Winter cruises with guaranteed sunshineWhen winter darkness and cold settle over the UK, there is nothing better than heading for warmer climates. A winter cruise combines relaxation, experiences, and guaranteed sunshine – all without having to unpack your suitcase every day. 1. The Caribbean – winter cruise to paradise islandsThe Caribbean is the very definition of paradise: crystal-clear turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and an atmosphere that soothes even the most stressed soul. On a winter cruise here, you can wake up on a new island every day – perhaps Barbados with its lively beach bars, St. Lucia with dramatic mountains, or the famous Bahamas.Experiences in the Caribbean: Colourful markets with local delicacies Historic colonial towns with charming architecture Snorkelling among corals and tropical fish Tip: Choose a route that combines both large ports like San Juan and smaller, authentic islands – it provides the perfect balance between activity and relaxation. ⚓ 2. The Canary Islands – sunny winter cruise closer to the UKThe Canary Islands are the obvious choice for those seeking sun without a long flight or time difference. With temperatures of 20–25°C even in the middle of winter, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote are ideal destinations for a relaxing winter cruise.Experiences in the Canary Islands: Black volcanic beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs Lush mountain landscapes and charming villages Spanish tapas and fresh fish in small harbour towns Tip: On Tenerife, make sure to take a trip to Mount Teide – the view from the top is one of Spain’s most spectacular. ⚓ 3. The Emirates – luxury, sun, and desert adventuresA winter cruise to the United Arab Emirates is a journey into a world of contrasts: futuristic skyscrapers side by side with traditional souks, luxurious shopping centres, and tranquil desert landscapes. Dubai boasts the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, while Abu Dhabi entices with lavish architecture such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.Experiences in the Emirates: Shopping in the world’s largest malls Visits to grand mosques and palaces Desert safari with sunset Tip: If your cruise docks overnight, be sure to book an evening desert tour – a sunset over golden sand dunes is a sight you’ll never forget. ⚓ 4. Australia & New Zealand – adventures on the Southern HemisphereWhen it’s winter in the UK, it’s high summer in Australia and New Zealand – perfect for swapping cold for warmth. A cruise Down Under can take you from Sydney’s iconic harbour to New Zealand’s dramatic fjords. Here, you get the best of city life and relaxed leisure amid stunning landscapes.Experiences Down Under: Koalas, kangaroos, and penguins in their natural habitats City life in Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland Wine routes, national parks, and world-famous beaches Tip: Extend your trip with a few days on land so you can explore the Great Barrier Reef or New Zealand’s wine regions. ⚓ 5. Asia – culture, spices, and paradise beachesA winter cruise in Asia combines sun and warmth with culture, history, and gastronomy. You can sail from bustling cities like Singapore to tranquil islands in Thailand and Vietnam, where life moves at a slower pace.Experiences in Asia: Visits to Buddhist temples and historic cities Colourful markets with the scents of coriander, lime, and chili Beach days on white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters Tip: Experience local traditions and crafts – small villages and markets showcase the culture up close. ⚓ Ready to find your winter favourite?Whether you long for the gentle waves of the Caribbean, the glamour of the Emirates, or the adventurous nature of Australia, there’s a winter cruise that’s perfect for you.Also, check out our guide: The ultimate packing guide for your cruise

MSC Yacht Club Coming to MSC Poesia: A New Era of Luxury Cruising  MSC Cruises has announced the addition of the MSC Yacht Club to MSC Poesia. Already a much-loved ship, Poesia will soon offer an exclusive “ship within a ship” experience, combining privacy and personal service with the world-class facilities MSC Cruises is famous for.  For UK travellers looking for a luxury cruise holiday, this is a game-changer. Whether sailing from Southampton, exploring Alaska, or heading to the Caribbean, the new Yacht Club experience means you can enjoy the very best in all-inclusive cruising while still having access to everything the wider ship has to offer.  What Makes the MSC Yacht Club Special?  