There are so many compelling reasons to travel with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. An excellent space per passenger ratio manifests itself in spacious suites, even at entry level, giving guests an excellent private living environment. A range of dining choices give you the opportunity to enjoy mix and match dining, from the super casual Italian Sette Mari to the specialities in Prime 7. All restaurants have open seating so you can enjoy an intimate evening a deux, or relax with old friends and new.

Everything is included in the fare, from flights to join your ship (and sometimes pre-cruise overnights too, particularly for the higher grades), to all meals, drinks, gratuities and even, most unusually in this category, shore excursions.

Those who have not travelled with Regent are often sceptical about the quality of the included excursions, but in fact they are excellent. What's more, this is a great opportunity to trade up to something even more exclusive, at a very affordable price - either a longer tour, or something with limited numbers or slightly off the beaten track.

Of course the included excursions mean that the ships are busy in the mornings and at lunchtimes, but Regent have been doing this for a long time, and their management of passenger flow is excellent, as is the organisation of getting high numbers of guests ashore without jams and delays.

Regent's itineraries are wide ranging and interesting, and the style on board is relaxed, so expect an unpretentious well travelled crowd on board.