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On 23 May, the great and the good of the cruising world gathered in Southampton for the 2013 CLIA UK & Ireland Selling Cruise Conference.

The theme this year was Think Ahead, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of cruise holidays, so it was fitting that this was the first conference as CLIA UK & Ireland - the new integrated association which has been established to serve as the voice of the cruise industry moving forward.

The day began at Ocean Terminal with a Round the World Trade Fair, showcasing cruise offers and itineraries from over 60 cruise line and travel partner sponsors.

The biggest scoop of the day was finding out the hottest ocean and river cruise destinations which are set to get big in the coming years.

The Arabian Gulf- these desert states are becoming a real cruise hub, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular are great for international events, shows, desert excursions, shopping and, of course, visits to the traditional souks and markets.  

The Irrawaddy - Burma is now firmly on the bucket list for many travellers with its mysterious history and natural beauty. River cruises are a wonderful way to see the best of this destination with a growing number of itineraries available.

Russian waterways - Moscow and St Petersburg have always been popular but the voyage between the two centres is now being recognised as a wonderful journey in its own right.

The Douro- this is one of Europe's least known rivers but it is one of the best. The river meanders through the heart of the port and wine growing regions of Portugal, the perfect cruise for soaking up the sun.

Sri Lanka- now a much safer destination, this stunning country is a cultural highlight and also great for wildlife spotting with whales out to sea and jungle leopards on shore.

West Africa - The Gambia and Senegalin particular are shifting into focus as they offer off the beaten track, historically significant cultural experiences as well as the chance for visitors to glimpse rare African wildlife.

And last but not least…the United Kingdom. Cruising in the British Isles is going from strength to strength with a growing number of departure points and itineraries available. Standing out in particular are the ruggedly beautiful Shetland Islands.

From Russia to the Faroe Islands, cruise companies are adding new, exciting ports of call to their itineraries as the choice of destinations for today's traveller continues to grow.  Whether it's an adventure holiday, a cultural experience or a once in a lifetime event, the expanding choice offered by a cruise holiday shows there is a cruise for everyone.

Here is the Discover Cruises guide to some of the cruise lines' top new ports of call.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages to call at Russia's White Sea ports

Russia's White Sea ports of Murmansk and Archangelare destinations steeped in history due to the roles they played during World War II and the Cold War. Murmansk, the largest port north of the Arctic Circle, is also the ideal location to fully experience the midnight sun and polar night.  For further information visit 

Shearings head for the Ukraine  

Located on the Crimean Peninsula, Sevastopolin the Ukraine is home to over 1,800 historical sites, including the Valley of Death where the famous Charge of the Light Brigade took place.

Carnival Cruise Lines to call at Alesund

Alesund is one of Norway's most romantic destinations. Passengers on board the Carnival Legend can admire its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and take in the picturesque streets of this beautiful town, which features a myriad of turrets, spires and colourful facades.

Crystal Cruises new Canada port of call

Havre Saint Pierre, situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Canada, is the gateway to the stunning Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve and a new port of call for the Crystal Symphony. The park features a chain of around 40 islands and includes a unique variety of flora and fauna such as the rare Mingan thistle as well as stunning limestone formations.

Cunard heads for Agadir 

With its golden sandy beaches and mild year-round climate, it's not hard to see why Agadiris Morocco's premier beach resort. This year, the Queen Victoria will visit here for the first time, giving passengers the opportunity to sample the bustling Grand Souk market, sip traditional Moroccan mint tea and take in the unique blend of modern and traditional architecture that is characteristic of this city. 

Seadream's inaugural Asia programme

Thailand, Malaysia, East Timorand Hong Kongcombine to offer an exciting itinerary for SeaDream II when passengers will discover pristine beaches and the exhilarating energy of Asia's buzzing towns and cities. 

Follow the whales with Fred Olsen 

Húsavík,the whale-watching capital of Iceland, is a picturesque town boasting stunning views of the Kinnarfjoll Mountains and its close proximity to the attractions and beautiful landscape of the north-eastern part of Iceland makes it an ideal base from which to explore this region.

MSC Cruises calls at Constanta

Constanta is one of Romania's prettiest seaside resorts and a focal point of Black Sea coast tourism in this region. Calling at this port for the first time, MSC passengers will get the opportunity to explore the beautiful coastline and historic architecture in this region, such as the Roman Mosaic complex and the ancient city of Histria.

P&O Cruises adds Saaremaa Island to its Estonia itinerary

Saaremaa Island offers a glimpse of 'old Estonia' with its slender lighthouses and tiny villages. This is Estonia's largest island, famed for its local beer and quaint old windmills, and nature lovers will also enjoy the rich variety of flora and fauna. 

Princess Cruises to call at the Faroe Islands

Klaksvik in the Faroe Islands, located in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland, has plenty to offer visitors, from rugged coastlines and green valleys to an abundance of wildlife.

Seabourn stops off at new port in the Cape Verde Islands

Mindelois on the Cape Verde island of São Vicente which is considered the cultural hub of the Cape Verde islands. São Vicente has a rich tradition of music and art which is evident in the beautiful architecture and vibrant music scene in the city. 

