The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea

Three groups of holidaymakers start by exploring Rome before boarding for the cruise itself. Best friends Andy and Rachel toss coins and make wishes at the famous Trevi fountain, the Walker Green family combines home-schooling and holiday, and Carla is keen to convert little sister Jamie to life on the high seas, aided by their pal Karen.

The cruise ship Regal Princess arrives in the Italian city of Naples, where Andy and Rachel face their fears as they head underground to explore the city's ancient foundations.

The cruise ship Regal Princess arrives in the Port of Heraklion, capital city of the Greek island of Crete, where the Walker Green family learn all about Greek myths and legends.

It's Day 4, and today the cruise ship Regal Princess has arrived at the resort town of Kusadasi, on Turkey's Aegean coast. Andy and Rachel are having a relaxing day being pampered in the town's oldest Turkish Bath. But as they while away the hours covered in bubbles and oil… will they remember that they need to get back to the ship before it leaves!? For the Walker Green family, school is back in session as they take daughter Maisie and loom enthusiast son Noah to check out how those famous Turkish carpets are made before indulging in a Turkish vegan feast. The Blackpool trio are reunited as they hit the local bazaars to pick up some bargains to take home. Carla gives the girls some top tips on how to haggle before they return to the ship to indulge in a delicious afternoon tea.

It's the final day of the cruise for our three lucky groups of travellers. But before they bid a fond farewell to the ship and head home there is one more chance to explore. Today we've dropped anchor in the holiday hotspot of choice for the rich and famous - the Greek party capital of Mykonos. Andy and Rachel are having a relaxing day at the beach. After a delicious lunch, they head down to the sun loungers but it's not long before Andy decides to conquer one last fear on this holiday as takes a dunk in the big deep blue. The Walker Green family are celebrating Dad Rob's birthday. They've decided to take a day off from home-schooling on holiday and slow down the pace with a kids' activity morning on board the ship, before heading to the first vegan hotel on the Island for some yoga and sushi. And the Blackpool trio are on a mission to explore all that the island has to offer. Today, it's battle of the tour guides, as sisters Carla and Jamie go head to head in an epic fact-telling session to prove who knows more about this beautiful island. Before we say goodbye to our groups, there is time for one last evening of fun on board the ship; with game shows, champagne towers and surprise birthday cakes lined up ready to round off the week.

For our three groups of intrepid travellers, it's day one of ‘Cruising the Med'. Today they get to explore the ancient Greek city of Athens, before they board the cruise ship as she sets off on a week-long cruise around the Med. Former cruise ship bar manager Suraj is excited to take his wife and two young daughters on their first ever cruise. They begin their day with a shopping trip to an Athens flea market before a nostalgic Suraj delights in boarding his first ship in over ten years. Daddy and daughter duo Scotty and Kaila from Torquay are used to seeing cruise ships docked in their hometown, but today marks the first time they've ever stepped foot on one themselves. Taking in the ancient ruins of Hadrian's Library, and a pit stop at a sweetie stall before they board, gets their day off to a fantastic start. And thrill-seeking cousins Jeff and Lynda are determined that their first-ever cruise will be an exciting and energetic experience. Keen not fit into an old person stereotype, the dynamic duo spend their day hiking around the botanical gardens of Athens, where Lynda reveals her hopes of getting to know the ship's captain. As the evening draws in, the ship heads off on its first journey of the cruise - they're on the way to Santorini. Our three groups of holidaymakers round off their first day in the best way possible - by joining the rest of the passengers for an evening of entertainment, music and good vibes at the ship's Sail-Away Celebration.

On the second day of this week's cruise, our holiday-makers are visiting the glorious Greek island of Santorini. Determined for their family to enjoy a peaceful day on one of Santorini's famous beaches, former cruise worker Suraj, his wife Sneha and their two toddler daughters, are up early to ensure they beat the cable cars queues to get out of the port. After packing and wrangling their two young daughters off the ship in good time, the stunning black sands of Perissa beach, and a delicious calamari lunch is their reward. Scotty and Kaila decide to enjoy the beautiful island views from the ship itself. After a morning spent playing in the ship's main pool, it's time to enjoy their favourite on board restaurant - the pizzeria. As the afternoon sun peaks, it's time for some shade-bathing, and Kaila channels her inner artist, with some boat drawings. Adventurous cousins Lynda and Jeff have never visited Santorini, but they have the picture postcard image of its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches firmly in their mind. Keen photographer Jeff is determined to capture the iconic image, so the pair head to the highest point of the island - Profitis Ilias Mountain, in the hope of photographing it's incredible vistas. As evening draws in, hiking boots are swapped for dancing shoes as the pair take part in a salsa lesson with the ship's entertainment team. Lynda has a strictly fabulous time in the arms of the ship's dance teacher Cesar. Jeff's efforts however, leaves room for improvement.

