greek island cruises from southampton 2024

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DEPARTURE PORTS

Greece and Greek Islands cruises will take you to discover the cradle of Western civilization, with its breathtaking beauties and colours.

Choose the best departure port for your cruise to Greece and Greek Islands and get ready to sail on your next dream adventure.

view all Greece and greek islands ports

• Ancona (Urbino), Italy
• Bari, Italy
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Brindisi (Lecce), Italy
• Cephalonia, Greece
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Corfu, Greece
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Genoa (Portofino), Italy
• Haifa (Jerusalem), Israel
• Heraklion (Crete), Greece
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Izmir, Turkey
• Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
• Kos, Greece
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Mykonos, Greece
• Naples (Pompeii), Italy
• Piraeus (Athens), Greece
• Rhodes (Lindos), Greece
• Santorini, Greece
• Split, Croatia
• Trieste (Venice), Italy
• Venice - Marghera, Italy
• Zadar, Croatia
• Zakynthos, Greece

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Cruises from Southampton

Open your door to europe’s wonders on a cruise from southampton.

Best Cruise Itineraries

Recommend Magazine, 14-time winner; Cruise Critic

From the Blue Lagoon in Iceland to the black-sand beaches in Greece, discover the world’s wonders on a cruise from Southampton. With various destinations, durations and dates, find the voyage that fits your schedule. Taste the flavors of the Mediterranean, tour palaces in Russia and float down dazzling fjords in Norway. Or walk in the footsteps of royalty as you visit the British Isles. The choice is yours with Princess®.

Find the Best Cruises from Southampton

British Isles Cruises

Watch history books come to life on a cruise from Southampton to the British Isles. Tour Edinburgh Castle, sip on famous stouts in Dublin and hunt for legendary sea monsters in Invergordon. Indulge in homemade scones and jam on a visit to a local cottage. Or relive the glory days of the world’s most beloved boy band on a trip to Liverpool. Discover lands full of mysteries and mythologies, only with Princess.

Mediterranean Cruises

Laced in history and romance, the Mediterranean is a traveller’s playground. On a cruise from Southampton, find your passion amidst the canals of Italy or on the sun-drenched shores of Greece. See lands sculpted by volcanoes on the Canary Islands. Or walk in the footsteps of gladiators past at the Colosseum, and explore the archeological ruins of Pompeii — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Scandinavia & Baltic Cruises

Hear about tales and tsars from centuries past on a cruise from Southampton to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Get up close to historical treasures like Viking ships in Oslo and Kronborg Castle in Copenhagen.

Norway & Iceland Cruises

Experience tranquility and natural beauty on a cruise from Southampton to Norway and Iceland. During an overnight stay in Alta, search for the Aurora Borealis while sipping on hot chocolate. Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest glacier as you sail down the iconic Norwegian Fjords. Or take a dip in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon and rediscover your sense of wonder. See for yourself why it’s called the land of fire and ice.

Transatlantic Cruises

Relive the golden age of ocean travel on a Transatlantic cruise from Southampton. Unwind at sea and jump into adventure at each destination. Choose from voyages that take you through the British Isles to the Land of Fire and Ice — Iceland. Or visit ports in Spain and France as you make your way to North America on a cruise from London by way of Southampton. Indulge in the best of land and sea with a Transatlantic cruise from Princess.

Canada & New England Cruises

Travel through time as you sail to Canada and New England on a cruise from Southampton. Walk in the footsteps of Paul Revere, hike through Acadia National Park and indulge in crab cakes and fresh-caught lobster along the way. Bask in the coastal beauty of Prince Edward Island, and spend two days exploring the French influences of Quebec City on a 24-day voyage to the Northern seaboard and back.

What to Know About Cruises from Southampton

Discover the city’s history, wander through its countryside and revel in its unique coastal charm on a cruise from Southampton.

Southampton at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Time Zone:  Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Southampton docks at the Port of Southampton, approximately 1.5-2 hours from London.
• Attire:  We suggest dressing in layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and even throughout the day. This includes a light shirt, sweater and jacket.
• Transportation:  While taxis are available around the city, you can also get around by bus or train.

