River bargains are streaming in

NOW is the time to book a river cruise for next year and bag a bargain. TUI is offering £200 off all European river cruises departing from March 1 to October 31, 2020. For example, a seven-night East Danube Explorer cruise from Budapest to less-visited parts of Hungary, Serbia and Croatia costs from £900 (after discount). A classic Rhine cruise for seven nights from Frankfurt to Basel is from £1,000 (also after discount). Quote discount code ‘SAVE200’. tui.co.uk/river-cruises

Vive La France!

What better way to celebrate Bastille Day today than by booking a mini-cruise over to France? Small ship Magellan departs from Tilbury on December 8 on a four-night French Festive Getaway. Sailing up the Seine, you’ll dock in Rouen where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake and call at the pretty port of Honfleur on the river’s estuary. You’ll also have the chance to visit Bruges in Belgium to stock up with chocolates and browse the Christmas market. Fares are from £312pp. cruiseandmaritime.com

Pining for the fjords?

Take a thrilling cruise from Southampton to the spectacular Norwegian fjords aboard family-friendly Azura, departing on August 3. Activities offered ashore include kayaking, hiking, zip-lining and high-speed boat rides. This seven-night cruise starts at £949pp. Book by Friday, July 19. destinology.co.uk

Screen and Queen

Fans of Elizabeth Taylor can put in their bids early for an auction of the film star’s possessions while sailing in style across the Atlantic from New York to Southampton. Queen Mary 2 will have an exhibition of her dresses, jewellery, artworks and memorabilia on board the seven-night voyage departing on October 18. The ‘Property from the Lifestyle of Elizabeth Taylor’ auction takes place in Los Angeles in December. Fares, including flight to New York, start at £1,234pp. cunard.com Caroline Hendrie