A new survey from cruise.co.uk has revealed that over one in three holidaymakers would book a 'wellness at sea' voyage.   The cruise specialist polled more than 500 customers, with 34% 'likely' to join a wellness specific sailing.   'Spa and thermal experiences' were the preferred onboard activity, with 23% of respondents stating they would most like to see these facilities on a cruise. 'Yoga or Pilates' came in next at 14%, with 'nutrition and healthy cooking workshops' just behind on 13%.   Meanwhile, 46% of customers look to use the onboard gym at least once when on a holiday at sea, while 7.5% said they take advantage of the gym on a 'regular' basis.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: "Wellness continues to grow in popularity, and it’s clear that many cruise customers want the opportunity to relax, recharge and feel their best while at sea. Our results highlight that interest understandably skews towards relaxation over exertion. Cruising provides the perfect setting to switch off and unwind, combining world-class facilities with the chance to watch the world drift by.”   Sample wellness cruise Line: Cunard Ship: Queen Anne Itinerary: Wellness At Sea Cruise - Norwegian Fjords Departure date: July 5, 2026 Duration: 7-nights Price: From £802pp Departure and return port: Southampton Calls at: Stavanger, Olden, Ålesund, Haugesund What's included: All meals (excluding speciality dining), afternoon tea, theatre shows, onboard gym Wellness extras: Voyage in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar; features three Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea packages; expert‑led health and wellness talks including with Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Olympic silver medallist and Queen Anne icon; and bespoke nature‑led Norwegian shore excursions focusing on body, mind, beauty and wellness   Further details: Queen Anne from Southampton | Cruise.co.uk

  Cruise.co.uk has announced the launch of two new cruise and stay packages. Both combine a luxury sailing with an escorted land tour and depart next year.   The cruise specialist recently announced that all 1,800 of its package holidays will be made available for agents to sell in the third quarter of this year, which will include the two new options. They comprise:   'Escorted World Class Rovos Rail Experience with Garden Route Safari, Wine Estates & All Inclusive Luxury Voyage' * Nine-night escorted tour across Zimbabwe and South Africa, including a stay at Victoria Falls, game drives, a Stellenbosch wine estate visit and Rovos Rail journey * 15-night all-inclusive cruise onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager from Cape Town, calling at Port Elizabeth and Durban (both overnight), South Africa; Mayotte Island, Mozambique Channel; Nosy Be and Antsiranana, Madagascar; and Port Louis, Mauritius * Departs January 22, 2027. Prices from £14,999pp ‘Escorted Budapest: The Danube & Slovenia with 5* Croatia & Greek Island Cruise’ * Seven-night escorted tour of Hungary and Slovenia, including walking tours of Budapest and Ljubljana, and an afternoon Danube river cruise * Seven-night voyage on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, from Trieste, calling at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Cephalonia, Strait of Messina, Naples and Rome * Departs September 12, 2027. Prices from £2,299pp   Fares include flights and overseas transfers. The escorted tours include hotel stays, expert guides and select meals; cruises include meals, onboard entertainment, afternoon tea and gym use. Regional flight options are available.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: "Our cruise and stay packages are designed to take the complexity out of planning once-in-a-lifetime trips, combining exceptional cruises with immersive land experiences into one seamless holiday. These two new departures showcase the very best of our programme - from iconic rail journeys and African safaris to European city stays and Mediterranean cruising - giving guests the chance to see more of the world in a single, expertly curated itinerary. These two incredible options deliver real value for money for customers and will give agents complete confidence in offering a truly unforgettable, seamlessly packaged experience."

  Cruise.co.uk has announced it will launch its full range of cruise and stay packages to the trade in the third quarter of this year. The cruise specialist has over 1,800 packages it will make available to agents, covering all seven continents. They range from seven to 38 nights, with prices starting from £849pp. Cruise.co.uk unveiled an initial partnership with Not Just Travel last month, with 'Thrill and Chill’ departures - which combine sailings from Florida with theme park stays - available for the specialist homeworking network to sell by the end of March. Additional North America packages are due to be added shortly. As part of the initiative, Lee Johnson has been promoted to head of trade sales. He was formerly North America package manager, having previously worked his way up from sales consultant to sales manager, via inventory planning roles. A full trade sales support team will now be appointed, which Lee will head up. The team will comprise business development managers for the north and south, a trade sales manager, five trade sales executives and a trade marketing lead. Recruitment will start shortly. Tony Andrews, cruise.co.uk managing director, said: "Opening our cruise and stay portfolio to the wider trade marks a significant strategic milestone. We’ve invested heavily in building a truly global, end-to-end product offering, and this move reflects our commitment to sharing that expertise with agency partners nationwide." Lee Johnson said: "I look forward to leading our trade sales strategy. Having worked at cruise.co.uk for almost 14 years in several roles I am well placed to promote our brand and products to the trade. "We have a strong focus on customer experience and a unique portfolio of worldwide cruise and stay packages, many of which have an escorted element. We deliver unparalleled, complete travel experiences that were previously inaccessible to other agents. Our aim is to open up our entire cruise and stay portfolio to every agent in the UK and become the most trusted and innovative partner for these packages."

