Cruise news

An expanded collection of more than 80 new UK and Ireland breaks for 2023-25 is now on offer from Leger Holidays, covering Silver Service Signature Collection by luxury coach, Self-drive & Tour and Self-drive Hotel. leger.co.uk

Two special Ambassador no-fly sailings will mark the 80th anniversary of D-day next June.

The premium value line’s Ambition and Ambience will sail to the Normandy coast and feature a play inspired by the real-life events behind the new Michael Caine movie The Great Escaper. Co-starring Glenda

Jackson in her last screen role, it tells the story of 89-year-old Second World War veteran Bernard ‘Bernie’ Jordan, who disappeared from his nursing home in 2014 – sparking a huge police search – and was found in Normandy at the 70th anniversary D-day event.

Ambition sails from Bristol on June 2 with sister Ambience departing from Tilbury, Essex, two days later. Both will showcase Le Grand Return, a gentle comedy by award-winning playwright Alan Stockdill set in 1994 and telling the story of three nursing home residents determined to break out to attend the D-day 50th anniversary in France.

Ambition’s six-night voyage starts at £799pp, including a 20% discount, and calls at Guernsey, Le Havre and the Isles of Scilly. The 13-night Ambience itinerary begins at £1,339pp, saving 35%, and visits Portsmouth, Honfleur, Guernsey, Scilly, Cobh (for Cork), Anglesey, Mull, Lewis and Orkney. Ambassadorcruiseline.com

More than 80% of passengers would rebook with an airline if it had free in-flight wi-fi, says research for comms firm Viasat. Connectivity at 38,000ft is rated second only in importance behind ticket price, ahead of free food and drink (18%), legroom (13%), and free entertainment (9%).