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

Small Ship Luxury, ultra-luxury cruises…

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.

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.

I work for you.

My job is to cut through the marketing, the endless choices and the online noise to help you find the cruise that's the perfect fit for you.

I specialise in small ships, luxury river cruises, expedition voyages, and premium and ultra-luxury cruise lines that offer exceptional experiences, and not just another holiday.

Because I believe travel should be personal, authentic and unforgettable.

And nothing makes me happier than helping my clients discover the cruise they've been dreaming about.

If You’re Asking - ‘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.

Personal recommendations
I listen to how you actually like to travel, then recommend the right type of cruise, ship and itinerary for you, not simply what's available.

More than just a cruise
From a simple cruise to a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, I'll help you create the whole experience, including flights, hotels, extensions and special experiences.

One person. Start to finish.
No call centres, bots or online chat. I'm your personal point of contact before, during and after your holiday.

Knowledge you can trust
30+ years in travel, (long before Google & Chat GPT, I was recommending & booking holidays) 18 years specialising in cruises, first-hand experience of 30+ ships, extensive cruise-line training and plenty of ship visits. And a particular passion for small-ship, expedition, river, luxury, ultra-luxury and six-star cruising.

Less time. Less stress.
I do the research, narrow down the choices and take care of the details, saving you time, stress and, where I can, money. No additional fee for my standard concierge service.

Strong relationships. Extra reassurance.
I have excellent supplier relationships and the backing of a parent company I trust. Your booking also benefits from ABTA & ATOL protection, where applicable, and Protected Trust arrangements.

And you're invited...
You may already have access to my private & exclusive small-ship cruising community; a place to ask questions, share experiences and tap into my knowledge, without the icky sales techniques.

Here’s Why My Clients Love Working With Me

You do the research. I’ll do the rest.

Love finding your own cruise? That’s absolutely fine. When you’re ready to book, I can take over and handle the details, giving you a personal point of contact and expert support if anything changes.

Why DIY when you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands?

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, it became addictive.

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 waterslides 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.

“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. We were also treated to a sunset cruise with cocktails. These are the unexpected experiences that made our journey so special.”

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?

  • 2 Luxury cruise ships

    Traditional Luxury Cruising

    You don’t have to go high-end to enjoy smaller ships. Carrying between 670 and 1,390 guests, these are the ‘largest’ ships I work with. These premium cruise lines offer the perfect balance between larger ships and the ultra-luxury. But more than that, they offer a relaxed, destination-focused experience, with exclusive events, more added value, and they slip into intimate harbours that larger ships simply cannot reach.

  • Luxury cruise ship

    Traditional Ultra-Luxury Cruising

    What’s the difference between luxury & ultra-luxury? The latter means “leave your wallet at home.” Relax, because this is luxury - without compromise. These ships are the pinnacle of ocean travel, accommodating between 388 & 800 passengers, with standard-setting elegance, all-suite accommodation with private verandas - some with their own hot-tub, and are completely all-inclusive; fine dining, unlimited premium beverages, intuitive butler service, and uncrowded ships, designed for pure relaxation & rejuvenation.

  • luxury yacht ship

    Yacht & Tall-Ship Cruising

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

  • Luxury yacht

    Ultra-Luxury Yacht Cruising

    Step aboard, where travel feels worlds away from the ordinary. These yachts accommodate up to 228 passengers in non-polar regions, & 200 in these regions, allowing for an intimate & relaxing environment. You will absolutely want for nothing, as these yachts include, virtually, everything; suite-only with butler service, unlimited beverages, gratuities, wi-fi, fine-dining and more, in remote, and iconic destinations. There is even a helicopter & submersibles available to you (extra cost).

  • Luxury river cruise ship

    Luxury River Cruising

    While an ocean cruise takes you around the destination, a luxury river cruise takes you straight through it. A river cruise ship accommodates, on average, 150 passengers 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 India to the Amazon, Vietnam & Cambodia, and Colombia & South Africa on safari. Discover places like never before - docking in major hubs & in communities which still rely on the rivers for their livelihoods.

  • A luxury river ship on calm water surrounded by lush green trees, with reflections visible on the water's surface.

    Ultra-Luxury River Cruising

    This is a really special way to discover the real heart of the destination, on ships which accommodate on average, 150 passengers through Europe, they include so much more above & beyond the luxury cruises; Unlimited beverages all day, special after-hours tours to tourist hotspots, special events off ship, butler service, and all-suite accommodation. The exotic ships accommodate even fewer passengers, for that extra special high-touch service. Discover the Amazon in 6-star luxury, Vietnam & Columbia, and India & Sri Lanka.

  • 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. These ships accommodate between 90 & 490 passengers, allowing you to get right into those smaller docking ports. Journey to where you don’t disembark onto beaches, but instead, ice & snow, with naturalists & tour-guides to lead you.

  • A large cruise ship navigating through icy waters with floating ice chunks, under a cloudy sky.

    Ultra-Luxury Expedition Cruising

    This isn’t cruising. This is exploration. A 6-star expedition ship accommodates between 100 & 274 passengers, which allows for a raw & purposeful experience, with access to remote destinations larger ships simply cannot reach, but simply wave as they pass on by.
    Journey to the ends of the earth; from Antarctica to the Galápagos, the Northern passage to the Kimberley, guided by world-class naturalists without sacrificing more than, 5-star comfort.

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

    Special & Unique Cruising

    This is reserved for that special occasion, 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, chartering a 20-passenger yacht to sail along the coastline of Indonesia’s pristine waters on 2 select dates in 2027, and availability is already low!

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 Journey

    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

Thinking About a Cruise?

Join My Cruise Community:

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

Not everyone is ready to book today, and that's perfectly fine.

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, and the latest cruise news, 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: African safari with AMA Waterways.

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

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

FAQs About Bespoke Cruise Holidays

Why should I work with a cruise specialist over an anonymous website?

A cruise specialist offers expert knowledge, personalised recommendations, and insider insight that online searches simply can't provide. With hundreds of ships, itineraries, and cruise styles to choose from, the right advice can make the difference between a good holiday and an exceptional one. I'll match your travel style, preferences, and expectations with the perfect cruise experience, while taking care of the details from start to finish.

Do travel agents get better offers than online?

Travel agents can often access exclusive promotions, added value, and specialist offers that may not be available through public online channels. More importantly, a cruise specialist helps you choose the right experience, understand what is included, and avoid costly mistakes, ensuring you receive the best overall value, not just the lowest price.

Why should I book my cruise holiday with you?

Because your journey deserves more than a quick online booking. I take the time to understand how you love to travel, then match you with the right cruise, cabin, itinerary, and experiences for a truly personalised journey. With expert knowledge, attention to detail, and ongoing support, I make the entire process seamless from planning to return home.