Intimate cruise ships offer a private yacht feeling without a hefty price tag, says EMILY BAMBER

NORWAY
If you care more for dramatic scenery than onboard entertainment then try a cruise along the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten (0844 448 7601/ www.hurtigruten.co.uk). Its fleet of comfortable working ships (the majority taking no more than 700-passengers), deliver mail and supplies to remote communities from Bergen up to Kirkenes in the Arctic Circle.

Passengers can experience one of the world's most beautiful voyages. Ships weave between islands and in and out of picturesque fjords to ports ranging from tiny fishing villages such as Stamsund to working towns such as Trondheim and Tromsø.

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Ashore you can visit the North Cape, enjoy a Vikingstyle feast and view the stunning architecture of the Tromsdalen Church, better known as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. Cabins vary in size and offer a good basic standard of accommodation. Food on board includes plenty of local produce such as seafood.

A six-night Voyages North cruise from £1,602pp (two sharing), including flights from Heathrow to Bergen and return from Kirkenes. Depart daily from Bergen throughout October.

HOLY LAND
It's best known for resort-style superliners but Princess Cruises (0845 355 5800/www.princess.com) also has smaller ships. The 680-passenger Pacific Princess is large enough to offer the comforts of modern cruising, yet small enough to get into some interesting ports.

There are four restaurants including the Italian Sabatini's and sports facilities such as an enclosed golf practice area and a jogging track. This voyage explores the exotic Eastern Mediterranean with ports of call including Haifa in Israel, with its impressive Bahá'í temple and gardens, and Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world.

It also visits the pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria on the Egyptian coast. Beginning and ending in two of Europe's finest cities, you could tag on a few nights at a hotel at either end of your cruise too.

A 12-night Holy Land: Rome to Athens cruise from £1,789pp (two sharing), including return flights from Heathrow to Rome.
Departs Rome, November 23, 2010.

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DOURO RIVER, PORTUGAL
River cruising is an intimate experience with just 100 or so passengers. With everyone there for the scenery, expect bags of camaraderie.

Spend mornings admiring passing landscapes and enjoy your afternoons ashore. The Douro in Portugal is a popular route which cuts through vine-clad terraces and past picturesque villages on its way from Porto towards Spain.

AmaWaterways (0808 223 5009/www.amawaterways.co.uk) has one of the newest ships on the river. MS Amadouro was built in 2005 and has 65 cabins, a restaurant with open seating, a swimming pool and two hot tubs on deck - quite a rarity as not all river cruisers have pools.

There will be opportunities for wine and port tastings and the cultural highlight is a day tour to Salamanca, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where you can view the many architectural wonders and take in a traditional flamenco show.

A seven-night Cruising Portugal cruise from £1,625pp (two sharing), including return flights to Porto from various UK airports. Departs Porto, October 16, 2010.

CARIBBEAN
Small ships mean small ports and the 694-passenger Azamara Journey, one of the Azamara Club Cruises (0800 018 2525/ www.azamaraclubcruises.com) fleet spends winter in the Caribbean cruising routes around islands such as St Kitts, Dominica, St Barts and Virgin Gorda.

These sunshine destinations afford a low-key Caribbean experience where snorkelling excursions in idyllic spots are the order of the day.

Visit attractions such as the butterfly farm on St Maarten or why not hike or hire bikes to travel along rainforest trails?
Or simply kick back and relax at a pristine beach for the day.

Journey's modern, quality accommodation ranges from small interior cabins to suites with butlers. There's also a speciality steak and seafood restaurant and a Martini bar.

A 12-night Caribbean cruise from £1,970pp (two sharing), including flights from Heathrow to Miami. Departs Miami, November 29, 2010.

WESTERN ISLES OF SCOTLAND
Carrying just 49 passengers and with wall-to-wall charm, Hebridean Princess is a cross between a private yacht and a country house hotel.

Its wood-panelled walls, open fireplaces and extensive whisky collection make it a cosy and luxurious experience and with almost one member of staff per guest you can expect the best service.

Hebridean Island Cruises (01756 704700/www.hebridean.co.uk) tour the west coast of Scotland showing the region at its most rugged and remote best. Stop at Holy Isle and Sanda Island to enjoy invigorating walks and the Isle of Arran with its pretty coastline villages. Wildlife watchers can spot otters, puffins, owls and even eagles soaring overhead.

A five-night Treasures of Kintyre cruise from £1,417pp (two sharing). Departs Fairlie, Scotland, November 11, 2010.