Things to do in Southampton

Admire the Neoclassical architecture of this charming port city as you stroll past historic gems like the Tudor House or Saint Michael’s Church. Shop at the ultra-modern Westquay, home to an assortment of shops and restaurants. Or drive to the countryside and learn about the mystery of Stonehenge before boarding your cruise from Southampton.

Ships that cruise from Southampton

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best MedallionClass®-enabled cruises from Southampton. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board all of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

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European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

The top ten things to do in Norway

Planning a holiday to Norway? Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country.

Must-do summertime activities in Scandinavia

Discover the best summer holiday activities in Scandinavia, including wild swimming in Stockholm and rooftop drinking in Oslo.

Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Looking for a cruise vacation from Southampton? Set sail to Canada, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Florida and around the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

How to see Stockholm from a unique perspective

Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital.

Six places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Hoping to see the Northern Lights in Norway? Discover the best places to try to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's exceptional light show

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

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Greece and greek islands cruises

Greece, the birthplace of philosophy , the Olympic Games and Western literature , offers an incomparable insight into ancient history and cultural heritage. No exploration of the Mediterranean is truly complete without MSC Greek Island Cruises , which journey through some of the most breath-taking landscapes this part of the world has on display.   Athens , the capital of Greece, has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. Discover more about these ancient roots at archaeological sites such as the Parthenon temple, a symbol of the city and of Greece. Located at the top of the Acropolis, it’s one of the most important cultural monuments in the world.   But beyond the borders of the ancient city are the Greek islands that can only be properly seen on one of our Greek Islands cruises. One-fifth of Greece’s territory is made up of more than 3000 islands, famed the world over for their fantastic variety of beaches. Ranging from extensive white sand beaches to tiny bays surrounded by steep, ocean carved cliffs, there’s a hidden cove for every visitor.   Sail with us on the MSC Greece and Greek Islands Cruise 2024 - 2025 season and you will discover magnificent places such as Mykonos , an eye-catching, white-and-blue stone city offering a fantastic nightlife, or Rhodes , with its old town centre where you can sample delicious Greek yoghurt, served with fresh honey and walnuts.   Throughout the year, there is also a host of cultural and folkloric events that are not to be missed. For visitors, these are an opportunity to enjoy the typical music and dancing, all making for an unforgettable holiday with MSC Greece cruises.   Book an MSC Mediterranean voyage that includes Greek Islands cruises today, and you’ll experience Greece, its islands, and a truly memorable holiday.

DEPARTURE PORTS

View all greece and greek islands cruise ports.

• Ancona (Urbino), Italy
• Bari, Italy
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Brindisi (Lecce), Italy
• Cephalonia, Greece
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Genoa (Portofino), Italy
• Haifa (Jerusalem), Israel
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Izmir, Turkey
• Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
• Kos, Greece
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Naples (Pompeii), Italy
• Piraeus (Athens), Greece
• Rhodes (Lindos), Greece
• Santorini, Greece
• Split, Croatia
• Trieste (Venice), Italy
• Venice - Marghera, Italy
• Zadar, Croatia
• Zakynthos, Greece

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Cruises From Southampton In 2024

If you are looking to cruise from Southampton in 2024 then you have come to the right place! Here you will find a list of 2024 cruises by month. Just scroll down to the month you want to travel and you will find all the cruises sailing from Southampton!

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024, november 2024, december 2024.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils 2025 voyages on Balmoral ship

The UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled 4 new voyages scheduled for 2025, featuring destinations such as Costa Rica, the Dominicana, and Norway.

MS Balmoral ship will embark from Southampton UK on these Transatlantic+Caribbean itineraries, carefully curated to offer tourists memorable experiences in remarkable locations.

One of these voyages is a 45-night Grand Voyage exploring the Caribbean and Central America, providing opportunities to discover tropical islands, indulge in local delicacies like Colombian coffee and Jamaican jerk chicken, and engage in activities such as snorkeling in Tortola BVI and spotting endemic wildlife in Costa Rica.

For those seeking the elusive Northern Lights, the "In Search of the Northern Lights" cruise departing on January 18 promises a 15-night journey to witness this natural wonder, guided by the expertise of the Go Stargazing team, and includes the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle.