Silversea adds new Lithuania destination

The historic old town of Klaipeda is on the beautiful west coast of Lithuania. Passengers can take in the striking Neo-Gothic buildings in the historic old town, find out about 'Baltic gold' in the famous Amber Museum or visit the most beautiful park in Lithuania.

Thompson Cruises to call at Nessebar

Nessebar in Bulgaria is one of Europe's oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient seaside destination boasts beautiful beaches, cobbled streets with bustling cafes and craft shops as well as grand Renaissance buildings. 

Helen Coop had never considered taking her  family on a cruise but as it seemed spring and summer were never going to arrive in the UK, she decided that enough was enough and the lure of a last minute  Mediterranean cruise with  MSC Cruises proved too much. 

Here's Helen's story as a new to cruise convert....

The decision was easy to make -there was still a  cabin available on MSC's newest ship, the MSC Preziosa, the itinerary and dates were good and  the price was right - within a matter of days myself, my partner and our two girls aged 5 and 3 were packing our bags.

We flew out to Nice and as soon as we landed, we were struck by the light.  "I can see the sun," my 5 year old proclaimed excitedly.  On our transfer to Genoa this was replaced with "I can see the sea" and the sense of excitement only increased as we arrived at the port.

None of us were prepared for the sheer scale of the MSC Preziosa, this ship is enormous and dwarfs everything surrounding her.  She is brand, spanking new and quite literally gleams.    However, given her size, the embarkation process is surprisingly effortless and we were soon welcomed onboard.  Glass elevators and sparkling crystal staircases are the first things to catch your eye - together with the warm welcome from every MSC employee that we met. We shot up 8 floors in the afore mentioned lift, found our cabin and the balcony doors were quickly opened.  The great thing about being high up (we were on deck 13) of a ship this size is that you get a bird's eye view of every port you come to.

There was no time to savour the sites though as two little voices piped up:  "Can we go swimming, please, please," this mantra was to be repeated frequently over the next week.    My girls were not disappointed, there are three swimming pools onboard (not counting the one exclusively for Yacht Club members) and a fantastic water park which kept them amused for hours.  We could swim in all weathers as one of the pools had a retractable roof and there were never too many people.   Throughout the week we tried and tested them all (frequently) but the family favourite had to be the infinity garden pool - it really was hard to believe we were actually onboard a ship. We were so impressed by everything, the service, the food, the kids club,  the shows (we managed to go to three) the ease of getting on and off at the  various ports of call and of course, the swimming pools.  

One night, as we sipped our cocktails, my partner turned to me and said: "I'm a free spirit, I shouldn't be enjoying this so much," and that summed up our holiday.  A cruise perhaps wouldn't have been the first family holiday option to spring to our minds, but for a week away where everyone can get some much  required r and r and there are enough activities to keep the whole family happy, you really can't beat it.  

If you are new to cruising it can sometimes feel like there is a lot to take in and learn! However, cruising is just like, or perhaps even easier, than planning most holidays. But just to help you out - and have a little bit of alphabet fun! - here is an A-Z of cruising written especially for those considering cruising for the first time.  

A is for Activities -Take advantage of a huge variety of facilities and activitieson offer. From ballroom dancing to wine tasting, rock climbing walls to cookery schools, there is something for everyone.

B is for Beauty -Cruise ships are now famed for their world-class spa facilities. Guests can treat themselves to a huge range of treatments ranging from specialist deep-tissue massages to bespoke facials that are tailored to specific skin types.

C is for Cabins -Cruise ships have a lots of accommodation options available, from excellent value cabins right through to luxury suites. Ask your ACE approved agent for advice when booking to find a cabin that suits you.  

D is for Dining -Foodies can expect a fantastic variety of quality cuisine on board a cruise ship. Some ships even offer backstage tours of the galley, the amazing kitchen from which renowned chefs create choice menus paired with the perfect wines by expert sommeliers.  

E is for Entertainment -Cruises are renowned for incredible onboard entertainment. Guests can experience celebrity dancing specials, first class cabaret or even dance the night away in onboard clubs with music from top bands and DJ's.

F is for Far-flung -From Asia to Alaska, cruise lines travel to a whole host of exciting locations throughout the world. Ports of call include anywhere and everywhere, with Burma, the Mekong, Australia and Russia amongst up and coming destinations. Cruises are the perfect way to explore off the beaten track places with all the comfort of your 'floating hotel'.  

G is for Guest speakers -Cruises are constantly innovating with a huge range of fascinating guest speakers. Passengers can meet their favourite authors, study the skies with expert astronomers or even get the inside story from Cold war political specialists.

H is for Honeymoon -Cruises are a great choice for honeymoon getaways. Experience the delights of visiting exotic destinations for the trip of a lifetime at an all-inclusive price that won't break the bank. Perfect for newlyweds!

I is for Ice skating- Active travellers will enjoy the whole host of sports facilities on cruise ships, from ice skating rinks and golf driving ranges to volleyball courts and even waterslides - there's plenty to keep you occupied!

