HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
For those who don't want to travel too far afield, Fred.Olsen's Dublin and Round the UK cruise could be the ideal choice.

The journey, on the recently refurbished Black Watch, takes in some of Britain and Ireland's most beautiful coastal scenery.

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First port of call is the lovely Channel Island of Guernsey. Then it's off to Dublin, with a whole day to explore the vibrant Irish capital.

Other stops include the Scottish port of Greenock (for Glasgow), Bangor in Northern Ireland and the colourful picture-postcard town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

The last port of call is Kirkwall in Orkney, where there is the opportunity to visit two superb private gardens and a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village.

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines (01473 746175/www.fredolsencruises.com) offers a nine-night cruise from £959pp (two sharing), full board.
Departs Dover, June 10, 2011.

RIVER DELIGHTS
River cruising is becoming more and more popular and on Shearing's Danube Symphony Cruise you can explore the delights of one of Europe's most famous waterways in amazing surroundings.

Travel by coach or plane to the Austrian city of Linz. Waiting for you here is the new four-star MPS Da Vinci, one of the most elegant river cruise vessels in western Europe.

Stops en route include Vienna, the "City of Waltzes", the Hungarian capital Budapest, the picturesque and historic town of Esztergom, Hungary's capital in the Middle Ages, and Bratislava, the lively and fascinating capital of Slovakia, one of Europe's newest countries.

Da Vinci's spacious sun deck is furnished with plenty of outdoor seating from where you can enjoy views of the passing landscape.

Shearings Holidays (0843 221 0020/www.shearings.com) offers a seven-night cruise from £1,035pp (two sharing), full board. Departs various dates from May 31, 2011, through to July from joining points nationwide if travelling by coach (also includes two-night hotel stay) or several regional airports if by air.

NORWEGIAN ODYSSEY
Set sail from Southampton on a Norwegian Fjords voyage on board P&O Cruises' Ventura.

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The 3,100-passenger ship calls at Bergen, Norway's second-largest city known for its spectacular mountain scenery, colourful buildings and fjords such as the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.

Next stop is Åndalsnes, Norway's "peak capital". Set amid mountains it is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Towards the end of the week passengers can explore the small town of Olden where the nearby Briksdal Glacier is the main attraction.

Look to take home a bottle of Olden mineral water, which contains meltwater from the glacier.

Ventura is one of the largest ships in the P&O fleet. There is a selection of dining options to choose from including The White Room, which is overseen by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, a tempting tapas bar and an Asian restaurant.

The Ventura also offers great sports facilities and four pools, including one with a retractable roof.

P&O Cruises (0845 678 0014/www.pocruises.com) offers a seven-night Norwegian Fjords voyage from £818pp (two sharing), full board. Departs Southampton, May 13, 2011.

TROPICAL TREAT
Carnival Cruise's Western Caribbean trip from Miami to Jamaica on board Carnival Destiny is ideal for those wishing to combine a relaxing Florida beach holiday with an enjoyable sea voyage to tropical shores.

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After a pre-cruise stay in the vibrant city of Miami, the mid-size ship sets sail for Jamaica.

Here, passengers can experience the bustling town of Ocho Rios. This former fishing village turned tourist hotspot offers a multitude of restaurants and shops including six shopping plazas selling everything from Jamaican handicrafts to duty-free bargains.

The itinerary also includes a day-trip to Grand Cayman with its turquoise waters.

Beneath the surface a kingdom of coral reefs attracts scuba divers and snorkellers.

On the ship there is a casino where you can play craps or poker and the Spa Carnival is the perfect retreat for those looking for additional pampering.

Carnival Cruise (0845 351 0556/www.carnivalcruise.co.uk) offers a seven-night fly-cruise from £1,199pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Heathrow to Miami and one-night pre-cruise accommodation. Departs Miami, April 23, 2011.