Cruise & Stay Holidays

What Is a Cruise and Stay Holiday?

A cruise and stay — sometimes called a stay and cruise — is exactly what it sounds like: a sea voyage paired with one or more nights in a destination, either before you board or after you disembark. You might spend a few days exploring a city, join the ship, sail for a fortnight, then fly home. Or you arrive early to beat the jet lag, board the next morning and treat the whole trip as a single joined-up holiday. Either way, Cruise1st Packages pull the flights, hotels, transfers and cruise fare into one booking, so you have a single point of contact if anything changes.

What Are the Benefits of a Cruise and Stay Holiday?

The most obvious benefit is that the holiday does two things at once. A cruise takes you across an ocean or around a coastline; the hotel stay gives you time to settle into a destination properly rather than seeing it only from a gangway for a few hours. Beyond that:

• One booking, one team. Cruise1st handles the cruise fare, flights, hotel nights, transfers and any tours — you do not have to stitch separate bookings together yourself.
• Expert cabin advice. Our cruise specialists help you choose the cabin grade and fare inclusions that suit your budget and travel style — something a self-service booking site cannot do.
• ABTA and ATOL protected. Your holiday money is protected, and Cruise1st is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 7,000 reviews.
• Flexible duration. Itineraries range from a week-long voyage to extended sailings of several weeks, so you can choose the pace that suits you.

Where Do Cruise and Stay Holidays Go?

The range is genuinely wide. Southeast Asia accounts for the largest share of sailings in this collection — itineraries that round out a trip to Singapore, one of the most popular embarkation and disembarkation points on the page. Transatlantic crossings are another strong thread, pairing an ocean voyage with a stay at either end. The Caribbean follows, with Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) both serving as gateways — worth checking both for dates, since they are about half an hour apart and either can work depending on where you are staying.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is the standout region here. Sailings typically embark or disembark in Singapore, making it natural to add a few days in the city before or after the cruise. Itineraries fan out across the region, and a hotel stay in Singapore — one of Asia’s great city destinations — turns the voyage into a proper extended trip rather than a point-to-point transfer.

East Asia and Japan

East Asia and Japan are well represented, with Yokohama (Tokyo) featuring as a key disembarkation point. Adding a few nights in Tokyo before or after the cruise is a natural extension, and Princess Cruises’ Japan and Southeast Asia programme for 2027–2028 covers this itinerary shape well — see the dedicated Princess Japan and Southeast Asia 2027–2028 page for sailings in that programme.

The Caribbean and Florida

The Caribbean is consistently popular as a cruise and stay destination. Florida cruise and stay holidays are a natural fit: fly in, spend a night or two, board the ship, and end the trip with more beach time before flying home. Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) are about half an hour apart, so a Florida trip can sail from either — worth checking both for dates and prices. For dedicated Caribbean cruise and stay options in 2027, the Caribbean cruise and stay 2027 page narrows the search, and there is a Caribbean 2027 with New York stays option for those who want to combine both coasts.

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is ideal for a cruise and stay format because so many gateway cities — including Barcelona, one of the leading embarkation ports in this collection — are worth spending extra time in. 7-night Mediterranean cruises pair well with a few hotel nights, and the Western Mediterranean routes give you a compact, city-rich itinerary that gains a lot from a pre-cruise stay. Mediterranean fly-cruise sailings are available for those planning ahead.

Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

Long-haul cruise and stay holidays to Australia and New Zealand suit travellers who want to make the most of a long-haul flight by extending the trip on land. Sailings disembark in Sydney, making a few extra days there a natural fit. For those planning a UK departure towards Australia, the Australia cruises from the UK page covers the full range of options.

Central America and Transatlantic Crossings

Central America sailings round out the further-afield options, while Transatlantic crossings offer the classic cruise and stay shape: sail one way across the ocean, spend time at either end. One-way itineraries make up a meaningful share of what is on sale here, so if you are looking at a crossing, factor in a flight for the return leg — our team can book that as part of the same package.

What Ships Sail on Cruise and Stay Holidays?

Several well-regarded ships appear regularly in the cruise and stay collection. Here is what you can expect from the most prominent ones.

