky, and visit ancient standing stones, leaving the trip brimming with new knowledge and likely a lifelong passion for Scotland, its culture, and history.
You'll sail aboard the MS Spitsbergen, a purpose-built expedition ship that is the perfect size to navigate these waters. All your meals are included onboard, along with a selection of drinks at mealtimes. Your holiday also includes a private visit to Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull hosted by the clan chief.
Now's the time to cross this incredible experience off your bucket list. We are offering several dates this year (and next!) to visit the 'White Continent', Antarctica. Jaw-dropping scenery and wonderful wildlife await, as you join an expert expedition team for landings.
Expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen was custom-built for sailing through the polar waters and has everything you'll need for seeing the frozen landscapes - including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.
Your itinerary will begin and end in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, calling at the country's southern-most tip, Ushuaia - often referred to as the end of the world! You'll pass through the Drake Passage before arriving in Antarctica, where you'll have five days to enjoy landings, ice cruises and if conditions allow, kayaking among the icebergs. Your on board expedition team will also host lectures and the Science Centre will teach you more about the destination.
Be sure to pack your camera, as you make memories on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise!
Immerse yourself in festive feels as you meander the Danube calling at sleepy villages and towns. Board your river ship Amadeus as you cruise from Vienna to Nuremburg, trying delicious traditional delicacies as you go. Perhaps, you'll warm up with a mug of hot glühwein, nibble on some sweet lebkuchen or tuck into a hearty bratwurst.
You'll visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, as well as its Christmas market. You'll also visit the town of Passau with its fantastic market stalls, before your trips comes to a very merry conclusion with some more market visits - explore the medieval old town of Regensburg, and Nuremburg on your final day.
Seeing the Northern Lights features high on the bucket list of many - and the phenomenon really is an unforgettable experience. Atmospheric conditions, however, can often put paid to you seeing the Aurora Borealis. Hurtigruten promise that if you don't see the Northern Lights during your expedition, you will be given a free 6 or 7 day Classic Voyage the year after.
This fantastic 14-night cruise around Norway's coastline and islands also includes five nights above the Arctic Circle. On board, you'll learn about the fascinating destinations through the Science Center and an expedition team, while ashore, you'll partake in a number of exhilarating excursions.
Looking for a festive voyage? Combine a Rhine river cruise with the magic of Germany's traditional Christmas markets. This four-day sailing starts in Cologne, as you journey along the Rhine Valley to visit romantic Rüdesheim, Mainz - one of Germany's oldest cities - Frankfurt, where the towering Christmas tree takes centre stage and Koblenz, home to one of the country's most beautiful Christmas markets.
Take in the sights and smells of the traditional - as spiced gluhwein, sweet lebkuchen and fried onions in bratwursts fill the air. Marvel at the Christmas lights, and in Koblenz, see the city transform into a fairytale winter wonderland. While on board, your premium river ship will have everything you need for a relaxing cruise - including a sauna and whirlpool.
If you're looking to immerse yourself in culture, this cruise-and-stay package includes a luxury seven-night Mekong River cruise, with hotel stays pre- and post-sailing, so you can get the most from the destinations you visit.
Spend two nights in Ho Chi Minh City before embarking the luxurious Mekong Jewel, as you cruise the Mekong from Vietnam to Cambodia, calling at sleepy fishing villages, unspoilt islands and iconic sites - with a range of excursions included. End your holiday with three nights in Siem Reap, home to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, and enjoy two nights in Vietnam's vibrant capital, Hanoi.
