THOUSANDS of people from the West Country have already enjoyed a voyage on Fred Olsen's Braemar and now she's back in Dover for a spring cruise to Spain and the Balearic Islands. And as you can read in the feature to the left of this column, this favourite with British passengers has increased in size. I had a look over her when she was in Southampton last year, and was very impressed. The Spring Cruise begins at Dover on May 3 and then offers three relaxing days at sea before calling in at Gibraltar. The relatively unknown port of Eivissa on Ibiza is next before the other two Balearics, Menorca and Majorca. There's plenty to see and do in Portimao in Portugal's Algarve region before returning to Dover. Prices are good, too, starting at just £696 per person, and that includes all food and entertainment. Visit www.fredolsencruises.co.uk or call 01473 742424.

EVERY day, I hear news of discounts and unbelievable prices for both cruises and transatlantic voyages. On April 20, for instance, you can spend 12 luxurious nights on Queen Mary 2, sailing from Southampton to New York, spend a day in the Big Apple for shopping and then back again, for just £1,099 per person. Cunard's newest ship The Queen Victoria sets sail for a Mediterranean Medley cruise on April 20 with prices starting at £999. Ports include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Civitavecchia for Rome and Alghero.

FOR many people in the West Country, the thought of a Caribbean cruise is often tempered with the thought of a trek to Heathrow or Gatwick, but this autumn the Transocean Tours cruise ship Marco Polo departs from Plymouth for two Caribbean cruises. Prices start from £2,549 pp for 21 nights departing November 10, which is a great value price as it includes full board, entertainment and gratuities on board. Departing October 7, Marco Polo heads out of Plymouth on its way to the West Indies on a 30-night cruise. Sailing via the Azores, the ship stops at no fewer than 13 idyllic Caribbean islands. On the way back to Plymouth, the ship visits Madeira and Lisbon. Then on November 10, Marco Polo sails from Plymouth via the Azores to six stunning Caribbean island settings, an unforgettable daytime passage through the Panama Canal and a taste of South America in Ecuador. Fly back to the UK. Reservations 0845 833 9798 – www.transoceancruises.co.uk

FOR those who enjoy less formal cruising, the Ocean Village Two offers its Gateways And Gondolas voyage on April 16 from £688 per person. Explore the picturesque, medieval Dubrovnik or Split, then sail into Venice to see St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge or glide around in a gondola. Let the pretty scenery do the talking at the islands of Korcula and Corfu, then hit the beaches on idyllic Zakinthos or check out where the Olympic Games started at Olympia from Katakolon. Depart on Thursday April 16, flying from the UK to Heraklion, Crete, returning a week later. Call 08450 750032.