Honest opinions from people who've been on board

We sailed on Queen Anne for her maiden Mediterranean season and were thoroughly impressed. The new ship brings Cunard into the modern era while retaining everything that makes the brand special. The Britannia Restaurant is as grand as ever, and the new speciality dining options are excellent. Afternoon tea remains a highlight. Our only concern is the pricing — Cunard is no longer the affordable luxury it once was, but the experience justifies the premium for a special occasion.

We sailed on MSC Virtuosa to the Mediterranean and were impressed by the sheer value. The all-inclusive drinks package meant no bill shock. The ship itself is stunning, with beautiful public spaces and a great pool area. The Yacht Club is worth the upgrade if you can stretch the budget. One thing to note is the international crowd means announcements in multiple languages, which some might find repetitive.

Celebrity Beyond exceeded every expectation. The food was genuinely restaurant quality across every venue — the main dining room alone would rival a good London restaurant. The Magic Carpet is a stunning design feature, and our infinite veranda cabin was beautifully designed with the most comfortable bed at sea. The Always Included fare meant no surprise bills. This is modern luxury done right.

We took our two kids (ages 7 and 10) on Iona for a Norwegian Fjords cruise and it was magnificent. The kids club kept them entertained for hours while we enjoyed the spa. The 16th Deck SkyDome was a highlight for evening entertainment. Marco Pierre White's restaurant was exceptional — we booked it twice. Southampton departure made everything so easy, no airport stress at all. Already booking our next one.

Norwegian Prima was our first NCL experience and the freestyle concept is brilliant. No fixed dining times, no dress code, no assigned seating — just complete freedom. The Ocean Boulevard is architecturally stunning and the shows (Six the musical!) were West End quality. The Haven suite area is worth every penny for the private sundeck alone. Our only gripe is the nickel-and-diming on extras if you don't buy the Free At Sea package.

The Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing was everything we dreamed of and more. Seven days of pure relaxation, incredible dining in the Queens Grill, and the most attentive service we have ever experienced at sea. The formal nights were magical, and Cunard does tradition like nobody else. If you appreciate the finer things in life, this is the cruise for you.

We chose Borealis for a 12-night Mediterranean cruise from Dover and loved the intimate atmosphere. With only 1,300 guests, the crew knew our names by day two. The itinerary included smaller ports that big ships cannot reach, which made for much more authentic excursion experiences. Entertainment is traditional rather than flashy — dance classes, guest speakers, and craft sessions. Perfect for us.

Anthem of the Seas from Southampton was the perfect family cruise. Our teenagers (13 and 15) never once said they were bored — between the FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star observation pod, and the bumper cars, they were in heaven. The shows were Broadway quality and the food in Izumi Japanese restaurant was outstanding. Kids Sail Free made it affordable too.

As first-time cruisers, Marella was the perfect introduction. Everything was included — flights from Manchester, drinks, entertainment, and gratuities — so we knew exactly what we were paying before we left home. The ship wasn't the newest but it was clean and well-maintained. Entertainment team were fantastic and really created a fun atmosphere. We are now cruise converts and have already booked our second!

I have cruised with P&O many times over the years and while it remains a solid choice, I feel standards have slipped slightly. The newer ships (Iona, Arvia) are impressive but feel more like floating resorts than traditional cruise ships. Dining quality remains high but the removal of some classic menu items was disappointing. Service was friendly but not as polished as previous voyages. Still better than most, but the magic has faded a touch for this loyal cruiser.