With unrivalled landscape, wildlife and vibrant cities, Australia and New Zealand are becoming increasingly popular for cruise and stay holidays. Newcomers to the world of cruising are especially drawn to the many routes available and it is an ideal location for young travellers or groups of friends looking for a fun-filled destination. Auckland, Wellington, Sydney and Melbourne all offer excitement and you are certain to never run out of entertainment. Cruise holidays in Australia and New Zealand are especially popular during the winter months, when it’s summer time in the southern hemisphere.

Of course, with the wondrous sights further inland, in addition to those along the coast, plenty of time will be set aside for exploring. The vast and varied landscape of Australia offers deserts, jungles and some of the most captivating natural wonders in the world, such as Ayers Rock. Closer to shore, there will also be astonishing sights such as the Great Coral Reef and the white golden sands of Bondii Beach.

Many people think New Zealand and Australia might offer a similar experience, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. As well as significant cultural differences the New Zealand landscape is far removed from that of its nearest neighbour. Here the lush scenery, captivating fjords and mountains are sure to impress. New Zealand has become a highly sought after destination since the release of the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy, which was filmed across the country.

The beauty of the cruise is that the emphasis is taken off the reaching of a destination and passengers are encouraged to enjoy their journey. Cruise liners are equipped with every possible entertainment to ensure that each and every traveller returns homes truly having had the time of their life.

Onboard activities on cruise liners run by such companies as Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and P&O Cruises are certain to offer something for everyone. Passengers wishing to be pampered can take advantage of on board beauty and spa facilities, while the more energetic will wish to take advantage of the amazing exercise opportunities on board, from fully equipped gyms to rock climbing walls and surf simulators – modern day liners boast it all.

Lovers of the arts are well catered to on board cruises with programmes of theatrical presentation on most routes, with some operators offering guests the opportunity to take part in courses aimed at improving all sorts of artistic skills.

Since the inception of the liner, the dining experience has been at the very centre of the cruise experience, a fact that remains as true today as it ever was. Fine dining is a must on board a cruise ship and chefs of great repute are behind a number of floating restaurants around the world, which have served thousands of contented cruise customers.

For those who like to socialise of an evening, cruise liners offer bars and nightclubs and even casinos – with many ships so large that guests can sample a different venue on each night of their time onboard.

The need to discover and experience new pastures and greener lands has been a part of human nature since the very first discovery was made. If this sounds like something you are hungry for, a world cruise is the way to feed your appetite for adventure and to see new and exotic lands.

World cruises are not suitable for anyone that doesn’t like being away from home for long periods of time, world cruise holiday typically last for anywhere between 80 and 110 days.

On a world cruise, you will see some incredible sights and your travel itinerary is likely to take the following route. Starting in the UK, from major ports of departure such as Southampton, you might sail west, into the Atlantic, to America or the Caribbean, then through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii, Australia and then to stunning New Zealand.

World cruise holidays then continue onto Asia, before moving on to India, visiting the Nicobar and Andaman Islands, possibly passing through the Suez Canal, into the gorgeous Mediterranean. Alternatively the itinerary may take you to Africa and on to the South and North Atlantic.

Of course, you should always check the full itinerary before you book; just to make sure it’s taking the route you prefer. You can check by visiting your travel agent or going directly to the cruise companies’ website. If you like the idea of taking a world cruise with such well-known companies as P&O Cruises or Cunard, check out the exact details of the world cruises you are interested in.

Cruises are for people who want a holiday with a difference. You might come across a number of difficulties trying to find something as different and as spectacular as a cruise. This is especially true when the voyage takes you to some of the most amazing and awe-inspiring places in the world.

Red Sea cruises are particularly amazing as you will be swept through some of the most magical places in the entire world and be taken to world-famous sites and locations. The great thing about Red Sea cruises is that you can take in as much or as little as you like on your holiday. You might take an adventurous trip into the desert or stay and view the wonders from the comfort of your floating hotel.

Take in the wonder of the Valley of the Kings; get the perfect tan at amazing beaches at Safaga or even barter for bargains and souvenirs in the bazaars that will have you excited and wanting so much more.

