The best time of year for each cruise destination

A good cruise will take the stress out of travel. A journey at sea is a beautiful way to see the world and to fit in some much-needed relaxation time. See parts of the world that can only be accessed by boat, and engage as little or as much with action-packed schedules featuring day trips, onboard entertainment, and incredible dining experiences.

Value-seekers will also love a cruise. Some cruises can be cheaper than your average holiday, while others are priced at the higher end, but whatever your budget, you’re sure to find something to suit! One great thing to remember is that when you book a cruise, there aren’t any hidden costs. Most cruises are all-inclusive packages, so you won’t have to break down the budget to account for food, accommodation, or entertainment - just book and relax. 

If you’re reading this, chances are we probably don’t need to convince you to hop on a cruise. If you’re considering spending a week or two at sea, there’s a cruise (or 10) for every season. Let’s begin with the crowd favourite: summer!

Summer: British Isles Discovery Cruise in July

Recently, we partnered with Ambassador Cruise Line. Ambassador is the first British cruise line to be launched since 2010, and it offers a premium, environmentally conscious voyage. From Spring 2022, Ambassador will set sail from London Tilbury to the British Isles, the Norwegian fjords, the Baltics, Iceland, and Greenland.

Their first ship, Ambience, accommodates up to 1400 guests and has five restaurants, two cafes, nine lounges, a swimming pool, and a spa. 

If you’re hoping to travel in the summer, book a spot on the British Isles Discovery Cruise. Explore charming, tiny harbour towns concealed amidst rugged highlands, check out the island scenery of Orkney, Mull and Skye, and marvel at Belfast’s historic harbour and Titanic Quarter. 

Autumn: American Waterways and Canada in the Fall

There’s no better place to be during autumn than amongst the rich russet hues of Canada and the US. Your journey will be packed with life-changing views, including the Cape Cod Canal, the Statue of Liberty, the Old Port in Portland, Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highland, and the Atlantic Ocean islands of Bermuda and São Miguel.

You’ll even get time for two amazing days in New York City, where you can see a Broadway play, shop to your heart's content, and stroll through the legendary Central Park. 

Winter: In Search Of The Northern Lights 

For many people, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is at the top of the bucket list. Go deep into the heart of Arctic Norway to Alta to catch Aurora Borealis. With luck, you may witness Mother Nature’s light show illuminate the clear night sky. While you’re in Alta, experience the fascinating lifestyle of the Indigenous Sami people.

Be pulled by huskies on a visit to Bodø and spend two incredible days in Tromsø, where you'll stroll amongst the Neoclassic architecture, stop by the Mack Brewery and visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral. Take a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Storsteinen for an unmissable view of Tromsø and its winter scenery. 

Onboard, you will have a full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music, at your fingertips. Of course, you won’t go hungry. You have five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, and late-night snacks to look forward to.

Spring: Majestic Fjordland

Spring is a glorious time. You’ve had enough of the cold and you’re ready to thaw out. You’re ready to get back into the garden and get those bulbs in bloom! And of course, you’re probably due for a holiday. A trip through Fjordland is a unique, awe-inspiring way to reinvigorate the senses. This cruise will take you to one heavy hitter: Sognefjord. A UNESCO World Heritage List site since 2005, Sognefjord is commonly known as “King of the Fjords”. Why? It is huge, stretching 127 miles inland and plunging 1,308 metres below sea level.

Take the ship to Flåm, a stunning village in southwestern Norway home to the 17th-century wooden Flåm Church and the Flåm Railway. For unforgettable valley and waterfall views, you’ll have to take a ride on the railway.