GET ON BOARD

If sailing on a super-sized ship doesn’t float your boat, try one of Intrepid Travel’s new launched 2018 Adventure Cruises and you can expect to sail with an average of 30 fellow travellers.

Using boats that are smaller than their big brother cruise ships also means they can give traditional routes a wide berth as well as sailing to destinations tantalisingly out of the reach of the vast vessels. Plus there’s the bonus of being able to spend more time on land.

Among the highlights is an eight-day cruise across the Adriatic and along Croatia’s stunning central coast, with a chance to try kayaking or go hiking around Plitvice National Park.

Fares start at €1,785pp and include breakfast, five lunches, four dinners and most activities.

Or sail to the lesser known Westfjords of Iceland, keeping a keen eye out for puffins and whales. The eight-day Wild West Coast itinerary starts at €3,405pp including breakfast, six dinners, three lunches and most activities. intrepidtravel.com