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Blue Water Blog

Read the latest small ship, luxury and river news and features from the experts.

September 2024

Best Towns on the Rhine River

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.

Hotel Barge Cruising in France

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.

Hotel Barge Cruising in France

August 2024

India’s Golden Triangle and River Ganges Cruise

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.

India’s Golden Triangle and River Ganges Cruise

June 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

Blue Water Holidays Exclusive South Africa Safari Cruise!

July 2023

APT River Danube Cruise from Vienna to Regensburg

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

APT River Danube Cruise from Vienna to Regensburg

Cruise the Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen with Ponant

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.

Cruise the Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen with Ponant

June 2023

Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure

On Wednesday 5th July on ITV1, Joanna Lumley is embarking on her most epic voyage to date, the Spice Trail, on which she'll be exploring Indonesia, Zanzibar, India and Madagascar to gain a full insight of the age-old tale that is the spice trade...

Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Blog

Ask the Expert - Cruising the Galapagos Islands with Silversea

We asked Julie Nunes from Silversea about why cruising the Galapagos Islands is an experience you will never forget!

Ask the Expert - Cruising the Galapagos Islands with Silversea

February 2023

Highlights of Buenos Aires

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.

Highlights of Buenos Aires

October 2022

Top 10 Tips For First Time River Cruisers

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.

Top 10 Tips for First Time River Cruisers

August 2022

APT Travelmarvel’s New River Cruise Ships

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.

Three Shining Stars! APT Travelmarvel’s New River Cruise Ships

July 2022

The Amalfi Coast on board Star Clipper

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!

The Amalfi Coast on board Star Clipper

Blooming Marvellous Cruises!

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.

Blooming Marvellous Cruises!

June 2022

Highlights of Corsica

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!

Discover Corsica

What to do in Barbados

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. Why not extend your Caribbean cruise with a few days on this beautiful island, where the superb resorts, dramatic east coast and white-sand west coast offer a multitude of exciting and unique ways to pass the time. Read our guide on the top things to do in Barbados.

What to do in Barbados

Highlights of the Middle East

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.

Highlights of the Middle East

May 2022

Top Films Set in the Greek Islands

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.

Our list of top films set in the Greek Islands

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Norway

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

February 2022

River Cruising Through the Seasons

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.

August 2019

Uniworld Danube Cruise on River Princess

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!

Danube Delights with Emerald Waterways

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

The Rhine Revisited

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

May 2019

The Charms of Holland and Belgium Cruise

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!

March 2019

The Modern Magnificent Seven

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.

February 2019

Escape to Faraway Shores Brochure

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.

January 2019

Norway Through the Seasons

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.

November 2018

Cruising the Land of Fire and Ice

Magical Iceland is still being shaped by mighty forces; geysers gush, volcanoes rumble, waterfalls cascade down majestic mountains and huge glaciers carve great pathways through the landscape.

Experience Luxury Cruising with Regent Seven Seas

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

October 2018

A Day On Board Viking Sun

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

July 2018

How to Stay in Shape on a River Cruise

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

Wild World

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

June 2018

Best for Cruising

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

May 2018

Exploring Canada and the American East Coast on Fram

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:

December 2017

Exploring the Rhine at Christmas

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

Christmas Markets along the Rhine

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

Exploring the Scottish Isles in luxury on Hebridean Princess

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

November 2017

Exploring the Rhine on board Oscar Wilde

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.

September 2017

Exploring Scotland and the Faroe Islands

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.

August 2017

Amadeus Silver River Cruise Review

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.

May 2017

Stepping Onboard Midnatsol

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.

February 2017

The Polar Night in Spitsbergen

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

September 2016

Vietnam and Cambodia Cruise and Tour - A Personal Perspective

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

March 2016

Been There, Done That?

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 activites for those who have seen the most famous landmarks in our top five cities

February 2016

Spirit of India Review

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

November 2015

Timeless Vietnam and Cambodia Review

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.

Read the Blue Water Reviews of the Mekong

September 2015

Gems of the Seine Cruise Review

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.

June 2015

Paris to the Normandy Landing Beaches - Review

Our cruise specialist Sam has recently returned from her River Seine cruise with Avalon Waterways

Turkey and the Greek Islands on Star Clipper - Review

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.

May 2015

Exclusive review of Scenic Jasper's inaugural sailing

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.

January 2015

Romantic Danube Review

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.

December 2014

Exploring the rivers of Asia

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.

November 2014

Treasures of the Rhine Review

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.

September 2014

An Exclusive Review of a Greek Island-Hopping Cruise

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.

July 2014

Exclusive Paris to the Normandy Coast Cruise Review

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

June 2014

Latest figures show Mekong River Cruises increase in popularity

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

May 2014

Exclusive review of Scenic Jade's inaugural sailing

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.

February 2014

Brazil welcomes Rio Carnival and FIFA World Cup

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.

Our Top 3 Romantic Holiday Destinations

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!

January 2014

Chateaux and Vineyards of South West France - Review

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.

Caribbean on board Royal Clipper - Review

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.

Exclusive review of Mississippi river cruise on an authentic paddlewheeler

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

November 2013

Caribbean Treasure Islands on Star Clipper

Read our Diary of a week exploring the Treasure Islands of the Caribbean onboard sailing ship Star Clipper.

October 2013

In Search of the Northern Lights - Customer Review

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.

September 2013

Exploring Venice and its Lagoon

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.

A Sneak Preview of Royal Princess

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.

May 2013

Exploring Venice on a City Cruise Break

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.

April 2013

Our Top 5 World Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean

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.

Our Favourite Cuisine from Burgundy and Provence

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

Our Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations

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 5 Honeymoon destinations.

Our Favourite Greek Islands

Everyone who has been to Greece has a favourite Greek island. The team at Blue Water Holidays has selected three of our favourites.