Another enticing option is the "Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands" cruise departing on February 2, offering guests a chance to explore volcanic landscapes, savor local treats such as pasteis de nata, and wander through the botanical gardens of Madeira.

Lastly, the "Springtime Norwegian Fjords" cruise will take guests on a 9-night journey down Sognefjord, one of Norway's most stunning fjords, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking through lush forests.

Guests booking these cruises by April 30 can enjoy special offers, including up to GBP 300 of onboard credit or complimentary door-to-door transfers for up to 200 UK mainland miles on selected sailings.

The 4 cruises include:

Balmoral's 15-night "In Search of the Northern Lights" cruise, departing from Southampton on January 18, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 2,099 per person.

Balmoral's 13-night "Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands" cruise, departing from Southampton on February 2, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 1,699 per person.

Balmoral's 45-night "Tropical Islands and Verdant Rainforests of the Caribbean and Central America" cruise, departing from Southampton on February 15, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 4,999 per person.

Balmoral's 9-night "Springtime Norwegian Fjords" cruise, departing from Southampton on April 1, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 1,199 per person.

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

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Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

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Get at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare, plus return flights for 2024 Europe sailings starting from £1.

April Cruises

An elevated springtime experience

Celebrate spring on a luxurious April cruise to sought-after destinations around the world. Island hop through the Caribbean, soaking up the sunshine. Explore the volcanic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of the remote Galapagos Islands. Cross the Atlantic Ocean on an epic two-week journey that will take you to Europe, where glamorous islands and historic cities await. The whole world is at your fingertips on a luxury cruise in April with Celebrity. Where will you go?

Itineraries

Top april cruise destinations, the caribbean.

The Caribbean is always in season. Sail away on cruises in April to popular ports like Cozumel, Key West, and San Juan, or venture further south to Cartagena, Aruba, and Curaçao. Snorkel impressive dive sites, swim over coral reefs, and bask on some of the whitest sands in the world. A variety of itineraries are available, from weekend getaways to the Bahamas to 10-night itineraries to see the best of the islands.

The Galapagos Islands

In the Galapagos Islands, you’ll find some of nature’s most incredible creatures. From giant tortoises to iguanas and sea lions, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitats on an April cruise with Celebrity. Hike through volcanic landscapes and snorkel alongside sea turtles and Galapagos penguins. Retrace the footsteps of Charles Darwin on Floreana Island, where you’ll find white-cheeked pintail ducks and native flamingos as you explore Cormorant Point.

Transatlantic Cruises

On a transatlantic cruise, you’ll spend 13 to 15 nights on board one of our luxurious cruise ships, with time to relax and enjoy fine dining, spa treatments, and dazzling entertainment. You’ll stop at subtropical Madeira or the Canary Islands before continuing to the heart of Europe. Depending on your itinerary, you might visit ancient Cadiz and dynamic Barcelona, or Cobh, the gateway to Ireland’s castles and rolling hills. Or Paris, which is at its most seductive in springtime.

View All April Cruises

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The world’s best cruises for 2024

N ew Year’s resolutions to embark on a new diet or make use of that expensive gym subscription are so dull it’s little wonder they fall by the wayside within weeks. But a promise to do something really different when it comes to holidaying on the high seas? Now that is a resolution worth keeping. And with so much going on in the world of cruising , this is certainly the year to do it. 

There are sparkling new ocean and river ships to discover, voyages for families, sybarites and wine lovers, and adventures to exotic lands where few have ever set foot. You can go diving with sharks, celebrate Thanksgiving in the home of jazz, learn about the night sky with astronomers, and practise yoga under the Adriatic sun – there’s something for every type of cruise fanatic. And if you’re yet to catch the bug? With so much to choose from, it’s only a matter of time.

Here are the best voyages on offer in 2024.

Skip ahead to:

Africa and the Indian Ocean

North america, northern europe.

