The best cruises to take in 2024
Are you thinking about your holidays next year and wondering what adventures might lie ahead? If you're hoping to tick off bucket-list destinations in a convenient and comfortable way, a cruise might be the perfect way to do it.
A cruise can take many forms. For some, it's a chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life and relax as you make the most of the facilities on board your home at sea. Many cruise ships now include excellent spa facilities, and pools or hot tubs on the decks so you can kick back and watch the world go by.
For others, a cruise might be a chance to get a little more adventurous. Some cruises on smaller ships allow you to tuck into coves and dock at locations that are hard to reach by other means, allowing you a really immerse experience in the country you're visiting. River cruises can be a great way to get to know a country, stopping off at various cities, towns and villages as you go.
Our cruises cover all of these - from cultural odysseys along the world's best rivers, to expedition cruises to remote islands, and relaxing trips to beautiful sunkissed shores. Take a look at our selection of top cruises for next year to help you decide.
We currently have two incredible tours to Bordeaux's Médoc wine region. Join Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc on a cruise through France's famous wine-growing regions and sample the excellent cuisine onboard the cruise. Alternatively, taste the flavours of Bordeaux and the Médoc wine region joined by celebrated chef Tom Kerridge. He will join you onboard for part of the cruise and host a live cooking demonstration and accompany you on a visit to Libourne lively farmers' market.
Join a wonderful cultural voyage along the Mekong, one of Asia's most important rivers. Before boarding the Mekong Jewel you'll have two days in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can witness ancient history melding with modernity in Vietnam's largest city and there'll be 13 immersive excursions included in your itinerary as you sail, including the archaeological site of Angkor.
Another cruise in Asia which will leave you with memories for a lifetime, this adventure around Japan will show you the tranquil temples and picturesque old towns alongside the bright lights and technical innovation of ultra-modern cities of this beautiful country. You'll be travelling at the height of cherry blossom season, when trees around Japan are covered in spectacular pink blossoms.
On this sixteen-day immersive tour of Peru, you'll explore the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest and have the chance to spot some of the countries unique and diverse wildlife. You'll spend two nights in the cosmopolitan capital, Lima and discover the former Inkan civilisation site of Machu Picchu.
This cruise really is the adventure of a lifetime, taking you to corners of the planet that few have had the chance to explore. Jaw-dropping scenery and wonderful wildlife await as you sail to the icy wilderness of Antarctica and enjoy landings with an expert expedition team, who'll tailor your excursions based upon the conditions.
Discover the delights of the Douro River on this eight-day all-inclusive river cruise on board an elegant ship. This gorgeous, sun-kissed region of Portugal is the world's oldest demarcated wine region and you'll explore the rolling hills and terraced vineyards from your ship and visit peaceful villages to get a taste of local life.
For a cruise closer to home but magical nonetheless, join this adventure cruise through Scotland's majestic scenery. Your trip will take you to some of the most stunning locations in the Highlands and Islands, including a trip along the impressive Caledonian Canal, as well as visits to hidden sea lochs and captivating isles of Scotland's western shore.
Another voyage around the stunning Islands of Scotland is this cruise which will take you through the wild beauty of Scotland's west coast on an adventure cruise to 12 of Scotland's islands, from Isle of Arran in the south all the way north to St Kilda - home to one of Europe's most important seabird colonies - and Stornoway, where Harris Tweed originates.
Foodies will relish the opportunity to meet one of the nation's favourite chefs, James Martin on this eight-day luxury cruise of the Venetian Lagoon. Not only will you enjoy exclusive access to some of Venice's most-loved sights including the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, but back on board, James will host a private Q&A session about his life and career and give a talk as well as curating and cooking a special gala dinner. With excursions, cultural enrichment and on board entertainment included, this is a sailing not to be missed.
Voyage Norway's spectacular coastline on this 12-day voyage on a Hurtigruten expedition ship sailing in the company of expert guides. Sail through glacial fjords, past towering mountains and spot incredible species of wildlife. A highlight of the trip is the chance to witness the etheral beauty of the Aurora Borealis combined with stargazing opportunities as you sail through the Arctic Circle.
Embark on an epic 15-day land tour and cruise of India's Golden Triangle and the River Ganges. See the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before you board the luxurious Ganges Voyager II for a seven-night cruise. Explore the rich cultural and historic treasures of India in the company of Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, who will join you on a visit to Kalna Market, and share his passion for Indian cooking with you during a live cooking demonstration.
Board A-ROSA FLORA for a beautiful Danube river cruise this September, and explore majestic former imperial capitals, the dramatic Wachau Valley and enjoy an exclusive visit of the Royal Lipizzaner Stables in Vienna with historian Lucy Worsley. Your seven-night cruise will take in ports of call in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, passing by iconic cities and verdant landscapes. Lucy will also join you on a city tour of Vienna, hosting an exclusive talk and Q&A session afterwards.
We also recommend: Cruise the Danube and see Europe's artistic delights
Discover the pretty coastal towns, peaceful isles, and historic sites of Croatia's Dalmatian coastline on a boutique cruise. Explore Croatia's well-preserved mediaeval coastal cities of Dubrovnik, Korcula and Split. Spend time on one Mediterranean's best beach at Zlatni Rat and spend a day in the stylish resort town of Hvar, famed for its boutique shops, chic bars and stuning beaches.
Explore some of Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets on a luxurious river cruise. Browse traditional chalet huts for handcrafted Christmas gifts and sample festive delicacies. Discover several of Germany's best cities including Cologne, Frankfurt and Koblenz on this festive four-night Rhine River cruise. Alternatively, see Europe's pretty Christmas markets on this luxurious five-night river cruise along the Danube with top chef Matt Tebbutt, including guided tours to Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna.
