Now 2013 has arrived, many people are thinking of the options available for taking a cruise. Indeed, the cruise industry may be looking up for 2013 and beyond, as more people try a cruise holiday for the first time. According to statistics, some 10 million people head off on a cruise every year. The Caribbean is still a popular destination and it features in our top ten; however it is by no means the only destination to make it onto our list.
1: the Fjords, P&O Cruises
Leaves from: Southampton
Itinerary includes:
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- Stavanger
- Flam, Norway
- Eidfjord, Norway
- Kristiansand, Norway
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This is a seven night cruise that provides the perfect introduction to the Fjords. While the warmer parts of the world are a big draw for many who love cruising, the Fjords are among the most popular areas to visit for those who enjoy somewhere that requires warmer clothing.
By visiting Flam, you will be able to see the Sognefjord, the longest fjord in the world. It is also the deepest. Later in the cruise you will be taken to Kristiansand, which brings you to the most charming and breathtaking of fjords.
The cabins on P&O Cruises
There are many options available with regard to cabins. The cheaper option is the inside cabin, while the outside cabins provide the opportunity to take advantage of a balcony or a shower, depending on which cabin you choose. See more here.
2: Northern Lights, Cruise & Maritime
Leaves from: Bristol
Itinerary includes:
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- Stavanger
- Alesund
- Svartisen Glacier
- Narvik
- Alta
- Tromso
- Bergen
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This cruise lasts for 15 nights and provides you with an opportunity to see the famous Northern Lights. Upon leaving Bristol the cruise ship sails around the English coastline and heads for Norway, eventually heading up along the coast of Sweden as well. Have a read of our Cruise FAQ if there’s anything else you’d like to know an answer to.
Alesund is a main highlight too, since it takes in no fewer than five islands, all linked together by bridges. Further on in your journey you will reach Alta, commonly referred to as the Town of the Northern Lights.
The cabins on Cruise & Maritime
All the cabins are provided with en suites, giving you perfect privacy and comfort on your journey. You may book an inside cabin or an outside cabin; if your budget can stretch to it a suite may be even more appealing.
3: Atlantic Islands, P&O Cruises
Leaves from: Southampton
Itinerary includes:
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- Lisbon, Portugal
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
- Tenerife
- Madeira, Portugal
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This cruise is a true delight for anyone wanting to explore the Atlantic Islands. Every stop is a major highlight, offering stunning landscapes at every turn. You will also enjoy several days at sea both on the outward and return trips, free to enjoy the services and facilities on board. You will enjoy twelve nights aboard the cruise ship.
The cabins
There are no fewer than seventeen different types of cabins available on this cruise, which takes place aboard the Oriana. This means all passengers should be able to find the ideal accommodation for their requirements.
4: Mediterranean Cities, Royal Caribbean
Leaves from: Southampton
Itinerary includes:
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- Malaga
- Cannes
- Barcelona
- Palma de Mallorca
- Valencia
- Lisbon
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This stunning 14 night cruise takes you to many delightful destinations around the coastline of Spain and Portugal and into France. You can explore Malaga in Andalucia and sample authentic paella from its birthplace in Valencia.
The cruise opens with two days at sea, before taking you to your first destination. From then on you have plenty to see, with the odd sea day mixed in as well.
The cabins
Your stateroom will be en suite, and you may choose from an inside or outside cabin or one with a balcony if you wish to enjoy the view every morning and evening.
5: Christmas Cruise on the Black Watch, Fred Olsen Cruises
Leaves from: Southampton
Itinerary includes:
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- Lisbon, Portugal
- Portimao, Portugal
- Gibraltar
- Tangier, Morocco
- La Coruna, Spain
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This festive cruise takes you away from the UK for 10 nights on the lead up to Christmas this year. You can enjoy visiting the likes of Portugal and Morocco, as well as availing yourself of all the facilities on board the Black Watch.
The cabins
There are many cabins to choose from; the Black Watch has three styles of interior cabin and no few than eight outside cabin types. Alternatively book into a balcony cabin or upgrade to a stylish suite, of which several are available.
