Blue Water Blog

With the cruise season taking place from spring to autumn across the country, we’ve highlighted the best weather Croatia has to offer during these periods, offered recommendations of things to do, as well as the cultural events that you won’t want to miss.

Tue 08 Apr 2025

Danube river cruises are one of Europe’s most loved travel experiences. That’s why our experts have answered the all-important question of what to pack for a Danube River cruise.

Wed 02 Apr 2025

A sparkling jewel in the Caribbean, Barbados is on every must-visit list. A colourful fusion of the Caribbean's best beaches, colonial history, spectacular scenery and a mouth-watering cuisine, Barbados has something for everyone. Read our guide on the top things to do in Barbados.

Thu 20 Mar 2025

In this article, we will delve into what you can expect on your next Danube River cruise trip. From packing tips to must-visit destinations and the best onshore excursions, we’ll cover all the key details so that you can make the most of your Danube River cruise holiday.

Tue 18 Mar 2025

The Rhine River is one of the largest rivers in Europe, second only to the Danube. The waterway takes travellers on a journey to discover a selection of the continent's most vibrant cultures, rich histories, and breathtaking landscapes.

Mon 10 Feb 2025

With its picture-perfect white-washed towns, gleaming sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s no surprise that Greece is a favourite destination for film-makers. Many famous films have been set and filmed in the Greek Islands, and here are just some of our favourites.

Thu 06 Feb 2025

Read our guide to the Danube River. The Danube is the gateway to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, each with rich histories, unique cultures, spectacular architecture, and delectable cuisine.

Mon 20 Jan 2025

The South of France is renowned for its gastronomic delights and magnificent vineyards. We have put together our favourite menus from Burgundy and Provence.

Tue 14 Jan 2025

In this article, we take a look at the different times of the year that you can cruise the Douro River and share our recommendations for the best time to book a trip.

Tue 24 Dec 2024

So you want to relax on a beach, he fancies water sports, but you want to spend romantic evenings together? Don't worry, we’ve put together our Top 9 Honeymoon destinations.

Thu 07 Nov 2024

Europe’s network of rivers, canals, and tributaries weaves a tapestry that connects cities across the continent, linking not only countries but cultures too. From historic strongholds to charming settlements with bags of character, exploring Europe on its waters offers a fresh perspective to appreciate the breadth of beauty this continent has to offer.

Thu 07 Nov 2024

In this article, we share our recommendations for the best month for a Danube River cruise, and take you through each of the seasons on the river to share what every time of year has in store for visitors.

Mon 30 Sep 2024

With 227 inhabited islands and with so many different options to choose from, how do you decide which Greek islands to visit? The team at Blue Water Holidays has selected some of our favourites to help you decide.

Fri 27 Sep 2024

The River Rhine flows from the Swiss Alps through Germany to Holland, past cliff-top castles and terraced vineyards. In this article, we share our recommendations for the best towns and cities on the River Rhine, all of which feature on the itineraries of our popular Rhine River cruises.

Mon 16 Sep 2024

If you are looking for a unique and authentic way to explore France then a Hotel Barge Holiday could be just what you are looking for. This article uncovers exactly what Hotel Barging is and our suggestions on which canals to cruise.

Tue 10 Sep 2024

This magnificent holiday includes a Golden Triangle tour with hotel stays in India’s most luxurious hotels in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, before sailing on the Ganges Voyager II down the sacred River Ganges.

Wed 14 Aug 2024

Blue Water Holidays Exclusive South Africa Safari Cruise! Read about our Exclusive 14-night, fully escorted cruise and safari holiday that explores the best Southern Africa has to offer, from Cape Town in South Africa to Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Mon 03 Jun 2024

One of our cruise specialists, Samantha, recently joined an APT Danube River cruise onboard Travelmarvel Polaris. Read Samantha's blog as she explores Vienna, Durnstein, Melk and many other unique destinations on a memorable three night short break cruise

Wed 26 Jul 2023

One of our cruise specialists, Emmy, was lucky enough to join Ponant on an adventure of a lifetime to Spitsbergen. Read Emmy's blog for a full insight into how truly amazing this journey was.