• Europe and the Mediterranean 

Cruise the Kimberley

Good news for Seabourn fans who shiver at the thought of a cruise to the South Pole; its ultra-luxury expedition ship Pursuit is going in search of heat, saltwater crocodiles and ancient rock art on its debut in the Kimberley. The Waterfalls and Wandjinas adventure takes you through the remote region, which is more than three times the size of England but home to barely 40,000 people. Sailings between Broome and Darwin depart from June to August and promise to thrill with a visit to Horizontal Falls, taking in reefs that seem to rise from the ocean and optional helicopter rides over the rainforest.

Book it: Seabourn offers the 10-night Waterfalls and Wandjinas adventure from £7,799pp. 

Have a whale of a time

Small ship specialist Coral Expeditions has teamed up with the Australian Geographic Society for a Whales and Trails of Western Australia expedition, which pairs wineries, coastal walks, wildflowers and the white sands of Lucky Bay with (hopefully) sightings of migratory humpback, southern right and blue whales. Expect daily lectures on board and swim and snorkel stops in quiet bays. The cruise, from Fremantle to Esperance and back, sets sail aboard the 120-passenger Coral Adventurer.

Book it: Coral Expeditions offers the 10-night Whales and Trails of Western Australia expedition from £4,805pp; departs October 5.

Expedition to the South Pole

Adventurous souls can follow in the footsteps of Australian explorer and scientist Sir Douglas Mawson on an epic 25-day expedition Scenic voyage to the eastern side of Antarctica next winter. Travel in the lap of luxury aboard Scenic Eclipse – a discovery yacht – with no more than 200 other passengers. The cruise starts in Milford Sound, New Zealand, and ends in Hobart, Tasmania. Spend 10 days exploring the icy wastes of the White Continent that hundreds of thousands of penguins call home.

Book it: Scenic offers the 25-day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast from £23,700pp; departs December 15. Learn more about Antarctica with our expert guide.

Affordable Antarctica

Cruising to Antarctica might be thrilling, but the price tag can be enough to give you the chills. Princess Cruises’ new 17-night voyages from Buenos Aires won’t break the bank but includes four days’ scenic cruising in the White Continent. True you can’t step ashore – that’s only allowed if ships have 500 passengers or less – but you’ll see loads of penguins and, with luck, whales. Once Antarctica is ticked off the list, Sapphire Princess heads to Stanley for a day in the Falkland Islands.

Book it: Princess Cruises offers the 17-day Antarctica cruise from £1,699pp; departs December 1 and 18.

Animal magic

Safaris, cities and plenty of culture await on Azamara Cruises’ 15-night voyage around South Africa in December. The cruise, round-trip from Cape Town , calls into Durban and Mossel Bay, and includes two days in Richards Bay, from where passengers can head off on an overnight safari to Thanda private game reserve or go in search of hippos on a cruise through the wetlands. There’s also a free-for-everyone AzAmazing Evening of music, culture and tradition at Port Elizabeth. The cruise is on Azamara Quest, a small ship holding just over 700 passengers.

Book it: Azamara Cruises offers a 15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage departing December 20 from £2,413pp. Plan the perfect trip to Cape Town with our guide.

Sail the eclectic Indian Ocean

If Dubai’s city of superlatives doesn’t impress, giant tortoises in the Seychelles surely will. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 14-day voyage from Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, to Doha in Qatar is a cornucopia of contrasts, pairing Middle Eastern culture in the United Arab Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Muscat in Oman with rainforests and volcanoes in Reunion, lemur spotting in Nosy Be in Madagascar, and high-energy rock shows on the 2,340-passenger Norwegian Dawn.

Book it: Norwegian Cruise Line offers the 14-day Seychelles, Madagascar, Oman and UAE cruise from £1,289pp; departs ​December 8.

Expand your horizons

Proving education can be fun, SeaTrek Sailing Adventures has created two new family-friendly holidays that will have children, teens and parents spying dragons, swimming with whale sharks, and hunting bugs and butterflies as they sail around the islands along Indonesia’s Ring of Fire. Learn about wildlife and conservation with UK naturalists Ray and Angela Hale. The round-trip cruises from Komodo Island are aboard the Ombak Putih, a traditional Indonesian sailing ship that holds just 24 passengers.

