Go Dutch and see its capital blossom
Tulip time
Gardening enthusiasts will be in clover on a seven-day Floral Treasures Of Holland cruise led by Joe Swift this spring. The BBC Gardeners’ World presenter will guide passengers through the blooms in the Keukenhof Gardens and give tips on board. You will also see the Floralia show at Chateau de Bigard in Belgium and can make a visit to Amsterdam flower auction. The trip, which departs April 18, costs from £995pp, including coach travel from the UK. rivercruiseline.co.uk
Family fun
Book one of two Sky Suites on the new ship Sky Princess launching in October and you’ll have a huge balcony, half the size of a tennis court, with a 270-degree panorama and private view of the ship’s Movies Under the Stars screen. A family of five can book a Sky Suite for the 11day Scandinavia And Russia cruise departing Copenhagen on April 25, 2020, for a total of £26,545, including the services of a suite manager and personal shopper, and oodles more perks. Flights excluded. princess.com
Party party
Bookings have just opened for the new mega-ship Carnival Mardi Gras, which sets sail in summer 2020. As its name suggests, there will be a nonstop party atmosphere, with scores of places to eat, drink and dance. The Ultimate Playground, spanning decks 18 to 20, will feature the most enormous and elaborate WaterWorks aqua park in the fleet, and BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first rollercoaster at sea, whizzing at 40mph round an 800ft track over the waves. Cruise-only fares for a seven-day Caribbean voyage, departing Cape Canaveral in Florida on November 28, 2020, start at £559pp. carnival.com
Bordeaux bargain
New luxury riverboat SS Bon Voyage sails along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde rivers in South-West France. You’ll visit the hilltop village of Saint-Emilion and a nearby chateau to taste grand cru wines and sip sweet ones in Sauternes. You can cycle through Medoc vineyards from Pauillac and do yoga in the fortress at Blaye. Book now to save £1,000pp on the eight-day Brilliant Bordeaux cruise departing on April 21. The reduced fare of £1,699pp includes gourmet food, drinks, excursions and return flights. uniworld.com/uk.