In March 2022, I took my first-ever TUI river cruise. At that time, TUI was fairly new to the river cruise market, and I had seen some great offers at prices far below those of other major river cruise lines. I … Read more
I’ve recently been onboard an all-inclusive cruise on one of the oldest and smallest cruise ships around. The ship I sailed on started her life as Legend of the Seas for Royal Caribbean in the 1990s. She’s now with an … Read more
One of the things I always liked about Cunard was that they offered 24-hour free room service. On a cruise line where dress codes are so strictly enforced, it was nice to have the option of getting room service if … Read more
It is no secret that I love a Marella cruise — I have taken eight, and I am sure I will book more! Marella offers good value for money, with flights, transfers, and a range of drinks (including alcoholic drinks) … Read more
People often tell me that they think the cost of cruising is getting more and more expensive, often with hidden extras like service charges that aren’t included in the advertised price. Cruises range in price, and always have done. You … Read more
If you’ve ever thought about visiting Egypt but don’t want to pack and unpack every other day or sit on a coach for hours, I’m happy to say that TUI River Cruises has recently launched a better way! TUI’s new … Read more
I sail regularly with American cruise lines, and I have enjoyed sailing with them all. When I sail with the British cruise line, Marella Cruises, I really notice all the British touches. The ships feel like a home away from … Read more
When I first heard that there were going to be penguins on my cruise ship, I didn’t believe it… but then, there they were! Not real ones, obviously, but life-sized model penguins and they were kissing! Marella has animal mascots … Read more
I’ve been cruising with Norwegian for 20 years, and in that time, I’ve stayed in all of the cheapest cabins -mostly inside cabins or ocean views – but a few balconies, too, and that felt like a real treat. I’ve … Read more
I’ve recently been on a brand new cruise ship where I was one of the first people in the entire world to test out a rollercoaster on the top deck that launches you at speed into a waterslide. I’ve seen … Read more
I recently took a cruise on Marella Discovery 2 where the cruise fare includes six restaurants. That is far more than most other cruise lines. Whether you prefer buffet-style meals, sit-down dining or snacking, there’s something to suit everyone. Here’s … Read more
On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia struck a rock off the coast of Giglio Island, Italy. The ship partially sank, 32 lives were lost, and over 4,200 people were on board. The Captain was later convicted of manslaughter and … Read more
Norwegian Aqua cruise ship is new for 2025, and I was lucky enough to be invited on two sailings, before her inaugural voyage, to the USA. I sailed from Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton – and then from Southampton to Bruges and … Read more
Marella Cruises includes a standard drinks package in the fare, which is already pretty generous – but when I last cruised with Marella, I decided to upgrade to the Premium Drinks Package for one reason. I didn’t actually pay much … Read more
I recently cruised with the most traditional cruise line there is, known for their strict dress codes, formal nights, ballroom dancing and afternoon tea. On paper this really isn’t a cruise that suits me, but when Cunard announced that they … Read more
When I took a transatlantic crossing on the world’s last Ocean Liner, Queen Mary 2, we changed time zones most days at 12 p.m. This crossing was unusual because there were no port stops. We left New York and sailed … Read more
I’ve just disembarked a cruise that I would not choose to repeat – and this is the first time I’ve ever said that. For years, I’ve wanted to try a transatlantic crossing, following in the footsteps of those travelling on … Read more
It is no secret that I love a Marella cruise; the ships, the destinations, the food, and the entertainment are some of the best at sea, and I’ve cruised with them 8 times now. Marella are an all-inclusive cruise line, … Read more
When I was on Marella Discovery 2, most people headed straight to the buffet or main dining room to eat, but there’s a restaurant that many completely overlooked – The Glass House. When I was on board, The Glass House … Read more
Note: This post was first written in 2017 and is updated once a year (ish). I love both American cruise lines and non-American cruise lines. ???????? So many of the big cruise lines we know and love are owned by … Read more