Book it: Stubborn Mule Travel offers SeaTrek’s nine-day Whale Sharks, Corals and Dragons adventure from £6,465pp including flights; departs July 30 and August 10; flights depart UK July 28 or August 8.

Meander the Mekong

You can never have too much of a good thing. Which is why Emerald Cruises has added two days to its one-week voyages on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam this year, aboard Emerald Harmony, and renamed them Meandering Majestic Mekong. The extra time allows for new excursions that will see passengers visit incense factories, schools and temples, and ride in cyclos (think carts pulled by pedal bikes). Familiar favourites will also remain, such as sightseeing in Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk after dark, tours to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields and explorations of local markets.

Book it: Emerald Cruises offers the 10-day Meandering Majestic Mekong cruise from £2,734pp; departs August–October.

Expect the unexpected

Guest chef restaurateur Jean-Francoise Piege will be joining passengers on French cruise line Ponant’s gastronomy and wine-themed voyage around Japan’s Seto Inland Sea this autumn. This one-off adventure, on Le Soleal, an elegant small ship that holds just 264 passengers, starts in Kobe and ends in Fukuoka after a week exploring temples and shrines, visiting art galleries and learning about samurai warriors on calls into traditional villages and towns where few tourists ever set foot. There is also a day in the South Korean city of Yeosu.

Book it: Ponant offers the seven-night Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea from £5,350pp; departs October 3.

Disney has a new island

Be among the first to step ashore on Lookout Cay, a new private island Disney Cruise Line is opening in the Bahamas this summer. The island newbie has beaches, water slides and three bars exclusively for adults. Disney Fantasy’s 10-night Southern Caribbean voyage also visits Antigua, St Lucia, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. And just when you think it can’t get better, there’s also a day of splash-tastic family fun at Castaway Cay, Disney’s current long-standing private island.

Book it: Disney Cruise Line offers the 10-night Southern Caribbean voyage from £9,042 (for two adults and one child sharing an inside cabin); departs Port Canaveral July 25.

Down Mexico way

Ever wondered what Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, the Sea of Cortez and cliff divers have in common? Carnival Cruise Line’s one-week Mexican Riviera voyages has the answer. The new Carnival Firenze launches in April under a Carnival Fun Italian Style moniker that pairs Carnival’s non-stop family entertainment, teppanyaki dining and adults-only retreat with decor that mimics Florence’s Piazza Duomo and bars serving Italian fine wines. The ship will visit Puerto Vallarta (where Burton and Taylor owned a house), Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas this summer.

Book it: Carnival Cruise Line offers the seven-day Mexican Riviera from £479pp; departs August–November.

Give thanks on the Mississippi

Elvis, the American Civil War and soul food are the ultimate combination on American Cruise Lines’ river boat American Symphony as it navigates the mighty Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis this year. There are plenty of departures to choose from, but opt for the November 26 date through Fred Holidays and you’ll enjoy the first three nights in the Big Easy to coincide with the annual Thanksgiving Parade. This is when the French Quarter comes alive with colour, floats parade through the streets and the music of marching bands fills the air. A final night in Memphis also offers time to get down with the blues on Beale Street.

Book it: Fred Holidays offers 11 nights departing from the UK on November 2626 from £5,699pp including flights and cruise.

Celebrate the best of British

The Queen Anne – Cunard’s first new cruise ship in 12 years – is set to launch this year. Join the circumnavigation of the UK in May and you’ll experience the vessel’s first-ever British Isles voyage. Celebrating the best of Britain and Ireland, there’ll be talks about the island’s history and heritage, celebration menus, British and Irish entertainment and a day in Liverpool – Cunard’s base until 1967 – along with other port favourites including Edinburgh , Kirkwall and Belfast.

Book it: Cunard’s 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage costs from £1,489pp; departs Southampton May 24.

Northern lights

Still struggling to know your Big Dipper from your Boötes? You need Havila Voyages’ new 11-night astronomy-themed cruise along the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and back departing October 30. It will be joined by Ian Ridpath, editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy , who will give exclusive lectures on a wide range of subjects including the Northern Lights, comets, the stars, eclipses of the sun and moon and the Apollo space missions. He will also spend evenings on deck with guests searching for the aurora borealis.

