Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Editor's note: Cruise & Maritime Voyages has ceased operations and is no longer in business.
Launched in 2010, UK-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages offers low-cost cruises drawing mostly retired British travelers. The line started with two older ocean liners but now has six ships, including one river vessel. You won't find the high-energy entertainment of mainstream cruise lines here — on this much more traditional set of ships, the focus is on the destination. Itineraries span from Australia and New Zealand to South America and the Norwegian fjords, and itineraries include roundtrip sailings from the UK.
What We Love
Low Cost: Fares are low, and you can consistently find discounts of up to 50 percent off and buy-one-get-one-half-price deals.
British Humor: Everything about the line is designed to cater to Brits, including entertainment. You'll find aging actors from favorite TV shows of yesteryear on board, plus shows with big costumes and feather-topped dancers.
Best Known For
Departures from the UK: These ships sail roundtrip from ports around the UK, including Tilbury, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Bristol, making them great for British passengers who don't want to deal with flights, and for Americans who want to extend their stay overseas.
Cabins for Singles: The line has designated 150 twin cabins on Magellan and Columbus as single rooms. While single supplements can get pricey, they charge a lower-than-normal rate of 25% of the fare for a double occupancy room.
Who It's Good For
Traditionalists: Cruise and Maritime is loved by older Britons who want a low-cost holiday at sea with traditional trimmings such as formal nights, and set dinner seatings with assigned tables at dinner. Children under 16 are not allowed on board, with the exception of specially designated family sailings on Columbus.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
You Get What You Pay For: This is low-cost cruising for British travelers aged 65 and up. If modern cruising extras such as specialty dining, branded toiletries, and ship-wide Wi-Fi appeal to you, you should really look elsewhere.