18/10/2026
🚢 WHICH CRUISE LINE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? 🌍
Discover your perfect holiday at sea with Matlock Travel 💛
Thinking about taking a cruise but not sure where to start?
Perhaps you’ve cruised before and fancy trying something different? Or maybe you’ve always thought cruising wasn’t really your thing?
Well, think again!
From spectacular floating resorts with waterparks and West End-style entertainment to elegant ships, intimate river cruises and unforgettable expeditions, there really is a cruise for almost everyone.
And here’s something worth remembering: Not all cruises are the same!
The ship you choose can make just as much difference to your holiday as the destinations you visit.
At Matlock Travel, we’re proud booking agents for a fantastic range of cruise providers, and we love helping our customers find their perfect match.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or considering your very first voyage, here’s our little guide to what makes some of the world’s best-loved cruise lines special.
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🇬🇧 P&O Cruises – A British Favourite
Perfect for: First-time cruisers, couples, families and those who enjoy a familiar British atmosphere.
P&O Cruises is hugely popular with British holidaymakers, and it’s easy to see why.
Think afternoon tea, excellent entertainment, a wonderful choice of restaurants and ships that cater for different tastes.
Ships such as Iona and Arvia offer contemporary cruising with impressive facilities, while adults-only Arcadia and Aurora provide a more traditional experience.
Many itineraries sail directly from Southampton, meaning no flights are necessary.
💛 Why we love them: A great introduction to cruising, particularly if you’re looking for convenience and a relaxed, familiar atmosphere.
🌊 Royal Caribbean – The Ultimate Floating Adventure
Perfect for: Families, thrill-seekers, teenagers and anyone who loves being entertained.
If you think cruise ships are simply places to relax by the pool, Royal Caribbean might change your mind!
We’re talking incredible waterslides, surf simulators, spectacular shows, exciting restaurants and even neighbourhood-style areas aboard some ships.
Their Icon Class ships take the floating resort concept to another level.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers or simply love a holiday packed with activities, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
💛 Why we love them: Fantastic for families with different ages and interests. There’s so much to do that the ship itself becomes part of the holiday.
☀️ MSC Cruises – International Style and Fantastic Choice
Perfect for: Families, couples, value-conscious travellers and those who enjoy an international atmosphere.
MSC Cruises combines European style with modern ships, impressive facilities and a huge variety of destinations.
Expect glamorous interiors, lively entertainment, family-friendly activities and plenty of dining options.
For those seeking something extra special, the MSC Yacht Club offers a luxurious, exclusive experience with dedicated facilities and personalised service on selected ships.
From Mediterranean escapes to Caribbean adventures, MSC offers something for a wide range of budgets.
💛 Why we love them: A fantastic range of cruise experiences, often with very attractive prices.
✨ Celebrity Cruises – Modern Luxury at Sea
Perfect for: Couples, food lovers and travellers who appreciate contemporary luxury.
Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated cruising experience without feeling overly formal.
Think stylish interiors, outstanding dining, beautiful spaces to relax and attentive service.
Their innovative Edge Series ships are particularly impressive, with stunning design features and a real boutique-hotel feel.
There’s plenty of entertainment too, but the overall atmosphere is generally more relaxed and refined than some of the larger resort-style cruise lines.
💛 Why we love them: Ideal for those wanting something a little more luxurious, with fantastic food, beautiful surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.
🌺 Princess Cruises – Relaxed Elegance and Incredible Destinations
Perfect for: Couples, mature travellers, multigenerational families and destination lovers.
Princess Cruises strikes a lovely balance between traditional cruising and modern comfort.
There’s excellent entertainment, a wide choice of dining and a strong focus on discovering the destinations you visit.
Princess is particularly well known for its incredible Alaska itineraries, although its ships travel all over the world.
It’s a lovely option for travellers who enjoy a comfortable ship, excellent service and a holiday that combines relaxation with exploration.
💛 Why we love them: A wonderful choice for those who enjoy quality service, memorable destinations and a more relaxed style of cruising.
👑 Cunard – Timeless Elegance and Ocean Travel
Perfect for: Lovers of tradition, elegant surroundings and special occasions.
Cunard offers something quite different.
Imagine afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters, glamorous evenings, ballroom dancing, fascinating guest speakers and the romance of traditional ocean travel.
Queen Mary 2 is particularly famous for her transatlantic crossings, while Queen Anne brings a fresh interpretation of Cunard’s classic style.