  A new customer survey from cruise specialist cruise.co.uk has revealed rising loyalty to holidays at sea, with 75% of respondents taking at least two voyages per year.   And over a third (35%) said they plan to take a higher proportion of cruises in the future, marking an increase on 2025 of 17%. Meanwhile, 51% of first-time cruisers plan to sail again.   Younger travellers are showing the strongest growth in intent. Among under-35s, 41% said they expect to take a higher proportion of cruise holidays over the next two years, up from 36% last year.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “These results highlight just how embedded cruising has become for a large part of our customer base. Seeing such a high proportion of travellers taking multiple cruises each year, and planning to increase that further, speaks volumes about the value, variety and ease that a holiday at sea offers.   “What’s particularly encouraging is the intent we’re seeing from both younger and first-time cruisers. Once people experience how easy it is to visit several destinations in one trip, without sacrificing comfort or value for money, cruising quickly becomes the go-to holiday choice.”

  Cruise.co.uk has honoured suppliers from across the industry at its awards evening, held as part of the agency's 21st annual conference.   This year’s event saw 29 senior industry delegates gather to celebrate achievements across 14 cruise-specific categories.   Hosted by Chris Gardner, CEO, and Tony Andrews, managing director, the awards recognise excellence as nominated by Cruise.co.uk’s internal teams, alongside categories voted for by almost 8,000 of their customers.   Princess Cruises was awarded ‘Best Mainstream Cruise Line (Large)’, with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines securing ‘Best Mainstream Cruise Line (Medium)’. In the luxury categories, Celebrity Cruises took home ‘Best Luxury Cruise Line’, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises was named ‘Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line’.   Cruise.co.uk’s sister brand recognised their top suppliers, awarding the ‘Seascanner.co.uk Partner Award’ to MSC Cruises.   P&O Cruises won several of the internally voted categories, including ‘Best Reward Scheme’ and ‘Most Helpful Cruise Line’.   In individual recognition, Andy Crimp of P&O Cruises was awarded ‘Best Account Manager’, while Alex Farquharson of Oceania Cruises won ‘Best Luxury Account Manager’.   Chris Gardner said: “Our cruise line partners play an integral role in our success, and these awards are an opportunity to recognise the commitment, quality and collaboration they bring to our business. It’s equally important that many of the categories reflect genuine customer feedback, ensuring the voice of our mutual customers continues to shape how our industry evolves to continue delivering outstanding cruise holidays.”   Tony Andrews added: "The level of support we receive from our supplier partners and their account management teams continues to be exceptional. Their expertise and collaboration enable us to offer an extensive and compelling range of sailings, supporting continued business growth from both loyal repeat cruisers and those booking their first cruise.”   Yasmin McKechnie, Director, Sales UK, Ireland and EMEA at Princess Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised by Cruise.co.uk with three awards this year. Being voted Best Mainstream Cruise Line (Large) and Best for First Time Cruisers by Cruise.co.uk’s customers reflects the consistently high standard of service our teams deliver to guests every single day. We’re equally delighted to be named Best Trading Partner from Cruise.co.uk’s internal teams - an accolade that highlights the strong collaboration and commitment shared between our organisations. We’re incredibly proud of this recognition and look forward to building on the success of our partnership in 2026 and beyond.”   2026 winners:   Best Reward Scheme: P&O Cruises Most Helpful Cruise Line: P&O Cruises Best Booking System: MSC Cruises Best Trading Partner: Princess Cruises Best Account Manager: Andy Crimp (P&O Cruises) Best Luxury Account Manager: Alex Farquharson (Oceania Cruises) Best Year on Year Growth – Mainstream: Ambassador Best Year on Year Growth – Luxury: Oceania Cruises Seascanner Partner Award: MSC Cruises Best Ultra Luxury Cruise Brand: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Best Luxury Cruise Brand: Celebrity Cruises Best Mainstream Cruise Line – Large: Princess Cruises Best Mainstream Cruise Line – Medium: Fred. Olsen Cruise Line Best Cruise Line For First Time Cruisers: Princess Cruises

