6 of the best cruises to see Scandinavia in 2025 and 2026
A cruise can offer you the best of the region with stops in the major capitals of Oslo in Norway, Copenhagen in Denmark and Stockholm in Sweden, as well as visits to more unique villages and former fortresses. The headliners of Scandinavia are undoubtedly the scenic Norwegian fjords, and if you're lucky, you might get to spot the northern lights. And there are plenty of cruises dedicated to these bucket list experiences.
For history buffs, it's hard to top Denmark and Sweden with their medieval towns and culinary delights, and you can often find Scandi port stops and departures from Copenhagen and Stockholm as well as visits to smaller towns and villages during northern Europe itineraries. A range of cruise lines visit Scandinavia, from megaships to smaller luxury brands.
Here is our pick of the best cruises to see Scandinavia.
Hurtigruten: Lofoten to the West Fjords
Svolvær – Brønnøysund – Trondheim – Bergen
Experience the majestic scenery of the Norwegian fjords on a four-day sailing with Hurtigruten that visits 16 ports along the west coast of Norway. Passengers will be able to visit the fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands and see the famous seascapes of the Helgeland coast with Hurtigruten.
The cruise line offers a hop-on-hop-off service for locals as well as the full cruise experience, including restaurants serving hyper-local, seasonal dishes inspired by the destinations visited.
Regular departures 2025 and 2026. From £754pp.
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Best for seeing the northern lights
Havila: Round Voyage
Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen
The northern lights are the best light show in Scandinavia, and many experts say that the best chance of seeing them in Norway is on a cruise. Norwegian brand Havila gives guests plenty of chances to spot the aurora borealis on a 12-day sailing that visits 34 ports on a round voyage from Bergen. Stops include the North Cape and the Arctic Circle.
Passengers can enjoy the views on deck or from the glass ceiling of the indoor and slightly warmer observation lounge. There will be announcements if the northern lights have been spotted, to ensure you don't miss out, plus there is a money-back guarantee if they don't appear during sailings between October and March.
Departs 15 October 2025. From £1,555pp.
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Norwegian Cruise Line: Baltic Cruise
Copenhagen – Helsinki – Tallinn – Stockholm (Nynashamn) – Klaipeda – Gdynia – Berlin (Warnemünde) – Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) – Brussels / Bruges (Zeebrugge) –Southampton
Explore the scenic streets of Copenhagen and visit the Danish capital's iconic Little Mermaid statue before boarding this 11-day sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line that includes other Scandinavian stops such Stockholm via Helsinki and Tallinn in Estonia. You can finish off this cruise with Belgian waffles in Bruges, plus Brits have the added convenience of disembarking in Southampton.
It will be hard to get bored on this sailing aboard Norwegian Prima, with an on-board three-deck race track and waterslides, as well as a mini golf course. There are also 17 bars and lounges across the 3,100 capacity ship for a well-deserved drink after all the exploring you'll be doing.
Departs 9 October 2025. From £1,941pp.
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Best for Scandi capitals
Sapphire Princess: Norway, Denmark and Sweden
Copenhagen – Skagen – Oslo – Gdansk (Gdynia) – Klaipeda – Riga – Tallinn – Helsinki – Nynashamn (for Stockholm) – Visby – Copenhagen
This 12-night sailing with Princess Cruises offers a true taste of Scandinavia, with visits to the region's key capitals of Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm.
There are also chances to visit smaller towns and cities, including Skagen in Denmark, where you can sample the local speciality, herring, and the former Viking settlement of Visby in Sweden, which is recognised by UNESCO as the best-preserved medieval commercial centre in Northern Europe.
The itinerary is action-packed, but guests should still have a chance to relax in the four pools and four bars on the 2,670 capacity Sapphire Princess, as well as enjoy the daily entertainment in the piazza and theatre.
Departs 3 May 2026. From £1,619pp.
Azamara Journey: Baltic Intensive Cruise
Copenhagen – Gdansk – Klaipeda – Riga – Tallinn – Helsinki – Turku – Stockholm
You won't have to worry as much about getting back to the ship on time during this cruise, as luxury cruise line Azamara regularly includes overnight stays in larger ports. Passengers aboard Azamara Journey can take more time exploring Copenhagen at the start of the cruise and Stockholm at the end with overnight stays. Plus, you could complete the Nordic region during extended day visits to Helsinki and Turku in Finland.
