Ocean and River Cruises Tips Offers and Inspirations

03/09/2025

Royal Caribbean Cruises - Icon of the Seas

https://youtu.be/QtqajzvWbl8?si=ps2JbKNK9ol_nFHQ

20/05/2025

Timeless Travel ~ Why Traditional (No Fly) Cruising from the UK is Creating Such a Stir!

🚢 In an age of floating theme parks the size of a small town, there’s a quiet but powerful revival happening. A return to traditional cruising.

Floating theme parks for up 7,500 people may be attractive to some but if you long for a sense of occasion, a touch of nostalgia and a journey that feels personal and unhurried on smaller ships with far fewer guests, these four cruise lines are well worth considering. Each offers no-fly cruises from UK ports, with an emphasis on comfort, heritage and style.

Cunard: Elegant and iconic. From white-gloved service to West End-style entertainment and grand Gala evenings, Cunard sets the benchmark for ocean liner tradition.

Fred Olsen: Warm, welcoming and wonderfully British. With smaller ships and carefully chosen ports, it’s perfect for those who prefer classic cruising with character.

SAGA Cruises: Designed exclusively for the over-50s, SAGA blends sophistication with simplicity. Expect high standards, thoughtful extras and a slower pace that never feels rushed.

Ambassador Cruise Line: A newer cruise line that’s winning hearts by honouring the past. Excellent value, friendly service and all the charm of traditional cruising done well.

If you miss the days when cruising felt more like travel and less like a theme park, these cruise lines might just be your perfect match.

Thinking about sailing from a UK port? I can help you find the ideal itinerary, ship and sailing date to suit your preferences, with everything taken care of for you.

🙂 Please contact me via any of the methods below.

David Downer
Not Just Travel | Not Just Cruise
ABTA K9413 | ATOL Protected

📞 Tel: 01202 798558
📧 Email: [email protected]

💻 Enquire Online via my Website: See link in first comment
👨‍💻 Book a Video Call Appointment: Message or call me to arrange!

18/05/2025

🚢 Why Uniworld River Cruises Might Just Be Your New Favourite Way to Travel ✨

😀 Watch this stunning 30 second Video ~ Link in first comment .

Picture this...

You're gliding gently along a European river, a glass of wine in hand, passing vineyards, fairytale castles and timeless villages, all from the comfort of your luxurious floating boutique hotel.

Welcome to the world of Uniworld.

This is river cruising redefined. With opulent interiors, five-star cuisine and immersive cultural experiences included as standard, Uniworld offers a travel experience that’s elegant, relaxing and unforgettable.

💫 Think handcrafted excursions in every port
💫 Chef-prepared regional dishes and fine wines
💫 Impeccably designed ships inspired by the destinations
💫 Suites with marble bathrooms, plush bedding and even butler service
💫 Service so personal, they’ll know your favourite drink by day two

For anyone who enjoys the finer things in life but wants to see the world without the crowds or stress, this is a truly wonderful way to travel.

👍Like to know more? Leave me a comment or contact me via any of the methods below.

David Downer
Your River & Ocean Cruise Specialist
Not Just Travel | Not Just Cruise
ABTA K9413 | ATOL Protected

Tel: 01202 798558
Email: [email protected]

Enquire Online via my Website: See link in second comment
Book a Video Call Appointment: Message or call me to arrange!

17/05/2025

A Journey Through the Norwegian Fjords You’ll Never Forget This Summer!

Please click / tap the SHARE button to share this post with your Facebook Friends 😀

For full details, to make an enquiry or to book this cruise please see full details here (yesterday's post):

https://www.facebook.com/oceanandrivercruisestipsoffersandinspirations/posts/pfbid0QMfFJ7d46mWKXHiJ2H9M44z5cPaZZypdBTE7rg18UnnEMtr4B81ZfC2A4KbKRB3Hl

David Downer
Not Just Travel | Not Just Cruise
ABTA K9413 | ATOL Protected

Tel: 01202 798558
Email: [email protected]

Enquire Online via my Website: See link in first comment
Book a Video Call Appointment: Message or call me to arrange!

16/05/2025

🌟 A Journey Through the Norwegian Fjords You’ll Never Forget This Summer 🌟

Please help me spread the word by clicking / tapping the SHARE button to share this post with your Facebook Friends 🙂

Picture yourself on the open deck, cocktail in hand, breathing in the freshest air you’ve ever known. All around you, a panorama of glassy waters, towering cliffs and dramatic landscapes that take your breath away.

There’s something truly magical about cruising through the Norwegian Fjords. It’s peaceful, it’s awe-inspiring, and it’s unlike any other type of holiday.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a cruise but haven’t quite taken the plunge, this could be the one.