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice went through a comprehensive renewal in the 2020s — the result includes a new Trattoria Rossa, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and a Sunset Park terrace, alongside refreshed Retreat suites. The ship’s most talked-about feature is The Lawn Club: a genuine half-acre of real grass on deck, used for live Hot Glass Show demonstrations and open-air cinema. Suite guests booking The Retreat get a private pool sundeck, butler service, and access to Luminae restaurant with Daniel Boulud menus. For cabin options, see the Celebrity Solstice cabins and deck plans.

• Inside I1 — 17 m², sleeps up to 4, located on higher decks with shorter routes to pools and bars
• Panoramic Ocean-view PN — 22.7 m², sleeps up to 4, floor-to-ceiling glass Panoramic window for an extended field of view
• Deluxe Veranda DV — 19.1 m², sleeps up to 5, approximately 1 m² larger than a standard balcony cabin
• Penthouse Suite PS — 156.1 m² total, sleeps up to 4, private hot tub, more than 4 times the space of a standard balcony cabin

Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Millennium carries a piece of genuine maritime history: the Olympic Restaurant is lined with original walnut panelling salvaged from RMS Olympic, Titanic’s sister ship. Dinner here is unlike any other restaurant at sea. Le Petit Chef — Celebrity’s 3D animated dinner experience — pairs tabletop projections with a multi-course tasting menu. AquaClass staterooms give you exclusive access to the restaurant Blu and the Persian Garden thermal spa. Browse the Celebrity Millennium cabins and deck plans to compare grades.

• Prime Inside I1 — 15.9 m², sleeps up to 4, centrally located on higher decks
• Prime Ocean-view O1 — 16 m², sleeps up to 2, prime location with shorter routes to outdoor decks
• Ultra Deluxe Veranda UV — 43.3 m², sleeps up to 2, almost 3 times larger than a standard veranda cabin
• Penthouse Suite PS — approximately 235 m² total, sleeps up to 4, around 102 m² of balcony and a private outdoor hot tub with panoramic views

Spectrum of the Seas

Built specifically for the East Asia market, Spectrum of the Seas carries 16 restaurants including Dadong Wonderland Chinese cuisine, Jamie’s Italian, and an Asian-fusion main dining room. The North Star observation capsule lifts guests in an all-glass pod to 300 feet above sea level — a signature feature unique to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra class. On deck you will find a RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, a FlowRider surf simulator, and bumper cars spread across 16 decks. The Spectrum of the Seas cabins and deck plans show the full range of grades.

• Inside with virtual balcony 1U — 15.4 m², sleeps up to 4, high-definition screen broadcasting a live sea view into the cabin
• Large Ocean-view 3M — 19.9 m², sleeps up to 4, more space than a standard ocean-view at a fair price
• Balcony with sea view 1D — 18.4 m², sleeps up to 4, private balcony with unobstructed sea view
• Ultimate Family Suite US — 257 m² across 2 levels, sleeps up to 10, more than 5 times larger than a standard inside cabin

Mariner of the Seas

Mariner of the Seas received a Royal Amplified refit that added a FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and a laser tag arena. The ship’s Royal Promenade — an indoor boulevard running the full length of the vessel — hosts restaurants, bars and live entertainment. Dining options include Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille steakhouse and Izumi sushi across 11 venues in total. See the Mariner of the Seas cabins and deck plans for accommodation options.

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess is well matched to its Japanese and Southeast Asian itineraries. The Izumi Japanese Bath is the largest Japanese-style onsen at sea — a genuine highlight for anyone who wants to experience traditional Japanese bathing culture mid-voyage. Dining includes Crown Grill steakhouse, Kai Sushi, and Makoto Ocean by Chef Makoto Okuwa. MedallionClass technology with OceanNow delivery, Movies Under the Stars on deck, and Skywalkers Nightclub high above the waterline complete the picture. Compare grades on the Diamond Princess cabins and deck plans page.

Other ships in the collection include Legend of the Seas, Norwegian Jade, Azamara Onward, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit. Each has its own character and strengths — our experts can talk you through which suits your itinerary and travel style.

What Do Fly Cruise and Stay Packages Include?

A fly-cruise and stay package typically bundles your return flights, at least one hotel night, airport or port transfers, and the cruise fare itself. What is included varies by sailing and fare type — some fares include meals, drinks or gratuities on board, while others are room-only and let you choose add-ons. Cruise1st’s team works through the inclusions with you before you book, so you are not left comparing like with unlike. Fare types vary by cruise line and can include promotional offers such as early-booking rates or last-minute deals — ask our advisers what is available on your chosen sailing.

