Choosing the best cruise for you – whether you’re a first-timer or thrill-seeker

Choosing the best cruise can be an overwhelming decision as there are so many amazing voyages to choose from… but they might not necessarily all be right for you. That’s why Sailawaze has created this guide to help you find exactly which cruise will suit you best. 

We’ve rounded up five bespoke cruises – all available to book via Kenwood Cruise – to suit every type of cruiser. Always up for an adventure? We’ve got you covered. Prefer to take things slow and focus on some well-deserved R&R? Look no further. Kenwood Cruise (the newest department in Kenwood Travel’s team of experts) offers unforgettable adventures along the world’s rivers and across its oceans, not to mention seriously cool land excursions in destinations ranging from Antarctica to Cambodia. 

Which cruise is right for you?

Your first cruise is the most important – and probably the most exciting! What can you expect? We suggest it’s best to soft launch with a relatively short cruise, to test the waters (pun intended). 

Cunard’s three-night mini-break to Bruges is an ideal starter cruise. With no flights to worry about and a short, direct sailing from Southampton, this itinerary couldn’t be easier for first-timers and guarantees a hassle-free trip. Expect a healthy dose of medieval history in this fairytale city of cobbled streets and an even healthier abundance of beer; Bruges is widely considered one of the world’s beer capitals – and its array of charming bars and breweries do not disappoint. 

One day at sea allows the perfect amount of time for new cruisers to find their sea legs and explore all that stately Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 has to offer. From a traditional afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters to invigorating dance classes – this regal retreat is bound to whet your cruising appetite. 

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, Cunard is renowned for being one of the most deluxe lines out there and this mini-cruise is in-budget at just over £300 per person! 

For anyone with a thirst for the undiscovered, exploring doesn’t get much more outgoing than on an expedition cruise. With unparalleled access to some of the world’s most remote regions, you might find yourself kayaking alongside penguins, trekking through deserts and encountering ancient civilisations. 

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, we reckon a HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Antarctica voyage is just the thing for you – and it’s one helluva bucket list tick-off.

Spend two weeks at the far reaches of the southern hemisphere, starting out in Argentina’s bustling capital, Buenos Aires, before boarding your expedition ship and crossing the Drake Passage to reach the snowscapes of Antarctica.

This all-inclusive cruise means you don’t have to worry about any extra costs and can go into full explorer mode. Expert expedition teams will lead daily shore landings to seek out wildlife, with options to kayak, snowshoe and camp also on offer. For the real thrill-seekers, polar plunges into the icy waters are a must! (Although we’ll be watching from the side with a hot chocolate, thanks…).

The uninitiated might think cruising means lots of time sitting around on ships but it’s actually one of the best ways to unleash your inner adventurer and dive into the heart of destinations. 

Kenwood Cruise offers a great selection of itineraries that offer front-row seats to shoreside action. They can also custom make your pre- and post-cruise experience to make sure your holiday perfectly suits you. Feel like taking the wheel and adding in a self-drive section to your trip? Kenwood Cruise can arrange this no problem.

One such cruise and stay holiday is a three-week escape to the majestic landscapes (and seascapes) of Southern Africa. Kick off the trip by boarding The Blue Train for two nights and whoosh through South Africa’s vineyards and rugged mountains – all while being pampered no end. 

Chances to spot Africa’s big five will be aplenty, with game drives taking place in some of the continent’s best game reserves. Enjoying a sundowner overlooking baby elephants? Sign us up! An overnight stay in Mossel Bay also promises fantastic opportunities for scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts, and if that’s not enough, why not try the world’s longest over-ocean zipline? It stretches a mind-boggling 1100 metres from cliff to cliff! Now that’s a sea view.

Nothing delivers on kicking back and taking a break quite like the Caribbean, and this Caribbean cruise itinerary is ideal for those in need of well-earned downtime. 

Sailing with Explora Journeys means there is no shortage of wellness experiences onboard – from yoga sessions to personally tailored facial and spa treatments. Off the ship, reconnect with nature via hikes and bike rides through the lush jungles of Antigua and Barbuda, sip on perfectly-aged rums and stroll the boho streets of Puerto Rico’s San Juan, rifling through the city’s many artisan boutiques.

If sunbathing, drinking and good food don’t quite cut it for your holidays, there are myriad enriching cruises that focus on culture and history for you to choose from. This year’s Race Across the World might have got you itching to experience South East Asia, and there is no better way to get into the centre of the region’s varied culture than sailing along the mighty Mekong River flanked by colourful floating villages. 

Combining the bright lights of such cities as Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh with more tranquil spots (UNESCO jungle temple Angkor Wat is another bucket list whopper), Kenwood Cruises’ ‘Timeless Wonders’ itinerary will give you an immersive understanding of the inner workings of life along the Mekong.  

Visit river islands home to just seven local families and learn their extraordinary ways of life or feel inspired by the Buddhist monks of Way Hanchey and Kampong Cham.

Why book with Kenwood Cruise? 

Kenwood Cruise’s expert team knows the best cruise lines, the most awe-inspiring itineraries, and the most luxurious ships in the world. Not only that, they can package them with countless extras and add-ons to handcraft your perfect cruise holiday. 

• Travel expertise Tailor-made holidays specialist since 1977
• Consumer protection ATOL & ABTA bonded to keep your money safe
• Personal touch Friendly & knowledgeable UK call centre team
• Partner savings Exclusive preferred-partner pricing for savings

See Kenwood Cruise’s full range of cruises here for further inspiration, or speak to one of the team’s friendly cruise experts for some further recommendations.