SAIL from a UK port for a stress-free holiday, says Emily Bamber

EXPLORE IRELAND
If you  have never been on a cruise this mini-break to Cork is a great chance to dip your toe in the water.

With departures in April and May it is a lovely time to visit this charming city. Enjoy a tipple at the Jameson Irish Whiskey Centre, kiss the fabled Blarney Stone at the nearby castle or just roam the cobbled streets taking in the welcoming pubs and many boutique shops.

During your voyage aboard the Celebrity Eclipse there will be plenty of time to enjoy this new ship. Facilities include an art gallery, a manicured lawn on the highest deck and a dining room that boasts stunning chandeliers and a magnificent two-storey glass wine tower.

Celebrity Eclipse will be sailing on long and short cruises to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia from Southampton this year.

Celebrity Cruises (0844 493 2043/www.celebritycruises.co.uk) offers a four-night cruise to Cork from £619pp (two sharing). Departs Southampton April 29.

RAMBLE OR REST
Sailing through the still, cool waters of Norway’s majestic Sognefjord and Nordfjord is a life-affirming experience for lovers of the great outdoors. It is also the highlight of this Ramblers cruise on the mid-size Boudicca, which starts operating from Liverpool next month. Land excursions are predominantly hikes. With towering hills and colourful villages such as Flam, Olden and Gudvangen reflected in the water below there can be few more dramatic areas through which to cruise or ramble.

Fred.Olsen Cruises (01473 742424/www.fredolsencruises.co.uk) offers an eight-night Norway cruise from £869pp (two sharing). Departs Liverpool May 13.

SUNBATHE IN STYLE
Big-ship cruising comes to Britain this year when the Independence Of The Seas, until recently the largest cruise ship in the world, comes to Southampton. She will be based here and will transport passengers to the warmth of the Mediterranean and Canary Islands in style.

The Independence Of The Seas is as much a resort as a ship with 15 decks of cabins, speciality restaurants and cafés, including Fifties-style diner Johnny Rockets.

There are plenty of energetic activities, including rock-climbing, simulated surfing and children’s clubs.

The cruise calls at Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote and is sure to be a hit with sun-­ starved Brits. It also includes sea days in each direction so guests can take full advantage of the extensive facilities.

Royal Caribbean International (0844 493 2061/www.royalcaribbean.co.uk) offers a 10-night Canary Islands cruise from £1,149pp (two sharing). Departs Southampton April 25.

DELIGHTS OF THE MED
For the ultimate British family holiday at sea look no further than P&O Cruises, which in April launches the Azura, its seventh ship to be based in Southampton.

Her maiden voyage will be to the Med, calling at Spain, Greece, Italy and Croatia.

Memorable moments to savour ashore include the breathtaking sights of St Mark’s Cathedral as you take a gondola ride through Venice or a stroll through the 12th-century Croatian city of Dubrovnik, with its red-roofed buildings and ancient walls.

The Azura has plenty to keep adults and children entertained. For those who like fine dining  The Glass House restaurant hosts wine tastings with expert Olly Smith while you enjoy the seafood and grill menu. If you are looking for pure relaxation the outdoor spa terrace is the perfect retreat. There are four special clubs for younger travellers.

P&O Cruises (0845 355 5333/www.pocruises.co.uk) offers a 16-night western Mediterranean cruise from £1,403pp (two sharing). Departs Southampton April 12.

A TASTE OF THE BALTIC
St Petersburg is the highlight of any Baltic cruise and with so many cathedrals and palaces to see, not to mention the famous Hermitage Museum, you will be glad of the two full days ashore.

Eurodam is the newest luxury ship in the Holland America Line fleet and will begin operating out of Dover to the Baltic in April.

She will also offer an extensive programme of shore excursions to help you explore the culture. Facilities on board include an exquisite art collection, highlighting works by Dutch masters and contemporary artists.

In the Culinary Arts Centre guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations by Eurodam’s master chefs and sample fine wines from around the world.

If that all sounds too much just sit back and relax with a pampering session in the spa.

Holland America Line (0845 351 0557/www.hollandamerica.co.uk) offers an 11-night Baltic Treasures cruise calling at Copenhagen, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm from £1,099pp (two sharing). Departs Dover May 29.

NORTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Roman ruins and bustling souks, exotic cities and quiet deserts. The coast of North Africa offers all this and more besides. Highlights of this cruise are the ruins of ancient Carthage in Tunisia, the walled town of Cartagena in Spain and Morocco’s Casablanca.

Saga Pearl II relaunches next month and will be based in Southampton, sailing to North Africa, the rest of the Mediterranean, the Canaries, Norway and the Baltic. Domestic flights to Southampton, private car transfer within 250 miles, or first-class rail or coach travel are included in the booking price.

Saga (0800 056 5880/www.saga.co.uk) offers an 18-night North African Treasures cruise from £2,771pp (two sharing). Departs Southampton November 1.