Cruises
Cruises range from ocean ships carrying thousands of passengers to small expedition vessels that reach rivers and coastlines large ships cannot. Decide which kind of trip you want before comparing itineraries, because the ship shapes the holiday as much as the route does.
Large ocean cruises suit travellers who want entertainment on board, plenty of dining choices and a lower price per night, with shore days in busy ports. Small-ship and expedition cruises carry far fewer guests, spend more of each day on guided excursions, and can travel up rivers or anchor off remote islands. They cost more, and there is less to do on board.
When comparing cruises, check what the fare includes: drinks, excursions, gratuities, flights and port taxes are often extra. Look at the cabin size and whether it has a window or balcony, the number of guests, how active the excursions are and the cancellation terms. On river cruises, check the season, because water levels change where a ship can go.
For small-ship luxury travel, Aqua Expeditions runs river and yacht cruises on the Amazon, the Mekong and coastal seas, built around guided exploration of each region. It is not the choice for a budget cruise or a big-ship holiday with evening shows.
For expedition cruises to wildlife destinations, AdventureSmith Explorations matches travellers to small expedition ships sailing from Alaska and the Galápagos to Antarctica, with a dedicated specialist to help choose between similar ships and itineraries. It books other lines' ships rather than running its own, so check the operating line's cancellation terms. For crewed catamaran holidays booked by the cabin, see Boats.
