The Reading Deck
Love everything Cruise, and keen to stay updated with news, and stunning cruise stories? You've come to the right deck.
Editor's Picks
Crystal Cruises onboard experience
Butler service in every suite, a reimagined spa, Broadway shows, and drinks included throughout. The New Crystal is a serious step up from what came before. Here is an honest guide to what life onboard actually looks like in 2026.
Read more
Crystal Cruises Dress Code Guide
Crystal keeps it relaxed by day and polished after dark. No rigid formality, but evenings do have a standard. From Crystal Casual to Formal Optional nights and A&K shore excursion packing, here is exactly what to bring and when to wear it.
Read more
Azamara Dress Code & Packing Guide
Azamara keeps it relaxed but polished. No black tie, no rigid dress code, but evenings do have a standard. Here is exactly what to pack, what to expect, and why you need less than you think.
Read more
Explora Journeys Monaco Grand Prix 2026
Monaco Grand Prix weekend from a private suite, six included restaurants, and no taxi home at midnight. Explora Journeys positions the ship in the harbour for race weekend. Here is what that actually looks like and why it works.
Read more
Norwegian Fjords on QM2: What to Expect
Debbie sailed Queen Mary 2 to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton in May 2026. National Norway Day in Stavanger, a RIB ride through Skjolden, and a cable car to a snow-covered summit in Olden. Here is what three ports actually look like.
Read more
Queen Mary 2 Review: Norwegian Fjords
Two of our team sailed Queen Mary 2 to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton. One almost missed the afternoon tea dance. The other chose her steak knife from a selection of ten. Here is their combined honest account.
Read more
HX MS Fridtjof Nansen Review: Two Perspectives
Two reviewers, one ship. Charlie and Polly both sailed aboard HX's MS Fridtjof Nansen and came back with the same verdict and a few different observations. From the science lectures to that heated bathroom floor, here is the honest dual account.
Read more
Explora Journeys Destinations
Where does Explora Journeys sail in 2026 and 2027? We cover Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, British Isles, and Asia itineraries. Discover how longer port stays and overnight calls create immersive experiences, plus what Destination Experiences are and why shore excursions aren't included.
Read more
Explora Journeys Booking Guide
When should you book Explora Journeys for 2026/2027? As early as possible - prices never decrease closer to departure. This guide covers the best time to book, how Explora compares to Silversea, which ship to choose, MSC ownership, and how to manage your booking through the My Explora portal.
Read more
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Comparison
Are Regent cruises worth the money? We break down the true cost of ultra-luxury, comparing Regent vs Silversea for 2026. Discover what's included in the fare - unlimited shore excursions, business class flights, premium beverages - and whether the upfront cost delivers genuine value for your voyage.
Read more
Latest Blog Posts
Crystal Cruises onboard experience
June 2026
Butler service in every suite, a reimagined spa, Broadway shows, and drinks included throughout. The New Crystal is a serious step up from what came before. Here is an honest guide to what life onboard actually looks like in 2026.
Read now
Crystal Cruises Dress Code Guide
June 2026
Crystal keeps it relaxed by day and polished after dark. No rigid formality, but evenings do have a standard. From Crystal Casual to Formal Optional nights and A&K shore excursion packing, here is exactly what to bring and when to wear it.
Read now
Azamara Dress Code & Packing Guide
June 2026
Azamara keeps it relaxed but polished. No black tie, no rigid dress code, but evenings do have a standard. Here is exactly what to pack, what to expect, and why you need less than you think.
Read now
Explora Journeys Monaco Grand Prix 2026
June 2026
Monaco Grand Prix weekend from a private suite, six included restaurants, and no taxi home at midnight. Explora Journeys positions the ship in the harbour for race weekend. Here is what that actually looks like and why it works.
Read now
Norwegian Fjords on QM2: What to Expect
June 2026
Debbie sailed Queen Mary 2 to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton in May 2026. National Norway Day in Stavanger, a RIB ride through Skjolden, and a cable car to a snow-covered summit in Olden. Here is what three ports actually look like.
