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My husband and I are going on a Northern Lights cruise in Norway in January, but he is worried about what we’ll do if it’s cloudy and we don’t see the lights. How often does that happen, and what can we do if we’re the unlucky ones?

Matthew Valentine, head of UK sales, Havila Voyages

While we can’t second-guess Mother Nature, January is one of the key months to see the Northern Lights. Not only that, but the sun goes through an 11-year cycle, with the strongest occurrences appearing the closer we get to the solar maximum. As we are just a couple of years away, we’re expecting great displays over the next few winters.

Being on a ship, away from light pollution on land, means you’re more likely to see them and you should sail under the aurora oval, where they are most likely to occur.

It’s unusual for guests taking a round-trip voyage not to see the lights in January. In fact, we are so confident we have introduced a Northern Lights Promise, so they can get a free cruise next winter if the lights don’t appear. Check whether your cruise line offers something similar.

No matter what, you’ll have a fantastic time with lots of memorable experiences.

We have always wanted to explore Asia, especially Japan, but are ports back open now and will we have to spend time filling in forms about testing, vaccinations, visas etc?

Andy Harmer, managing director of Clia (Cruise Lines International Association), UK & Ireland

A cruise is the perfect way to explore Asia for the first time. Itineraries often allow you to visit multiple countries – and cruise lines take the hassle out of exploring by offering shore excursions that have been chosen to showcase the best a destination has to offer. Overland travel can often be time-consuming or expensive here, so a cruise is a great choice.

Port availability, vaccination and testing requirements continue to open up, but they vary by country. Book with a Clia member travel agent and they’ll recommend the best cruise and keep you updated on arrangements. Agents can also advise on pre-travel visas, and while on board your cruise line will provide guidance to ensure you can access destinations smoothly and speedily.

We have a daughter aged 13, and we’d love to take her on a ship where there will be plenty for her to do. Which cruise lines should be on our list as the top choice for teenagers?

Julie Peasgood, TV presenter and regular contributor to Cruise International

There are a number of major cruise lines with outstanding teen clubs as well as adjoining cabins or family suites to give you all privacy – but a lot depends on your budget, choice of destination and your daughter’s tastes. If she is very active and thrives on ziplines, waterslides, rollercoasters and rock walls, then consider Royal Caribbean (pictured) and Carnival Cruise Line, followed by NCL and MSC Cruises. They all offer teen-friendly activities with dance parties, video games and great food options. Princess Cruises also rates well for multigenerational cruises but with an atmosphere that’s more laid-back than thrill-seeking, and it’s worth checking out Celebrity, P&O Cruises, the newer Disney ships and A-Rosa river cruises too.

My friends and I are looking for a holiday in the run-up to the festive season, and we thought of a Christmas markets cruise – but have we left it too late to book?

James Hill, GoRiverCruise

Christmas markets start by the last week in November and run through to Christmas Eve, with the bigger ones reopening over the new year. River cruises typically feature the Rhine and Danube – but some now venture to the Main, Moselle and even the Rhone or Lower Danube.

Despite there being pent-up demand from the past two Covid-affected winters, there is still availability across all budgets and cruise lengths. Just as regular river cruises range from £1,500 per person per week up to £5,000 or more, there’s a Christmas market cruise to meet all budgets. Some will include drinks, free Wi-Fi, speciality dining – others will offer less – but a common theme is the focus on excursions to the markets and their festive offerings.