London Events: If, to you, the word "cruise" conjures images of days stuck on a rusty boat with stuffy people, it’s time to think again.

Adventure, relaxation, gourmet foods and luxurious surroundings are par for the course for a holiday on the water.

Holidaymakers can choose from sailing the South Pacific on a tall ship, a tranquil river cruise through forested valleys – or, for the more adventurous, there’s an expedition to Antarctica aboard an ice breaker or exploring the Ganges in a traditional steamer.

And for those with time on their hands, why not try a 57-day journey from Southampton to Sydney?

These are just some of the many options that will be on offer to visitors to this year’s The Cruise Show, being held from March 27 to 28 at Olympia, London.

Book for some of the talks, lectures and Q&A sessions hosted by industry experts and journalists offering impartial advice and hot tips.

Presentations will be held in the Sky Travel Cruise Theatre – including advice from the Telegraph Travel’s cruise correspondent Jane Archer and Sky Travel’s cruise expert Steve Read – author of the industry "bible," the 700-page BERLITZ Complete Guide to Cruising And Cruise Ships.

There will also be a whole section devoted to luxury travel where you can find out about the stunning destinations you can travel to on these magnificent ships.

Martin Anslow, director of the show, said: "Cruise offers an ideal opportunity for luxury lovers to meet directly with all of the major cruise lines and also some exciting specialist cruise operators.

"For those seeking six-star luxury cruising with butler service there are Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Crystal and Seabourn - with other specialist cruise lines like Windstar Cruises for those who might prefer an exciting tall ship sailing cruise.

"Cruising as a whole is booming and the luxury segment offers some exciting travel packages that are very competitive against traditional resorts style travel options.

"There is also a lot to do onboard while cruising with luxury cruise lines, for example Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers Cordon Bleu workshops and Crystal Cruises offers wine tasting led by the Society of Wine Educators - Bordeaux's famed Chateau Lafite-Rothschild."

Book tickets: The Cruise Show takes place at London’s Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London W14, on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets cost £6 purchased in advance and £10 on the door. Under 16s are free.

For full details and to book tickets call visit www.cruisingshow.co.uk or call 0871 230 7158.