6: Tulips & Windmills, Viking River Cruises
Leaves from: Amsterdam (flight transfer from nearest home airport)
Itinerary includes:
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- Amsterdam
- Hoorn
- Arnhem
- Antwerp
- Ghent and Brugge
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Here you will embark on a river cruise rather than a sea based cruise. As such the ships are smaller and able to negotiate the rivers they are designed to share with you. These ‘Viking longships’ differ slightly from each other, but they do not skimp when it comes to quality or services.
The cabins
The staterooms aboard all the longships are very appealing. They differ slightly depending on which river cruise and ship you book onto. However many of them were launched for the first time in 2012, including Viking Freya and Viking Odin.
7: Iconic Iberia, Cruise & Maritime
Leaves from: Harwich
Itinerary includes:
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- Cherbourg
- La Coruna
- Gibraltar
- Almeria
- Valencia
- Barcelona
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This provides you with a 10 night cruise and the ability to view some of the most appealing locations in France, Portugal and Spain. If a week long cruise isn’t quite long enough for you, this option, leaving from Harwich, may fit the bill.
The cabins
Inside and outside cabins are available, along with selected single cabins if you are travelling alone. In addition the ship – Discovery – has a select number of suites that may be booked for premium prices.
8: the West Indies, Cruise & Maritime
Leaves from: Bristol
Itinerary includes:
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- Ponta Delgada
- St John’s Antigua
- Basseterre, St Kitts
- Castries, St Lucia
- Kingstown
- Mayreau
- Bridgetown
- Horta
- Bristol
- Tilbury
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As you may guess, this is a much longer cruise, providing you with the opportunity to go much further afield in 30 nights on board. You may also want to read our Cruises to Barbados feature. After a number of days at sea and a stop off at Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel, you will head on to the West Indies to enjoy a number of days exploring all manner of different islands.
The cabins
A number of single cabins are available, along with twin cabins and suites of various standards. Premium, superior and deluxe are all available to consider booking.
9: Scandinavia and Russia, Royal Caribbean
Leaves from: Harwich
Itinerary includes:
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- Copenhagen
- Stockholm
- Helsinki
- St Petersburg
- Tallinn
- Gothenburg
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Here the cruise ship leaves the UK and heads for Copenhagen before moving on to visit Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Russia. If you wish to visit some of the countries over on the eastern side of Europe, this is the ideal cruise to try. You’ll have 12 nights on board and you can enjoy shore excursions in each destination too.
The cabins
For the ultimate in comfort, a balcony cabin enables you to sit and relax while enjoying the view. Elsewhere there are many suites available as well as cheaper inside cabins and a number of outside cabins.
10: Immersive Wine Cruise, Celebrity Cruises
Leaves from: Harwich
Itinerary includes:
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- Paris (from Le Havre)
- Bordeaux
- Bilbao
- Porto, Portugal
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If you have a taste for fine wines, this cruise will take you to some of the finest wine producing regions in Europe. Taking place over 12 nights, it includes a variety of stunning stops that will extend your knowledge of many different wines. While it is a cruise designed for discerning wine lovers, many others who enjoy a glass or two of red or white will also undoubtedly appreciate this trip.
The cabins
As is typical with many cruise ships, there is a choice of inside, outside and balcony cabins available on this cruise. Be sure to book quickly for outside cabins and balconies if required.
Creating your memories for your Cruise in 2013 and 2014
[blockquote type=”blockquote_quotes” align=”left”]There are over 2000 ports of call around our planet that cruise ships can visit. Howard Hillman, HillmanWonders.com[/blockquote]
With so many destinations to consider when you are thinking of booking a cruise, it helps to have some suggestions in mind. Our list of the top 10 cruises for 2013 is by no means exhaustive: you may find something completely different that is perfect for your needs.
But with cruises to the Fjords, the West Indies, the Atlantic and many countries all over Europe mentioned above, it makes the ideal start when you are looking for inspiration. Whether you are considering a seven day cruise or one that lasts for a month or more, there are cruises departing their home ports in the UK all the time during 2013. Which one will you be on this year?