Explore Unforgettable Destinations
Dreaming of a cruise but not sure where to start?
With 30+ years of travel agency experience -
Including 18 years as a cruise specialist, I’ll help you cut through the noise.
I design bespoke, tailor-made cruise holidays for experienced travellers seeking exceptional journeys at sea. Specialising in luxury, small ship, and expedition cruising worldwide, I create personalised itineraries that combine exclusive access, unique destinations, and seamless planning — delivering cruises that are anything but ordinary.
I don’t book mediocre cruises - I book immersive & intensive voyages.
Serious about cruising? Let’s talk.
Cruising - How it’s meant to be
Cruising isn’t just confined to the huge liners, and crowded decks that immediately spring to mind at the mention of a cruise holiday.
What other kind of holiday lets you explore multiple incredible destinations in luxury and comfort — all while only unpacking once? Add in world-class dining, exceptional service, luxurious spas, and top-tier entertainment, and it’s easy to see why cruising is my favourite way to travel.
And, by carefully selecting my cruise partners based on their ships facilities, attention to detail, customer service, authentic & fine-dining choices, and enriching entertainment - ensures you will discover total destination immersion, exclusive hidden gems as well as iconic ports, cultural activities & entertainment, fine dining, and a holiday which you return from truly refreshed.
Some destinations are only viable by sea, like Antarctica. Here, the large ships simply allow you to wave as you pass on by, whereas the smaller ships I work with take you into the remote landing spots to experience the wildlife, and sheer desolate landscapes, only occupied by these animals. Also, other expedition destinations, like the Galapagos Islands & Alaska are better explored by ship.
Cruise around the isolated archipelagos in the South Pacific, the lesser known Greek, Mediterranean, & Caribbean islands, into Kotor Bay, Montenegro, Sydney Harbour, or London City, through the Panama or Corinth canals - All of these areas are unobtainable by larger ship.
Of course, Europe is home to so many amazing rivers, and I’d absolutely recommend experiencing them - but what about further away?
River cruises open doors to places far beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure. A river ship glides through the heart of the Amazon, the Ganges, the Nile, the Chobe, and more — into towns and village communities that still depend on these waterways as their lifeblood.
Travel alongside a team of destination experts who bring each region to life, ensuring every moment of your journey is enriched, effortless, and unforgettable.
What’s your cruising style?
I offer a bespoke concierge service beyond booking your cruise.
Allow me to take care of every detail:
UK home to airport transfers
Airport parking
Airport hotels
Return UK flights
Airport fast track
Access to airport lounges
Overseas transfers
Adding a few extra nights before or after your cruise
Upgrading your flights or Eurostar train for ultimate comfort
Booking shore excursions
Elevate your cruise holiday -
By combining it with time on land - to create memories for a lifetime.
I specialise in tailor-made cruise holidays for experienced travellers who want more than a standard itinerary. My bespoke luxury cruises are designed around your interests, combining small and expedition ships, exclusive shore experiences, and seamless end-to-end planning. From polar expeditions and remote islands to culturally immersive voyages, each journey is individually curated with insider access and exceptional service. Take your cruise holiday experience to the next level by adding a land component:
Luxury scenic railway journey
Luxury beach escape or spa retreat
Safari lodge
Immersive land tour
City break
Take a look through some of my favourite cruises with add-on ideas, making a twin or multi-centre tailor-made holiday that is truly yours.
Wellness Without Compromise
Ocean & River
From ocean ships with secluded spa terraces, world-class wellness centres, thalassotherapy pools, fitness studios and health-driven cuisine, to river cruises offering onboard spas, whirlpools, gyms, pools, bicycles and immersive wellness tours — every journey is thoughtfully designed to restore, revitalise and inspire
Reasons to work with me
-
Exceptional Service
· As a travel agent, I work for you - not the cruise line
· Personally managing your cruise -
no call centres, no hassle
· Personalised phone call to hone your requirements, or by email initially if that's your preference - I work your way
· I ensure mutual respect & commitment -
Delivering Value
· As a luxury cruise specialist I only work with trusted suppliers & cruise lines
· I don’t do ‘deals’, but I do have access to all the cruise line offers & perks, and work with amazing suppliers to ensure you receive the best value for your money
· It costs you nothing extra to work with me -
What I Offer
· Over 30 years of experience
· First-hand experience
· Expert guidance
· Time-saving convenience
· Price monitoring for you
· Concierge service
· Personalised recommendations
· One point of contact
Your Personal Cruise Consultant
Always here with you
“Hi, I’m Lorraine McCowatt - your personal cruise consultant, based in Wokingham, Berkshire, England.
I love cruising, without even knowing I would - becoming a cruise specialist before stepping foot on a ship. Then once I did, it was everything I dreamed it would be.
There is not much I do not know about cruises, having been on over 30 ships, from large ocean mega-ships to small river cruise ships.
I used to promote & sell every cruise line, but in January 2025, I narrowed my focus to sell what I personally love and believe in - small ships & river cruises - for solos, couples & groups.
Combined with extensive ongoing training, cruise-line hosted ship inspections, and personal holidays, I have crafted my knowledge to dedicate my expertise to crafting elevated, immersive, and beautifully curated voyages for my clients.
Work with me if you value time, quality, and experience.
Consider this website a starting point. It highlights just a fraction of the cruise experiences I offer. For a truly tailored recommendation, connect with me directly - so we can identify the cruise line that aligns perfectly with how you love to travel.”
Lorraine McCowatt taking the helm onboard Royal Clipper
Luxury awaits -
Let’s begin your journey
Email: lmccowatt@cruiseandtravelholidays.co.uk
Call: 0118 317 7070
Wokingham, Berkshire, England
“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
“Lorraine has been extremely helpful in arranging our cruise. Response to emails were prompt & supportive in helping me clear up any questions, ongoing support offered with advice for booking with advice of trips etc available. Would recommend to anyone considering a cruise but not sure where to start.”
Sandra Ellen