  Cruise.co.uk has announced the launch of two exclusive new cruise and stay packages. Both departures form part of the cruise specialist's 'Bucket List Collection'.   The packages are: 27-night ‘Escorted Rhythms of the Deep South’ * A 19-night cruise on Sky Princess, departing from Southampton and calling at Vigo, Lisbon, Madeira, Tenerife and Fort Lauderdale, plus stops to both Celebration Key and Princess Cays private islands in the Bahamas. * Seven-night escorted tour of America's Deep South including Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, with 4* hotel stays. Includes guided visits to Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, Tina Turner Museum, Loretta Lynn Ranch and Bayou Swamps, plus a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. * Return flights and overseas transfers included.   Departs October 26, 2027. Prices start from £3499pp including low deposits and interest free monthly payments.   31-night ‘Victoria Falls with Botswana’ * Three-night African Savanna safari lodge and game drives in Botswana with 5* hotel stays. * Three-nights at Victoria Falls and three-nights in Cape Town with tours of the city and the Cape Peninsula, including Seal Island. * 21-night all-inclusive cruise on Regent Seven Seas' Mariner, sailing from Cape Town to Lisbon. Features calls to Namibia, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Cape Verde, Tenerife and Madeira. Includes all food and drink including speciality restaurants, shore excursions, unlimited spa access, Wi-Fi and gratuities. * Return flights and overseas transfers included.   Departs April 18, 2028. Prices start from £12799pp including low deposits and interest free monthly payments.   Cruise.co.uk's 'Bucket List Collection’ combines unique land tours and hotel stays paired with popular cruise itineraries. Covering all seven continents it features further departures including: * 14-night 'Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan Odyssey with Whales & Banff National Park': All-inclusive Alaska cruise on Celebrity Solstice plus an escorted tour through the Canadian Rockies including Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Departs August 17, 2026, from £5999pp. * 17-night 'The Italian Lakes Bernina Express with St Moritz, Verona & Eastern Med Cruise' on Enchanted Princess plus an escorted tour across Italy. Departs September 26, 2026, from £3499pp. * 27-night 'The Grand Tour of China with Panda Bears, Terracotta Warriors & The Great Wall with Yangtze': Southeast Asia and Japan cruise on Diamond Princess plus an escorted tour through China. Departs November 13, 2026, from £5099pp.   Tony Andrews, cruise.co.uk managing director, said: “These two new packages perfectly capture what our ‘Bucket List Collection’ is all about, combining unforgettable destinations with exceptional cruising and sought-after land experiences. We know our customers are looking for extended holidays that offer great value and seamless travel, so these itineraries are designed to offer exactly that.”

  Cruise specialist cruise.co.uk has revealed it has partnered exclusively with Not Just Travel to sell its cruise and stay packages through the UK travel trade for the first time. The expansion comes in response to growing consumer demand and sustained interest from agents wanting direct access to cruise.co.uk products.   The new distribution channel, launched with immediate effect, will initially run exclusively through Not Just Travel, the specialist homeworking network, before opening to the wider trade at a later stage.   Cruise.co.uk’s cruise and stay proposition offers three holiday styles within a single programme.   Customers can choose ‘Tailor Made’ packages combining cruises with flights and hotels; curated ‘Bucket List’ journeys to iconic destinations around the world; or ‘Hosted European’ holidays featuring exclusive hosted sailings, added destination experiences and onboard events.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening up our cruise and stay programme to the trade for the first time. We’ve spent years refining these packages, which are designed to offer flexibility, incredible value and unforgettable itineraries, and working with Not Just Travel gives us the perfect platform to bring them to an even wider audience. Their expert consultant network, passion for travel and alignment with our customer-first approach make them an ideal launch partner. We know there is strong demand among agents for tailor-made cruise holiday options, and this is just the start.”   Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, said: “We are proud that one of the UK’s largest suppliers in cruise has chosen Not Just Travel to launch this pioneering initiative, positioning us firmly at the forefront of the industry. This unique partnership brings a whole raft of unique packages and value to our network of travel consultants. Cruise.co.uk complements our current market-leading cruise offering, yet elevates it with exclusive packages such as theme park and cruise and escorted tour packages that you simply can’t source anywhere else.”

