Cruises
★★★★★
Ship reviews
This cruise giant will convert you to the joys of big ships
Despite accommodating up to 3260 passengers, Celebrity Ascent delivers outstanding design and a rich choice of dining and entertainment options.
- by Ute Junker
Port guide: Abu Dhabi, UAE
It might be the conservative cousin of Dubai, but wealthier Abu Dhabi has rolled out ambitious tourism and cultural projects, and is a sight to behold.
- by Brian Johnston
Port guide: Hamburg, Germany
Fast-moving Hamburg is a great trading city with a spectacularly redeveloped waterfront and makes a refreshing change from Europe’s old towns.
- by Brian Johnston
Port guide: Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city, once known only for commerce, has acquired new-found fun in lively arts and nightlife scenes, and has a gloriously scenic setting.
- by Brian Johnston
Luxury brand’s big French river-cruise comeback
When Travelmarvel’s one-time charter, MS Van Gogh, returns to France, gastronomy will be a major feature, as is likely with any visit to foodie France.
- by Julietta Jameson
This is luxury cruising’s most relaxed, enjoyable ship
Many luxury ships are filled with rich people who keep to themselves and often look bored. Seabourn Encore is different.
- by Brian Johnston
Asia’s imminent cruise boom is great news for Aussies
Asia tantalises with long coastlines, culture-dense cities and fabulous archipelagos. Now the cruise focus has finally turned towards this under-cruised continent.
- by Brian Johnston
Enjoy rock-star treatment along this wild and ancient coastline
Watching living dinosaurs between sips of champagne? This crazy juxtaposition of luxury in a prehistoric wilderness is a hallmark of my Kimberley cruise on Scenic Eclipse II.
- by Carolyn Beasley
The mysterious Scottish islands that are an artist’s dream
It’s little wonder artists, poets, hikers and photographers are drawn to this faraway archipelago, which splinters off Scotland’s north-east coast.
- by Steve McKenna
This Arctic journey is a Viking (and foodie) fantasy
Cruising 2500 nautical miles along Norway’s ragged coastline enjoy port-to-plate gourmet local dishes along the way.
- by Anabel Dean