The ultimate guide to international cruise holidays this year

There’s something about cruising through foreign waters. It forces you to switch off in a way that no city break, not even a week of lounging by a hotel pool, can quite achieve. The gentle bob of the waves lulling you to sleep, the fresh horizon each morning, the (happily) intermittent Wi-Fi: combined, by some alchemy, these elements shake you out of your routine.

What joy then that we can once again plan voyages to the white beaches of Barbados, through the vineyard-dotted banks of Portugal’s Douro river or even island hopping in French Polynesia.

Picture yourself, sipping champagne, watching the twinkling lights of St Barts fade as you depart for the next port. Or, how about kayaking between Iceland’s peaks, eyes peeled for puffins or whales, building an appetite for that evening’s multi-course dinner back on board.

Months spent cooped up on home shores have forged a hunger to roam; cruise holidays can satiate that restlessness. Each offers a brief introduction to a mix of destinations and may help you to shape your future travel plans as the world reopens.
Last Monday, the Foreign Office’s effective ban on international ocean-going voyages came to an end. That wasn’t day one of round-the-world cruises for Britons, of course. An almost 17-month halt had left most passengers in waiting. Now they are raring to go: it’s time to book your next sailing.

The choices are plentiful. European options abound in our guide here but further afield is calling. There’s a strong smattering of the Caribbean, and one or two to tempt those who want to fully stretch their sea legs. How about the UAE or Morocco?

Planning and flexibility, are – as for any travel at this time – vital. To start with, the vast majority of cruise lines require adult passengers to be fully vaccinated. Most of the destinations we’ve picked are welcoming Britons (whether with proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test), as well as being either amber- or green-listed. However, we’ve selected a few to-be-confirmed options, based on a little educated guesswork.

Some itineraries here, for example, begin in – or include stops in – the United States. September is the earliest date at which most industry insiders predict entry restrictions may be eased for British holidaymakers, so our suggestions are for later on in the year. The US signalled last week that it has plans to reopen to double-jabbed visitors.

Keep an eye on the traffic-light categories; entry rules for other countries could alter ahead of your trip. Foreign Office advice is also subject to change. Cruise lines should inform you of this, but it’s worth paying attention.

So, plan with caution, then let your mind drift. You could soon be waking up to a week of blazing sunrises, each with a new backdrop.

Go small in the Caribbean

Combine quieter isles with livelier stops on a small-ship cruise with Windstar. The recently renovated 312-passenger (numbers are reduced under Covid protocols) Star Pride is the antithesis of the 5,000 passenger giants. Its svelte size allows it to tuck into, or anchor nearby, petite ports. Highlights include the baths of Virgin Gorda (giant granite boulders around which is a mini maze of pools, ideal for a paddle), the chi-chi boutiques of St Barts and the half-lush, half-volcanic Montserrat: join a tour of the eerie exclusion zones to better understand the island’s history.
Seven-night round-trip from St Maarten, departing November 27. From ￡1,579pp, cruise only (001 866 851 4042; windstarcruises.com)

Make for Morocco

Much of the African continent remains off limits to Britons, for now. However, Morocco is on the amber list and open to UK travellers (with entry requirements in place, of course). This voyage will take you to three of its cities. Wander the labyrinthine Medina of Tangier and stop for a refreshing mint tea at Café Hafa. Then head to the beach in Agadir, which sits in the foothills of the Atlas mountains. In Casablanca, admire the Hassan II Mosque, its star attraction. The Moroccan portion of this cruise is bookended with European calls: Belfast, Cádiz and Lisbon.
14-night round-trip from Liverpool, departing November 2. From ￡1,399pp (0800 280 8225; fredolsencruises.com)

Try the ABCs

Delve into the Dutch Caribbean with this Marella voyage that includes stops in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. In Oranjestad (Aruba), you’ll find a little taste of old Amsterdam complete with pastel, gabled-topped buildings and colonial clock towers. In Bonaire, opt for a boat cruise through the mangrove forests of Lac Bay National Park. This area of seagrass beds and tidal creeks offers a rich habitat for reef fish, young conch and a feeding spot for green turtles. Birders should pack their binoculars: flamingos, frigate birds and ospreys are among the potential sightings.
Seven-night cruise, departing Barbados on November 14. From ￡1,228pp, when booked online (0203 451 2688; tui.co.uk)