Additionally, Azamara's cruise fares include beer, wine and spirits, so you don't have to worry about buying a drinks package, plus tips are included.
Azamara Journey has a capacity for up to 700 passengers, so it won't be too hard to find a seat inside its seven restaurants and four bars and lounges on board, as well as in the pool, where you can unwind after a busy day of excursions.
Departs 9 July 2026. From £3,269pp.
Best for Swedish stops
MSC Magnifica: Northern Europe
Copenhagen – Karlskrona – Warnemunde – Gdynia – Visby – Riga – Stockholm
Sailing from Copenhagen to Stockholm, this six-night cruise aboard MSC Magnifica takes passengers to a different port each day.
Top Scandi stops include a visit to Karlskrona in Sweden, the country's only baroque city, as well as Visby, where passengers can explore the Swedish town's old forts and medieval ruins of St Nicolai and St Karin.
The 3,223 capacity MSC Magnifica may have been around since 2010, but is set to enter dry dock later this year for a new five-deck upmarket Yacht Club area to be built, as well as a new spa and gym in time for summer sailings in 2026.
Departs 5 June 2026. From £820pp.
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Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Marius Borg Høiby has diplomatic passport revoked following sexual assault charges - after holidaying in Portugal with his stepfather Crown Prince Haakon
Marius Borg Høiby has had his diplomatic passport revoked, according to reports. It comes after the stepson of the heir to Norway's throne, Crown Prince Haakon, enjoyed a five-day holiday in Portugal with his stepfather and half brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. The specific reasons why had to surrender the passport, are unknown, according to national paper Se og Hør. However, the 28-year-old was recently charged with rape, sexual assault and bodily harm. He has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on preliminary charges. At the end of June, Oslo police announced charges against Høiby on multiple counts, including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm after a months-long investigation of a case that involved a 'double-digit' number of alleged victims. State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø has stated that, although it's difficult to predict, there will likely be clarity regarding the royal's charges by mid-August, Se og Hør reported. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Se og Hør last week that Høiby no longer has a diplomatic passport, but didn't answer specific questions about why. Høiby is reported to have had both a diplomatic and standard passport since he was young. While members of the Royal House have diplomatic passports, other members of the Royal Family use standard ones after turning 18, under new rules that came into effect around six months ago. Others who have the special documents include Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, Princess Märtha Louise, 53, and Princess Astrid, 93. This means that Marius Borg Høiby, as well as Princess Märtha Louise's three daughters, should travel using the normal Norwegian passports. Travelling with a diplomatic passport entitled the holder to special treatment at most airports globally - but there are rules stating that the document should not be misused. Høiby is only supposed to use his when travelling with other members of his family and it is not supposed to be used for private holiday trips. While the investigation into him was ongoing, the future king's stepson has made a number of domestic and international trips, including to Cannes, Italy, and Monaco. According to reports, it is believed that he used the diplomatic passport when travelling solo for his trips - which is misuse. According to Se og Hør, it is not known exactly when Høiby had to surrender the document, and it could have been as recently as six months ago. At the end of November last year, the 28-year-old was detained by police for a week, while they conducted an investigation into allegations against him - to ensure there was no tampering of evidence. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Høiby, who is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete. Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said. The charges included one case of rape involving intercourse and two cases of rape without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault and two cases of bodily harm, Kruszewski said at a news conference. 'I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,' he said. In an email, defence attorney Petar Sekulic said Høiby was 'absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn't acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases - especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.' The palace was quoted by the Norwegian newswire NTB as saying it would not comment while the case winds its way through the 'normal procedures.' In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson's arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: 'Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. 'As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. 'It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.' Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic. Høiby remains free pending a possible trial and is entitled to a presumption of innocence until a court rules otherwise. Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Høiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. Høiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction. Despite allegations, it was reported that Marius partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hør. Høiby joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg. He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht 'Da Vinci', a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz. After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess's son and his pals went to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes. The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, and the Kardashians. They visited the very exclusive and private La Guérite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat. There, Høiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account. He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. Among those who have come forward with allegations against him is national media personality Linni Meister, who attended a 'castle basement party' of Høiby's, where the 'attack' is said to have taken place; with police reported to have a video clip. The TV star, 39, reportedly did not remember the alleged assault and only became aware of it after she was informed by law enforcement officials. After the claims came out earlier this year, Linni stated the allegations were 'true' in a Snapchat statement. She has now hit out at Høiby's 'disrespect' in a podcast 'Puppen og Lillemor' with friend and co-host Mia Gundersen, 63. As reported by Se og Hor, Linni became emotional as she criticised the royal for 'running away and going to party' while 'victims' wait for justice. 'He has no respect for himself or his family. Not even for us victims. It's hurtful. What happened afterwards is almost worse for me,' she said tearfully in an episode. 'Instead of doing the right thing, he runs away and goes to a party. I am appalled by how things are being handled by the defendant. And why isn't more happening? It p***es me off! 'If we are going to have a monarchy, we have to be able to trust it. He is not even in a place where he takes care of his health. He travels from country to country to party!' Linni also admitted her heartbreak at the situation, considering she had felt Borg Høiby was a friend. Even when the police had presented her with 'evidence' of her own assault, she said she initially wondered if it had been forged by AI (artificial intelligence). 'Marius doesn't take anything seriously,' she added. 'Everything is like a game to him.' In a statement to the podcast, Borg Høiby's lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenæs, referred to an earlier statement made in light of Linni's earlier Snapchat 'confirmation'. 'I am unfamiliar with statements on social media, and of course I have no desire to have opinions about what is said there,' they said. 'I am concerned that Se og Hør sees reason to refer to that type of statement and reminds me of my call to reflect on the total media pressure in this case. 'I hope Se og Hør does not think of contacting me every time someone expresses themselves on social media. If so, I can only conclude that the bottom has not yet been reached.' The assault is reported to have taken place in 2018 at a 'party among friends' in the basement of Skaugum Castle 2018, when Borg Høiby was 21. He dubbed these 'Skaugum Festivals' and reportedly had criminal friends, including members of motorcycle gangs. After one of these parties, the home was burgled, when a motorcycle gang reportedly stole private items from the Norwegian Royal Family. Items, including silverware, are alleged to have been taken and then attempted to be sold via an auction house. The event is said to have become 'completely out of hand' and continued in the castle basement while Borg Høiby's stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, slept upstairs. It was during the party that Borg Høiby allegedly raped Linni while she was unconscious, local media reported. Police became aware of the alleged crime after discovering three videos and more than 10 photos of the incident on Høiby's laptop, it was reported. Linni was informed about the alleged assault at the Oslo Police Station, where she was shown the reportedly incriminating evidence. Høiby was accused of rape by a fifth woman, who alleged that it had taken place after he was released from police custody for assaulting his girlfriend. In March, it was reported that another person had become 'involved in the case' and is said to have been questioned by police 'several times,' according to local outlet Aftenposten. This brought forward a new case of 'rape without intercourse', which allegedly took place late last year - when Borg Høiby was already facing a series of assault charges. 'I can confirm that I have been appointed as a legal aid lawyer for a woman in her 20s,' lawyer John Christian Elden said. 'Beyond that, I have no comment on the case.' That same week, the royal was spotted stepping out in Copenhagen looking unrecognisable, dying his hair dark from blonde and growing it out. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest.
