A cruise? Give it 30 years. That was the conclusion of our editor-in-chief, Claire Sanderson, before she climbed aboard a ship designed with family harmony in mind. Here, she explains how she became a cruising convert

Exciting ways to get away from it all

It’s a muggy day in Athens. After a transfer bus takes us from the capital to Piraeus Port, we get off in one sweaty heap. But the weight of the merciless climate lifts when a magnificent vessel flood

Look further afield than Paris and NYC for a mini break next year

Join an expedition ship for an awe-inspiring trip to untouched Antarctica and encounter penguins, seals, whales – and icebergs

Can’t stretch to your dream holiday? Try these more affordable alternatives