The Reading Deck
Inspire your next great voyage and read our latest cruise news, insights, and immersive travel diaries. Curated by our team of cruise specialists, this is where our expertise meets your passion to explore the world by sea.
Editor's Picks
Best Madagascar Cruise Packages
Madagascar rarely features on a standard cruise map, which is exactly what makes it worth seeking out. Cunard weaves it into longer Indian Ocean itineraries alongside Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Cape Town. Here is how to book it right.
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Cruise and Stay Las Vegas with Cunard
Cunard does not offer a packaged Las Vegas cruise and stay. But you can build your own, bookending a transatlantic crossing with nights on the Strip. Here is how to make it work and what to consider before you book.
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Cunard Panama Canal Cruises
Transiting the Panama Canal on a Cunard Queen is one of those days you plan your whole voyage around. Eight to ten hours, 85 feet of elevation change, and jungle on both sides. Here is what to expect and how to book it right.
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Best Deal Silversea Cruise 2027
Silversea fares do not drop if you wait. The best deals come from booking early, choosing the right fare tier, stacking loyalty benefits, and knowing when solo supplements fall to 25%. Here is the insider guide to getting the best value in 2027.
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Scenic Eclipse II Review: A Ship Visit
We stepped aboard Scenic Eclipse II in Tilbury for a full ship tour. From the 135-whisky Scenic Lounge to five dining venues, spacious suites, the Senses Spa, and onboard helicopters, here's our honest first-hand review of this luxury discovery yacht, including suites, dining and expedition extras.
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Explora III Review: First Look at Explora Journeys' Newest Ship
Our firsthand review of Explora III from the preview cruise and Barcelona naming ceremony. We explore what's changed on Explora Journeys' newest ship, from the redesigned lobby bar to the new Wine Cellar, and why this vessel represents a refined evolution driven by guest feedback.
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Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines 2027
Regent, Silversea, Crystal or Explora Journeys? This guide compares the best Mediterranean cruise lines for 2027 by region, style and suite space, helping you match the right ship to the right holiday.
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Best April Cruises 2027
April is a sweet spot for cruising: shoulder-season prices, fewer crowds, and blooming Mediterranean ports. This guide covers the best April 2027 sailings from Southampton, transatlantic crossings to New York, family-friendly Easter cruises, and booking tips to secure the best fares early.
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Cunard Queen Anne Review
Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, blends heritage with modern luxury. This honest review covers her striking Pavilion pool deck, expanded speciality dining like Aji Wa and Sir Samuel's, wellness venues, and 2027 itineraries from Southampton, plus expert booking advice from our Voyage Consultants.
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Cunard Queen Victoria Review
Discover if Cunard Queen Victoria is worth booking for 2027. This review covers her elegant ambience, White Star service, tiered dining options, and standout 2027 itineraries across the Fjords, Mediterranean and beyond, plus expert booking advice from our Voyage Consultants.
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Latest Blog Posts
Best Cabins on Azamara
June 2026
Every Azamara stateroom is ocean-facing, but not all categories are equal. From Club Interior to the World Owner's Suite, here is how to choose the right cabin and deck position before you book.
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What’s included on an Azamara cruise
June 2026
AzAmazing Evenings, included drinks, destination lectures, and a spa that works hard. Life on an Azamara cruise is built around the places you visit as much as the ship itself. Here is what to expect.
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Crystal Cruises Dining Options
June 2026
Crystal runs some of the finest kitchens at sea. From Umi Uma by Nobu to Prego, The Vintage Room, and 24-hour butler-served in-suite dining, here is the complete guide to what is included and what to book before you board.
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Crystal Cruises Suites Cabin Guide
June 2026
Crystal Cruises has relaunched with a dramatically reduced capacity of just 740 guests, creating some of the most spacious suites at sea. From Aquamarine to the 117sqm Crystal Penthouse, every cabin features butler service and Italian marble finishes. Find your perfect suite with our expert guide.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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