MAJESTIC VOYAGE
eWaterways' Royal Crown (0808 168 1458/www.ewaterways.co.uk) is to water what the Orient-Express is to train tracks, an exclusive 88-berth boutique vessel offering the ultimate in sophisticated river cruising.
Board in Vienna and return to the golden age of travel as cabin concierge butlers tend to your every need. Sail down the Danube, past charming old villages and steep vineyards, visiting less well-known Austrian destinations.
Stops include the fairytale castle of Dürnstein (where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century), the pretty riverside town of Tulln and picturesque Linz with its stucco façades.
Back on board, gourmet à la carte dining is in sumptuous wood surroundings. Deluxe cabins are gloriously art deco in style with portholes and this small ship even has a spa.
A four-day Classic Danube Journey from £995pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights, transfers and a complimentary bottle of bubbly. Departs Vienna, September 8, 2011.

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NORTHERN DELIGHT
For a taste of the high life, set sail from Scotland on the Boudicca, a traditional ship regarded as the Rolls-Royce of cruise liners.
Stylish décor on the Fred.
Olsen Cruise Lines' (01473 742424/www.fredolsencruises.com) vessel combines splashes of colour with contemporary shapes. With room for just 800 passengers the feel is intimate, as are the ports of call.
The rugged Orkney Islands boast some of the most spectacular flora and fauna in the British Isles. Discover the 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae or have a tipple at the northernmost whisky distillery in Scotland before heading to Bergen in Norway.
Troldhaugen, the home of legendary composer Edvard Grieg, is worth a visit, before exploring Bergen's picturesque harbour lined by Bryggen, a maze of ramshackle wooden buildings housing little shops.
Back on the boat, fun quizzes, deck games and musical recitals will keep you entertained. The food reflects the liner's Norwegian heritage, with smörgåsbords of fresh seafood, pickled herring and smoked fish.
Four-night Bergen & The Orkneys cruise from £442pp (two sharing), full board.
Departs Rosyth, September 10, 2011.

CLASSIC CRUISE
Set sail with Cruise & Maritime Voyages (0845 833 9798/www.cruiseandmaritime.com) on board Ocean Countess from Liverpool to the quaint Irish port of Cobh on Cork Harbour.
Countess is a classic ship with country-house hotel décor.
She carries 800 passengers and the trip suits the over-55s.
Although children are welcome, there are no dedicated facilities.
Visit Cork's main shopping area St Patrick's Street and the historic English Market, before cruising on to the Isles of Scilly, which are peppered with secluded coves and beaches.
Attractions here include the exotic plant tropical haven of Abbey Gardens in Tresco. The final port of call is Waterford, famous for its crystal. On board, guests are treated to entertainment including West End-style shows and cabarets.
A four-night Celtic Explorer & Isles of Scilly cruise from £299pp (two sharing), full board. Departs Liverpool, September 15, 2011.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SAILING
For five-star pampering Las Vegas style, Grand Princess (0845 355 5800/www.princess.com) is hard to beat. Princess Cruises' family-friendly super-liner has had a revamp and extensive facilities include children's clubs, swimming pools, theatre, casino, cinema and a nine-hole putting course.
A tea sommelier will create brews in the Leaves Tea Lounge (500 blends to choose from) or try Alfredo's Pizzeria for the "best pizza at sea".
First stop on this taster cruise is Guernsey, where the Occupation Museum and Victor Hugo's house are must-sees, as is the capital St Peter Port with its pretty harbour.
Next stop is Le Havre, handy for a day trip to D-Day beaches or the seaside town of Honfleur.
Three-day Western Europe Getaway from £399pp (two sharing), full board.
Departs Southampton, September 17, 2011.

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MAIDEN OUTING
Be one of the first on Oriana for the P&O ship's debut as an adult-only ship in November.
The elegant mid-sized liner from P&O (0845 355 5333/ www.pocruises.co.uk) boasts a dazzling, glass-ceiling atrium and all the glitz of a super-sized ship with a more intimate feel.
Relax in the card room or elegant wood-panel library before taking in a top show at the plush Theatre Royal.
First stop is Bruges. Lace and pretty chocolate shops dot cobbled streets but save room for dinner on board as chef Marco Pierre White is opening his new restaurant Ocean Grill.
Try your luck in the casino or dance at the nightclub before waking up in Le Havre next day.
From there take a trip to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and magnificent Notre Dame.
A three-night cruise city break to Bruges and Paris from £324pp (two sharing), full board. Departs Southampton, November 30, 2011.