From summer 2006 a new name will enter the UK cruising lexicon - that of Louis Line's well-appointed m/v Calypso, who will be making her way to British shores for a maiden season of holidays from London's International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury.

Few areas of travel - apart from perhaps the ubiquitous 'low-cost' airlines - can claim to have enjoyed such rapid and sustained growth in the past decade as cruising. More and more folk are eschewing beaches and hotel pools for the floating accommodation and ever-changing vistas that only a cruise can bring.

Each cruising day offers something new to enjoy, whether a port of call to explore, or a relaxing day at sea. There might be a shore excursion to some new and fascinating places, or time spent on deck simply soaking up the sun. Then there are all the activities to join in, or to leave to the more energetic.

When evening comes, with the sun setting over the sea or on another port, cruisers can dine in style and be entertained long into the night. If the stars are out, take a turn on the deck, or perhaps try your luck at the casino table before turning in.

'UK to UK' cruising, where travellers join their ship at a home port and set off in search of new horizons and adventures without the need to step on an aeroplane, has become increasingly popular, which is why Louis believes that Calypso's arrival to offer holidays from these shores is destined for huge success.

Itineraries will include a 'Round Britain' cruise; the ever-popular Norwegian Fjords; a classic Baltic cities voyage featuring two nights in St Petersburg; a cruise to the Land of the Midnight Sun; a wonderful journey to fascinating Iceland; and at the end of the season, when the nights are beginning to draw in, some late sunshine cruises. There's even a three-day 'taster' crossing to Amsterdam, aimed especially at first-time cruisers.

Louis - sounds familiar

Anyone who's spent any time in the eastern Mediterranean will probably be aware of the Louis name, since the Cyprus-based company, which celebrated its 70th birthday in 2005, already operates 12 ships and owns 24 major hotels in the region. Now Louis is looking forward to bringing its trademark comforts, friendly service and a wide range of shipboard amenities to the UK for the series of voyages on board Calypso.

Originally built in 1969, and completely renovated in 1994, Calypso is fully stabilised and air-conditioned and, at some 11,200 tonnes, she is in the medium to smaller category of cruise ships - attractive to holidaymakers looking for a friendly and intimate on-board atmosphere.

Old world charms, modern amenities

Calypso offers her passengers a mix of old-world tradition - a wooden promenade encircling the ship is a welcome throwback to the days when 'a turn on the deck' was de rigeur - and the thoroughly modern. An internet caf keeps cybernauts in touch with the outside world; gone are the days when the ship's telegraph was the only way of staying in contact.

Calypso's public areas, lounges and bars are well thought out, making the most of the limited space, and are all well-appointed and stylish, offering a range of settings to suit most tastes and interests by day and night.

The way to a happy cruiser is usually through his or her stomach, and Calypso's two restaurants do not disappoint. All catering throughout the 2006 summer season will be tailored to British palates, and all meals - from full breakfast through lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night snacks - will, as is traditional on cruise holidays, be included in the overall price.

On-board shoppers are also well catered for on Calypso, with a small selection of shops, a photo gallery and hairdresser/beauty salon, while the fitness-conscious might make use of the small seawater pool and modestly equipped gym.

All the cabins feature private facilities including shower, TV with satellite channels and in-house movies, telephone and three music channels, hairdryer and personal safe. Suites also offer a mini-bar.

Easy access

Calypso will be the only ship making Tilbury her 'home port' for the whole season, and all her passengers will therefore be able to benefit from the excellent facilities at the London Cruise Terminal, which include a comfortable terminal building and full parking facilities. In addition, reasonably priced return coach transfers will be available to passengers wishing to join Calypso from many parts of the UK.

Full details of all Calypso's Maiden Season 2006 cruises are available from Newmarket Promotions on 0845 226 7766 quoting RMW.