Small Ship Luxury, ultra-luxury cruises…

…and tailor-made holidays designed for travellers seeking extraordinary experiences

There are thousands of cruises, but I don’t sell them all, and I don’t work with everyone.

I work with travellers looking for small-ship experiences, not crowded ships. Utilising suppliers whom I trust to do the best for me, and my clients.

Every cruise line tells you they're the best. Every website claims to have the best deal.
Every search seems to leave you with more questions than answers.

That's where I come in.

I don't work for a cruise line.

I don't work for a faceless call centre or corporate travel company.

I work for you - Cutting through all the noise to find you the perfect cruise.

From 5-star luxury & comfort - to the sublime in ultra-luxury small-ship cruising, I give advice to make sure you’re booking the right cruise.

My job isn't to find you a cruise. It's to make sure you don't book the wrong one.

A woman in black polka-dot clothing smiles and stands on a ship's deck, holding a ship's wheel with a background of ocean, sky, and distant mountains.

‘Why Should I Work With You?’

Because booking with a specialist is all about the value you receive.

You could book a cruise online yourself. But finding the right cruise, getting the details right and having someone who knows their stuff in your corner? That's where I come in. Why DIY when you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands?

Matched to You

Not just a cruise - the right cruise for you.
I listen to how you actually like to travel, then use my experience to recommend the right cruise style, ship and itinerary. No one-size-fits-all suggestions, just travel that suits you. And, I'm your personal point of contact before, during and after your holiday.

The Whole Journey

More than booking a cruise.
From a simple sailing to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I can help create the whole experience; from flights and hotels to extensions, special experiences and all the little details in between.

Experience You Can Trust

Decades of experience. Personal service. No guesswork.
With 35+ years in travel, 18 years specialising in cruises and first-hand experience of 30+ ships, I know what makes a cruise truly special. I combine that knowledge with strong supplier relationships to give you honest recommendations, comparable pricing, continuation of loyalty benefits, and, where available, additional perks & added value.

Meet Your Personal Cruise Specialist

My passion: Planning your luxury cruise holiday

A woman smiling on the deck of a cruise ship with the open ocean in the background, a red and white flag, and some outdoor lighting.

Hi, I'm Lorraine - The owner of Bespoke Cruise Holidays and a cruise specialist with over 35 years in the travel industry, beginning my journey at 17 years old, I never wanted to leave.

I fell in love with cruising long before I stepped aboard my first ship, long before it became what it is today. What other holiday lets you explore multiple incredible destinations while unpacking just once? I love not having to think about where I am going next, because the itinerary already has that covered.

Having personally experienced more than 30 ships, from the mega ocean ships, to small river cruises, and together with extensive cruise line training and behind-the-scenes ship visits, my recommendations come from real experience, not Google searches.

Over the years, my own travels have evolved. I’ve discovered the luxury, authenticity and relaxed pace of smaller ships and river cruising, where you can unpack once, explore incredible destinations and simply enjoy the journey. I love sharing these experiences with my clients, providing personalised quotations based on what they want, not simply a cruise line or itinerary.

Live for the moment, and together, we can create a cruise holiday that's every bit as extraordinary as you've imagined.

It’s The Small Things That Really Matter

There’s a reason I’m so passionate about small-ship and river cruising.

For me, it’s not about how many restaurants a ship has, how many passengers it can carry, or how many water slides you can squeeze onto the top deck.

It’s about the little things.

A crowd of people dining on the deck of a cruise ship during sunset, with flag banners, string lights, and a view of sailboats and the ocean in the background.
  • A crew member remembering how you like your morning coffee.

  • Stepping ashore somewhere a larger ship simply can’t reach.

  • Watching the world drift by from your balcony, without thousands of other passengers around you.

  • Having time to actually connect with the places you visit, rather than simply ticking them off a list.

  • Special exclusive events, both onboard and ashore at tourist hotspots.

  • Space to slow down, explore and enjoy the journey itself, without the crowded decks.

“One morning, after an early wildlife excursion, we were surprised with breakfast served outside in the heart of the Amazon, complete with trays and linen. It was such a magical, surreal moment, whilst eating my croissants. We were also treated to a sunset cruise with cocktails. These are the unexpected experiences that made our journey so special.” - A clients Amazon river cruise with Uniworld.