All aboard for Barbados

Set sail from Southampton and relax into cruise time aboard P&O Cruises’ flagship, Britannia. There’s ample leisure time at sea to make the most of the heaving buffets (now served by waiting staff), afternoon teas and lengthy sessions in the spa. On your fifth day, you’ll arrive on the Portuguese island of Madeira, home of verdant hillsides and fortified wine. After another stint of sailing, you’ll make it to the Caribbean. Paradisiacal beaches await in Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and, finally, Barbados.
14-night cruise, departing Southampton on October 22. From ￡949pp (0344 338 8003; pocruises.com)

Polynesian paradise

Seeking a little romance? The Society Islands, including many honeymooners’ favourites, could be the answer on this voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Dust off any lingering lockdown cobwebs with a week-long voyage far from home. Starting and finishing on the largest island, Tahiti, you’ll also get to know Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Moorea. In Tahiti, pencil in a stop at the Paul Gauguin Museum in between admiring the island’s mountains, waterfalls and black sand beaches.
Seven-night round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti, departing December 29. From ￡3,980 (00 334 9116 1627; en.ponant.com)

Break for the Bahamas

White sands, turquoise sea and long, lazy hours of sunshine: tripping between the Bahamas satisfies many post-pandemic holiday cravings. If fishing takes your fancy, Bimini (your second port) will deliver. Yellow tail snappers, Nassau groupers and blue marlin are among the species you’ll find around its shores. On both Long Island and Great Exuma are the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs, while the emerald-green island of San Salvador has colourful coral reefs to explore.
Seven-night round-trip from Nassau, departing September 11. From ￡2,445pp (001 866 866 8025; crystalcruises.com)

Desert days

The UAE will from today be on the amber list. You could book in for winter sun on a short cruise that takes in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A long weekend awaits: languorous brunch, followed by camel trekking over sand dunes or haggling for trinkets in souks. Three days in Dubai gives enough time to explore the old Persian quarter of Bastakiya, a former fishing village named after the Bastak (Iranian) traders that arrived in the 19th century. It sits along the south bank of Dubai Creek and is a pocket of tradition amid the glass skyscrapers.
Four-night round-trip from Abu Dhabi, UAE, departing November 12. From ￡259pp, cruise only (0203 426 3010; msccruises.co.uk)

Languish in the tropics

Book in for a full 13 days of Caribbean beaches, flitting between islands on the luxurious Seabourn Odyssey. There’s a real pick and mix of ports on this voyage: vibrant markets in the St Lucian capital of Castries and a chance to admire the island’s pitons; the Dominican capital of Roseau; Grenada’s St. George’s Harbour (and more).
Round-trip from Barbados, departing October 31. From ￡4,818pp (0161 516 0385; panachecruises.com)

Enjoy your own private island

This short cruise from Miami includes a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, an island reserved for Norwegian Cruise Line guests. Spend a full day relaxing in a beachfront cabana, kayak around its shores or explore the world beneath with a little snorkelling. Back on the Norwegian Gem, children are well catered for with clubs such as the Splash Kids Academy, as well as sports facilities and a climbing wall. Other port calls include Grand Bahama Island and Nassau. Tack on some time at one end of the cruise to admire Miami’s art-deco architecture and indulge in local cuisine.
Four-night round-trip from Miami, departing October 17. From ￡435pp, cruise only (0333 2412319; ncl.com)

A Canadian curiosity

Double-jabbed Britons will be welcome in Canada from next month, so how about getting to know the country on a river cruise? St Lawrence Cruise Lines offers river voyages that could be weaved into a longer stay. You’ll sail on the Canadian Empress; this 66-passenger (currently reduced to 50) replica of a Victorian steamboat will take you along the St Lawrence river that separates Ontario from New York State.
Four nights departing from Kingston, sailing October 20. From ￡1,049pp, cruise only (001 613 549 8091; stlawrencecruiselines.com)

Emma Featherstone

Prices include flights unless otherwise stated

Reader Service: Did you know that some cruise operators require specific cruise travel insurance? Learn how to get the right travel cover for your trip.

Are you planning an international cruise holiday this year? Let us know in the comments below