There is something wonderfully special about dressing up for an evening at sea and enjoying the traditions that have made Cunard famous.
💛 Why we love them: Cruising with Cunard feels like stepping into a world of timeless elegance. Perfect for celebrating something special.
🎉 Norwegian Cruise Line – Freedom to Cruise Your Way
Perfect for: Couples, friends, families and independent travellers.
Norwegian Cruise Line is all about flexibility.
With its Freestyle Cruising concept, you can enjoy a holiday without the traditional structure associated with some cruise lines.
There are fantastic restaurants, exciting entertainment, stylish accommodation and plenty of activities.
Some ships even feature extraordinary attractions such as racetracks at sea!
It’s a particularly good option if you like the idea of cruising but don’t want to feel tied to a strict schedule.
💛 Why we love them: Great for those who want a fun, modern holiday with the freedom to do things their own way.
🌴 Marella Cruises – Easy, Relaxed and Great Value
Perfect for: First-time cruisers, couples and those who love a straightforward holiday package.
Marella Cruises is a firm favourite with British holidaymakers.
With flights, transfers, tips and service charges included in its fly-cruise packages, plus All Inclusive as standard, it’s easy to understand the appeal.
Expect a friendly atmosphere, lively entertainment and some fantastic itineraries, particularly around the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
There’s a relaxed, informal feel on board, making Marella especially appealing to those trying cruising for the first time.
💛 Why we love them: Cruising made simple! A brilliant option for those who want to know what’s included before they travel.
🏰 Disney Cruise Line – Where Magic Meets the Ocean
Perfect for: Families, Disney fans and anyone who enjoys exceptional themed entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line brings the magic of Disney to the seas.
From character encounters and spectacular stage productions to imaginative restaurants and beautifully themed spaces, the attention to detail is incredible.
But it’s not just for children!
There are also adults-only restaurants, pools and relaxation areas on board, allowing parents to enjoy a little grown-up time too.
And, of course, there’s something rather magical about watching a Disney fireworks display at sea on selected sailings!
💛 Why we love them: A truly memorable family experience, especially for those wanting a holiday filled with Disney magic.
❄️ Hurtigruten – Discover the Real Norway
Perfect for: Nature lovers, explorers, photographers and travellers who want an authentic experience.
Hurtigruten offers a very different type of voyage.
Rather than focusing on big entertainment venues and waterslides, these journeys are about the incredible places you visit.
Sail along Norway’s spectacular coastline, visit remote communities, admire dramatic fjords and perhaps even witness the Northern Lights.
Hurtigruten’s famous Coastal Express voyages combine beautiful scenery with a genuine connection to the communities along Norway’s coast.
The experience is all about the scenery, local culture and the journey itself.
💛 Why we love them: Perfect for those who want to discover Norway beyond the usual tourist trail.
🥂 Riviera Travel – Beautiful River Cruising
Perfect for: Couples, culture lovers and travellers who enjoy exploring destinations at a relaxed pace.
River cruising is quite different from ocean cruising, and Riviera Travel offers a wonderful introduction.
Imagine sailing along Europe’s most beautiful waterways, passing vineyards, castles and historic towns.
River ships are smaller and more intimate, often docking close to the heart of fascinating destinations.
Riviera offers thoughtfully planned itineraries with guided excursions and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
You can unpack once and enjoy discovering a collection of wonderful places without the hassle of changing hotels.
💛 Why we love them: A fantastic way to explore multiple destinations without constantly packing and unpacking.
🌍 Viking – Destination-Focused Cruising
Perfect for: Curious travellers, history lovers, couples and those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Viking has built its reputation around exploring the world in comfort.
Offering both river and ocean cruising, Viking focuses on cultural experiences, interesting destinations and understated elegance.
Its ocean ships are adults-only, with no casinos or large waterslides, while its river ships offer an intimate way to explore some of the world’s most fascinating waterways.
The emphasis is on enrichment, relaxation and discovering somewhere new.
If you’re more interested in historic cities, beautiful landscapes and fascinating cultures than high-energy attractions, Viking could be a wonderful match.
💛 Why we love them: A fantastic choice for travellers who believe the destination is just as important as the ship.
⚓ Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – Smaller Ships, Bigger Experiences
Perfect for: Traditional cruise lovers, couples, mature travellers and those who appreciate a friendly, personal atmosphere.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a wonderfully loyal following, and it’s not difficult to understand why.
