NOTES FROM AN AUTHOR
Bestselling author Bill Bryson, famous for his book Notes From A Small Island among others, will be something of an open book himself when he sets sail with Silversea Cruises (0844 251 0837/www.silversea.com).
He will give a talk to passengers during an exotic Far East sailing from Singapore to Shanghai. Stops include Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, where bargain hunters can snap up crafts in the huge Ben Thành market.
A must-see is the gripping War Remnants Museum which features fascinating displays about the Vietnam War.
In the bustling hub of Hong Kong, visitors can take the funicular railway to the top of Victoria Peak for superb views.
The trip ends at the Chinese powerhouse city of Shanghai, renowned for historical landmarks including the pretty Yuyuan Garden boasting sumptuous garden architecture and dragon statues.
Silver Whisper is a luxurious small ship carrying around 380 passengers in spacious suites with butler service. It also boasts Relais & Châteaux, the only wine restaurant at sea.
Silversea Cruises offers an 11-day sailing (segment of a 155-day world cruise) from £4,987pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from the UK. Departs Singapore, March 3, 2012.

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MUSICAL MEDITERRANEAN
Glamorous duo the Operababes will add a cultured musical twist to Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines (01473 742424 / www.fredolsencruises.com) when they perform on an autumnal sailing to the Iberian peninsula.
Soprano Rebecca Knight and mezzo soprano Karen England will join the cruise from November 3-8 to entertain passengers with their stylish brand of operatic glamour.
First stop is the Spanish resort of Motril, gateway to Granada and Andalucia and an ideal point to find a tour to take you into the Sierra Nevada mountains or to the stately Alhambra Palace.
Enjoy a beach stop in Ibiza before reaching the Mediterranean city of Cartagena, one of the most important naval ports in Spain.
The last stopover is Lisbon where you can take a jeep safari into the Sintra mountains or stroll through stately squares.
The Braemar carries just over 900 passengers. Enjoy your favourite tipple in the Morning Light pub or learn a useful skill at a class in the arts and crafts room.
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines offers an 11-night Iberian voyage from ?48pp (two sharing), full board. Departs Dover, October 28, 2011.

IT'S NO ILLUSION
P&O Cruises (0845 678 0014 / www.pocruises.com) promises to leave passengers awed and mystified on this mini-cruise featuring world-famous master illusionist Derren Brown, who will perform two mind-reading shows on board.
This pre-Christmas sailing is ideal for visiting some of the best continental markets and the first port of call is Zeebrugge, gateway to the chocolate-box city of Bruges where the splendid medieval architecture and charming squares are the perfect setting for the festive yuletide stalls.
From Le Havre you can travel to Paris to see the romantic capital in all its festive splendour and complete the trip with a visit to the fantastic market by the Champs-Élysées.
Arcadia is a sophisticated adults-only ship with an art collection containing around 3,000 pieces.
Among its restaurants, Orchid offers the flavours of Asia while a new restaurant making its debut is Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White. You can pick from tastefully decorated cabins or opulent suites with whirlpool baths.
P&O Cruises offers a three-night mini-cruise from £299pp (two sharing), full board. Departs Southampton, December 12, 2011.

HOT STUFF
Celebrity chef Levi Roots who shot to fame on BBC's Dragons' Den series with his range of cooking sauces, will be adding spice to a Caribbean sailing this winter with SeaDream Yacht Club (0800 783 1373 / www.seadream.com).
Passengers will be able to watch cooking demonstrations by the Jamaican-born chef and sample his food. The Antigua round-trip voyage calls at the sleepy island of Anguilla with its dazzlingly white sandy beaches before sailing to the British Virgin Islands.
It stops at Norman Island, renowned for stories of pirates and caves full of treasure and the main islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
The island of St Barts, known for its Gallic style with its designer boutiques and chic beach bars, is also a fascinating stopover.
SeaDream 1 is best described as a stylish mega-yacht with an intimate atmosphere for its 112 guests.
It has a watersports marina that is lowered from the ship's stern with jet skis and other "water toys".
Passengers can later retire to one of the ship's 54 tasteful staterooms which all feature marble bathrooms.

BAway Holidays (0333 444 2355/www.baway.co.uk) offers a seven-night Caribbean sailing with SeaDream Yacht Club from £2,995pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from the UK. Departs Antigua, December 4, 2011.