From classy cruises to splendid ships, if you fancy a life on the open waves then these breaks will have you all at sea
Life on board has never been more exciting, so whether you want to zipline across the water, play golf, or simply shop with your favourite chef, we've got just the advice for you
CRUISE ships are now attracting Brits in their droves – and more than two million will holiday on the ocean this year.
Life on board has never been more exciting, whether you want to zipline across the water, play golf, shop with your favourite chef or just chill out on your own private balcony.
Here, TRISHA HARBORD discovers the Top 10 adventures at sea for 2017 with five new ships and the five best cruises.
NEW SHIPS
Movie Magic
FOLLOW in the footsteps of stars Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel and see where their new movie Lion was filmed.
You’ll fly from the UK to Kolkata in India for three nights in the Lalit Great Eastern Hotel before taking a river cruise, A Passage Through Assam, on MV Mahabaahu on the Brahmaputra River.
What’s special? Exploring Old Calcutta including Howrah train station, right, the largest in the world, where Lion scenes were shot.
You will also visit Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and Mother Teresa’s House to learn about her humanitarian work.
Cost? Various departure dates, 11 nights from October 12 from £2,349. See
Majestic Princess
THE sixth “Royal” ship from Princess Cruises. Majestic has an amazing over-the-ocean, glass-floor walkway 128ft above the waves.
What’s special? There are two new speciality restaurants, Chinese and French. The private karaoke rooms, right, are pretty cool, too.
Sailing where? Around the Med in April and May before moving to Shanghai. Seven nights’ cruise-only from £499. See .
Tui Discovery 2
THIS fun and friendly ship is great for couples. She will be sailing from Malaga to popular destinations such as Ibiza and Barcelona.
What’s special? There’s a rock-climbing wall, outdoor cinema and mini-golf course.
Sailing where? Around the Med. Seven nights from Malaga (with Gatwick flights) is from £728. See .
Viking Sky
THE third ship for Viking carrying 930 guests launches next month. A fourth, Viking Sun, is due this year. Every room has a balcony and 42in flatscreen TV. Laundry services are free.
What’s special? A two-deck observation area, Nordic-style spa.
Sailing where? Around the Med, Baltic and Northern Europe. Seven nights’ cruise-only from £1,990. See .
Seabourn Encore
THE 600-passenger ship is Seabourn’s largest and was christened this month by West End star Sarah Brightman.
What’s special? Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller has signature restaurant The Grill. The Observation Bar with its panoramic views is the place to watch the world go by.
Sailing where? Australia, New Zealand and Asia before heading to the Med this summer. Prices from £350 a night. See .
Related stories
Best cruises
MSC Meraviglia
IT’S one of the world’s largest cruise ships, with an Italian name meaning “wonder”.
She can carry 5,700 passengers and is great for families, as three cabins can be interconnecting, accommodating up to ten.
Hi-tech wristbands mean you can also track where your kids are. Genius.
What’s special? A huge waterpark with four waterslides connected to a two-deck amusement park.
Thrill-seekers will love ziplining across the ship, 200ft above the water. There’s a bowling alley with a glass wall giving sea views.
Entertainment includes two Cirque du Soleil dinner shows in The Carousel Lounge six nights a week. There are also 12 restaurants.
Sailing where? Around the Med and Northern Europe from June. Five nights’ cruise-only from £499. See .
Flower Power
FRED OLSEN is bringing back its no-fly Tulips and Chocolates voyage to Holland and Belgium on Boudicca. The cruise departs from Southampton.
What’s special? The tulip displays at Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Gardens and Belgian chocolate shops in Antwerp. Onboard talks from a chocolate expert.
How much? Departs Southampton March 26. Five nights from £599 per person, .
Rum & Reggae
CELEBRITY is sailing in the Caribbean again after a five-year absence. Equinox has a real grass lawn and observation lounge.
What’s special? Food demos, wine tasting and rum and reggae parties. The Summer Camp at Sea is packed with activities for kids.
How much? A nine-night Eastern Caribbean fly/cruise from Miami on June 3 is from £2,000. See .
Food Fiesta
CELEBRITY chefs James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar, Eric Lanlard and wine expert Olly Smith will be joining selected P&O European sailings to share their talents.
What’s special? Getting to meet your favourite chef while he cooks for you. The heroes also offer lessons, signings and Q&As.
How much? Seven nights with James Martin from March 26 is £499. See .
Arctic Adventure
SAIL to Iceland, the Faroes and the Shetlands on Aegean Odyssey’s maiden voyage. She’s due to depart from Tilbury on June 29.
What’s special? Seeing glaciers, volcanoes and geysers on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Glaciologist Professor David Drewry will be one of the expert speakers on board.
How much? Fifteen days is from £2,495. See .