Book it: Havila Voyages offers an 11-night astronomy adventure from £1,243pp including access to the lectures, departing October 30. Learn more about planning the ultimate trip to see the Northern Lights in our expert guide.

A journey to remember

How better to mark the anniversary of the D-Day landings of June 6 2044 than on a cruise ship anchored off the Normandy beaches exactly 80 years after British, Canadian and American troops landed there to begin the long push to free Europe from Nazi occupation. Board Ambassador Cruise Line’s ship Ambition from Bristol and experience a remembrance service on board, as well as talks by former brigadier Philip Sanders. The itinerary also includes favourites such as Guernsey, Le Havre and the Isles of Scilly.

Book it: Ambassador Cruise Line offers the six-night D-Day 80th Anniversary Voyage from £619pp; departs June 2. 

Europe and the Mediterranean

A decadent debut.

One year on from storming onto the cruise scene with luxury new ship Explora I, Explora Journeys is doing it again. Explora II makes its debut in August with the same leafy conservatory, art-deco look and restaurant, complete with rolling menus devised by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Bag the maiden cruise, from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), to visit the French and Italian Riviera favourites of Portofino and Monte Carlo. Round off a day of exploring the maze-like streets of Porto Santo Stefano, Italy, with a glass or two of chianti.

Book it: Explora Journeys offers the eight-night Journey from Barcelona to Rome from £4,375pp; departs August 11.

Get in the Olympic spirit

Inspired by this summer’s Paris Olympics, Variety Cruises’ Antiquity to Byzantium voyages around the Peloponnese visiting Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic Games, where only men could compete and Greeks gathered for five days of competition and partying. Sailing from Marina Zea in Piraeus on Galileo, a small ship for just 49 passengers, the cruises are accompanied by Greek historian Eugenia Alexiadou and include calls into Nafplion and Itia for excursions to ancient the cities of Mycenae and Delphi,

Book it: Variety Voyages offers a 10-nights Antiquity to Byzantium cruise from £1,921pp, including flights, two pre-cruise nights in Athens and excursions; departures October 23 and 30, and November 11.

Cycle the Saône 

Who said that river cruising had to be slow-paced? Join AmaWaterways’ new seven-night Flavours of Burgundy cruise on the Saône between Dijon and Lyon and take advantage of the guided bike rides on offer – taking active sorts up to 30km along the river banks. If that sounds too much like hard work, there are also walking and wine-tasting tours, as well as Lyonnaise specialities to savour on a foodie excursion to famed Les Halles market in Lyon. 

Book it: AmaWaterways offers the seven-night Flavours of Burgundy aboard the AmaCello from £4,051pp including flights; 12 departures between May 2 and September 26.

Channel your inner warrior

Not content with its three new wine-themed cruises in 2024, Sail Croatia has added a new sailing for those who fancy practising their warrior poses while taking in views of the Dalmatian Coast. Sailings are all from Split to Dubrovnik aboard the 38-passenger yacht cruiser Almissa. Activities include sunrise and sunset yoga sessions on the sundeck hosted by a certified instructor, as well as yoga in a vineyard in Hvar before a wine-tasting and traditional Croatian dinner.

Book it: Sail Croatia offers its seven-night Yoga Cruise from £1,329pp; departs September 7. Plan the perfect trip to Dubrovnik with our expert guide.

A moment to Enjoy

Castles, cathedrals and colourful Christmas markets are among the many enticing sights as Viva Cruises’ new river ship Viva Enjoy sets sail on a 12-night maiden voyage from Frankfurt to Nuremburg via Vienna this winter. You’ll sail over the Franconian Alps by way of 16 locks on the Main-Danube Canal, cruise the Main and Danube rivers, taste smoked beer in Bamberg and have a day in Nuremberg, where an excellent Documentation Centre charts the rise of Hitler and life under the Nazis.

Book it: Viva Cruises (0330 818 7271) offers the 12-night Maiden Voyage Viva Enjoy cruise from £1,885pp; departs November 25.

*All cruise prices exclude flights unless otherwise stated.

‘This story was first published in February 2024 and has been revised and updated.

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