🛳 Set sail from Southampton on 30 August 2025 aboard P&O’s Iona, a beautiful ship where comfort meets adventure. Over 7 unforgettable nights, you’ll glide through some of the most stunning scenery in the world, all without a single flight in sight.

✅ No airports
✅ No luggage limits
✅ No stress

Just a relaxing journey from the UK to the Norwegian Fjords and back again.

First time cruising? You’re in safe hands. Everything is taken care of onboard, your meals, entertainment, comfortable accommodation and more. Choose to do as much or as little as you like. From spa days to sea-view strolls, from relaxed cafés to stylish restaurants, your time is truly your own.

Note from David: The Norwegian Fjords from Southampton was my first ever cruise and I recommend it highly. Absolutely stunning!

🗓 Your 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Itinerary – At a Glance

Day 1 – Southampton
Step onboard, find your bearings, enjoy a leisurely dinner and raise a glass as Iona sets sail.

Day 2 – At Sea
Unwind as the ship glides north. Take in ocean views, try a wine tasting, relax in the spa or enjoy live entertainment under the SkyDome.

Day 3 – Stavanger
A vibrant harbour town with cobbled streets and colourful houses. Explore at your own pace or join an excursion to the spectacular Lysefjord.

Day 4 – Olden
Welcome to postcard-perfect Norway. A small village with big scenery, glistening glaciers, mirror-like lakes and sweeping valley views.

Day 5 – Ålesund
Known for its Art Nouveau architecture and coastal charm, this is a great spot for panoramic views and discovering local culture.

Day 6 – Haugesund
A relaxed final stop where fjord meets coast. Discover Viking history, charming streets and perhaps squeeze in one last scenic adventure.

Day 7 – At Sea
Your final full day to indulge. Treat yourself to afternoon tea, take in a show or simply soak up the sea air as you cruise back toward home.

Day 8 – Southampton
Disembark with memories to last a lifetime and maybe a new love for cruising.

💰 From just £849 per person — including a £40 onboard credit to spend however you choose.

Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, this is one of the most scenic and soul-stirring voyages you can take from the UK.

But act quickly — this sailing is popular and prices like this don’t hang around!

👇 Interested? Contact me via any of the methods below.

David Downer
Not Just Travel | Not Just Cruise
ABTA K9413 | ATOL Protected

📞 Tel: 01202 798558
📧 Email: [email protected]

💻 Enquire Online via my Website: See link in first comment
👨‍💻 Book a Video Call Appointment: Message or call me to arrange!

14/05/2025

🛳 Could Fred Olsen be Your Perfect Partner at Sea?

Looking for a relaxed intimate cruise experience with a more traditional feel sailing out of a British port? Then Fred Olsen could be perfect for you!

Fred Olsen ships sail from more British ports than any other cruise line. The ships are smaller and more intimate than many of the other cruise lines out there with no more than 1400 passengers. Compare that to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, with a capacity of up to 7,600 passengers)!

Click the image to take a look at the Fred Olsen feature post on my 'Not Just Cruise Blog'. Do watch the stunning video hosted by 'Not Just Travel' Brand Ambassador Hayley Sparkes (TV Presenter & Travel Expert).

Afterwards, if you'd like to explore booking a Fred Olsen cruise (I think you might) 🙂 then simply reach out to me via any of the methods below and I will be very happy to help you.

Enjoy your day!

Thank you.

David Downer
Personal Cruise Planner
Not Just Travel
ABTA K9413 | ATOL Protected

Tel: 01202 798558
Email: [email protected]

👉 Enquire Online via my Website: Please see link in first comment.
👉Book a Video call appointment with me! Just message or call me to arrange!



https://notjustcruise.co.uk/tc/daviddowner/meet-fred-olsen-could-fred-be-your-perfect-partner-at-sea/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKRxcBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBjenBMektPM1RzNlFTVG56AR4gXkrjnDsPrfQq_Ti6Nm-1UGuVtFCUpy2cYnjKFrEUxDchJD6jUPfe0Gi0mg_aem_v7T2Lg5i9dU1rtRBfIxaKA

We give you the lowdown on this very British cruise line to ensure it’s the right one for you before you step on board.

11/05/2025

Formal Nights ~ Glamorous Tradition or Outdated Faff?

Love them or loathe them, formal nights are still part of the cruise experience on many traditional lines like Cunard and Fred Olsen. Some passengers relish the chance to dress to the nines, while others would rather pack light and keep it casual.

For some, it’s all part of the magic, a chance to step into a bygone era of elegance at sea. For others, it’s unnecessary pressure on what should be a relaxed holiday.

👔✨ Where do you stand?

Do you enjoy getting glammed up for dinner at sea, or would you rather leave the tux and heels at home?

👇 Please comment — I’d love to know!