  A customer survey by cruise specialist cruise.co.uk has revealed that 71% of travellers are open to taking a holiday at sea during the festive period. One in five respondents (20%) say they are 'definite' they will embark on a Christmas cruise within the next two years.   83% would opt for an ocean voyage, compared to 17% who would choose a river cruise.   For ocean itineraries, the Caribbean emerged as the most popular festive destination, with 24% favouring its warmer climate and beach getaways. The Mediterranean followed closely behind at 22%, with the Canary Islands third on 19%.   On the river, the Danube proved the standout choice, as selected by 39% of respondents. The Rhine was next at 29%, followed by the Seine on 23%.   The most appealing aspect of a Christmas cruise is 'a hassle-free holiday with no planning', with over one-third (35%) selecting this as their primary reason for sailing. 'A warm-weather Christmas' came in next at 17%. Meanwhile, 16% went for 'escaping the usual Christmas routine', and the same number 'exploring different destinations at Christmas'.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “Our results clearly show that Christmas cruising is becoming an increasingly attractive option for a broad range of travellers. For many, the appeal lies in removing the stress that can come with the festive season, while still enjoying a memorable holiday - particularly as cruise ships embrace the festive season onboard with seasonal dining, themed entertainment and special celebrations.   “The strong demand for the warm weather of the Caribbean, alongside continued interest in classic European itineraries, reinforces the wide range of choice for holidaymakers - whether that’s sunshine, sightseeing or simply switching off.”   The survey was completed by almost 500 customers.

  A survey from online cruise specialist cruise.co.uk has revealed that value for money is the key factor when it comes to booking a world cruise.   The research found that for almost 50% of respondents, the overall cost of a world cruise is the most influential consideration in their booking intentions, followed by the destinations visited during the itinerary (22%).   The findings come after P&O Cruises' recent winter 2027 and spring 2028 launch, which includes the line's longest world cruise to date.   In addition, 58% of those asked chose ‘all-inclusive pricing and packages’ when asked what would increase the appeal of a world cruise, with 13% looking for exclusive excursions and cultural experiences, and 12% preferring smaller, more intimate ships.   A majority (47%) stated their ideal duration of cruise was one to two months, with 22% preferring three to four months at sea.   Overall, 43% of those asked are either ‘very or quite’ interested in taking a world cruise in the future, with 26% undecided.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “Travellers are seeking unforgettable experiences at sea without compromising on financial peace of mind. It’s clear that today’s guests want both adventure and assurance that every pound spent delivers outstanding value. This is what world cruises - with exceptional destinations, extended itineraries and so much included upfront - provide in ways that land-based alternatives cannot compete with.”

  Cruise.co.uk has launched a new scheduled payment option, allowing customers to spread the cost of their cruise on a monthly basis.   The option, available on an interest free basis, applies to all cruise and package holidays offered by the online travel specialist, including its new collection of no-fly cruise and stay breaks to the US and Canada.   Payments can be set up over the phone using a debit or credit card, with instalments taken automatically, until the final balance is due four months before departure.   Tony Andrews, cruise.co.uk managing director, said: “This new option makes our customers’ cruise payments even easier, and is ideal for anyone looking to spread the cost of their holiday at sea. A cruise getaway already offers tremendous value for money, with so much included in the price, and this interest-free choice makes everything even more accessible.”

  Online travel specialist cruise.co.uk has launched a collection of no-fly cruise and stay packages, departing in 2026 and 2027.   The itineraries, ranging from 25 to 29 nights, sail from Southampton, taking in destinations including New York, Washington, Boston and Nashville in the US; Montreal and Toronto, Canada; Niagara Falls; Iceland; and the Norwegian Fjords.   The itineraries comprise:  

