Cruise Types

Ocean Cruises

Wake up somewhere new most days with only unpacking once! From big-ship buzz to small-ship elegance, I’ll match you to the right cruise line, cabin and itinerary - plus the best available offers.

Contemporary ocean ship at sea — Modern ships with fabulous facilities. Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

Sunset sail-away from an ocean port — Iconic sail-aways and bucket-list ports

Ocean cruising is the most popular way to sail. Ships range from small and boutique to larger ships. Smaller ships can slip into charming ports that the larger ships can’t reach; larger ships offer a wider choice of dining, entertainment and facilities.

You’ll also find both adults-only ships and family-friendly fleets with kids’ clubs and splash parks - so there’s a perfect fit for every style.

Good to know

Gratuities: some Cruise Lines include them within the fare; others add a daily amount to your onboard account. I’ll confirm which will apply to you.
Drinks: some Cruise Lines include selected drinks. If not, a package can be good value, so it is always worth looking at.

River Cruises

Gentle sailing that glides you right into the heart of old towns and capitals—think culture, cuisine and scenery at a relaxing pace.

River ship passing a historic European town — Step off the River Ship straight into the Town. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

River cruise terrace with vineyards view — Douro Valley Vineyard, Portugal. Photo courtesy of Emerald Cruises

The beauty of river cruising is that your ship docks right in the heart of town. It’s so easy to step ashore and enjoy a relaxed stroll with very little walking.

On board you’ll often find regional food and drinks that reflect the places you’re visiting, and it’s common for local entertainers to come aboard—always a lovely touch.

Many river cruise lines also carry complimentary bicycles, a brilliant way to explore the local area at your own pace.

Solo Cruising

Welcoming ships and itineraries that make travelling solo simple and sociable. Chart Your Own Course: The Ultimate Solo Cruising Experience Awaits

Solo traveller enjoying a sea view — Travel your way — no compromises

Small group social with ship in background — Enjoy an excursion within a Group

Travelling solo by sea is wonderfully freeing, you can set your own pace, pick your own pleasures, and meet great people along the way. Here’s how to make it effortless.

Choose the right ship

Look for solo cabins and hosted meet-ups (e.g., Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Cunard).
Consider themed sailings - wellness, culinary, vineyards, or adventure (Arctic/Antarctic, Galápagos).

Plan ahead

Book early, solo cabins can sell out quickly, so booking early is crucial.
Pre-book shore excursions so you get your first choices.

Safety and staying connected

Attend the muster drill and learn your way around the ship.
Share your itinerary with family; consider a basic Wi-Fi plan.

Join in and dine your way

Try group activities - trivia, dance classes, great for meeting people.
Ask for shared tables or book a specialty restaurant for a treat.

Shore days

Pick group tours for easy company, or explore solo with a plan in hand.

Relax and enjoy

Make the spa, quiet lounges, and sunrise decks your happy places.

Prefer a printable version? Download my Solo Cruising Guide (PDF).

Ready to sail solo? Get in touch and I’ll match you with the perfect ship, cabin and itinerary.

Expedition Cruises

Small ships, big adventures—zodiac landings, expert guides and landscapes that feel otherworldly (Antarctica, Arctic, Galápagos and beyond).

Zodiac landing in polar scenery — Up-close encounters with nature. Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten

Expedition ship near ice — Expert-led exploration. Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten

Expedition cruising is truly something else, a once-in-a-lifetime journey you’ll always remember.

Expert guides and naturalists travel with you to enrich every landing and zodiac ride with fascinating insight into wildlife, geology and history.

Luxury Boutique Barge

Think intimate hotels afloat—private charters or shared departures, gourmet dining and tranquil canals through France, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Scotland or how about an Opera Cruise in Italy. The size of the Barge depends on which area you cruise. The smallest is 8 passengers in Scotland and the largest is 20 in Italy

Elegant hotel barge on a French canal — Slow travel with amazing views. Photo courtesy of European Waterways

Inside photo of Barge — Very quaint. Very relaxing. Photo courtesy of European Waterways

Think boutique-hotel luxury—beautifully styled cabins, attentive service, and seriously good food. These intimate barges glide quietly along canals and rivers so you can savour the scenery at a slower pace.

Fancy a trip to the market with the chef? That can be arranged!

Many barges also carry bicycles on board, perfect for a gentle ride along the towpath or into a nearby village.

Tall Ships

Sailing under billowing canvas—hands-on if you fancy, or simply relax as the crew does the work.

Traditional tall ship under full sail — Classic sailing atmosphere. Photo courtesy of Star Clippers

netting area on tall ship — Cruise with adventure in mind. Photo courtesy of Star Clippers

Sailing on a tall ship blends adventure with tradition. It’s an active holiday where you can help set the sails, take a turn at the helm, and learn classic seamanship—all while feeling truly connected to the wind, sea, and sky.

Expect a warm sense of community on board: small crews, shared moments on deck, and friendships forged under canvas as you voyage from port to port.

Sailing Holidays

Choose to sail Bareboat or in a Floatilla. Great for island-hopping, hidden coves and relaxed barefoot luxury.

Sailing yacht with rocky background — Island-hop at your pace

Catamaran in shallow water — Adventure combined with fun

Sailing on a yacht is perfect for families or a group of like-minded friends. Choose your pace and your places,drop anchor in hidden coves, swim off the stern, and spend golden evenings under the stars.

Charter your own course with a Bareboat and enjoy the freedom of plotting your adventure, join a sociable Flotilla with group support and daily meet-ups, or opt for a Skippered charter and relax while a professional handles the helm.

Sailing Courses

There are courses available which I can arrange for you:

Day Skipper
Competent Crew
Start Yachting Course
Yacht Refresher Course

Corporate Cruising

Host meetings with a difference—private groups, charter options and memorable incentives with seamless logistics.

Group event space on a ship — Ships have great venues on-board

Team enjoying a social event — Relaxed Team Building

Corporate cruises are a brilliant way to bring people together - lovely venues, dining and entertainment, and unforgettable settings that spark connection.

Business Conference – theatres, breakout rooms, AV and tech support
Team Building – hosted activities on board and ashore
Company Celebration – private spaces, group dining, live entertainment
Staff Rewards – incentive trips that feel truly special

Tell me your goals, dates and group size and I will shortlist the best ships, spaces and itineraries.

Groups & Special Interest

From wellness at sea to gourmet journeys and photography adventures, I can organise bespoke group trips on the cruise style that fits best.

Retreats

Yoga · Fitness · Wellness

Best fit: Ocean

Golf

Best fit: OceanRiverLuxury Barge

Wine Tasting

Best fit: RiverLuxury Barge

Walking / Ramblers

Best fit: Luxury Barge River

Photography

Best fit: Ocean Expedition River Luxury Barge

Tell me your group size, dates and theme, I’ll shortlist ships, itineraries and inclusions to suit.