If you love cruising with a touch of style, comfort and modern flair, Celebrity Apex is the kind of ship that makes you feel instantly at home. She’s elegant without trying too hard, beautifully designed, and full of those little thoughtful details that make a holiday feel just that bit more special. Apex is part of Celebrity’s Edge class, which means she’s packed with clever spaces, great dining and a grown up atmosphere that feels calm, warm and beautifully refined. If you’

If you’ve ever looked at MSC Virtuosa and thought, “She looks amazing, but she’s big, and I’d prefer something a little more exclusive”, let me introduce you to the Yacht Club. It’s MSC’s ship within a ship concept and honestly, once you’ve stepped inside, the rest of the ship suddenly feels like the general population in a period drama. The Yacht Club is calm, elegant and quietly indulgent. It’s like MSC said, “What if we made a private hotel on top of a mega ship?” and then

Setting sail on your very first cruise feels a bit like stepping into another world. There’s the excitement, the butterflies, the slight panic about whether you’ve packed enough, and the endless questions that suddenly pop into your mind. I still remember my first cruise so clearly, I had no idea what I was doing! So if you're here to get some tips and prepare, you’re already off to a great start. Let me walk you through some simple, first-time cruise advice that will make e

P&O Iona is one of those ships that people talk about before they’ve even sailed on her. She’s big, she’s bright, she’s modern and she has enough places to eat, drink and explore that you could easily spend a week onboard and still feel like you missed something. I know from my own time on Iona, there’s still plenty I didn’t get to see or experience, so I guess I’ll just have to book again! Whether you’re a first timer or already planning your next trip back like me, here’s e

If you’ve ever stepped into your cruise cabin, put your bags down and immediately wondered what a little extra space, a balcony or even a suite might feel like, you’re not alone. Cabin upgrades are one of the most tempting parts of cruising. So can you upgrade your cabin on a cruise? The good news is that yes, you can upgrade your cabin, often more easily than you’d think. View from a Celebrity Suite on Celebrity Apex Whether you’re dreaming of more room, a better view or s

Let’s be honest. Nothing kills that pre‑cruise excitement faster than suddenly wondering whether you actually need a passport. You’ve packed your sunscreen, your outfits, your slightly excessive number of shoes (maybe that’s just me?), and then it hits you. Do you need a passport for a cruise? Can you even get on the ship without your passport? The answer is usually very simple. Yes, you almost always need one.  But like everything with travel, there are a few exceptions an

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make before a cruise has nothing to do with destinations or cabin types . It’s whether you actually need a drinks package. Cruise lines are very good at tempting you with promises of unlimited cocktails, coffees and everything in between. But is it really worth it, do you need a drinks package on a cruise, or are you better off paying as you go? Gin & Lemonade - Anderson's on P&O Iona Here’s a load of things to consider so you can decide wh

Cruise ships are famous for amazing food, great entertainment and the kind of sunsets that make you consider moving onboard permanently (or maybe that’s just me?). But one thing people often overlook is just how good the gyms and spas are. Cruise ship spas and gyms are better than you think! Whether you're someone who loves to work up a sweat before breakfast or someone who considers “relaxing in a warm room” a sport, there is something onboard for you. And yes, you can absol

If you’ve ever sat on a balcony, watched the sun melt into the sea and thought, “this would make a stunning wedding photo”, you’re absolutely right. And good news. You really can get married on a cruise ship. Cruise weddings are a lot more popular than people realise. They’re romantic, they’re memorable, and if you pick the right package, they can also be surprisingly good value. You get the ceremony, the venue, the views, the honeymoon and the holiday all in one place. Not m

If you’ve ever looked at a cruise ship’s dining options and wondered why there are ten restaurants when you only technically need one, welcome to the world of speciality dining. It’s where cruise lines show off a little, offering elevated meals, unique menus, and experiences that feel a bit more special than the included main dining room or buffet. Think of it as treating yourself to a night out, but at sea. Some options are casual, some feel a bit fancy, and some genuinely

Let’s talk about a big cruise mystery. No, not where your missing sock went or how you managed to spend so much time in the buffet. I mean the real challenge: how to find the ideal cabin temperature on a cruise! If you’ve ever walked into your cabin and felt either instantly frozen or gently roasted, you’re not alone. Cruise ship air conditioning has a personality of its own. The good news is that once you know how it works, you can get your cabin feeling perfectly comfortab

Port days are one my favourite parts of cruising. New places, new adventures, new opportunities to eat something you definitely don’t need to! But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that being a bit smart with your planning can save you money, stress, and the awkward moment where you realise you’ve paid triple for the same tour somebody else found cheaper online. Here you can find out how to be savvy when planning port days. Cruise lines make it incredibly easy to book

One of the questions I get asked the most is: “What’s the best cruise line?” And honestly? There isn’t one single winner, because what’s “best” depends entirely on what you  want from your holiday. Some people want luxury and quiet corners. Some want non‑stop entertainment. Some want amazing food. Some want a great deal (hi, yes, that’s me). And others just want a ship with a decent cocktail selection and a balcony that catches the sunset. So instead of crowning one cruise l

Packing for a cruise should be exciting, not something that leaves you staring at an open suitcase questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. I’ve learnt the hard way what genuinely earns its place in your bag… and what absolutely doesn’t. So before you zip up and sail away, here’s a quick guide to what you should bring on board, from clothes and shoes , to all your essentials - and the things better left at home, no matter how “useful” you swear they might be. Let’s mak

Spoiler: absolutely not. If you’ve ever mentioned going on a cruise and been met with the classic, “Isn’t that for… older people?” then welcome - you’re officially part of the club. It’s one of the biggest myths in travel, usually said by someone who’s never stepped foot on a ship and still thinks they’re all shuffleboard, ballroom dancing, and a man playing the organ in the corner.  I may have been guilty of this before my first cruise. At least I’m being honest. So, let’s c

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Are cruise ships safe?”  while daydreaming about sunsets at sea and bottomless buffets, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a question plenty of travellers ask, especially first‑timers. The good news is: yes, cruise ships are incredibly safe . But like anywhere in life, when it comes to cruise ship safety, a little common sense goes a long way. A Floating City… That’s Highly Regulated Modern cruise ships are impressively engineered; more

Packing for a cruise is one of my favourite pre‑holiday rituals - part excitement, part panic, and part “do I really need seven pairs of shoes for a week?” (The answer is usually yes.) But if you’re new to cruising, or just want a bit of reassurance, here’s a simple guide to what actually works at sea. This is all based on my own experience, from sunny sailings to chilly February sea days - and the outfits that made me feel comfortable, confident, and occasionally a little fa