How to decide the right cruise for you?

Cost: The cost of cruises can vary immensely: a seven-night cruise with Ocean Village could set you back less than £700 per person, while a 14-night cruise with Princess Cruise Lines costs from around £1,000 per person, and two-night mini-cruise with P&O Cruises costs under £200.

Destinations, time of year and cruise ship category all affect the price you pay.

You need to consider that some prices include food, entertainment and flights but even so, drinks, speciality dining and end-of-cruise tips will increase the total cost. Other cruise lines, like easyCruise, don’t include any extras at all: you even pay for your breakfast over and above the cost of the cruise.

Sample the mood: If you’re not sure whether a cruise holiday is for you, why not try a mini-cruise? It allows you to spend a couple of nights on board and if you don’t like it, you’re not trapped for two weeks – most people who take a mini-cruise do go on to book a full length ocean holiday though. Compare and contrast: Take advice from friends, from forums and reviews and from agents who specialise in cruise holidays, who can help you decide what’s best for you.