Anna Murrell
My expertise
I'm based in
Horsham
Family Cruise & Travel Specialist
I’m Anna, a Family Cruise & Travel Specialist and CLIA Cruise Master, helping families across the UK choose and plan holidays that are right for them.
Family cruising is my speciality. I’ve personally sailed on more than 30 cruises and spent over eight months at sea, experiencing different cruise lines, ships and styles of cruising first-hand.
My job isn’t simply to find you a cruise. It’s to understand your family, what matters to you and the type of holiday you’re looking for, then use my specialist knowledge and first-hand experience to help you find the right cruise line, ship, itinerary and experience.
Family Cruise Specialist
I’m a CLIA Cruise Master and have personally sailed with many of the world’s leading cruise lines, including:
Disney Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean | P&O Cruises | MSC Cruises | Celebrity Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Cunard | Marella | Carnival
I’ve also experienced many other ships through familiarisation trips and ship visits, giving me a broad understanding of what different cruise lines and ships are really like.
That first-hand experience matters because not every cruise is right for every family.
Whether you’re planning your first family cruise, travelling with teenagers, looking for a premium family cruise, arranging a multi-generational holiday or considering a no-fly cruise from Southampton, I can help you understand the differences between your options and choose with confidence.
I also run Family Cruise Deals, a Facebook community where I share practical cruise advice, ship insights, family cruise tips and inspiration.
Disney, Lapland & Family Holidays
Alongside my cruise specialism, I help families plan Lapland holidays, Disney holidays and tailor-made family trips around the world.
From meeting Father Christmas in the snowy forests of Lapland to Florida theme park adventures, family beach holidays and more complex tailor-made itineraries, I use my experience to help you choose the right options and take care of the details.
I can arrange the complete holiday, including cruises, flights, hotels, transfers, car hire, excursions and more, whether you’re looking for a straightforward family holiday or a more complicated trip combining several elements.
Personal Service From Start to Finish
When you book with me, you have one dedicated travel specialist looking after your holiday from the first conversation until you return home.
I work with families who value expert advice, thoughtful planning and personal service rather than simply searching for the cheapest price.
As a Travel Counsellor, your holiday is financially protected through the Travel Counsellors Trust, giving you the reassurance of booking with a trusted travel professional while still having the personal service of someone who knows your holiday.
Let’s Start Planning
Whether you’re looking for your first family cruise, a cruise with teenagers, a multi-generational adventure, a special celebration, a magical Lapland trip, a Disney holiday or a tailor-made family holiday, I’d love to help.
Real experience. Specialist knowledge. Personal advice.
Call or WhatsApp: 01403 473833
anna.murrell@travelcounsellors.com
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Cunard for Families
Queen Anne, Cunard’s newest ship, is particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups. She feels contemporary, spacious and elegant, with Cunard’s signature White Star service running throughout.
31 Aug 2026 2 min read
Why I love the Aurea experience on MSC Cruises
For me, it’s not about having a huge list of extras. It’s about the little things that make the whole cruise feel easier, more relaxed and just that bit more premium.
31 Aug 2026 2 min read
Anna's Lapland Guide
Here’s my quick guide for families planning this magical once-in-a-lifetime trip.
29 Aug 2026 3 min read
The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line - luxury space for families at sea:
The Haven is a “ship within a ship”. It’s a private, keycard-accessed area where Haven guests have their own suites, lounge, restaurant and sun deck - all away from the busier public areas.
29 Aug 2026 2 min read
A day aboard the Disney Dream
I’ve been lucky enough to sail with Disney before, so I already knew Disney cruises were about much more than characters and children. But spending another day on board really reminded me just how much Disney Cruise Line gets right for families.
23 Aug 2026 2 min read
Cunard vs. Disney
And yet, they’re two of the cruise lines I book most often for my clients.
23 Aug 2026 2 min read
P&O Cruises from Southampton: Which ship is best for your family?