J is for Just you -Cruise holidays are a great option if you are travelling on your own and many ships now offer single cabins at no additional charge. It's a great way to meet people and you'll never be lonely.

K is for Kids -Looking for the perfect family holiday? Kids will love the facilities onboard, from dedicated pools and waterparks to child-friendly excursions and activities. Many ships offer early dining times for families or, alternatively, parents can take advantage of the baby-sitter services on offer.  

L is for Luxury -Contemporary cruise liners can offer all the luxury and comfort of a top resort. Some luxury suites even come complete with a Jacuzzi. Guests can enjoy everything from private butlers to black-tie caviar beach soirees with French champagne on tap. 

M is for Multigenerational -Multigenerational holidays are becoming more and more popular and cruises are a perfect option, with something for every age. Activities can be tailored for family fun or adults can enjoy some downtime whilst kids are whisked off to specialist clubs.

N is for New to cruise -Unsure about whether cruising is for you? Visit discovercruises.co.uk for all you ever need to know about a cruise holiday!

O is for Onboard services- Cruise ships cater for all needs onboard with everything from laundry services to banks. Many cruises carry specialist medical equipment allowing people with disabilities and those requiring dialysis to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

P is for Price -Cruise holidays offer excellent value for money and there's a package to suit all budgets. With 'cashless cruising', settle your bill in one payment before disembarkation, so you can relax and enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Q is fo r Questions- If you are looking to book a cruise but have questions about your trip, visit www.discovercruises.co.uk for essential information on all aspects of cruising.

  R is f or Rides -Ride the waves on rib boat excursions,jet skis and speedboats or ride a bike alongside your river cruiser as it glides along to the next port of call.

S is for Sightseeing -River cruises are perfect for getting right into the heart of a city, with small jetties within the centre so all the sites are just a short walk from your ship.

T is for Taster -new to cruise? Many cruise lines now offer taster cruises for those who have never cruised before. Close to home and less than five nights, you can escape on a short break and sample a mini cruise experience before committing to a longer holiday. 

U is for UK -With a choice of over 650 cruises departing from more than fifteen UK ports, start your holiday as soon as you board the ship without the hassle of lengthy queues, busy airports and baggage restrictions.

V is for Variety -Withover forty cruise lines to choose from, ranging from ultra luxury cruise yachts to specialist themed cruises, everyone can find their perfect cruise holiday.

W is for Wildlife -Get up close to spectacular wildlife with specialist cruises and day excursions that offer you the chance to see bears, swim with dolphins and spot whales! You can even go on safari with a specialist Botswana river cruise.

X is for Xmas -Have a magical Xmasand visiticonic European markets on December river cruise or why not escape the cold British winter and spend Xmas in the Caribbean!

Y is for Yangtze River -Get to the heart of a country with spectacular views along the banks of the river. With a range of destinations ranging from the Yangtze River to the Nile, there has never been a better time to try river cruising.

Z is for Zumba -Larger cruise ships have an excellent choice of sport and fitness facilities onboard. From Zumba to Yoga, golf to basketball, there is an activity for all ages.

So there it is - 26 reasons why a cruising holiday can be the best decision you've ever made. 

Ships have set sail from Southampton to the sunny climes of southern Europe for hundreds of years - although not always with the intentions of having a nice holiday. In the last two centuries, the city has also become a major hub for transatlantic cruises, which means that today Southampton is one of the best places to get a cruise in the United Kingdom.

One of the most popular trips for people heading off from the south coast is to the Western Mediterranean, an itinerary that includes some of the most beautiful and famous cities in the world.

First stop, though, is increasingly likely to be the Holiday Inn's Stay Park and Go just a short hop from the cruise terminal. Affordable and accessible, cruise passengers can save a lot of money and relax in preparation of their cruise in the best possible way with the Holiday Inn offer. 

Then it's off down along the coast of Franceto the western Mediterranean. Although the places you can stop vary, nearly all cruises take in Lisbonand Barcelona, two places that you're guaranteed never to forget.

First up is Lisbon, souther Europe's most westerly capital point and a unique mix of old and new world charm.Lisbon is a city that drips with history, with evidence of settlements going well back before the Romans arrived in the second century BC. In fact,Lisbon has been a city of global influence almost since that time, with several distinct periods of wealth all of which are reflected in the wonderful and varied architecture, open plazas, and cramped little back streets of the old town. It's a great place to visit and one of the real treats of a western Mediterranean cruise.

The other major stopping point is Barcelona, which has been transformed from an industrial provincial town to one of the world's most famous tourist destinations in just a couple of decades. The Sagrada Familia is, of course, a must see, but it's also well worth a trip to Park Guell (where Gaudi lived) to take in a stunning panorama of the city and see more of his work.

After a hard day's sightseeing ,Barcelonais also a great place to relax, with world class restaurants opening out onto pedestrianised plazas and a climate that's unbeatable. 

So, whatever you're looking for, whether you're young or old or have kids, a western Mediterranean cruise is a great option for a completely unforgettable holiday.