Small Ship Luxury, ultra-luxury cruises…
…and tailor-made holidays designed for travellers seeking extraordinary experiences
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.
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.
Why Look To Bespoke
Cruise Holidays?
Why should I work with you when I can book it myself?
Confidence
ATOL & ABTA protection, Protected Trust Services and secure payments, with the same prices as booking direct plus exclusive benefits. I’ll also maximise your loyalty points, status and benefits wherever possible.
Expertise
Over 30 years in travel and 18 years specialising in luxury and niche cruises, with first-hand knowledge of over 30 ships. Independent advice, always focused on what’s right for you.
Personal Service
Every journey is tailored to you. I manage every detail and remain your dedicated point of contact throughout. Real support, no call centres, no bots.
Time-Saving
Forget hours of searching and comparing. I do the research, narrowing down the ships and itineraries that best match your preferences, so you can spend less time planning and more time looking forward to your holiday.
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
Hi, I'm Lorraine
I'm the owner of Bespoke Cruise Holidays and a cruise specialist with over 35 years in the travel industry.
I fell in love with cruising long before I stepped aboard my first ship. What other holiday lets you explore multiple incredible destinations while unpacking just once?
Today, I specialise in ultra-luxury, premium, small-ship cruises and river cruises, creating tailor-made journeys that are designed around you, never off-the-shelf packages.
Having personally experienced more than 30 ships, together with extensive cruise line training and behind-the-scenes ship visits, I recommend cruises based on real first-hand knowledge, not Google searches.
As my own travels have evolved, I've discovered the luxury, authenticity and relaxed pace of smaller ships, where the journey is just as memorable as the destination. It's a style of travel I'm passionate about sharing with my clients.
I believe these cruises can transform your holiday from an ordinary one - to an unforgettable one.
I believe these cruises can transform your life from a stressful one, where you are everything to everyone - to one where YOU are being waited on & looked after (even if it's for a fleeting moment in time).
I truly believe all of this, because I have lived it.
I have boarded these ships and outwardly sighed relief, felt my shoulders drop, felt the stress leave my body.
Together, let's 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 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.
A private beach party with Champagne & caviar carried from the ship.
The BBQ parties onboard & the special exclusive events ashore.
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:
Which Type Of Cruise Is Right For Me?
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Traditional Premium -Style Cruising
You don’t have to go high-end to enjoy smaller ships. Carrying between 670 and 1,390 guests, these premium cruise lines offer the perfect balance between larger ships and the ultra-luxury, by offering a relaxed, destination-focused experience.
Enjoy more included, and slip into intimate harbours that larger ships simply cannot reach. -
Yacht-Style Cruising
These are not yacht charters, this is cruising, in style (although you could charter one). These yachts accommodate between 30 & 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.
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Luxury & Ultra-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, and far less in exotic destinations.
Unpack just once to journey through the heart of Europe, docking steps away from iconic landmarks & vineyards. Or further afield; from India to Africa, the Amazon to Vietnam & Cambodia, & even Colombia - docking in major hubs & in communities which still rely on the rivers for their livelihoods. -
Traditional Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Step aboard one of these ultra-luxury ships, and give a sigh of relief, you are on holiday! Relax, because this is luxury - without compromise. These ships accommodate between 388 & 800 passengers, with standard-setting elegance, all-suite accommodation with private verandas - some with their own hot-tubs, completely all-inclusive fine dining, unlimited premium beverages, intuitive butler service, and uncrowded ships designed for pure relaxation.
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Expedition -Style Cruising
This isn’t cruising. This is something special. If you’ve exhausted traditional cruising, or bored of beaches & cities, then swap to discovery & adventure, without sacrificing the luxury. An 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 5-star comfort. -
Tall-Ship Cruising
Step aboard, where travel feels worlds away from the ordinary. The tall-ships accommodate between 148 & 342 passengers, allowing for an intimate & relaxing environment. Experience the spine-tingling moment the sails rise and the wind takes hold; it truly is enthralling.
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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? -
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.
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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.
Why My Clients Love Working With me
1. Getting to Know You
We’ll talk about how you like to travel, where you’d love to go and what matters most to you.
2. Personalised Recommendations
I’ll carefully match you with the ships, itineraries and experiences that genuinely suit you, and not simply what’s available.
3. Your Tailor-Made Proposal
You’ll receive clear pricing, carefully selected options and honest advice, so you can book with confidence.
4. Everything Taken Care Of
From flights and hotels to transfers and cruise extensions, I’ll coordinate every detail.
5. Ongoing Support
From booking to returning home, you’ll always have me as your personal point of contact.
Ready to start planning?
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: The Kimberley, Australia with Seabourn.
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.