While every P&O ship offers a fantastic holiday, each one has its own personality. Choosing the right ship can make a real difference to your holiday, so here's my simple guide to help you decide.
29 Jul 2026 3 min read
What is Fred. Olsen Borealis like?
Last week I had the opportunity to spend the day aboard Borealis, one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' three ships...
25 Jul 2026 3 min read
Thinking about booking Disneyland Paris?
For most families, the mid-range on-site Disney hotels tend to offer the best overall balance of convenience, time in the parks and overall experience, especially on short breaks.
30 Jun 2026 3 min read
P&O Arvia Family Day Ship Visit
This visit was a little different though - it was a Kids Takeover Day and I was able to bring my family along, which was especially lovely as it fell on Father's Day and the weather was absolutely glorious.
28 Jun 2026 2 min read
Which cruise line is best for teenagers?
The truth is there isn't one single "best" cruise line for teenagers - it depends on what your teen enjoys most. However, for most families, I'd typically shortlist Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
28 Jun 2026 2 min read
P&O Arvia vs Iona: Which ship is best for families?
One of the questions I'm asked most often as a cruise specialist is whether P&O Cruises' Arvia or Iona is the better choice.
12 Jun 2026 4 min read
Queen Anne - the perfect multi-generational cruise?
Following my recent visit aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne, I’ve been reflecting on how she fits into the world of family and multi-generational cruising.
09 Jun 2026 4 min read
Celebrity Apex - is this the right cruise ship for your family?
Following my recent visit aboard Celebrity Apex during the CLIA conference, I’ve been reflecting on which families I would recommend this ship to.
09 Jun 2026 5 min read
MSC Virtuosa Bank Holiday Weekend Cruise
If you are looking for a fun, great value cruise from Southampton that packs plenty into a couple of days, my recent Bank Holiday weekend on MSC Virtuosa with my family is a brilliant example of what to expect.
07 May 2026 5 min read
P&O Arvia - Norwegian Fjords Cruise
7-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords on board P&O Arvia from Southampton.
11 Apr 2026 2 min read
Solo Parent Travel
Solo parent holidays can feel like a lot of pressure. You are organising everything, managing the kids and trying to relax yourself - all at the same time. That’s one of the reasons cruises work so well for single parent families...
18 Mar 2026 1 min read
Adventure awaits in Alaska!
Imagine glaciers, wildlife and endless adventure – Alaska is where families can explore together and make memories that last a lifetime.
10 Mar 2026 1 min read
Multi-generational cruises – Holidays everyone will love
Children often want adventure, parents relaxation and grandparents comfort and cultural experiences. Cruises are one of the few holidays that genuinely satisfy everyone, and I know exactly how to make it work.
08 Mar 2026 3 min read
Cruising with children: Which cruise line works best for your family?
Taking your children on a cruise can be one of the easiest ways to holiday together as a family. You unpack once, everyone has space to play, and the range of activities on board keeps even the most energetic little ones entertained. If you’re thinking about your first family cruise - or planning the next - here’s a guide to three of my favourite family-friendly cruise lines and why they work so
08 Mar 2026 2 min read
The Disney Wish will arrive in Southampton in 2027
A Family Adventure at Sea In 2027, the Disney Wish will make her UK debut, sailing from Southampton for the first time. If you are interested in finding out more, please reach out: Call or WhatsApp: 01403 473833 anna.murrell@travelcounsellors.com
15 Feb 2026 2 min read
MSC Yacht Club for Families
Do you fancy upgrading your cruise experience?
15 Feb 2026 1 min read
Princess Cruises' Sanctuary Collection - Perfect for families
Princess Cruises - Top Tip:
15 Feb 2026 1 min read
Queen Victoria voyage to Amsterdam with Cunard
I recently spent four nights sailing on Cunard’s Queen Victoria to Amsterdam.