With smaller ships such as Bolette and Borealis, Fred. Olsen offers a more intimate cruising experience, with attentive service, welcoming surroundings and some beautifully crafted itineraries.
Their smaller ships can visit destinations that some of the enormous cruise ships simply cannot reach, making the journey itself part of the adventure.
With convenient departures from regional UK ports, it’s also an attractive option for those who prefer to avoid flying.
There’s a wonderfully traditional feel to Fred. Olsen cruising, with a strong emphasis on service, destinations and enjoying life at sea.
💛 Why we love them: A lovely choice for those who appreciate traditional cruising, friendly service and fascinating itineraries without the crowds of a mega-ship.
🌷 Holland America Line – Classic Cruising with a Touch of Luxury
Perfect for: Couples, destination explorers, food lovers and travellers who appreciate sophisticated cruising.
With more than 150 years of maritime heritage, Holland America Line combines classic cruising traditions with modern comforts.
Expect elegant ships, excellent dining, live music and a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Holland America is particularly renowned for its incredible Alaska itineraries, although its ships explore destinations right around the world.
Ships such as Rotterdam offer a wonderful combination of traditional elegance and contemporary facilities, without the emphasis on waterslides and high-energy attractions.
There’s a lovely sense of occasion on board, but without feeling excessively formal.
💛 Why we love them: A fantastic choice for travellers who want beautiful ships, outstanding destinations and a sophisticated but welcoming experience.
🇬🇧 Ambassador Cruise Line – Affordable Cruising from the UK
Perfect for: First-time cruisers, couples, solo travellers and those looking for excellent value without flying.
Ambassador Cruise Line offers a refreshingly traditional approach to cruising, with a strong focus on value, friendly service and convenient departures from UK ports.
Ships such as Ambience and Ambition offer comfortable surroundings, entertainment, dining and a sociable atmosphere.
Ambassador is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience without the huge price tag sometimes associated with cruising.
Its ocean cruises are primarily aimed at adults, although selected multigenerational sailings welcome families.
For those who don’t enjoy flying, the opportunity to sail from a convenient UK departure port is another big attraction.
💛 Why we love them: Great value, convenient UK departures and a friendly atmosphere make Ambassador an excellent option for anyone wanting to discover the joys of cruising.
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💛 SO, WHICH CRUISE LINE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
The wonderful thing about cruising is that no two cruise lines are exactly alike.
Some are packed with excitement and entertainment. Others offer peaceful luxury, fascinating destinations or a more traditional experience.
Perhaps you love the idea of a glamorous transatlantic crossing with Cunard, a family adventure with Royal Caribbean, a relaxing Mediterranean escape with Marella or an intimate river cruise through Europe.
Or maybe you’d prefer a smaller ship, visiting hidden ports and discovering destinations that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
There’s no single cruise line that’s perfect for everyone – but there might just be one that’s perfect for YOU!
And finding the right cruise line can make all the difference between enjoying a holiday and absolutely falling in love with cruising.
That’s where we come in!
At Matlock Travel, we don’t believe in simply booking you onto a ship.
We want to help you find the right ship, the right itinerary and the right experience for YOU.
We can talk you through the differences between cruise lines, help you understand what’s included, compare cabin options and find a holiday that suits your interests and budget.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Norwegian Fjords, a Caribbean escape, an elegant Mediterranean voyage or a beautiful European river cruise, our friendly team would love to help.
🚢 CAN’T SEE YOUR FAVOURITE CRUISE LINE? DON’T WORRY!
We’ve only scratched the surface of the wonderful world of cruising!
At Matlock Travel, we’re proud to work with a huge range of cruise providers, far beyond those featured here.
Whether you have a favourite cruise line, a particular ship in mind or you’re looking for something a little different, just ask us!
From luxury ocean voyages and intimate river cruises to expedition adventures and family favourites, we have access to so many fantastic options.
💛 If there’s a cruise you’d love to take, let us help you find it!
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🌍 YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE STARTS WITH MATLOCK TRAVEL!
🚢 Proud booking agents for all these cruise providers – and many more!
📍 6 Crown Square, Matlock
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 01629 380 692
💛 Matlock Travel – Your adventure starts here!
Now we’d love to hear from you!
🚢 Have you got a favourite cruise line?
🌍 Is there a particular ship or destination on your bucket list?
💛 Or have you never cruised before and would love to give it a try?
Tell us in the comments – we’d love to know!