The Guardian
7 hours ago
- The Guardian
A taste of Swedish island life – but on the mainland, near Stockholm
I moved to Stockholm from London for work a decade ago. As a newcomer with a passion for nature, I remember being eager to soak up the region's archipelago of 30,000 islands and rocky outposts. But I was overwhelmed by complex public ferry timetables to dozens of places ending in the letter 'ö' (the Swedish word for island) and uninterested in pricey cruise boats packed with tour groups. Then a former flatmate recommended Nynäshamn, which is on the mainland but embodies much of the nature and spirit of Stockholm's archipelago. It's home to a tasteful waterfront of colourfully painted bars and restaurants and a harbour packed with boats every summer, from simple dinghies to luxury yachts. Beyond, you can look across a clean, calm stretch of Baltic Sea, towards the island of Bedarön, flanked by pine trees and a smattering of dark red detached houses. Mention Nynäshamn to Stockholmers and most will probably describe it as the port you pass through to catch the four-hour ferry to Gotland – Sweden's largest island – or an overnight cruise to Gdańsk in Poland. But for international tourists (or new Swedish residents, as I was), it is an entry-level coastal destination where you can get a taste of the city's island life without the complex logistics. Nynäshamn is on the commuter rail line from central Stockholm, and reachable in an hour. A one-way journey costs 43 kroner (£3.30), or it's free if you have a valid monthly or weekly pass for the capital's public transport system. For a little more adventure, it takes a further 30 minutes to reach Nåttarö, the closest island accessible by a public ferry service (£8 each way). My first destination in Nynäshamn is Trehörningen, an island suburb accessible by bridge, and just a 30-minute stroll from the train station. The route takes in a mishmash of glassy new-build apartments, low-rise 1960s rent-controlled flats and mansions with manicured gardens. Nynäshamn doesn't have the swagger of swankier seaside towns in the region, such as Sandhamn or Saltsjöbaden, but it offers a slice of real-life small town Sweden far removed from the well-trodden tourist itineraries that typically lead to Stockholm's medieval Old Town or isolated rural retreats. 'It's very good for my health,' says Hans 'Hasse' Larsson, a smiley 73-year-old former truck driver who moved to Nynäshamn from Stockholm 16 years ago. He enjoys the clean air and quiet lifestyle, and describes a stronger sense of community compared with the somewhat stiffer Swedish capital. 'Even if you don't know people very well, you'll say 'hej'!' he laughs. Sweden isn't a budget destination, but thanks to a favourable exchange rate, prices aren't extortionate compared with those in popular British seaside destinations I've visited, such as Brighton or St Ives. On Trehörningen island, it costs from just over £100 a night to rent a compact wooden cottage for two from Oskarsgatan 12 B&B. A breakfast buffet and spa entry package at the nearby Nynäs Havsbad hotel works out at around £45. The spa's pavilion is a reconstruction of an art nouveau-inspired resort built in 1906, complete with an outdoor hot tub, a sauna and panoramic views. The hotel complex includes original buildings from the early 20th century, when it was a base for sailors during the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games. From here, it's a short walk to Strandvägen, a French riviera-inspired waterfront road built for spectators of sailing. As locals will proudly tell you, it is the only place in the Stockholm archipelago region where you can see the horizon from the mainland. The scenic route winds towards Lövhagen, a wooded area offering shady trails and picnic tables. There are rocky swimming coves too – although, with average outdoor temperatures of 18C in July and August, the chilly waters won't be to everyone's taste. For walkers, Nynäshamn is also a gateway to Sörmlandsleden, a system of hiking trails covering around 620 miles in total and clearly marked with orange arrows and painted tree markers. Section 5:1 from Nynäshamn passes through mossy forests and grassy farmland to the village of Osmö, where you can catch a train back to Nynäshamn or continue another nine miles to Hemfosa, snaking past Lake Muskan's glistening waters. Back at Nynäshamn's main harbour, the restaurants are filling up with tourists hungry for lunch. The most famous spot is Nynäs Rökeri, a smokehouse dating back almost 40 years, where a platter of smoked salmon, seafood and potato salad costs less than £20. The adjacent delicatessen stocks fresh fish and classic Swedish treats, from cheesy västerbotten pie to crispbreads and lingonberry jam. A nearby courtyard is shared with customers visiting the ice-cream store Lejonet & Björnen, a small cafe and a gift shop. The sweet smell of cinnamon wafts in the air and I spot the familiar logo of Skeppsbro Bageri, an award-winning Stockholm bakery that has a food truck parked on the waterfront, packed with fresh bread, buns and pastries. 'I like it here,' says Emelie Elison, the 24-year-old student who is working in the van for her third summer in a row. 