Read now
Queen Mary 2 Review: Norwegian Fjords
May 2026
Two of our team sailed Queen Mary 2 to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton. One almost missed the afternoon tea dance. The other chose her steak knife from a selection of ten. Here is their combined honest account.
Read now
HX MS Fridtjof Nansen Review: Two Perspectives
May 2026
Two reviewers, one ship. Charlie and Polly both sailed aboard HX's MS Fridtjof Nansen and came back with the same verdict and a few different observations. From the science lectures to that heated bathroom floor, here is the honest dual account.
Read now
Explora Journeys Destinations
May 2026
Where does Explora Journeys sail in 2026 and 2027? We cover Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, British Isles, and Asia itineraries. Discover how longer port stays and overnight calls create immersive experiences, plus what Destination Experiences are and why shore excursions aren't included.
Read now
Explora Journeys Booking Guide
May 2026
When should you book Explora Journeys for 2026/2027? As early as possible - prices never decrease closer to departure. This guide covers the best time to book, how Explora compares to Silversea, which ship to choose, MSC ownership, and how to manage your booking through the My Explora portal.
Read now
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Comparison
May 2026
Are Regent cruises worth the money? We break down the true cost of ultra-luxury, comparing Regent vs Silversea for 2026. Discover what's included in the fare - unlimited shore excursions, business class flights, premium beverages - and whether the upfront cost delivers genuine value for your voyage.
Read now
Regent Seven Seas Itineraries & Excursions
May 2026
Regent Seven Seas is the only ultra-luxury line to include unlimited shore excursions in every port. We explore the 2026 Grandeur Mediterranean season, classic Voyager routes, the 140-night 2027 World Cruise aboard Mariner, and how to navigate Regent Choice premium excursions for exclusive experiences.
Read now
Windstar Star Pride Review: Five Days from London Bridge to St. Malo
May 2026
Sailing under Tower Bridge at night, five days aboard Windstar's Star Pride, and a lychee cocktail I am still thinking about. From Suite 535 to St. Malo and back again, here is an honest account of what this yacht is really like.
Read now
Explora Dining & Restaurant Guide
May 2026
Six restaurants, all included, each with its own identity. From Anthology's tasting menus to Sakura and Fil Rouge, here is everything you need to know about dining on Explora Journeys and what your fare actually covers.
Read now
Explora Journeys Suite Guide
May 2026
Every Explora Journeys suite has a private terrace and ocean views, but not all categories are equal. From the Ocean Terrace to the Owner's Residence, here is how to choose the right suite and deck position before you book.
Read now
Regent Seven Seas Dining Guide
May 2026
Every restaurant on Regent Seven Seas is included in your fare, from Compass Rose to Prime 7 and Pacific Rim. Here is a complete guide to the dining venues, what each one offers, and how to make the most of every meal onboard.
Read now
Regent Seven Seas Suites & Deck Plans
May 2026
Not all Regent suites are equal, and not all deck positions are created the same. From the intimate Navigator to the palatial Splendor and Grandeur, here is how to choose the right suite and cabin location before you book.
Read now
Crystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity Review May 2026
May 2026
Four nights aboard Crystal Serenity through Patmos, Bodrum and Heraklion. The food was extraordinary, the ship quieter than anything at this size should be, and the hardest part was getting back off. Here is Lee's honest account from May 2026.
Read now
Explora Journeys Cruise Dress Code
May 2026
Explora Journeys has no formal nights and no black tie requirement. But relaxed resort chic still means making an effort. From what to pack for a Mediterranean sailing to what the ship provides, here is the complete packing and dress code guide.
Read now
What is Included in a Regent Cruise
May 2026
Regent Seven Seas is the most all-inclusive line at sea, but what does that actually mean in practice? From the casino and spa to enrichment talks and Seven Seas Grandeur's entertainment programme, here is what your fare genuinely covers.
Read now
Explora Journeys Wellness & Entertainment
May 2026
From the Himalayan salt room and three outdoor pools to intimate live music and afternoon enrichment talks, life between the ports on Explora Journeys is genuinely well considered. Here is everything included in the wellness and entertainment offer onboard.
Read now