Luxury yacht named 'Emerald Kaia' in the ocean with a waterslide extending into the water, a floating trampoline, a flag, and an open sky with scattered clouds.
A white and green boat sailing on a river with trees and white buildings in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A large cruise ship passing by a sandy beach with people swimming and relaxing, with a pier and breakwater in the foreground.
Large white cruise ship docked at port during evening twilight with people sitting at tables, tents, and streetlights along the waterfront.
A large white cruise ship sailing through icy waters with snow-covered mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
View of a modern white boat named 'Scenic Jasper' docked on a river under a bright sunny sky with some city buildings in the background.
Large cruise ship named Scenic Eclipse on icy water, with penguins and people in winter clothing nearby.
A large white cruise ship docked at a port under a clear blue sky, with several people and vehicles on the dock.
Large white cruise ship with yellow lifeboats docked on calm water under partly cloudy blue sky.
A large white luxury yacht named 'Star Breeze' is docked at a marina with calm water, under a bright blue sky with a few clouds. The boat is tied to the dock with yellow ropes, and there is a safety railing along the pier.
A large white luxury cruise ship docked at a port under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A river with a white cruise ship docked along the rocky shore, a bridge crossing the river, and buildings in the background on a clear day.
Modern houseboat named Zambezi Queen on a river at sunset, with large windows and outdoor balcony.
Large cruise ship docked at a port with cars parked in front, a mountain range in the background, and clear blue sky.
A white boat named S.S. Bon Voyage docked at a pier on a river, with a cityscape and cranes in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
A large white riverboat with multiple decks floating on a calm river, framed by trees and bushes in the foreground.
A large sailing ship with multiple masts and rigging docked in a harbor, with a city and mountains in the background and a clear blue sky above.
Two large cruise ships docked at a harbor with calm water, against a bright blue sky with a few clouds, rocks, and greenery in the foreground.

Small Ship Luxury, Ultra-Luxury Cruises & Tailor-Made Holidays

You tell me how you want to travel.
I’ll take care of the rest.

START YOUR JOURNEY

For travellers who want expert advice, personal service and a holiday that's right for them, without spending hours researching it themselves.

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

As an independent cruise specialist, I work with travellers looking for small-ship experiences, not crowded ships.

From exceptional 5-star comfort to the sublime world of ultra-luxury and small-ship cruising, I use my experience and first-hand knowledge to help you choose the right cruise, ship and itinerary for the way you want to travel.

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.
When you’re investing in a luxury holiday, getting it right matters. 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, private excursions, special experiences and all the little details in between. Because travel is about how it makes you feel, and getting that right matters.

Experience You Can Trust

Un-biased advice & personal service.
With 35+ years in travel, 18 years specialising in cruises and first-hand experience of 30+ ships, I save you time, money, and overwhelm of searching online yourself. 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.

LET'S PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

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 independent cruise specialist with over 35 years in the travel industry, including 18 years specialising in cruises, 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.

GET IN TOUCH

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 destinations, without the crowds.

    • Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe & worldwide

    • Ships carrying around 388–1,390 guests

    • A relaxed, more intimate atmosphere

    • Higher staff-to-guest ratios

    • Destination-focused itineraries

    • Smaller ports and harbours larger ships can't reach

    • Exclusive experiences both onboard & ashore

    • Premium: The perfect balance between mainstream cruising & ultra-luxury

    • Six-star ultra-luxury: Elevated exceptional service, exquisite surroundings, incredible level of inclusivity, the sublime end of cruising.

    DISCOVER LUXURY CRUISES
  • luxury yacht ship

    Yacht & Tall-Ship Cruising

    Not yacht charters - this is cruising, in style.

    • Just 100–350 guests for a truly intimate experience

    • Immersive, destination-led itineraries

    • Iconic destinations & lesser-visited ports

    • Exclusive destinations, including the polar regions

    • Refined luxury aboard yachts & tall ships

    • And, for the ultimate experience, six-star ultra-luxury

    • Exceptional service, exquisite surroundings & an extraordinary level of inclusivity

    • Or experience the magic of a tall ship as the sails rise and the wind takes hold.

    DISCOVER YACHT CRUISES
  • Luxury river cruise ship

    River Cruising

    While an ocean cruise takes you around a destination, a river cruise takes you right through it.

    • Unpack once and journey through the heart of a destination

    • Around 150 guests on average aboard 5-star & 6-star European river ships

    • Dock steps from historic cities, villages, vineyards & landmarks

    • A convenient, high-value alternative to piecing together hotels, transport & excursions independently

    • Explore major European hubs, as well as communities and places far beyond the usual tourist trail

    • Travel further afield on smaller ships with even fewer guests

    • From the Amazon, India & Sri Lanka to Vietnam, Cambodia, Colombia & South Africa

    • Experience places where the river is still central to everyday life and local communities

    • See destinations from a completely different perspective, from the water, rather than simply travelling alongside it

    DISCOVER RIVER CRUISES
  • 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 traditional cruising. This is something special.

    • Swap familiar beaches & cities for raw discovery, adventure & wild landscapes

    • 5-star & 6-star ships

    • Ships carrying around 90–490 guests, allowing access to smaller, more remote ports

    • Journey to the ends of the earth, where you might step ashore onto ice and snow rather than a beach

    • Antarctica & the Arctic, the Galápagos, Northwest Passage, Kimberley & beyond

    • Explore places few travellers ever reach

    • Travel alongside world-class naturalists, expedition leaders & local experts

    • Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters and landscapes that simply can't be experienced from a traditional cruise

    • For those who want adventure without giving up comfort, service or luxury.

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

    Special & Unique Cruising

    Sailings reserved for special occasions, or maybe, just because…

    • One-off, limited & highly sought-after sailings

    • Ships chartered exclusively for a particular cruise line or itinerary

    • Itineraries designed to offer something genuinely different

    • Extraordinary destinations and experiences you won't find on conventional cruise itineraries

    • Small, intimate ships with exceptionally limited availability

    • Think 20-passenger, all-suite yachts exploring pristine coastlines and/or remote destinations along the rivers

    • Carefully selected dates, sometimes only a handful each year

    • Perfect for milestone celebrations, bucket-list adventures, or simply because you want to do something extraordinary

    • Cruises you don’t stumble across, but the ones you hear about and think, “I didn't even know you could do that.”

    LETS RESEARCH YOUR SPECIAL CRUISE

Cruise Extensions, Special Interest & Unique Itineraries

  • 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.

    DISCOVER MORE
  • 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 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.

    DISCOVER CRUISE & RAIL JOURNEYS
  • European Christmas market

    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.

    DISCOVER SPECIAL INTEREST CRUISES

  • "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.

START YOUR JOURNEY
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.

LETS GET STARTED
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.

GET IN TOUCH

Not sure which cruise is right for you?

Take my free Luxury Cruise Matchmaker quiz

and discover which cruise styles and cruise lines could suit YOU.

Take the quiz →