Fri 07 Jul 2023

The 19-island-archipelago was the world’s first UNESCO Heritage Site and rightly so. An astonishing 9,000 species of flora and fauna call the archipelago home, many of which are endemic. These include the Galápagos giant tortoise, the Galápagos sea lion and, of course, the charismatic Galápagos Penguin.

Fri 23 Jun 2023

Football lovers, foodies, and shopaholics unite as we tell you all about one of South America's greatest gems, Buenos Aires. This thriving cosmopolitan city has so much to offer from world-class steak to the unforgettable Tango tradition, you will never be bored when in this bustling corner of the world.

Wed 22 Feb 2023

At Blue Water Holidays we are experts when it comes to river cruising. From tips on when to book to shore excursions, this article contains everything you need to know about river cruising.

Mon 17 Oct 2022

The three new river ships will shine bright, like the stars they were named after: Polaris, Capella and Vega. Combining state-of-the-art design with more dining options and social spaces, these contemporary river ships offer a relaxed new standard of cruise.

Fri 12 Aug 2022

I have been very lucky in my time at Blue Water Holidays to have taken some wonderful trips, but when I received this invitation, it really did feel like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I had been asked to spend three nights onboard the Star Clipper sailing the Amalfi coast in Italy stopping at Amalfi, Sorrento and Ponza!

Fri 15 Jul 2022

Just a small selection of cruises to Europe’s finest gardens, from France to the Netherlands, Scotland and beyond, there is a cruise to tempt all keen horticulturalists.

Fri 08 Jul 2022

Whereabouts in the Mediterranean can you find an unspoiled island with astounding natural beauty, quirky towns, vibrant small cities and a fascinating history? This island gem off the coast of Italy has myriad attractions and relatively few tourists!

Fri 24 Jun 2022

Cruising in the Middle East brings a sense of luxury with the region’s 5-star amenities, sun-drenched beaches, and culture-rich cities. Relax on pristine beaches, splash out in air-conditioned malls, or haggle at authentic souks. There is warm sun all year round and many opportunities to check off a number of items on your bucket list.

Fri 03 Jun 2022

Norway is one of our most popular cruise destinations and it is easy to see why. Spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, summer’s Midnight Sun and winter’s magical Northern Lights are just a few things that make this exquisite country one of our favourites too. Read our top 10 reasons to visit Norway for even more destination highlights

Tue 17 May 2022

Looking to book a river cruise but aren't sure when to travel? The good news is that there isn't a wrong choice, as every season offers something different. The bad news is that doesn't make your decision any easier! Read our top tips for choosing which season and river will suit you.

Fri 11 Feb 2022

Sales Supervisor Rebecca and Marketing Executive Laura recently joined Uniworld's Authentic Danube river cruise. Read on to find out what to expect on a Uniworld river cruise!

Wed 21 Aug 2019

Our Product and Marketing Manager, Kathryn, recently enjoyed Emerald Waterway's Danube Delights cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg. Read her exclusive review!

Wed 14 Aug 2019

Samantha, one of our cruising specialists, recently enjoyed Avalon Waterway's Active and Discovery on the Rhine river cruise. Read her exclusive review!

Tue 13 Aug 2019

Our Cruise Specialist, Emmy, recently enjoyed a river cruise through Holland and Belgium on board Emerald Waterways' 182-passenger ship, Emerald Star. Read her exclusive review!

Wed 29 May 2019

The incredible Seven Wonders of the Modern World are architectural marvels, some built by ancient empires and others relatively more recently but no less impressive. Spread across the globe, they can all be visited whilst enjoying a cruise.

Fri 01 Mar 2019

We have just released our superb Escape to Faraway Shores brochure, featuring a selection of our exotic river, small ship and luxury cruises that travel to far-flung lands, all with fantastic offers.

