CRUISING is possibly the ultimate in luxury holidays.  P&O, the former Peninsula and Orient Shipping Line, has two centuries experience of running these voyages.  I recently enjoyed a five day Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic trip on board the Ventura.

The cost included all meals, daytime activities, evening entertainment and special interest activities, including lectures.  There were special programmes of activities on board for the children and teenagers.

My stateroom was air-conditioned with Egyptian cotton sheets, pamper packs, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, TV, radio, safe and a personal steward.

The cruise began on Monday in Rome, the Eternal City with its long history and modern shopping outlets.

Tuesday saw us passing the Amalfi Coast with its hilltop citadel clinging to the cliffs.  We toured the twisting roads around Naples and visiting Pompeii, the town that was frozen in time when Vesuvius massively erupted in 79AD.

There was a full day on the rolling deep on the Wednesday.  Many passengers savoured the delights of a Lombak Massage or took part in the various deck activities.

The Ventura sailed into Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic at daybreak on the Thursday.  This was the chance to see the spectacular views of the sea from the Minceta Fortress standing proudly on its hilltop.  I enjoyed exploring the intricately winding streets of the Old Town.

Friday brought us to the Greek island of Corfu with its 135 miles of coastline. This was an ideal time to look back on five splendid days, helped by a refreshing ice-cold glass of retsina.

Las, all good things come to an end and I had to fly back to the rather different weather of winter in England.