Relax on a sunshine break or a long, slow ride into autumn

WHAT nicer way to celebrate the warmer weather than by booking a cruise? Whether you fancy a spring mini-break, a summer river cruise or a long voyage for autumn, check out my pick of the best here.

SLIP away on a last-minute city break with a mini-cruise from Southampton on April 15.

A four-night trip aboard Sky Princess stops in Zeebrugge, Bruges’ port, and Rotterdam, with its museums and Market Hall filled with Dutch cheeses. Fares start from £392pp (planetcruise.com).

This summer, new cruise-andstay trips combine a hotel stay on the shores of Italy’s Lake Lugano, a train journey over the Alps and a river cruise along the Rhine. It stops in Cologne and Antwerp, ending in Amsterdam.

Departing weekly from April to September, prices start at £2,999pp, including flights (river cruising.co.uk/arosa-cruises).

The fiery foliage of the North American autumn is legendary, and the delights will be doubled seeing the reflections from your balcony on this Autumnal Colours Of New England cruise.

What’s more, an all-inclusive, 28-night cruise on Spirit of Discovery has been discounted by almost £900pp. The roundtrip, departing from Portsmouth on September 26, includes Nova Scotia, Maine, New York and Boston. On days at sea you can also join conservation experts on deck to spot whales.

The cost, now from £7,554pp, covers door-to-door chauffeur, drinks, tips, insurance and five excursions (saga.co.uk/cruises).