One of the reasons so many Britons choose to cruise, apart from the fact that cruising is simply a great holiday, is that it offers such amazing value for money.

Just think about what’s included in the cruise price. Accommodation, meals, entertainment and non-stop activities in the kids and teen clubs, where these are provided. If you choose one of the ultra-luxury cruise lines the fare will include all drinks and gratuities as well.

If you were staying in a hotel, most of these things would be charged as extras.

And don’t forget all food means as much food as you can eat. Breakfast, lunch and five or six-course dinners, not to mention a feast of sandwiches and cakes for afternoon tea. Many cruise ships have a 24-hour buffet and most offer free room service as well.

You can help yourself to tea, coffee and water in the buffet, and most ships sell excellent-value soda packages so kids can have unlimited drinks for a fraction of the price they would cost on land.

Come evening you can settle down in the theatre and watch West End-style productions or comedy shows that on land would set you back £60 per person or more.