That’s why I choose to specialise in small-ship and river cruising, and why I only work with cruise lines I genuinely believe offer something special.

Discover the difference yourself by checking out the cruise styles below:

A group of people on a boat by a river, preparing and serving food that includes dishes wrapped in leaves, with a lush green forest in the background.

Which Type Of Cruise Is Right For Me?

  • Hapag Lloyd ship

    Traditional Cruising

    The familiar cruises; Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe & worldwide, on ships carrying between 388 & up to 1,390 guests, these 5-and 6- star ships are the ‘largest’ I work with. These cruise lines offer the perfect balance between larger ships and the smaller yachts. But more than that, they offer a relaxed, high staff-to-guest ratio, destination-focused experience, with exclusive events onboard & ashore, and they slip into intimate harbours that larger ships simply cannot reach.

  • luxury yacht ship

    Yacht & Tall-Ship Cruising

    These are not yacht charters - this is cruising, in style. These 5-and 6-star cruises offer a strong focus on immersive, destination-led travel, with itineraries to include both iconic and lesser-visited ports in exclusive destinations, including the polar regions. These yachts & tall-ships accommodate between 100 & 350 passengers, for a more refined & intimate experience. Travel on a tall-ship, and experience the spine-tingling moment the sails rise and the wind takes hold; it truly is enthralling.

  • Luxury river cruise ship

    River Cruising

    While an ocean cruise takes you around the destination, a river cruise takes you straight through it. This offers high value compared to hotels & independent travel components. The ships accommodate, on average, 150 passengers on 5-and-6-star ships in Europe, where you can unpack just once to journey through the heart of cities & villages, docking steps away from iconic landmarks & vineyards. Or travel further afield with even fewer passengers; from Colombia, & South Africa on safari, to adventures in the Amazon, India & Sri Lanka, and Vietnam & Cambodia. Discover places like never before - docking in major hubs & in communities which still rely on the rivers for their livelihoods.

  • A large white and blue tour boat named Sea Bird on calm water with a forested shoreline and snow-capped mountains in the background. A smaller raft with people wearing orange life jackets is nearby.

    Expedition & Exploration Cruising

    This isn’t cruising. This is something special. If you’ve exhausted traditional cruising, or bored of beaches & cities, then swap to raw discovery & adventure. - in 6-star comfort. These ships accommodate between 90 & 490 passengers, allowing you to get right into those smaller docking ports. Journey to the ends of the earth, where you don’t disembark onto beaches, but instead, ice & snow - in Antarctica & the Arctic, and also; the Galápagos, the Northern passage, the Kimberley, and more, guided by world-class naturalists, and without sacrificing on luxury & comfort.

  • A small yacht on the water during dusk, with its lights on illuminating the deck where people are dining.

    Special & Unique Cruising

    Sailings that are reserved for special occasions, or maybe, just because….These ships have been charted and the itineraries designed especially for a cruise line, making them unique, and highly sought after. For example; spend your next holiday aboard a 20-passenger all-suite yacht, sailing along the coastline of Indonesia’s pristine waters. For ONLY 2 select dates in 2027, and 3 dates in 2028, all with limited availability!

Cruise Extensions, Special Interest & Unique Itineraries

  • Cruise Plus

    Imagine a holiday that begins before you board and continues long after you disembark. By booking a cruise & stay, tour, or stopover, you can combine unforgettable experiences on land with the luxury of life at sea or river.

    Whether it’s extra time in your embarkation city or a cruise-tour with hotels, transfers, and excursions included, a safari, or iconic train journey, every itinerary is designed entirely around you.
    Ready to explore the possibilities?

  • The Rocky Mountaineer moving alongside a river in a mountainous forested landscape with snow-capped peaks.

    Luxury Cruise & Rail Journeys

    Create the ultimate Rail & Sail journey, combining luxury ocean or river cruising with some of the world’s most iconic rail experiences; from Europe aboard the Golden Eagle Express, to India on the Maharajas’ Express, and through the spectacular landscapes of Alaska and Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer.

  • European Christmas market

    Special Interest Cruises

    Celebrate your passions and hobbies at sea, or on the rivers, with unforgettable special interest cruises designed to bring like-minded travellers together. From wine, golf, and craft beer to music, dance, hiking, wellness, history, festive Christmas & New Year sailings, and more, there’s a voyage tailored to every interest.

