There has been a lot of publicity about the new, large cruise ships that have launched. What is there for those who, like me, prefer smaller and more intimate ships that take passengers in their hundreds rather than in their thousands? Do many sail from Britain?
Sara Macefield, an award-winning writer who specialises in cruising, replies
With all the publicity surrounding the so-called "mega-ships" that can carry 5,000 or 6,000 passengers, it's easy to forget there is a sizeable fleet of smaller vessels plying the world's rivers and oceans.
There are more small ships and boutique cruise lines to choose from than ever, from ultra-luxury to low-cost; and one of the main areas where small is beautiful is river cruising. Even the largest vessels, run by the likes of Viking River Cruises (020 8780 7900; www. vikingrivercruises. co. uk ) and relative newcomer Scenic Tours (0161 236 2444; www. scenictours. co. uk). take no more than 300 passengers.