First Time Cruise

Proving that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to cruising, the best small cruise ships on the seven seas certainly have plenty to offer. From the small to the really small, here’s our rundown of just a handful of those worthy of your shortlist.

Prepare for an extraordinary holiday with the P&O Cruises summer 2026 collection, as you embark on unforgettable journeys to sought-after destinations.

A Solo Cruise with Azamara as experienced by Joseph, Training Supervisor. Excitement was mounting as this holiday was full of firsts for me! My first ever Cruise & Stay, my first Azamara cruise and my first solo cruise! 

When we hear the term ‘obstructed view’, it conjures up all sorts of images. Will my vista over the ocean waves be massively disturbed? Can my fellow passengers take a peek through my porthole at all hours of the day and night? All things considered, obstructed view cabins are a…

~ Reviewed by Emma, Editor of Into the Blue ~ I’d heard so many great things about river cruising that when AmaWaterways invited me to experience their Melodies of the Danube cruise, I jumped at the chance! My home-from-home for the week was AmaSonata, just one of the cruise line’s…

‘Reviewed by Senior Marketing Executive Sam’ I’m an 80’s baby, and have just had my first experience on a river cruise with Riviera Travel. I’d love to share my day-by-day experience with you first hand – I hope you enjoy it. Arrival in Amsterdam, with an overnight stay in port…

What is a fly cruise? A fly cruise will see you jetting off to meet your cruise ship, rather than embarking at a UK port. You will usually be offered a choice of UK airports to make sure your fly cruise is as convenient as possible, so you can get…

Choosing the right cabin location can seem like a difficult task. With so many to choose from, it’s crucial to start whittling down your options so you can end up with the stateroom that’s right for you. There is no right or wrong answer here, it’s all down to personal…

Everybody’s cruise ship needs are different. Cruise preferences range from seeking the best of fine dining to entertainment on tap, while others prioritise kids’ fun and games over a state-of-the-art gym. So in this series of handy cruise line guides we have suggestions for great ships to match your personality,…

So, you want to book a cruise. Exciting times! There’s nothing quite like arriving at the port and seeing your home for the next week or two gleaming in the water. Cruising has never been more popular, with 30 million people expected to cruise in 2020. More Brits than ever…