No matter what you decide to take on board on a Red Sea cruise and its ports, you will encounter some of the greatest, oldest and most rousing places in the world.

On a Red Sea cruise you can also spend two fascinating days in Aqaba, in Jordan. From this port, you can spend time at the Aqaba Fort, possibly the world’s oldest and most inspirational church.

The magic of the Red Sea is undeniable, amazing sights to behold, culture and history everywhere you look, wonderful buildings and even ancient cities.

Don’t miss out on a Red Sea cruise, you certainly will not regret it as you enjoy the most magical holiday you could ever imagine.

From the glaciers of Alaska to the stunning white sands of the Caribbean, a cruise will take you to places you have only ever dreamt of seeing.

You can sail directly to some of the world’s most spectacular landmarks and exotic destinations. Whether you have a taste for the historic cities of Europe or the secluded beaches of the South Pacific, anything is possible on a cruise.

If you are a first-time cruiser, it can be difficult to choose where to go. Even if you are an experienced cruiser it can still be a difficult decision to make, there will always be that one special place that you haven’t visited yet.

You could go to Mexico, Alaska, take a Caribbean cruise, travel the Mediterranean or Europe and so many more fascinating destinations.

The first thing to do when choosing a destination is to think of how long you want to be away for and where you can depart from on your cruise. If you can’t fly, you will have to board the cruise ship at a local port, which could limit your itinerary as far as your ultimate destination goes. Fortunately, more cruise companies than ever are expanding the range of destinations available from UK ports.

If you happy to fly, the world is your oyster. You can go to any port in the world to start your cruise or meet up with one already in progress. Think about what you want your cruise to be and take it from there, with a little forward planning you won’t be disappointed with either your choice of cruise company or the destinations you select.

With a stunning fleet of ships and one of the most praised reputations in cruise holidays, Costa Cruises will provide you with an escape like no other company.

The vast range of destinations that they offer is sure to appeal to any type of traveller. As well as the popular Mediterranean, Indian and Caribbean cruises, they also cover Norway and the Fjord Highlands, the Middle East and transatlantic routes.

Costa is the largest cruise operator in Europe and has some really impressive vessels to its name. One of the  highly sought after is the Costa Classica, which boasts the Piazza Navona and the Puccini Ballroom, as well as a two-storey theatre. It has 1,690 bedrooms and a crew of 590. The Costa Luminosa has a 4-D cinema and the ever-popular golf and grand prix simulators to keep everyone entertained on the voyage.

Of course, it has some pretty luxurious restaurants and bars on board, as well as the relaxing Samsara Spa. The Luminosa is easily one of the biggest in the fleet, with over 2,000 bedrooms and just under 1,000 crew.

If you are a first time cruiser and are unsure how to prepare for a cruise holiday, you can rest assure that Costa will look after all your needs. As always, newcomers will be best suited to the cruise and stay options available, and Costa can provide a wealth of destinations for you to choose from. They will also run special offers and late cruise deals, so it will always be better to hold out until something that suits becomes available.

The vast continent of Asia can offer a diverse range of cruise holiday itineraries that are sure to appeal to any taste. From the bustling cultural cities to the unrivalled heritage and stunning landscapes, there will be plenty of Far East cruises to choose from. From the vibrant atmosphere of Hong Kong to the paradise islands off the coast of Thailand, a cruise in Asia will certainly be rich in variety.

One popular destination for discovering the breathtaking scenery of Asia is the My Yangtze River cruise, which runs through China and is operated by Viking Century Sky. Of course, easily the biggest attraction on this route is the Great Wall of China, one of the great wonders of the world. Another major attraction, which can be found in Xian, is the Terracotta Army.

The bustling Chinese city of Shanghai is also part of this trip, but another incredibly popular port in the Asia region, is Singapore. Here this peaceful and oasis-like city will offer an experience like no other.

The cost of Far East cruises will largely depend on the destinations offered. Big cities, like Hong Kong and Singapore, being the most popular and easily accessible, are usually in the higher budget range, but you can save a substantial amount on your ticket if you wait for last minute cheap cruises.

