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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Latest Blog Posts
Wind Surf Review July 2025
November 2025
Wind Surf feels like a private sailing yacht, offering warm hospitality, elegant spaces and a relaxed intimate atmosphere. Staterooms are well designed, dining is excellent and the crew deliver personalised service. With peaceful lounges and a friendly small ship culture, it is ideal for understated luxury at sea.
Read now
What Does All-Inclusive Mean on a Luxury Cruise?
November 2025
All inclusive luxury cruising removes the stress from travel, with fine dining, premium drinks, Wi Fi, entertainment and even excursions often included. Spacious suites and seamless service define the experience, letting you unwind completely and focus on the journey rather than the bill.
Read now
Queen Mary 2 Ship Visit
November 2025
Stepping aboard Cunards Queen Mary 2 felt like entering a golden age of ocean travel. From elegant staterooms to a superb lunch in Britannia Restaurant, the ships timeless style and exceptional service shone throughout my visit. Queen Mary 2 left a lasting impression and I am already dreaming of returning.
Read now
Into The Wild - Alaska Cruise Review 2025
November 2025
I had long dreamed of Alaska’s wild beauty. Sailing from Vancouver on Oceania Riviera, I explored Ketchikan, Juneau and Haines, watched whales rise from the water and glaciers tower around me, and felt the wonder of true wilderness. Alaska exceeded every hope and left me eager to return.
Read now
Lord of the Highlands Review August 2025
August 2025
Experience Hebridean Island Cruises aboard Lord of the Highlands, a 38 guest small ship sailing the Caledonian Canal. Enjoy Scottish charm, exceptional dining and memorable excursions from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. A perfect choice for luxury travellers seeking an intimate way to explore Scotland.
Read now
Choosing the Right Ship for Your Galapagos Cruise
August 2025
Explore the top ships for a Galapagos adventure, from luxury choices like Silver Origin to classic expedition vessels such as Santa Cruz II. With strict environmental rules, selecting the right small ship is essential. This guide helps you find the Galapagos vessel that suits your travel style.
Read now
Explora Journeys - Everything You Need to Know (Expert Tips)
August 2025
Explora Journeys offers refined luxury cruising with all suite ships, exceptional dining and a truly relaxed atmosphere. This guide covers the ships, suites, dining and destinations, with insight from our Voyage Consultant Jess. A perfect choice for travellers seeking all inclusive luxury at sea.
Read now
Oceania Allura Review July 2025
July 2025
This first look review of Oceania Allura highlights her elegant design, exceptional dining and relaxed, quiet luxury. Spacious suites, serene open decks and warm service make her an inviting choice for modern travellers. A beautifully crafted ship that showcases the best of Oceania Cruises.
Read now
5 Things to Know Before Cruising to Antarctica
July 2025
Antarctica is one of the most remote and remarkable places on Earth, offering wildlife, silence and landscapes unlike anywhere else. With insight from our Voyage Consultant Ashley, who has sailed there twice, this guide shares essential tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable Antarctic journey.
Read now
Oceania Cruises Updates Dress Code from September 2025
July 2025
Oceania Cruises has introduced an updated dress code that balances elegance with comfort. From 1 September 2025, the new guidelines offer clearer, more flexible daytime and evening attire while preserving the refined, relaxed atmosphere guests expect across the fleet with ease and confidence. Now
Read now
Windstar's Star Explorer Is Debuting in Late 2026-27
July 2025
Windstar Cruises will debut its newest yacht, Star Explorer, in the Mediterranean from winter 2026. Offering off season sailings with overnight stays, festive port calls and generous launch offers, these itineraries combine small ship charm with immersive European winter experiences.
Read now
Jane McDonald Sets Sail with Scenic and Emerald Cruises in New Channel 5 Series
June 2025
Jane McDonald returns to television in 2026 with From Pole to Pole, a new Channel 5 series following her journey from Antarctica to the Arctic. Filmed aboard Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, the series blends remote exploration, ultra luxury cruising and unforgettable destinations.
Read now
Seven Seas Prestige: New Suites Announced
June 2025
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled the new suite collection aboard Seven Seas Prestige, including Regent-first Skyview Suites, Grand Loft Suites and Horizon Penthouse Suites. Debuting in 2026, the ship marks the start of a new class and a fresh chapter in all-suite luxury cruising.
Read now
Introducing Seven Seas Prestige: Regent’s New Ultra-Luxury Ship
June 2025
Seven Seas Prestige will debut in 2026 as the first ship in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new Prestige Class, offering spacious all-suite accommodation and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea. With elegant design, exceptional dining and fully inclusive luxury, she marks an exciting new chapter for the brand.
Read now
AmaReina Review May 2025
June 2025
A review of AmaReina on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary, highlighting the onboard experience, dining, excursions and service. The sailing includes overnight stays in Vienna and Budapest, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Read now
Crystal Serenity Review May 2025
June 2025
A first-hand review of Crystal Serenity following her reimagined relaunch, focusing on suite accommodation, dining, onboard spaces and service. Elegant design, standout dining and warm, personalised service define the onboard experience from start to finish.
Read now
SeaDream II Review May 2025
May 2025
This review of SeaDream II takes a closer look at the yacht’s design, dining, service and onboard atmosphere. With just 112 guests, warm hospitality and a strong sense of camaraderie, SeaDream offers a quietly luxurious experience that feels refreshingly different.
Read now
Queen Anne Celebrates a Year at Sea
May 2025
Queen Anne marks a proud new chapter for Cunard as the line’s 249th ship, blending classic elegance with modern design. From her inaugural voyages and naming ceremony in Liverpool to world cruises and future global itineraries, her debut year showcases a truly global cruising vision.
Read now
My time on the new Silversea ship - Silver Ray Ship Review May 2025
May 2025
This review of Silversea’s new ship, Silver Ray, explores her modern design, light-filled spaces, suite accommodation and standout dining. From thoughtfully designed social venues to exceptional cuisine, Silver Ray feels like a confident new chapter for the brand.
Read now
Luxury Cruises for Multi-Generational Families
May 2025
Discover why multi-generational luxury cruising is transforming family holidays. From spacious suites to kids' clubs and expedition adventures, luxury cruise lines now offer thoughtful features that bring families together without compromising on comfort or style.
Read now