Cruise Deals

Whenever I write about a cruise ship "sailing" to or from a destination, I usually mean it is travelling under the power of giant engines. But there are still vessels which use the wind, and passengers can sometimes even join in the task of hauling the sails if they are feeling energetic. It's not a spartan experience, however; the vessels operated by Windstar Cruises have flat screen TVs, Bose sound systems and L'Occitane toiletries in the cabins. Despite the ship's relatively small size, it has two restaurants, two bars, a spa and a casino. A seven-night Greek islands cruise on [...]

Today's top deal isn't for one cruise - it's for dozens of them. P&O have launched an early booking offer with the chance to save up to £1,500 on travel in 2011 on bookings made by the end of this month. The benefits don't stop there. As well as the fare discounts, passengers booking by September 30 can claim free parking or coach transfers on departures from Southampton, and on-board spending money of up to £375 per couple. Pay in full at the time of booking a round-trip cruise from Southampton to qualify for an additional five per cent discount. [...]

We Brits just love cruising in the Mediterranean. It's so easy to get to, sailing direct from the UK, or by brief flight to ports in Spain or Italy. Until recently, it has been a summer-only destination, and the ships plying European waters have headed off around the world, or to the warm waters of the Caribbean during winter. But more cruise ships are remaining in the Med year-round, and there are some great deals to be found. You won't find searing summer temperatures, but you'll avoid the worst of the crowds as well. Sail from Southampton on board Royal [...]

The heyday of Transatlantic sea crossings, when Hollywood heroes and heroines swaggered around the decks in their finery has disappeared into history. But it's still possible to live like a star and travel to America in style by ship. Here are three different deals to think about. Cunard is the only shipping company still sailing regular scheduled crossings between Southampton and New York. Join flagship Queen Mary 2 for a six-night voyage departing from Southampton on October 19. Fare for two people sharing a balcony cabin is £799 each. Go to www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk or call 0871 781 9893. Or sail from [...]

Two very different cruises, each sailing from the UK on the same day, top the cruise deals on offer this week. Pack the sun-cream, shorts and swimsuits for the 11-night Winter Sunshine cruise on board Royal Caribbean's mega-liner, Independence of the Seas. Sailing from Southampton on November 29, the ship calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira and la Coruna. Inside cabins from £649, balcony cabins £889. Go to www.iglucruise.com or call 020 8544 6447. Alternatively, prepare for some serious shopping on a Christmas Markets cruise aboard Fred Olsen's Balmoral which, with a capacity of 1,300 passengers, is a [...]

The postman arrived this morning (yes there is life outside email) with a letter from a cruise company, together with vouchers offering savings of up to £1,500 on a succession of voyages between September and November. The glossy mini-brochure describes the all-inclusive cruises which include house wine, Champagne and spirits on board, privately-escorted tours, use of bicycles in port, and gratuities. An accompanying letter from the company's sales and marketing director refers to the fact that with Wimbledon and the World Cup now behind us, "what better way to escape and relax than by taking a cruise . . ." [...]

Surf and turf is a menu favourite in cruise ship restaurants, and who can't resist a plateful of lobster tail and fillet steak? It could also describe a cruise and stay holiday, combining a week or more at sea with time in a hotel. Here's a selection of surf and turf deals . . . Fly to Palma, Majorca on August 21 to board Thomson Destiny and sail on a seven-night Jewels of the Mediterranean cruise to Sicily, Naples, Corsica, Cannes and Barcelona before spending seven nights at the 4T Santa Lucia hotel in Palma Nova. The fare, from £997, [...]

How do you calculate the cost of your holiday? With a cruise - where the fare includes meals and entertainment - it's easy to work out how much you'll spend for each day on the ship. Then it's simple to compare exactly what you're paying, whether you're sailing from the UK, or flying to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Just remember to budget for extras such as excursions, drinks and gratuities. £117 Top of the shop today is the luxurious Queen Mary 2; sail from Southampton on September 19 and visit Barcelona, Monaco, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, Gibraltar and Lisbon [...]