Extraordinary Journeys -
Personally Curated.
Small ships - Expedition Cruises - River Cruises - Tailor-Made Holidays
At Bespoke Cruise Holidays, I specialise in designing exceptional cruise holidays for discerning travellers who want something more than the ordinary.
From remarkable small-ship voyages and extraordinary river cruises to bucket-list expeditions and beautifully crafted journeys combining cruises with exceptional hotels and experiences, I bring everything together to create holidays that are as individual as you are.
With over 30 years in travel and extensive first-hand cruise experience, I offer expert recommendations, honest advice and a genuinely personal approach to planning your next extraordinary journey.
Discover my personally curated Signature Journeys or commission me to design something entirely bespoke, with every detail thoughtfully considered around you.
How Can I Help You?
Bespoke journey design
Your ideas. My expertise. Your extraordinary journey.
Tell me what you'd love to experience, and I'll design and bring together your dream holiday, personally tailored to you. From choosing the perfect cruise and suite to hand-picking hotels, experiences and every detail in between.
A dedicated, fee-based planning service for those who want something truly personal.
Signature cruise journeys
Exceptional journeys, hand-picked by me.
Discover my personally selected collection of extraordinary cruise holidays, combining remarkable ships and destinations with carefully chosen hotels, experiences and extensions. Inspiring journeys for those who want something a little different.
No service fee applies.
See some examples below.
Cruise reservations
Your perfect cruise, expertly chosen.
Already have a cruise in mind? I'll help you find the right ship, itinerary and suite, with personal advice, expert recommendations and attentive service from enquiry to your return home.
No service fee applies.
Signature Journeys
The Douro
River Cruising, Wine & CultureLuxury river cruise through the spectacular Douro Valley.
Pre-cruise stay in Porto, exploring its historic streets and wine cellars.
A carefully selected vineyard experience with private tasting and regional cuisine.
Time to discover Portugal beyond the usual tourist trail.
Optional extension in Lisbon or the Portuguese countryside.
Portugal is experienced as a destination in its own right, not merely a river cruise.
The Norwegian Fjords
Extraordinary Scenery & Authentic ExperiencesA carefully selected small-ship itinerary exploring Norway's spectacular coastline.
A pre-cruise stay in Bergen or an exceptional Norwegian lodge.
Smaller ports, beautiful scenery and opportunities to explore beyond the main tourist stops.
Carefully chosen excursions focusing on local culture, nature and experiences.
Optional extension into the Norwegian mountains or Arctic Norway.
Norway experienced slowly, thoughtfully and away from the crowds.
Antarctica
A Once-In-A-Lifetime AdventureA luxury expedition cruise exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
A carefully planned stay in Buenos Aires.
Optional extension to Patagonia, combining extraordinary landscapes with exceptional accommodation.
Expert-led expedition experiences, wildlife encounters and spectacular scenery.
Advice on choosing the right expedition ship, cabin and experience.
Antarctica becomes part of a much bigger South American adventure.
Why Plan With Me?
Because, booking with a specialist is all about the value you receive.
You could book a cruise online yourself. But finding the right cruise, putting together a seamless cruise holiday experience, 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?
Not just a cruise - the right cruise holiday for you.
Every itinerary is built exclusively for you, your style, and your budget.
Saving you time, money, and overwhelm.
Comparable pricing, continuation of loyalty benefits, and, where available, additional perks & added value.
One point of contact from first chat to return home.
Your personal concierge - everything handled for your convenience.
Transparent pricing structure.
I am compensated directly by my suppliers, meaning my service comes at no extra cost to you compared to booking direct.
Insider knowledge & unbiased opinions.
35+ years in travel, 18 years specialising in cruises and first-hand experience of 30+ ships.
Detailed research & quotations.
I take time to research & coordinate the different elements of your holiday with my trusted suppliers, sending you up to 3 detailed quotations.
Meet Your Personal Cruise Specialist
My passion: Planning your luxury cruise holiday
Hi, I'm Lorraine - The owner of Bespoke Cruise Holidays and independent cruise specialist with over 30 years in the travel industry, including 18 years specialising in cruises.
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 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 fallen in love with the luxury, authenticity and relaxed pace of smaller ships and river cruising, where you can immerse yourself in the destination without battling the crowds on deck.
Which Type Of Cruise Is Right For Me?
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Traditional Cruising
The familiar destinations, without the crowds - Premium & ultra-luxury cruising
Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe & worldwide
Ships carrying between 388–1,390 guests - the perfect size for premium docking
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Catamaran, Yacht & Tall-Ship Cruising
Not yacht charters - this is cruising, in style - Intimate ships with an emphasis on service & space
Just 10 guests on a catamaran - up to 350 guests on a yacht for a truly intimate experience
Immersive, destination-led itineraries
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River Cruising
While an ocean cruise takes you around a destination, a river cruise takes you right through it.
Unpack once & dock close to historic cities, villages, & landmarks
Typically around 150 guests on European ships, fewer in exotic destinations
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Expedition & Exploration Cruising
This isn’t traditional cruising. This is something special - Remote regions, remarkable wildlife and expert-led exploration
Swap familiar beaches & cities for raw discovery & adventure from the Arctic to Antarctica, the Galapagos & Kimberley
Ships carrying between 90–490 guests, allowing access to smaller, more remote ports
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Special & Unique Cruising
Sailings reserved for special occasions, or maybe, just because…
One-off, limited & highly sought-after sailings
Small ships chartered exclusively for a particular cruise line or itinerary
Cruise Extensions & Special Interest itineraries
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Cruise Plus
Imagine a holiday that begins before you board and continues long after you disembark.
Go beyond the cruise and combine life at sea or river with unforgettable experiences on land:
Pre- & post-cruise stays - in your embarkation or disembarkation city
Cruise tours - combining hotels, transfers, excursions & cruising
Safari adventures - before or after your cruise
Iconic rail journey - from luxury trains to scenic rail adventures
Stopovers & extensions -designed around the places you want to discover
Every element carefully planned around you, rather than simply added on
The cruise is just the beginning.
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Luxury Cruise & Rail Journeys
Create the ultimate Rail & Sail journey by combining luxury ocean or river cruising with some of the world’s most iconic rail experiences.
Europe - cruise & travel aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express or the Orient Express
India - combine cruising with the legendary Maharajas’ Express
Alaska & Canada - sail & journey through spectacular landscapes aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
South Africa - cruise, safari & the Rovos Rail through Zimbabwe
Two incredible ways to travel. One unforgettable journey.
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Special Interest Cruises
Why leave your passions at home? Take them with you.
Celebrate the things you love at sea or on the rivers, with special-interest cruises bringing like-minded travellers together.
Wine & food - explore destinations through their vineyards, flavours & cuisine
Golf - combine your favourite sport with some spectacular destinations
Music & dance - from live performances to themed sailings
Craft beer - and other foodie experiences
Wellness - cruises designed around relaxation, wellbeing & rejuvenation
History & culture for curious travellers
Christmas & New Year - sailings for a very different way to celebrate
And plenty more.
Travel for the destination. Sail for the experience. Stay for the passion you share with others.
Let's start planning something extraordinary.
Whether you have a particular cruise in mind, have fallen in love with one of my Signature Journeys or would like something designed entirely from scratch, I'd love to hear what you're dreaming of.