There's something magical about cruises and trips to Lapland

Seeking out new adventures and places that are perhaps unvisited by many proves to be the ultimate lure for those of us with more than a little spirit for adventure. And in all honesty this is why voyages to distant shores and mini breaks to the region known as Lapland are so popular. As far as undiscovered destinations go Lapland is a member of an ever decreasing exclusive club. Straddling the vast expanses of Norway, Finland and Sweden, this fairytale landscape has so much to offer the visitor. This is the same for celebrity cruises where every day onboard their exclusive fleet of vessels is a mini adventure in itself! With evocative names like Galaxy and Constellation, you know these mega-ships are going to offer passengers something out of the ordinary. Visitors to Lapland are often surprised by the breathtaking and natural beauty of the area and whilst, in some respects, it can seem extremely remote it is in fact extremely accessible from UK airports. Embarking from a UK destination certainly has its advantages. Just ask those who have enjoyed cruises from Southampton. With ample parking facilities and excellent rail links, it's the perfect place from which to embark on your memorable trip of a lifetime. Lapland is of course famous for one thing in particular. Popularised as the home of Father Christmas, the place has a unique magic all of its own. As with epic voyages, there is more to this winter wonderland than meets the eye!

"The entertainment was worth going on the cruise for on its own. The dancing was spot on and the singing very good. (all live). It seems as though all the entertainment team have gelled very well. The food was excellent. We dined mainley in the Meridian where the service was first class and the food very nice." - Smiyh, Havant on 19th May 2009 (Thomson Cruises)

Sleigh rides and port excursions

One of the major attractions of holidaying on an ocean going vessel are the multitude of exotic ports you will undoubtedly visit and, of course, the varied excursions you can enjoy once you reach these mystical lands. A visit to Lapland proves to be no different. In fact, for somewhere that's regarded as a wilderness, there are incredible amounts of activities for all age groups to enjoy. A trip on P&O cruises is a voyage of discovery and, as the name Peninsular and Oriental suggests, they are experienced in visiting the entire world's major attractions and in a style evocative of gentile, bygone eras. The packages that they offer can best be described as 'complete' with comfortable cabins and charismatic public lounges being par for the course on their entire fleet. If you've previously presumed that Lapland was exclusively a destination for the kids, then think again! In fact, it's also the perfect location for viewing one of nature's natural wonders, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. For those who've always hankered after seeing this natural phenomenon, booking a two or three day trip to the area would be well advised. Just like Cunard cruises they are an experience not to be missed and are similarly exclusive. This UK-based line is of course famous for its opulent fleet of ships which strive to create the last word in luxury. From hand woven carpets to highly polished brass fittings, this is travel in its finest incarnation and should not be missed!

"The ship overall is fantastic with great decor, plenty of space and lots of activities. We stayed in a Q6 and ate in the Queens Grill, both were very good and we particularly like the choice of when we eat, it meant there was no rush to get to a 'sitting'." - Bryant, Winchester on 19th May 2009 (Cunard Cruises)

Lapland dreams and tropical sunsets

Not all voyages necessarily involve trips to the hotter climates of the world. In fact, journeys which follow the 'North' point on the compass are increasingly popular. NCL cruises, being Norway's number one line are specialists in visiting the frozen North with their Alaskan adventures attracting appreciative passengers on an annual basis. Head towards the Arctic and you will indeed feel as if you're entering uncharted territory and nowhere is this more so than in Lapland. Only really the indigenous Sami people can lay true claim to understanding Lapland's breathtaking but unyielding landscape and to truly experience the lives of these fascinating people a stay in an authentic homestead is a must! And whilst a trip on Princess cruises will not involve sleeping in traditional accommodation, you will get the chance to experience this and other regions of the world first-hand. All their impressive fleet of vessels have light and airy public areas which make them ideal place for passengers to make new friends and acquaintances. As far as staterooms go, the Sapphire has over seven hundred balconied cabins which offer wonderful accommodation and are a perfect way to enjoy the world and all its beautiful sights. If tropical sunsets are what you're looking for, then Caribbean cruises should definitely be your first port of call! Unquestionably beautiful and, similar to those visiting Lapland, there are so many things to enjoy. From scuba diving off the coast of St. Kitts to tobogganing in Lapland the world is indeed a diverse place.

"We've just returtned from our very first cruise - on Ruby Princess during her inaugural european trip around the Mediterranean, and are frankly stunned at the sheer perfection of the entire experience." - Mitchell, Derby on 18th May 2009 (Princess Cruises)

From the Arctic to Antigua, the world's open to exploration

If you're serious about visiting the intriguing region of Lapland, be it for a Christmas wonderland experience or some adventurous snowmobile fun, then you really do need to visit a website that can provide you with some invaluable information and links to all things related to this snowbound paradise. Likewise where MSC cruises are concerned, a visit to a site which features some firsthand reviews of this exceptional Italian line will prove to be invaluable when it comes to booking your world voyage. From the warmer destinations like the Mediterranean to the exceptionally gorgeous Baltic, this charismatic line offers voyages for all age groups and all interests. Fred Olsen cruises on the other hand have a wealth of experience in Iceland, Greenland and Canada and perhaps taking a voyage with them will encourage you to take a vacation in Lapland! And, it's worth bearing in mind that Lapland is not only a winter destination. It's increasingly becoming popular as a place to visit as a summer vacation. With ancient forests and lakes to explore as destinations go, it's a breath of fresh air. Royal Caribbean cruises, as the name suggests, offers some amazing deals to this most gorgeous of tropical locations and vessels such as the Adventure of the Seas offer everything for the discerning passenger from stylish cabins to fully fledged shopping arcades. Both voyages at sea and a visit to Lapland can be a truly inspirational experience and are there to be enjoyed by everyone.

"My Wife and I have taken many cruises but this was the first time with Celebrity. We were very impressed with most aspects. We had a balcony cabin,which at risk of upsetting the purists among the readers of these reviews,was superior to a similar cabin on the QM2. The food and service were superb, the itinerary was perfect." - Edwards, Worsley on 18th May 2009 (Celebrity Cruises)