It's the half way point of this week's cruise, and our three groups of guests are today visiting Messina, the third largest city in Sicily. Lynda and Jeff opt for a walking tour with a local guide. As well as being shown the city's most impressive landmarks, including the largest astronomical clock in the entire world, their guide also takes them to some local foodie hot spots, to enjoy some Sicilian treats of the rice based street food arancini, and the deliciously sweet Cannoli. After all that walking, a foot massage is in order. An appointment at the ship's on board spa is a welcome way to end the day. Suraj, Sneha and their two young daughters spend the morning in Fort San Jaccidhu Ecological Park - a tranquil oasis nestled on the border of the Peloritani Mountains. Suraj and Sneha are impressed by the stunning views, whilst the children are equally impressed by the park's local Mountain Goats. A quick trip to the Neptune Fountain, a 16th Century marble statue in Messina's city centre, completes their day in Sicily, as the parents decide to ditch sight-seeing for the ship's main pool. Four-year-old Kaila can already speak some German and Portuguese. For today's trip to Sicily, she and dad Scotty, take the opportunity to brush up on their Italian with Gianluca from the ship's customer service team. Their new language skills go down well with the locals, as they order some of Sicily's famous gelato in Messina's city centre, before heading eight km north, to the peaceful lagoons of the lakes of Ganzirri. A chance meeting with some local fisherman gives the pair the chance to see some of the lake's native clams and mussels up close.

It's Day 4, and today the cruise ship Regal Princess has arrived in Italy's third largest city, Naples, home of the margherita pizza and the perfect place for our travellers to enjoy a slice of Italian life. Despite a rainy start to the day, Lynda and Jeff spend the morning exploring the city on foot, stopping to enjoy a coffee and some Italian pastries before hitting the shops and splashing the cash. After chilling out by the pool for the afternoon, these two slip in to their dancing shoes and enjoy a neon nights-themed party on the top deck. Rain doesn't stop play for Suraj, Sneha and their two daughters, who opted to avoid the bad weather by staying on board for their adventures today. From colouring in their stateroom to exploring the sea walk and the Kids Club, they fill every second. And they even manage to indulge in some traditional Italian gelato without stepping on dry land. And with one more day left of their holiday Kaila and her dad Scotty decide to learn all about Kaila's favourite food, pizza. Naples is the perfect place to do that, as they get to make their very own margherita pizzas. Back on board and inspired by the city's obsession with Maradona they have a game of one-on-one football. It's the penultimate day of the trip for our three groups of guests, and this evening they set sail for their disembarkation port in Barcelona. This epic journey from Italy to Spain means their final day will be at sea - but until then, there is plenty to keep them all occupied; from ballroom dancing to quizzes and plenty of ice cream.

It's the final day of the cruise for our three lucky groups of travellers. Today they are sailing an epic journey across The Med from Naples in Italy to Barcelona in Spain, so are spending their entire day on board. After partying late into the night, this morning Lynda and Jeff are taking it easy sunbathing by the pool. And while Jeff heads off to the medical bay to get his dance injury checked out, Lynda decides to get involved in some of the onboard entertainment. Meanwhile Suraj, Sneha and their two young daughters got stuck in to plenty of the organised fun on board - from paper aeroplanes to toppling blocks in the officers vs guests quiz and getting crafty while learning all about the magical world of quilling! Kaila and Scotty spend their last day on board revisiting some of their favourite parts of the ship; before hanging out with friends in the Piazza for the ships 'Mediterranean festival' Before we say goodbye to our groups, there is time for one last evening of fun on board the ship; dancing and fun ready to round off this week of ‘Cruising the Med'.

For our three groups of holidaymakers, it is Day One of "Cruising the Med". Today they get to explore the stunning city of Barcelona, before boarding the cruise ship Regal Princess for a week-long cruise around the Med. On board this week are Bev and Darren from Wrexham. Darren has always wanted to try a cruise, but wife Beverley has a fear of ships. They start their day with a wander around Barcelona, before taking part in an authentic Spanish cooking lesson. After creating – and of course tasting – a delicious Paella, it's time for Beverley to face her fears and board the ship. Their afternoon is rounded off with a cocktail on the top deck of the ship, as a very proud Beverley starts to ease into the holiday. Also on board are the De Rijk family from London. Their day in Barcelona begins by enjoying some simple pleasures, jumping in puddles and watching a street performer create some very impressive bubbles. Once on board, it's straight to the ship's main pool for this young family. As evening falls, and grandma Amina steps in as babysitter, parents Mark and Samira get to enjoy a peaceful sunset walk together on the top deck. Our final family on board are young couple Rosie and James from Manchester. Rosie doesn't know it yet, but boyfriend James hopes to propose at some point during their holiday. They spend their morning having their portraits drawn by one of the city's many caricature artists. It's then best foot forward as they partake in a flamenco lesson with a local teacher. Their first evening on the ship, starts in style, with a trip to the exclusive concierge lounge, before joining in with quiz night.

