Planning a first cruise or a trip to Venice can be overwhelming, but expert advice is available to inspire and help with the decision.
For cruises, there is a ship for every traveller, whether they are on honeymoon, travelling as a family, or enjoying a break with friends, with destinations from the Norwegian fjords to the lively party islands in the Mediterranean.
Top cruise lines are highlighted for specific traveler needs, such as Crystal Cruises for superlative service and an 80% crew return rate, Royal Caribbean for active families with zip-lining and surf simulators, Silversea for ultra-luxury lovers, and Disney Cruise Line for young families, bringing the enchanting shoreside experience to sea.
Other options include Hurtigruten for coastal cruising, P&O Cruises for no-fly cruises from Southampton, and Cunard for transatlantic voyages on the *Queen Mary 2*.
Avalon Waterways offers contemporary Suite Ships for river cruises, Celebrity Cruises is noted for its LGBT-friendly environment, and Saga caters to solo travellers over 50.
Virgin Voyages appeals to a younger crowd with high-energy entertainment, while Star Clippers provides an adventurous, romantic sailing experience.
The guide also features the 12 best hotels in Venice, a city with six *sestieri* (neighbourhoods), covering romantic luxury getaways to budget breaks.
The selection covers both budget and luxury, with many being locally owned.
Noted hotels include the historic Gritti Palace, the family-owned Hotel Flora near Piazza San Marco, the quiet Hotel Sant'Antonin in Castello, and the sleek, modern Sina Centurion Palace in Dorsoduro.
Generator Venice, a poshtel on Giudecca, is a great option for solo travellers.
The guide advises the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds in Venice.
For cruises, there is a ship for every traveller, whether they are on honeymoon, travelling as a family, or enjoying a break with friends, with destinations from the Norwegian fjords to the lively party islands in the Mediterranean.
Top cruise lines are highlighted for specific traveler needs, such as Crystal Cruises for superlative service and an 80% crew return rate, Royal Caribbean for active families with zip-lining and surf simulators, Silversea for ultra-luxury lovers, and Disney Cruise Line for young families, bringing the enchanting shoreside experience to sea.
Other options include Hurtigruten for coastal cruising, P&O Cruises for no-fly cruises from Southampton, and Cunard for transatlantic voyages on the *Queen Mary 2*.
Avalon Waterways offers contemporary Suite Ships for river cruises, Celebrity Cruises is noted for its LGBT-friendly environment, and Saga caters to solo travellers over 50.
Virgin Voyages appeals to a younger crowd with high-energy entertainment, while Star Clippers provides an adventurous, romantic sailing experience.
The guide also features the 12 best hotels in Venice, a city with six *sestieri* (neighbourhoods), covering romantic luxury getaways to budget breaks.
The selection covers both budget and luxury, with many being locally owned.
Noted hotels include the historic Gritti Palace, the family-owned Hotel Flora near Piazza San Marco, the quiet Hotel Sant'Antonin in Castello, and the sleek, modern Sina Centurion Palace in Dorsoduro.
Generator Venice, a poshtel on Giudecca, is a great option for solo travellers.
The guide advises the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds in Venice.