08 Dec 2025 3 min read
Disney Fantasy - Shakedown Cruise
I was lucky enough to sail on the Disney Fantasy recently on a 2-night shakedown cruise from Southampton, just after its 5-week long dry dock refurbishment. This special sailing was just for Disney staff and selected travel agents. to enable the crew to test everything ahead of the ship’s transatlantic voyage to Florida and winter Caribbean season. It was my family's first Disney cruise and it
23 Nov 2025 3 min read
Lapland Family Adventure: Essential Tips!
Lapland is THE dream destination for so many UK families, but if it’s your first arctic adventure, packing and preparing for that winter wonderland can feel a bit daunting! Here are my top hints and tips, inspired by expert advice, to help you enjoy every magical moment - warm, safe, and smiling: 🧥 Layer Up Like a Pro: Lapland’s winter is cold, but with the right layers you’ll stay toasty - e
17 Nov 2025 2 min read
Independence of the Seas - Weekend Cruise Escape
I recently returned from a 3-night weekend break on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas with my family, and I wanted to share a full review of our experience… We booked the cruise to celebrate my husband's birthday, and we chose an ocean view cabin on a guaranty basis. The cabin we were allocated was exactly as we had expected, spacious, and had plenty of storage. As much as I usually en
13 Oct 2025 3 min read
Repositioning & Transatlantic Cruises
Repositioning Cruises - A fun and cost effective way to travel to and from the USA How about taking a transatlantic repositioning cruise, as a low cost way to travel between the US and the UK? Repositioning cruises can be an absolute bargain, especially when comparing the cruise cost with the price of transatlantic flights for a family of 4. Repositioning voyages are a great way to try out a
11 Sept 2025 2 min read
MSC Virtuosa 2 Nights to Cherbourg
I recently returned from a short family cruise on board MSC Virtuosa and I am pleased to report it was absolutely fabulous. We had an amazing time, plus really appreciated the added value that came from the extras I qualified for as a Diamond member of MSC’s loyalty programme. I really feel MSC gives some of the best benefits of all the cruise line loyalty programmes. Something to bear in min
11 Sept 2025 2 min read
How Family-Friendly is Holland America Line?
I recently had the opportunity to step aboard Rotterdam, the flagship of Holland America Line, while she was docked in her namesake city - and I couldn’t wait to share more about what I saw! Here’s a closer look at how suitable this elegant ship is for families. ?? What Sets Holland America Apart? Part of the Carnival group, Holland America Line sits a step above the mainstream. Think smaller sh
30 Jul 2025 2 min read
What to pack for a family cruise?
Your passport! Plus money, insurance and cruise documentation. Water bottles for all the family and refillable coffee cups; really useful both aboard the ship and on port days. Some ships have dedicated water bottle filling stations, and on all ships you can obtain iced water and tea/coffee any time of day or night in the buffet. Magnetic hooks and bulldog clips are really useful in your cabin
24 May 2025 2 min read
Half Term Family Cruise on P&O Iona
I have recently returned from a P&O Iona 7-night February half term cruise with my family, where we visited Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges. We had good weather and very calm seas. It was below freezing in Hamburg and Rotterdam, but it reached a lovely 16 degrees in Bruges a couple of days later! One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, a huge model village w
25 Feb 2025 2 min read
Northern Europe Cruise on P&O Iona
I recently sailed on P&O Iona on a 7-night Northern Europe cruise with my family. Our ports of call were Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre. We stayed in a 4 berth ocean view cabin on deck 5. This was a great location, mid-ship and low down, for a winter cruise. We were conveniently close to the mid-ship stairs and lifts and it was just one deck up to the atrium on deck 6. The cabin had a love
15 Dec 2024 4 min read
British Isles Cruise on Regal Princess
I recently sailed on the Regal Princess around the British Isles in the school holidays (August 2024) with my family, including my husband and our two children aged 8 and 9. Ports of call - Cobh for Cork, Dun Laoghaire for Dublin, Belfast, Holyhead, Greenock for Glasgow, Invergordon, South Queensferry for Edinburgh and Le Havre. Our port highlights: - We absolutely loved Fota Wildlife Park, whic
11 Nov 2024 5 min read
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Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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