Gibraltar is the destination for today's cruise, and what a day our three groups of holiday-makers have to look forward to. Our young couple from Manchester, Rosie and James, head straight to the cable cars, and enjoy panoramic views towards both Spain and Africa, as they scale the famous 426 metre rock of Gibraltar. Once at the top, they are met by Gibraltar's wild monkeys, a cheeky population of Barbary Macaques that have inhabited the rock, and entertained its visitors, for centuries. The couple treat themselves to an indulgent late lunch at the glamourous Rock Hotel, often frequented by celebrities and royals. Back on board, the pair try their luck at the ship's quiz. First time cruiser Beverley, who has a fear of ships and bridges, is still getting used to life on the seas. Together with husband Darren, she braves the gangway to get off the ship, and is rewarded by a sunny day on shore. The pair head inside Gibraltar's rock to explore its two hundred year-old siege tunnels. Once they return to the ship, a treat is in store for keen drummer Darren, as one of the ship's musicians agrees to let him loose on his drum kit. It's a day at Gibraltar's Alameda Wildlife and Conservation Park for our final family. After exploring the beautiful grounds, eight-year-old Yasmina is given the opportunity to hand feed some rescue Lemurs, along with Dad Mark and Grandma Amina. A restful afternoon on the ship allows for some creative flair, as the family have a go at decorating masks.

It's day three of this week's cruise, and it's a "Sea Day". As the ship sails its longest route of the cruise, all the way from Gibraltar to Marseille, our cruisers get a full day to enjoy the ship's facilities. First time cruisers Beverley and Darren have planned a day of relaxation, as ship-phobic Beverley continues to ease her way into the cruising lifestyle. Their morning starts in the spa, with a couple's massage. By afternoon, a relaxed Beverley braves the open deck, to enjoy the delights of sunbathing at sea. As the sun begins to set, Beverly and Darren head to their first ever Formal Night. For the multi-generational De Rijk family, today is all about keeping the kids entertained. Their day starts in one of the ship's children's clubs, for a wholesome morning of colouring-in and family time. Feeling competitive, the family then try their luck at the ship's "Egg-Drop" competition, where hand-built contraptions are put to the test, as they are tossed from the third floor of the ship's piazza, for a cracking afternoon of fun. With Grandma Amina on hand to babysit, parents Mark and Samira enjoy a child-free evening at one of the ship's bars. Rosie and James, our first-time cruisers from Manchester, have never experienced a Sea Day, and they are keen to get involved in the ship's activities. They sign up for a boat building competition using everyday objects found on the ship. It's sink or swim time as the boats are then tested in one of the ship's pools, and judged in front of an eager audience. As Rosie heads below deck for some pampering, boyfriend James steals away for a secret mission - he's on the look-out for the perfect spot to propose whilst on the cruise!

It's Day 4, and today the cruise ship Regal Princess has arrived in one of largest and oldest cities in France. We're in Marseille, gateway to the French Riviera. Our cruise newbies and Wrexham publicans Beverley and Darren spend the morning exploring the city on foot on a walking tour with a local guide before playing a few rounds of the traditional French game Pétanque. The morning proves to be thirsty work for our landlord and landlady, so they opt to spend the afternoon sampling some ales at a local brewery. Meanwhile, for our multi-generational family the De Rijks, its competition time as they split into teams and spend the morning learning how to make the delicious French delicacy the macaron. Then it's back to the ship for yet more competition in a round of mini golf. With one day to go until James' proposal, our hopeful fiance-to-be does his best to keep Rosie in the dark, distracting her with a soap making lesson and a walking tour of the local markets where they brush up on their French skills.

It's the final day of the cruise for our three lucky groups of travellers. But before they bid a fond farewell to the Regal Princess and head home there is one more chance to explore. Today we've dropped anchor in the stunning Italian city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus and the perfect city for their last adventure. Beverley and Darren they jump from one ship to another as they spend the morning exploring a movie set pirate ship, but before Beverly can start a mutiny on board, Darren sweetens her up by whisking her off to a chocolate-making workshop in the world's oldest chocolate factory Meanwhile, the De Rijks decide to unwind for their last day, exploring the city at their leisure on board the open air road train before heading back to the ship for one last swim in the pool. Lovebirds James and Rosie attend a pesto-making masterclass before heading up to the romantic lookout over the city, as James tries to get Rosie in the mood for love before he gets down on one knee this evening…

A pair of cruise pros, a mum and son, and a trio of Irish ladies enjoy a week on the Regal Princess, starting with a gelato making masterclass and souvenir shopping in Rome.

With visits to a buffalo mozzarella farm and the Amalfi coast.

Jonny joins a volleyball competition. Anne, Wendy and Pamela try out a Zumba class

Anne and her friends spend the day at a cultural retreat in the small village of Kotor.

Julie and Rocco head to Paradise Beach, while the trio try traditional Greek dancing.