The MSC Yacht Club is designed for guests who want the ultimate blend of luxury, comfort, and exclusivity. Here’s what you can expect:  Elegant suites for every traveller – from ocean-view balcony options to connected family suites and the ultra-luxurious Royal Suite, complete with private whirlpool, outdoor shower, and panoramic terrace. 24-hour butler and concierge service – ensuring every detail of your holiday is taken care of. Private facilities – including a dedicated restaurant with fine dining menus, the sophisticated Top Sail Lounge with panoramic sea views, and an exclusive sun deck with whirlpools, cabanas, and a Grill & Bar. All-inclusive luxury – enjoy premium drinks, exquisite dining, and a complimentary minibar throughout your stay.  The Yacht Club is already a favourite on MSC’s newest ships, and its arrival on MSC Poesia brings this luxury cruising experience to even more guests.  Enhancements Beyond the Yacht Club  While the new Yacht Club is the headline addition, MSC Poesia’s transformation also includes exciting new venues and refreshed spaces:  Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse – an American-style steakhouse serving premium cuts and classic sides. Reimagined Kaito Sushi Bar – blending Far Eastern inspiration with freshly prepared sushi and authentic Asian flavours. All-Stars Sports Bar – a lively hub with big screens, tasty snacks, and a vibrant game-day atmosphere. Revamped MSC Aurea Spa – featuring a salt room, steam rooms, an ocean-view sauna, and tranquil relaxation areas. Enhanced fitness facilities – with the MSC Gym Powered by Technogym®, plus a yoga room, jogging track, and sports courts.  These additions ensure that every guest on MSC Poesia can enjoy more choice, more comfort, and more ways to personalise their cruise holiday.  Why Passengers Will Love It  Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at MSC Cruises, described the news as “fantastic for UK and Irish guests.” MSC Poesia has already become popular with holidaymakers thanks to her Southampton sailings, and the addition of the Yacht Club now means travellers can enjoy all-inclusive luxury cruises from the UK without needing to fly long-haul first.  For those looking for something special – whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure – the MSC Yacht Club provides the perfect upgrade. It’s about personalised service, private spaces, and premium inclusions that turn a cruise into a truly five-star holiday at sea.  Where Will MSC Poesia Sail?  The MSC Yacht Club will debut on Alaska cruises in summer 2026, offering guests the chance to experience stunning scenery and wildlife while enjoying Yacht Club exclusivity. After Alaska, Poesia will continue with Caribbean and Central America itineraries in winter 2026/27, plus unforgettable Panama Canal transits.  That means no matter where you choose to sail, you can enjoy the Yacht Club’s private luxury while still having access to MSC Poesia’s full range of dining, entertainment, and activities.  If you’re ready to upgrade your holiday to the ultimate in luxury, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Poesia is waiting for you.  

Colourful, entertaining, and perfect for guests of all ages – those are the first words that come to mind when I think back on my trip aboard Costa Toscana, the newest ship from Costa Cruises. Read on to get a feel for what it's like to cruise with the Italian cruise line.   Although I’ve experienced several of the world’s largest cruise ships, I was once again impressed as I stood on the quayside in Barcelona, looking up at Costa Toscana before embarkation. The ship, with its distinctive yellow funnel marked by the blue ‘C’, is currently the newest in Costa’s fleet (launched in 2021) and, together with her sister ship Smeralda, ranks among the largest cruise ships in the world. This family-friendly ship can accommodate over 6,000 guests and is packed with exciting features and areas for both children and adults. Whether you're travelling with kids or not, I’m certain you’ll find your own personal favourites on board – and in this blog post, I’ll share some of mine.       Spacious balcony cabins During my cruise on Costa Toscana, I stayed in one of the ship’s 1,550 balcony cabins – light, stylish, and spacious, decorated in calming shades of blue and orange. The cabin featured a double bed, a daybed, TV and desk, and out on the balcony, a small table and two chairs – the perfect spot to enjoy the stunning views as we sailed. Speaking of views... Costa has added a fun little detail in the bathroom. There’s a window between the shower and the main cabin (with a view to the balcony), so you can enjoy a sea view while showering! Prefer a bit of privacy? There’s a curtain you can pull across. Still, it’s a fun touch if you want to make the most of your balcony experience.   