Budapest is one of the most elegant and charming of European capitals, and certainly one of the cheapest.

Taking to the mighty Danube River in luxury and style and a bed so comfortable that the memory of it brings a tear to your eye is a marvellous way to travel, writes Sophie Barclay.

In an azure and cobalt bay, gentle sea creatures welcome Phil Welch to the 'closest island to paradise'.

The marine animals and birdlife on the remote sub-Antarctic Islands captivate Isobel Marriner.

On the ship Orion, Jane Archer heads to Australia's Kimberley region to scale waterfalls, sample helicopter tours and spot man-eating beasts (from the safety of a rubber dinghy).

Autumnal riches stud the New England coastal route and, for Pamela Wade, come courtesy of small-ship luxury.

A freighter is no floating hotel. But, as Guy Needham found, it offers mind-freeing - and enlightening - time-out from everyday life.

Megan Singleton has the lowdown on the world's largest passenger liners.

The hunt for the man-eating Komodo, writes Rachel Williams, makes for one heart-stopping cruise excursion.

Winston Aldworth looks at the latest developments for cruise passengers.

If you're taking your first steps towards a floating holiday, Jane Archer offers tips to help you enjoy your break.

A new arrival on Waitemata Harbour tempts Donna McIntyre to pack an overnight bag and take a pleasure cruise.

Phil Welch fits in a week of eating, drinking and leisure at sea.

After a hot, sweaty day of sightseeing in Italy, Carol Smith is more than happy to return to her floating hotel and enjoy a juicy burger.

Make a plan before you leave ship and reap the rewards of your research, Pam Neville says. She shares some shore excursions from a recent Mediterranean cruise.

Pack an overnight bag and leave the big smoke behind for a sea break on the Hauraki Gulf, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Untamed, unconventional and dramatic - Tasmania's people, like its land, have their own idiosyncratic take on the rest of Australia's claims to fame, finds Chris Reed. And they like a good night out.

Hmmm, red snapper mojito or beef tartare? Yoga or b-ball? Movie or massage? Chris Reed faces a cruiser's hard decisions.

Language is no barrier where enjoyment is a universal concept, writes Julia Carlisle.

You can choose relaxation or adventure — or maybe a mixture of both — on board a boutique cruise ship journeying through Fiji's Yasawa Islands, writes Sue Baxalle.

Magic for kids, and the ship's bars are mercifully Mickey-free, writes Josie Clarke.

A cruise through ancient lands exposes kids to a diverse culture and religion, writes Heidi Douglas.

Thanks to innovative ship design and imaginative itineraries, the popularity of river cruises is booming, says Jane Archer.

With islands of haute cuisine, the Celebrity Solstice can be scary for the diet-conscious, writes Rod Pascoe.

New cruise line's winning formula puts creatures before home comforts, write Anne Z Cooke and Steve Haggerty.

Cruise industry insiders tell Winston Aldworth about what’s exciting them in the season ahead.

Bright bikinis and black-tie outfits will take you from poolside to cocktail hour in style, says Carol Smith.

A wildlife expedition to Fiordland takes you up close to a pristine land of legend and glacial beauty, writes Jim Eagles.

Take in the Marquesas Islands and explore French Polynesia from on board the Aranui III, writes Suzanne Morphet.

Joe Kafka and his wife embrace the ease of island hopping by boat.