'There are a lot of people and there's always something happening.' Sweden's cities empty out in July, as locals flock to the coast to spend the summer in wooden holiday cottages. There are more than 600,000 of these holiday homes, known as fritidshus, which are often passed down through generations; almost half of children with at least one Swedish parent have access to one. They also have plenty of time to enjoy them – most Swedish employees are entitled to four consecutive weeks off each summer. After a grey morning, the sun comes out as I join the ferry queue for Nåttarö. Many around me are armed with bags of groceries, backpacks and even suitcases, intending to stay at least a week. But one sporty-looking couple, carrying only tiny running backpacks, tell me they are fellow day-trippers from Stockholm, planning to run a six-mile loop of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, a newly marked hiking and trail-running route stretching 167 miles across 20 islands. Most tourists visiting Nåttarö take things at a slower pace. It's a small, car-free island with one simple convenience store and two restaurants by the harbour. The main draws are the pine-lined walking trails, rocky clifftops and sandy beaches. There are 50 wooden cabins for hire (sleeping up to six people, £90 a night). The campsite is priced at less than £5 a night, including access to pristine showers, compost toilets and dishwashing facilities. Wild camping is allowed too, thanks to allemansrätten, Sweden's right to roam policy. I take a 1¼-mile trail to Skarsand, a small beach in the north-east of the island. I have fond memories of celebrating a friend's 40th birthday here a couple of years ago, when we camped with friends and their kids, cooking dinner on the beach's public grill. Today, despite being peak holiday season, I have it all to myself, save for some passing hikers. The sunny afternoon passes quickly, and a couple of hours later I'm back on the ferry for Nynäshamn. The Stockholm pair have made it too, having successfully completed their run. They are eagerly awaiting a pizza reward at Maggan's, another popular restaurant in Nynäshamn's harbour, and tell me they've squeezed clean T-shirts into their backpacks to change into. I'm planning a sunny evening drink on the waterfront too. Tomorrow I'll be at my desk, catching up on emails – and researching my next coastal adventure.
Times
9 hours ago
- Times
11 of the best all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises
Whether you fancy cava on tap as you sail around Spain or a gelato a day on an Italian itinerary, an all-inclusive cruise means you'll want for nothing on a Mediterranean voyage. Without a final bill looming at the end of the cruise, you can relax and really enjoy your holiday, sampling new cuisines in the on-board restaurants, celebrating sail-away with a glass of fizz or even taking it easy by ordering breakfast on room service. Every cruise line differs so always check the details carefully before booking to be sure the fare includes all you'll need. Some may not cover important extras like gratuities or wi-fi, while pricier packages often throw in everything from laundry to shore excursions, but you might not want to pay for inclusions you won't need. Here's our pick of the best all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Best for high-end suitesThere's no chance of being stuck in a pokey state room with Explora Journeys, the new line from MSC Group that launched its first ship, MSC Explora 1, in August 2023. Explora 2 is set to follow in summer 2024. All suites are oceanfront, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in wardrobe and a terrace with a daybed, plus nice-to-have extras including a Dyson hairdryer, Frette bed linen and Illy espresso machine. A stocked minibar, thermal spa access, gratuities, fitness programmes and wi-fi are all included, while guests have nine dining options including room service, a gelateria and creperie, a European steakhouse and an immersive pan-Asian restaurant with its own sake sommelier. Itineraries include a seven-night voyage from Lanzarote to Barcelona and a more in-depth 14-night tour of the Adriatic's most beautiful ports including Rovinj in Croatia and Nydri on the Greek island of for butler serviceThere's no need to lift a finger when cruising with Silversea. Its lavish all-inclusive package includes a personal butler for each suite who can help out with everything from filling your bath to cleaning your sunglasses. The fare also includes a complimentary shore excursion each day, champagne on tap, 24-hour room service, a chauffeur-driven car from your home and hotel nights where needed before or after the cruise. Mediterranean itineraries include seven-night round trips from either Athens or Fusina (Venice), calling at ports including the Croatian island of Hvar and Nafplion in Greece, where you'll find ancient ruins, rustic tavernas and quiet for paying only for what you wantThere's no point splurging on an all-bells-and-whistles-inclusive voyage if you barely drink, don't need wi-fi and don't fancy visiting speciality restaurants. New for 2024, Greek cruise line Celestyal offers two all-inclusive packages for maximum value. The Celestyal Experience fare includes complimentary dining, drinks with meals, entertainment and discounts on shore excursions, while the Plus+ Experience