Tue 26 Feb 2019

Cruising is the perfect way to experience Norway’s contrasting seasons. Hurtigruten’s small ships have been sailing the breathtaking Norwegian coastline for 125 years and continue to offer authentic voyages, departing daily all year round.

Wed 16 Jan 2019

Regent Seven Seas believe that travel should not be a reason to compromise.

Tue 13 Nov 2018

Cruising Specialist Karen was lucky enough to be invited on board Viking Cruises' superb ocean ship Viking Sun when she docked in Liverpool.

Mon 01 Oct 2018

Staying in shape and keeping fit whilst on a river cruise may seem like a challenging task!

Mon 16 Jul 2018

Cruise in style and comfort to remote corners of the world in search of exciting wildlife.

Wed 11 Jul 2018

Discover six of our favourite reasons to cruise, then call our cruising specialists on 01756 706537 to secure your cabin today!

Thu 21 Jun 2018

Our Cruising Specialist, Ann, recently enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Canada and the America East Coast on board Hurtigruten's expedition ship Fram. Read her exclusive review:

Mon 14 May 2018

Our Product and Marketing Manager, Kathryn, recently enjoyed a Christmas Markets River Rhine Cruise with AmaWaterways. Read her exclusive review:

Fri 29 Dec 2017

Our Cruising Specialists, Karen and Fay, recently enjoyed a luxury, all-inclusive Scotland cruise on 50-passenger Hebridean Princess. Read their exclusive review.

Sun 17 Dec 2017

One of our customers recently enjoyed her first river cruise, joining the luxurious AmaPrima on a Rhine Christmas Markets itinerary. Read her exclusive review.

Wed 13 Dec 2017

Our Cruising Specialist, Ann, recently enjoyed a cruise along the River Rhine on Riviera Travel’s stunning new ship, Oscar Wilde. Read her exclusive review.

Thu 16 Nov 2017

Our Marketing Executive, Laura, and Cruising Specialist, Jade, recently enjoyed a cruise along the beautiful River Rhine, courtesy of Amadeus River Cruises. Read their exclusive review.

Fri 13 Oct 2017

Sarah in our Sales Support team recently joined Cruise and Maritime's flagship, Columbus, for a Scotland and Faroe Islands cruise. Read her exclusive review.

Tue 19 Sep 2017

Our Cruising Specialist, Jade and Marketing Executive, Margaret, were lucky enough to be invited onboard Hurtigruten's refurbished expedition ship Midnatsol when she docked in Edinburgh Leith.

Fri 26 May 2017

Our Product and Marketing Coordinator, Kathryn recently enjoyed a trip exploring Spitsbergen with Hurtigruten in the winter. Read her exclusive review.

Tue 07 Feb 2017

Our Cruise Specialist Sam recently enjoyed a Travelmarvel by APT tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. Read her exclusive review.

Mon 26 Sep 2016

European city tours are becoming increasingly popular with UK tourists, but most of us don’t visit the same city twice. We've discovered some interesting places and unusual activities for those who have seen the most famous landmarks in our top five cities

Wed 30 Mar 2016

Incredible India - the official slogan is entirely accurate. India has amazing sights, sounds and smells to assault the senses like no other country.

Tue 02 Feb 2016

We had visited Vietnam on a sea cruise, but felt we had barely seen the country. So we were keen to go on the Mekong river through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, and particularly to see Angkor Wat at Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

Thu 05 Nov 2015

Heather and Jade, two of our cruising specialists, were lucky enough to be invited on an all-inclusive cruise along the River Seine on the luxurious Scenic Gem.

Wed 16 Sep 2015

Paris to the Normandy Landing Beaches Review. Our cruise specialist Sam has recently returned from her River Seine cruise with Avalon Waterways

Thu 25 Jun 2015

Ann, one of our cruising specialists, was recently invited to experience Star Clipper in the Greek Islands and she shares her amazing experience with us.

