Luxury Cruises

See the world differently.

There is no single way to cruise.

It might mean waking to a different Mediterranean harbour each morning, sailing into Antarctica aboard an expedition ship, exploring the Galapagos with expert naturalists, or having your own private terrace as you cross the Caribbean.

At Willow & Bird, we create luxury cruise holidays around the way you want to travel. Because choosing a cruise isn’t simply about where the ship goes.

It’s about how you want to experience the journey.

Not sure you’re a cruise person?

Cruising has changed enormously, and some of today’s most interesting ships feel closer to boutique hotels, private yachts and luxury resorts rather than the traditional idea of a cruise ship.

There are small ships carrying a few hundred guests. Expedition vessels built to reach some of the most remote corners of the planet. Ships centred around food and wine. Extraordinary family ships, and ultra-luxury vessels where almost everything is taken care of.

If you’ve always said “cruising isn’t really for me”, that’s actually a conversation we’d like to have.

You might just not have met the right ship yet.

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What does luxury mean at sea?

For us, luxury isn’t necessarily the biggest ship or the biggest suite.

It’s having enough space. Knowing your name. A brilliant guide waiting when you step ashore.

Or simply, waking somewhere extraordinary without having packed a suitcase the night before.

“Sometimes, the greatest luxury of cruising is how effortlessly the world comes to you.”

Where could cruising take you?

  • Mediterranean

    Sometimes the journey between places is half the pleasure.

    Italy, Greece, Croatia, France and Spain lend themselves beautifully to cruising, particularly if you want to experience several places without repeatedly packing and unpacking.

  • Caribbean

    A different island by tomorrow morning.

    From glamorous ports to quieter beaches, the right Caribbean cruise can give you far more variety than staying on a single island.

  • Alaska

    Where the view from your balcony becomes part of the experience.

    Glaciers, wildlife and vast landscapes make Alaska one of those destinations where travelling by water just makes more sense.

  • The Nile

    History unfolding from the water.

    Sailing the Nile is less about the ship and more about the journey itself - temples, tombs, ancient cities and landscapes that have barely changed in centuries.

  • Antarctica & the Arctic

    For when somewhere genuinely extraordinary is required.

    Expedition cruising can take you into landscapes few people ever experience - with specialist guides, wildlife encounters and days dictated as much by nature as by an itinerary.

  • Mekong River Cruises

    Slow travel through Southeast Asia.

    A Mekong cruise can take you through Vietnam and Cambodia in a way that feels far more immersive than moving between cities by road.

    Think floating villages, riverside communities, local markets and smaller vessels designed around the destination.

  • European Rivers

    Dock in the heart of history.

    A European river cruise is an intimate, floating hotel journey along historic waterways where you dock directly in the heart of iconic cities and charming towns.

Frequently asked cruise questions

  • This is such a common question and exactly something our consultants can help with. Rather than expecting you to understand dozens of cruise lines and ships, we’ll talk about the hotels, restaurants and holidays you already enjoy. From there, we can recommend ships that we think would be right for you.

  • It depends on the cruise line. Some luxury cruises include dining, drinks and gratuities and selected shore experiences, whilst others allow you to choose what you want to add. We compare the total value and inclusions, rather than comparing headline fares.

  • Absolutely - but not every ship is equally good for families. Through Little Explorers, we can recommend family cruises based on children’s ages, accommodation, kid’s clubs, dining, facilities and itinerary, as well as being considerate of what the experience is like for adults.

  • Luxury cruising usually places greater emphasis on the experience onboard the ship, whilst expedition cruising is designed around exploring remote destinations with specialist teams. Increasingly, the two are now overlapping, with certain ships providing an exceptionally high level of service and accommodation.

  • Booking through Willow & Bird is about getting more from the cruise you choose.

    We help you navigate the ships, suites, itineraries, inclusions and available options, as well as considering everything that happens before and after you sail.

    Your investment is ultimately shaped by the cruise, accommodation and experiences you choose. Our value is in helping you choose them well.