Dining on board On Costa Toscana, you’ll find a wide selection of dining venues – including main restaurants and a buffet, all of which are included in the cruise fare. We enjoyed several evenings of delicious food in the main restaurants, where the Italian roots of the cruise line were clearly reflected in the menus. Most mornings, we opted for breakfast in the buffet restaurant, which was also very enjoyable. The culinary highlight of the trip was undoubtedly our visit to the speciality restaurant Ferrari Spazio Bollicine, where we enjoyed a seven-course tasting menu – each course paired with a glass of bubbly. As you might imagine, the mood was lively after the first few glasses, but the food itself was a real standout. One dish looked just like a cigar in an ashtray but turned out to be goat’s cheese wrapped in potato skin, with “ash” made from onion. It might sound unusual, but it tasted absolutely fantastic – just like every other dish we had. Each course was full of flavour, and the whole experience stands out as one of the best memories from the trip – a definite must-try!     Bars and lounges One of the things that makes Costa Toscana special is how open and accessible the bar and lounge areas are. It's easy to find a great spot with a lively atmosphere in the evening as you move around the ship – and once you’ve settled in, you can still soak up the buzz of life on board. I particularly liked the modern Infinity Bar, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails under the open sky, overlooking the sea with lounge music playing in the background. It’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink – and a nice contrast to some of the ship’s more colourful venues. It’s the variety and atmosphere across the different areas of the ship that make it so easy to find something that suits your taste. You’ll find an Aperol Spritz Bar, a Campari Bar – and not least the Heineken Star Club & Bistrò, which was a real highlight for us, with a lively evening atmosphere featuring live music, singing and dancing.     Spacious outdoor areas to enjoy the sun and sea In general, Costa Toscana offers fantastic outdoor areas with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll find lovely pool areas, jacuzzis – and of course, waterslides for kids and the young at heart. For the little ones, there’s a well-designed Splash AquaPark. In addition, there’s a sports court, cosy lounge areas, and not least the Volare Skywalk, which is elevated above the pool deck and offers panoramic views of the ship and the sea. At the aft of the ship, you’ll also find Piazza del Campo, where you can sit and take in the beautiful views from the grand staircase or enjoy entertainment. So even if you don’t have a balcony cabin, there are still plenty of great spots to watch the sunrise or sunset – and, of course, to enjoy the beautiful sail-ins.     Entertainment with a twist Something that sets Costa Cruises apart from other cruise lines is how they present their entertainment. In addition to the traditional theatre, the ship features Colosseo – a stage in the central atrium that spans three decks, allowing guests to come and go freely or enjoy the show from one of the nearby bars. There’s plenty of entertainment taking place here throughout the day and evening – we saw a Michael Bublé tribute concert, for example, but you can also enjoy performances such as dance and acrobatics. Once again, it’s a great example of how Costa opens up its spaces – and it really works well. The more traditional theatre, Poltrona Frau Arena, doubles as both a performance venue and a dance floor in the evenings. Even the ship’s indoor pool area is used for entertainment like Silent Disco. One thing’s for sure – when you cruise with Costa Cruises, you’ll always find a good party somewhere on board in the evening!       All in all, Costa Toscana is a great choice for both families with children and those looking for lively evenings with a vibrant atmosphere. There truly is something for everyone on board, and you get excellent value for money. Treat yourself to a meal at one of the ship’s speciality restaurants, which offer a more intimate, relaxed setting and outstanding culinary experiences. And make the most of the ship’s many fantastic facilities – I’m sure you’ll find your own favourites too! You can read more about Costa Toscana here.   Good to know when cruising with Costa Cruises The cruise line is very family-friendly, and you’ll typically see many families with children (especially during peak season) Because of this, the average age on board tends to be younger than on many other cruise lines There are many Southern European guests on board, so communication (e.g. announcements are made over the PA system) is given in Italian, German, French, Spanish, and English