Are There Cruise and Stay All-Inclusive Packages?

Yes. A significant number of sailings in this collection are offered on all-inclusive fare bases, meaning drinks, meals and gratuities are covered on board. The exact inclusions depend on the cruise line and the specific fare — “all-inclusive” covers a wide spectrum, from drinks packages to fully inclusive fares with shore excursions. Our cruise specialists can explain exactly what a particular all-inclusive fare covers before you commit. You can also browse all-inclusive cruises with flights for a filtered view. If you want an all-inclusive cruise and stay in a specific destination, the all-inclusive Dubai cruise and stay page is a good starting point for that region.

What Are the Best Cruise and Stay Holiday Ideas?

The right cruise and stay depends on how long you want to travel, how far you want to go and what you want from the land portion. Here are some of the combinations that work particularly well:

• Singapore and Southeast Asia. Fly to Singapore, spend a couple of nights in the city, board your ship and sail the region, then disembark and fly home. The city stay smooths the jet lag and gives you time to explore before the cruise begins.
• Caribbean and Florida. Florida cruise and stay holidays pair a Miami or Fort Lauderdale embarkation with beach time before or after. The Caribbean cruise and stay range covers a variety of itinerary lengths and departure points.
• Japan and Yokohama. Pair a Japan cruise with a few nights in or around Tokyo. Disembark at Yokohama and travel into the city before flying home.
• Mediterranean with Barcelona. Barcelona is one of the most popular embarkation ports here. Add hotel nights either side for a city break that doubles as a cruise gateway. 7-night Mediterranean cruises are a particularly clean fit with a short pre-cruise stay.
• Australia and Sydney. The long-haul flight to Sydney justifies a proper land stay. Sail from Sydney, see the coastline and beyond, then come back for more time in the city before heading home. The Australia cruises from the UK page covers the full range.
• Transatlantic crossing with a New York stay. Sail one way across the Atlantic and extend the trip with a New York cruise and stay at either end. One-way itineraries make up a real share of what is on sale, so a flight for the return leg is likely — Cruise1st books that as part of the package.
• Caribbean with Barbados. A Barbados cruise and stay in 2027 combines island time with a Caribbean voyage — popular for a reason.

Can I Sail from the UK Without Flying?

A small number of sailings in this collection depart from UK ports. Most of Britain can reach Southampton, Liverpool or Dover by road or rail, so if a no-fly departure suits you, it is worth checking availability. Southampton in particular has a strong programme of departures — browse 2027 sailings from Southampton, P&O Cruises 2027 from Southampton, or world cruises from Southampton to see what is sailing. However, the majority of cruise and stay packages here involve flying to an overseas embarkation port — Cruise1st books those flights, the hotel nights either side, and the transfers as a single holiday so nothing is left for you to arrange separately.

Cruise and Stay Deals and Pricing

Prices in this collection start from £559 pp* based on 2 people sharing. A range of fare types are available across the sailings — including promotional offers such as early-booking and last-minute rates — and a meaningful share of sailings carry a reduced fare compared with their previous listed price. The exact deals available change regularly; our team can tell you what is on offer for your chosen dates and destination. For a broader view of what is on sale, cruise deals and fly-cruise deals are good starting points, as are cruise and stay packages for 2026 if you are planning closer to home.

Looking for Something More Specific?

If you know the region or the season you want, these pages narrow things down quickly:

• Caribbean fly-cruises 2026
• Canary Islands fly-cruises 2026
• Mediterranean 2026 fly-cruises
• Caribbean cruise and stay 2026
• Caribbean cruise deals with flights
• Mediterranean cruise deals with flights
• Christmas cruise deals with flights
• October cruise deals with flights
• P&O Cruises from Southampton
• Christmas cruises from Southampton

Not sure where to start? Call our expert advice team — we are cruise specialists, not a general travel agency, and we have the knowledge to match you with the right sailing, the right cabin and the right package for your trip.

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, and are subject to change. This price is not kept up to date and therefore does not reflect live pricing and availability. Prices and any discounts shown were checked on 14 October 2026.