Wedding, anniversary, landmark birthday? When it comes to celebrating the milestones in life, there’s nowhere better than on a cruise, as Gary Peters explains.

Nuptials on board

Princess Cruises really does go the extra mile with its wedding cruises, with a dedicated Tie the Knot team on hand to ensure the special day is one to remember. Princess gives guests the opportunity of saying “I do” on one of its ships or ashore during a port call, and includes the reception and honeymoon as part of its packages. If the lucky couple chooses an on-board ceremony, the captain does the honours of hosting the event. A seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary, on Regal Princess, departs 17 November 2019. Prices start from £598pp.

Hamburg celebration

Every two years, the city of Hamburg celebrates cruising in its own unique way. The Hamburg Cruise event brings together a number of ships as they sail down the Elbe, accompanied by a cracking firework display. Taking place from 13-15 September, the 2019 iteration will welcome AIDAsol, AIDAvita, Europa and Europa 2, among others. Clients can experience this breathtaking extravaganza on an eight-day Nicko Cruises river cruise, departing 7 September on MS Frederic Chopin. Prices start from approximately £1,300pp.

Love is in the air

Celebrate Valentine’s Day or a special anniversary on the oceans with a romance package from MSC Cruises. The cruise line has a host of options available to surprise a loved one, such as its anniversary package, which includes a bottle of wine and a delicious cake; the romantic suprise of a bottle of Champagne Moët & Chandon Brut and two MSC souvenir flutes to take home; or the full romance package, complete with a bottle of Champagne, souvenir flutes and an invitation to a VIP cocktail party. Prices start from £1,099pp for a 15-day Caribbean, Cuba and Antilles cruise, departing 23 September 2019 on MSC Armonia.

Cruising lean

A wellness cruise may not immediately strike clients as a special occasion, but what could be better than taking a well-earned break in the Mediterranean to relax mind, body and soul? Following on from its success in the Caribbean, Weight Watchers is launching its first-ever voyage in Europe. Departing on 20 July from Barcelona, the eight-day itinerary promises guests a sailing full of holistic wellness workshops and a “liveable programme” that means “life doesn’t have to stop if you want to get healthy”.

New year’s ‘cruiseolutions’

Yes, 2019 is only a few weeks old and new year is probably the last thing on most people’s minds, but Christmas and new year cruises go quickly, so anyone keen to spend the dawn of 2020 on the high seas should consider booking as soon as possible. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 12-day Holiday Celebration itinerary departs 22 December 2019 on Norwegian Spirit, and visits the delights of Venice, Kotor and Monte Carlo, among others. Prices start from £1,509pp.

Age is just a number

An adventure-filled expedition cruise is the perfect way to celebrate a milestone birthday, whether it be for new-to-cruise or experienced sea-goers. Take in the awe-inspiring wildlife of the Galapagos Islands or discover the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of the Arctic. All of this can be experienced in ultimate luxury, too. Silversea’s 16-day Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq sailing departs 26 August 2019 and promises to take guests on a journey across the Northwest Passage. Prices from £15,750pp.