Cruise Styles


Find the Journey That Fits Your Life

At Hayward Travel, Kevin focuses on a carefully curated set of cruise experiences — chosen for their intimacy, cultural depth, and genuine value. Whether you're drawn to the gentle waterways of Europe, the wild coastlines of the polar regions, or the elegance of a luxury vessel, there is a style of cruising that will feel like it was designed for you. Explore the six cruise styles below and discover where your next chapter begins.

Intimate river cruise ship on European river at golden hour

Cruise Style 01

River Cruises


River cruising offers an intimate, unhurried way to explore the world's most storied destinations. Sailing along the Danube, Rhine, Mekong, or Nile, you'll dock in the heart of historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and charming villages — stepping off the ship and into the culture rather than observing it from a distance. Ships carry between 100 and 200 guests, so the experience feels personal, never crowded.

Nearly everything is included — fine dining, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, and premium beverages — so your attention stays on the experience, not the bill. Kevin has sailed with AMA Waterways through Vietnam and Cambodia firsthand, and brings that personal knowledge to every river cruise recommendation he makes.

Cruise Style 02

Small Ship Cruises


Small ship cruising trades scale for discovery. With guest counts typically ranging from 50 to 500, these voyages access anchorages, harbours, and coastal towns that larger vessels simply cannot reach. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and social — you'll recognise fellow travellers by name within the first day and enjoy a level of attentiveness that disappears on a mega-ship.

The itineraries are destination-first: the ship is a vehicle, not the attraction. From the fjords of Norway to the islands of the South Pacific, small ship cruising rewards travellers who want to go deeper, not just further. Kevin matches clients with the right small ship line based on their travel style, interests, and the experience they're looking for.

Small expedition ship in a calm sheltered fjord
Tall-masted sailing ship under full sail in Mediterranean waters

Cruise Style 03

Sailing Cruises


Sailing cruises blend the romance of wind-powered travel with the comfort of a well-appointed vessel. These voyages visit secluded anchorages, hidden Mediterranean coves, and island ports that are simply off the itinerary for any conventional cruise ship. The pace is unhurried and the scenery arrives on its own terms.

Whether you're drawn to the Greek islands, the Croatian coast, the Caribbean, or the open Atlantic, a sailing cruise offers an authenticity that motor-driven ocean voyages rarely match. Guests on sailing cruises often describe the experience as transformative — a genuine connection to the sea and the places it leads. Kevin can help identify the right sailing line and itinerary to match your sense of adventure.

Cruise Style 04

Ocean Cruises


Ocean cruising is the most versatile style of travel afloat. With a vast range of ship sizes, itinerary lengths, destinations, and onboard experiences, there is an ocean cruise suited to nearly every travel personality. From a seven-night Caribbean crossing to a 30-day world voyage, the possibilities are genuinely broad.

Choosing the right ocean cruise requires more than browsing a brochure. Ship culture, cabin placement, dining flexibility, included amenities, and port time all vary significantly from one line to another. Kevin brings the insight to navigate those differences — helping you select the ship, the sailing date, and the itinerary that delivers the experience you're actually looking for, not just the one that looks best in a photograph.

Mid-sized cruise ship at sea during late afternoon
Red-hulled polar expedition ship surrounded by Arctic ice formations

Cruise Style 05

Adventure Cruises


Adventure cruises take you to the places most travellers only see in photographs. Expedition voyages into the polar regions, remote island archipelagos, the Galápagos, Patagonia, and the wild coastlines of the world are led by expert naturalists and guides whose knowledge deepens every landing and every day at sea.

These are not passive journeys. Guests participate in Zodiac landings, guided hikes, wildlife encounters, and cultural visits that require an engaged and curious traveller. The ships are purpose-built for remote navigation, small in size, and equipped for comfort without compromising the expedition experience. If your definition of adventure includes a little discomfort alongside extraordinary reward, Kevin can help you find the right voyage.

Cruise Style 06

Luxury Cruises


Luxury cruising represents the upper tier of ocean and river travel — ultra-premium lines where the ratio of crew to guests is exceptionally high, all gratuities and premium beverages are included, butler service is standard in many suites, and the dining rivals the finest restaurants ashore. Ship sizes stay deliberately small to preserve exclusivity and enable access to ports that larger vessels cannot enter.

For the discerning traveller who values quality over spectacle, luxury cruising is not an indulgence — it is the most efficient path to a genuinely memorable experience. Curated itineraries, enrichment programmes, and the simple absence of crowds make each sailing feel private and personal. Kevin understands what separates a truly luxury experience from a premium-priced one, and he will help you find the difference.

Elegant luxury cruise deck at sunset with champagne service

Not Sure Which Style Is Right for You?

That's exactly the kind of question Kevin loves. Every traveller is different — and the best cruise style isn't always the most obvious one. Share your travel goals, your interests, and your budget, and Kevin will help you find the experience that fits.