• 29-night ‘Niagara Falls, with Norwegian Fjords, New York & Washington’: A 14-night voyage on Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess, calling at Stavanger, Haugesund and Skjolden, Norway; Reykjavík, Iceland; Halifax, Canada; and disembarking in New York; escorted tour with two nights at Niagara Falls; three nights in Washington; three nights in New York. Followed by a seven-night return cruise to Southampton onboard Queen Mary 2. Prices start from £4399pp, departing September 19, 2026.
• 25-night ‘Iconic No Fly USA with New York, Atlantic City & Washington DC’: A 12-night voyage on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun, calling at Paris (Le Havre); Dublin (Dun Laoghaire); Cork; Sydney and Halifax (both Nova Scotia); and disembarking in New York. Followed by a two-night stay in Washington and four nights in New York. Seven-night return cruise to Southampton on Cunard's Queen Mary 2. Prices start from £3299pp, departing October 12, 2026.
• 28-night* ‘Southern States of the USA with Music Cities & The Deep South’: A seven-night voyage on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, arriving in New York. Followed by an escorted tour with a one-night stay in Staunton; two nights in Nashville; two nights in Memphis; three nights in New Orleans; one night in Birmingham; one night in Charlotte; one night in Washington; and three nights in New York. Followed by a return cruise to Southampton onboard Queen Mary 2. Prices start from £5299pp, departing September 10, 2027.
• 28-night ‘Canada in the Fall with Escorted Big Apple, Niagara Falls, Montreal & Toronto’: A 14-night voyage on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, visiting New York; Boston; Sydney (Nova Scotia); Charlottetown; and disembarking in Quebec. Then a one-night stay in Montreal; two nights in Toronto; two nights at Niagara Falls; two nights in New York. Followed by a seven-night return cruise to Southampton onboard Queen Mary 2. Prices start from £4599pp, departing September 10, 2027.
• 28-night ‘Escorted Christmas Fairytale in New York with Washington, Boston & New Year in Niagara’: A seven-night voyage on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, arriving in New York. Followed by a two-night stay in Washington; Christmas Day in New York; three nights in Boston; three nights at Niagara Falls; and back to New York for a seven-night return cruise to Southampton onboard Queen Mary 2. Prices start from £4999pp, departing December 14, 2027.

  Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “These no-fly cruise and stay holidays make it easier than ever to visit a host of iconic destinations. They blend the ease of ocean cruising with immersive land adventures in famous cities such as New York, Nashville, Montreal and Washington, plus natural wonders including Niagara Falls and the Norwegian Fjords. Whether it’s autumn colours, festive magic or the rhythm of the Deep South, these journeys promise unforgettable memories.”   All itineraries include overseas transfers, accommodation and guided tours.

  Online travel specialist cruise.co.uk has launched a new cruise and stay package featuring an escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia, and a Greek Isles cruise.   The ‘Escorted Croatia! Dalmatian Delights, With Dubrovnik, Zadar, Slovenia & Greek Isles Cruise’ itinerary is available to book now, with packages ranging from 14 to 19 nights. Nine departures are on offer from June 2026 to September 2027.   Highlights on land include a guided tour of Dubrovnik and its old town; discovering Roman ruins and medieval churches in Zadar; a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park enroute to Zagreb; and a tour of Ljubljana.   Departures comprise:   * June 27, 2026: a seven-night cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, sailing from Trieste and visiting Kefalonia, Corfu, Kotor and Split, followed by a six-night escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia. From £2,699pp.   * September 26, 2026: a seven-night escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia, followed by a nine-night cruise on MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia, departing Trieste and visiting Katakolon, Piraeus (for Athens), Kusadasi, Istanbul, Corfu and Bari. From £2,799pp.   * September 26, 2026: a seven-night escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia, followed by a seven-night cruise on Oceania Cruises’ Allura, sailing from Trieste and visiting Ravenna, Rijeka, Split, Brindisi, Corfu and Gytheio. From £4,099pp.   * May 3, May 4, August 17, September 28, 2027 departures: a seven-night* escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia, followed by an 11-night cruise on Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess, sailing from Trieste and visiting Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Chania, Santorini, Rhodes, Limassol and Kusadasi. From £2,899pp.   * June 6, September 19, 2027 departures: an eight-night escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia, followed by an 11-night stay on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation, sailing from Ravenna and visiting Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Sicily (Messina), Salerno, Portofino, Florence/Pisa (Livorno) and Rome (Civitavecchia). From £3,999pp.   Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “This unique journey blends cultural discovery with island relaxation, and is perfect for travellers seeking adventure and history in one seamless holiday. Guests can enjoy the charm of the Adriatic with an escorted tour through Croatia and Slovenia, exploring historic cities and breathtaking landscapes, either side of an unforgettable voyage.”   All packages include return flights from London and overseas transfers, with regional airport options available.