Wed 17 Jun 2015

Sam, one of our Cruising Specalists was lucky enough to be invited on Scenic Jasper's inaugural sailing from Amsterdam along the Dutch waterways. Read her exclusive review.

Wed 20 May 2015

I was most excitied to be taking my first cruise with Viking River Cruises and would be sailing from Budapest to Passau over 4 nights on part of their Romantic Danube itinerary.

Mon 19 Jan 2015

As a fan of French culture and wines, in particular the reds of the Bordeaux area, this CroisiEurope river cruise exploring the chateaux and vineyards of south-west France proved an excellent holiday choice.

Wed 31 Dec 2014

Asia has a lot to offer, from ancient cities to ornate pagodas and breathtaking natural wonders. There is so much to see but we've handpicked our top three sights along four fascinating rivers; the Mekong, Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Ganges.

Wed 03 Dec 2014

I have spent several years trying to convince my partner to accompany me on a river cruise, as despite the stereotype that they are for the older generation, I knew he would love river cruising just as much as I do even though we are in our 30s.

Fri 28 Nov 2014

A relaxed island-hopping cruise on Panorama II is the best way to enjoy the private yacht experience. Read our review of a 7-night cruise around the stunning Greek Islands.

Thu 11 Sep 2014

Read an exclusive review of a 7-night river cruise from Paris along the beautiful River Seine which is renowned for inspiring many Impressionist artists

Wed 25 Jun 2014

A Mississippi river cruise lets you step back in time to the grand era of steamboating on an authentic paddlewheeler, cruising through America's Deep South. Read our customer's review cruise from their Mississippi holiday

Mon 09 Jun 2014

According to our latest figures, Mekong river cruises are becoming increasingly popular whilst Rhine River Cruises remain the most popular overall

Mon 09 Jun 2014

The Danube is one of Europe's most popular rivers and it's not surprising! With its art, history, scenery and fascinating capital cities, it is a delight to explore. Read Ann's blog about her cruise from Vienna to Budapest on board the brand new Scenic Jade.

Tue 13 May 2014

All eyes will be on Brazil this year with the annual Rio Carnival starting on Friday and the FIFA World Cup kicking off on the 12th June.

Wed 26 Feb 2014

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, why not treat your loved one to a romantic break. We've put together our top 3 'loved up' holiday destinations that are sure to impress that special person in your life!

Thu 13 Feb 2014

Explore the idyllic Caribbean islands of Antigua, St Kitts and Martinique on a spectacular voyage under full sail. Read Sam's review of her sailing holiday on five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper.

Wed 22 Jan 2014

This was our fourth Star Clippers cruise. The others were in the Mediterranean, and this time it was the Caribbean at Christmas-time. We were looking forward to warm sunny days, superb sailing conditions, and particularly the British Virgin Islands, famous for links to the real pirates, idyllic scenery and a laid-beck style. We were not disappointed.

Wed 13 Nov 2013

Holiday of a lifetime - we saw the Northern Lights on five separate nights which fulfilled a life long ambition and left us speechless each time.

Fri 18 Oct 2013

The best way to explore the romantic city of Venice and its picturesque Lagoon is on a luxury river cruise. Read our customer's diary about their holiday.

Wed 11 Sep 2013

With her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge christening the Royal Princess in Southampton, we were honoured to spend a preview night on board this superb new ship.

Tue 11 Jun 2013

A city cruise break is an ideal way to explore the romantic city of Venice and its lagoons. Moor in the heart of Venice and explore the highlights including St Mark’s Square and Burano.

Wed 29 May 2013

Explore the idyllic Caribbean islands of Antigua, St Kitts and Martinique on a spectacular voyage under full sail. Read Sam's review of her sailing holiday on five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper.

Thu 16 May 2013

With such a wealth of history and culture in the Mediterranean, we have picked out our favourite five UNESCO World Heritage Sites to help you decide where to start.

Mon 01 Apr 2013