also includes premium drinks, speciality dining and wi-fi. Optional shore excursions encourage guests to get to know the real Greece — they include a cooking class in a local home in Mykonos and pottery-making and a meze lunch in for on-board activitiesGreat value all-inclusive fares from Fred Olsen don't skimp on entertainment options, with guest speakers, chart-reading sessions with the captain, cooking classes and even stargazing sessions over a hot toddy. There's also a house band, dance teachers, an art studio and a theatre company on each ship. Fares include all-day room service, afternoon tea and à la carte dinners — alcohol is extra, though reasonable packages can be added from £24.99 per person per night. Med itineraries sail from the UK so tend to be at least two weeks long, calling at ports including La Goulette in Tunisia and Gibraltar with its Moorish baths, cable car and the only wild monkeys in for luxuryExpect to be pampered when you sail on any of Seabourn's seven ships, all of which have a private yacht feel, with personal service and sumptuous extras included as standard. Fine wines, premium spirits, a bespoke in-suite bar, wi-fi, dining in any venue at any time and even unlimited caviar are all thrown in. Itineraries are more original than most too, calling at lesser-visited Med ports including pastel-coloured Greek fishing town Gythio, Andalusia's Almeria and the sleepy Greek island of Patmos, where St John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation. Best for regional UK departures The cost of travelling to a London airport can be an unwelcome extra on top of many cruise fares. Marella, which is part of Tui, includes departures from several UK regional airports, so it's easy to find a more convenient alternative. Cruise fares also cover luggage, transfers to the ship, selected drinks including certain spirits and house wine, gratuities and several informal dining options. Good-value Med itineraries include all the big-name stops including Barcelona, Civitavecchia for Rome and Malaga. • Best budget cruises in the Mediterranean• Best small-ship Mediterranean cruises Best for non-drinkersIf you prefer a juice to a gin and tonic, all-inclusive cruise fares can prove expensive. P&O's package includes coach transfers, dining at a range of restaurants, room service breakfast, plenty of entertainment and a formal five-course gala night dinner created by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. A choice of four drinks packages can be added including one for soft drinks only and another alcohol-free bundle including Costa coffee, non-alcoholic beer and wine and a range of mocktails, so you can toast your arrival in must-see ports including Genoa, Dubrovnik and for all-day diningThere's no chance of going hungry on a Princess cruise. Meals are all covered but there are also sweet snacks aplenty on board for no extra cost, including complimentary soft serve ice cream on deck, popcorn dished out during open-air movies and freshly baked cookies available throughout the ship. Opt for a Princess Plus package — an extra £50 per day — and wi-fi, gratuities, drinks up to $15 (about £12), extra meals and other treats are included too. Med itineraries sail from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) or Piraeus (Athens) and tick off all the major ports along the way including Mykonos, Sicily and Marseilles. • Best Princess cruise ships Best for maximum shore timeAll Azamara's four ships hold around 700 passengers each so you can expect a boutique feel on board, plus more varied Med itineraries featuring smaller ports. Late-evening departures also mean plenty of time to explore the cobbled streets and shaded squares of Ermoupoli in Greece or the postcard-pretty harbour of Kotor in Montenegro. Back on board, room service, gratuities, self-service laundry, excellent food and selected alcoholic drinks are included in the standard fare, as is a weekly alfresco White Night party with entertainment, cocktails and an elaborate buffet for inclusionsYou'll struggle to find something to spend money on once you board a Scenic ship, unless you fancy a trip on its helicopter. Its all-inclusive package covers almost everything you can think of including the use of waterskis and kayaks, room service, self-service laundry, wi-fi and cooking classes that reflect the area the ship is travelling through. Med itineraries are a good mix of the bigger must-visit ports and underrated spots including Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany and the French town of Collioure, once popular with artists such as Dali, Picasso and for a five-star hotel feelFrom its chic spas to the palatial suites, a Regent Seven Seas cruise feels more like staying in a top hotel. Every fare is all-inclusive and has every detail covered, including unlimited wi-fi, laundry, a stocked minibar, shore excursions and a pre-cruise hotel stay. Foodies are particularly spoiled with a range of chef-led shore excursions available for an extra charge, including a market tour and tapas meal in Bilbao, a foraging tour and on-board cooking class in Corfu, and lunch at a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Barcelona — plus a peek in the kitchens. • Best eastern Mediterranean cruises• Best 14-day Mediterranean cruises