With such a rich and contrasting range of cultures and heritage across the continent, there will is no better way to experience it all than to take a cruise.

P&O Cruises is one of the most recognisable names in cruise holidays. They boast a long and respected history and they are easily the first choice for many travellers.

Throughout the year they offer a wide variety of destinations to suit any taste and now that cruise holidays are becoming more popular with younger generations, can offer a wealth of exciting and adventurous destinations that are sure to appeal to all ages.

Of course, P&O will offer plenty of spacious rooms and luxurious comfort for your holiday and they have one of the most enviable fleet of ships. The Oceana will be especially suited to first-time cruisers and she boasts a stunning range of entertainment; 12 glamorous bars, the famous Monte Carlo casino and many other fantastic attractions. There are also plenty of family facilities and activities on board.

Their latest edition is the captivating Arcadia and as well as having a Gary Rhodes restaurant on board, there is also a three-tier theatre.

If you are choosing P&O for your cruise holidays this year, you can rest assured that you will not find a better variety anywhere else. They even offer child-free cruises for those looking for less active and more adult atmosphere. P&O Cruises have a variety of cruise and stay options and will offer some attractive last minute cruises for all group sizes.

From the white-sands of the Sri Lanka beaches to the icy snow-capped mountains of Alaska, P&O can offer the right destination to suit your tastes. However, if you are looking for a particular destination, it will be wise to book early as they can often sell out quickly.

Baltic Cruises are a popular holiday choice for travellers from all over the world. With Baltic Cruise itineraries on offer from such leading operators as P&O cruises, Thomson Cruises and Princess Cruises, passengers can choose from a range of cruise experiences taking in the highlights of the Baltic coastline.

Baltic Cruises will offer a combination of ports throughout the Baltic region offering a selection of sights and sensations along the way. Visit Copenhagen, the beautiful and popular Danish capital, billed as one of the greenest cities in Europe, where passengers can enjoy a walking tour and admire the stunning skyline dominated by a plethora of towers and spires. Go to Gothenburg, the Swedish city that is home to the innovative Alvbogs Bridge and the architecturally inspiring Gothenburg Opera House. Helsinki, the Finnish capital, is a great stop for Scandinavian souvenir shopping and was recently selected as the World Design Capital for 2012. 

Why not try Talin where the beautifully preserved medieval capital of Estonia sits in stark juxtaposition to the grim remnants of the Soviet era. Or sail to St Petersburg, Russia’s “Imperialist Capital” and second largest city with sights such as the Peter and Paul Fortress Cathedral, Griboyedov Canal and the Winter Palace. Also on offer is Oslo, the Norwegian capital which offers such diverse delights as the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and the TusenFryd Amusement Park.

Whatever combination of Baltic Ports passengers choose they can be sure of a unique experience, with some stunning seascape scenery along the way.

Carnival Cruises offer holidaymakers an alternative to the sometimes stuffy and staid onboard atmosphere offered by traditional cruise operators. The cruise specialists claim that their cruise holidays are “proof that fun floats” and their exceptional programme of onboard activities and entertainment are a testament to their belief in this motto.

Onboard activities range from sporting contests to deck parties, with facilities such as casinos, bars, nightclubs, live performance venues and more all onboard for the cruise passenger’s enjoyment. Dedicated teams are employed by Carnival Cruises to structure and lead children’s activities ensuring they get as much enjoyments as the adults from their time at sea.

During your time in port, Carnival offers an exceptional selection of shore excursions using the knowledge of local experts to help their cruise passengers experience the best selection of sights and local atmosphere during their time off of the ship.

On a Carnival Cruise every day is a cause for celebration and the cruise company’s great selection on board eateries offer a fine venue to do just that. Enjoy relaxed dining with friends, or share a cosy meal as a couple – the choice is yours.

With a fleet of 22 luxurious liners with such inspiring names as Ecstasy, Sensation and Fascination, Carnival Cruises sails to destinations in the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean as well as offering their innovative “cruise to nowhere” option, which will allow you to experience all the on board fun of a cruise without going very far away from home.