  • "She took care of everything"

    "There can be a lot of things to consider when looking for a cruise holiday. All the worry about what different options mean, the best routes to go and is it going to deliver the experience you want given the price tag. We had none of that, we chatted to Lorraine and she took care of everything for us. Now all we have to do is look forward to a spectacular trip."

    Chris Tarttelin

  • "Super knowledgeable"

    "Lorraine has helped us book an incredible cruise to Alaska later this year to celebrate a special occasion. She is super knowledgeable on all things cruising (which we are not!) and super patient with me as I mull over things a lot! Thanks so much Lorraine hope we can book another with you soon."

    Karen Proctor

  • "Friendly & trustworthy"

    "I have just booked a multigenerational family holiday with Lorraine’s help.. I would recommend her services in a heart beat. She is a friendly and trustworthy person who will take all the stress off you to find and book your holiday, also will come up with some ideas that you may not have thought of. You can’t go wrong by using Lorraine’s services and I for one will be using her help with other holidays going forward."

    Mary Yeardley

  • "She was very patient"

    "Lorraine diligently hunted out some late options for a Croatian cruise in busy season and answered my sporadic questions quickly and clearly. She was very patient! It's not quite our Plan A, but we have an exciting-looking cruise booked for September and we're looking forward to it. Thank you!"

    Steve Moore

  • "She came up with exactly what we wanted"

    "We booked a Scandinavia cruise through Lorraine and had a wonderful time. I gave Lorraine our dates and she came up with exactly what we wanted! Thank you"

    Rebecca Leonard

  • "The whole process was easy & straightforward"

    "Lorraine recently allayed many of our fears as we have never done a cruise before. With her knowledge and experience, she was able to recommend two cruise lines and we are all booked for our first ever cruise! Lorraine booked everything for us which made the whole process easy and straightforward."

    Lorraine Deacon

  • "I would definitely recommend her"

    "I've just booked a cruise for next year through Lorraine. She has been great, answering my incessant questions and finding us the cabins we wanted. I would definitely recommend her."

    Sue Nind

  • "Booking our cruise was effortless"

    "From our first conversation, Lorraine really understood the kind of luxury cruise we were looking for. She suggested options we'd never have found ourselves, answered every question quickly, and made the whole booking process effortless. We can't wait for our cruise and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her."

    Jane Fairworth

  • "Thanks for everything so far"

    “I have booked a cruise with Lorraine, we go next year, she has made the whole process so easy for me, I never hesitate to email if I have any questions (my first cruise) and she's always prompt to reply and if she don't know the answer she's always on the case double quick. Thank you for everything so far Lorraine.”

    Amanda Darkins

How Can I Help You?

A bed decorated with two towel swans forming a heart shape, surrounded by scattered red rose petals and a single long-stemmed red rose on a white bedsheet inside a modern hotel room.

I would like it all handled

I plan & manage your entire bespoke journey, so you just have to pack your bag, turn up, and enjoy it. Fill out a short form - No commitment, no pressure - just a conversation starter.

A cruise ship balcony with two white lounge chairs and a small round table with a bottle of champagne and two glasses, overlooking the open ocean under a clear blue sky.

I just want a cruise only

Maybe you have Air-miles or hotel points? I help you choose & book a perfect cruise, while you look after all the extras. Fill out a short form to start, and I’ll be in touch.

A scenic view of a harbor with sailboats and yachts, residential buildings in the background, and trees in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.

I have some questions

Not ready to book just yet?
It’s natural you will have questions, or want to bounce some ideas around, whether you’re a first time cruiser or not. Give me a call or send an email, and let’s chat.

Thinking About a Cruise?

You’re Invited To My Exclusive Cruise Community:

Small ship, luxury & six-star cruises- by Lorraine

If you're researching, comparing cruise lines or simply dreaming about your next adventure, my private community is the best place to start.

You'll find honest, independent advice, destination inspiration, reviews, & behind-the-scenes insights - all without the sales pressure.

Each week, I showcase a different cruise line & destination, sharing insider tips, hidden gems, and the reasons why it would be perfect for your next holiday. This week: Do the Caribbean differently.

Whether you're just starting to dream or ready to book, check in here first for the kind of REAL advice you won’t find in any brochure, or on any cruise website.

Join my free Facebook group today and become part of a community that loves cruising as much as you do.