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Set sail on some of the best new voyages by river and ocean
A PRINCESS OF THE MED
Longer than the London Shard is tall, and featuring 200 tons of marble, the good ship Enchanted Princess will launch in Southampton in June 2020, spending its inaugural season in the Mediterranean. On board, two ‘Sky Suites’ will have the largest balconies of any sea vessel, providing a private vantage point of the ‘Movies Under the Stars’ cinema screen. Also planned are a new jazz lounge, more than 25 dining venues, plus the Ocean Medallion wearable device, to help provide a more personalised cruise. HOW TO DO IT: A sevenday Mediterranean and Aegean voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia) visits Athens, Naples, Kotor, Corfu, Chania and Mykonos, departing 12 September 2020, from £1,099 per person based on two people sharing an inside stateroom. To book, visit princess.com
FABULOUS FIREWORKS
Each summer, huge firework displays light up one of Europe’s major rivers – the Rhine. These events, known as ‘Rhein In Flammen’ ( literally, ‘Rhine in Flames’) are held on five weekends between April and September at five different locations. Three different cruises are available on board the A-Rosa Flora, including the Night of Bengal Fire option in April 2020, departing from Cologne and calling at Mainz, Frankfurt, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Koblenz and Bonn.
HOW TO DO IT: The seven-night Night of Bengal Fire all-inclusive cruise includes return coach, en route and return h/ b overnights, one excursion and the services of a Shearings Cruise Manager. Departs 25 April 2020. Other dates and itineraries are available. To book, call 0344 874 8220 or visit shearings.com
SHE’S BELLISSIMA!
From the glittering Swarovski crystal staircase to the world’s longest LED Sky Screen, the digital assistants in the cabins (say hello to Zoe!) and the exclusive shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea, not to mention that Sophia Loren (one of the most glamorous women on the planet) is her godmother, you can’t fail to be impressed by MSC Bellissima. She is so gorgeous, it will take some very special destinations to make you leave her – and our very own columnist, Carol McGiffin, couldn’t speak highly enough of her launch! She’s also able to accommodate nearly 6,000 passengers and boasts 19 decks!
Never sailed before, but feel like being transported to a world of glamour? Why not start with a short Med cruise with its winning combination of history, fabulous food and, in summer, great weather?
HOW TO DO IT: A sevennight Classic Mediterranean itinerary round trip from Barcelona, visiting Marseille (France), Genoa, Naples and Messina (Italy) and Valetta (Malta), departing 13 September 2019, from £1,029 per person on a cruise-only basis. To book, visit msccruises.co.uk
SHORT AND SUITE
Want to dip your toes into the world of luxury river cruising without breaking the bank? Avalon Waterways is now offering shorter itineraries, with a choice of four, five and six-day cruise options. It’s all about making it easier for travellers to tailor their holiday requirements. You can also add a land extension to your cruise. Itineraries include a fiveday Rhine cruise, a four-day A Taste of the Danube voyage and a six-day Heart of Germany sailing.
HOW TO DO IT: The four-day A Taste of the Danube cruise visits Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Dürnstein and Vienna, departing 22 November 2020, from £667 per person. To book, call 0330 058 8243 or visit avaloncruises.co.uk
MEET JANE McDONALD
Cruise queen Jane is chartering her own ship, so that fans can join her on an exclusive voyage. Sail Away with Jane McDonald will see the cruising star chartering Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas in September 2020. While on board, Jane will perform two different headline shows and a one-of-a-kind ‘Audience With’ event. You’ll also be able to say hello in person, as she will be sailing for the entire cruise. ‘I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to be having my own special cruise,’ says Jane. ‘To finally have the opportunity to invite everyone to come on holiday with me is very exciting.’ HOW TO DO IT: The seven-night round trip cruise from Southampton visits Cherbourg (France), Vigo (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal), departing 20 September 2020, from £999 per person, based on two people sharing. To book your berth, call 0333 300 3455, or visit floatingfestivals.co.uk/jane-mcdonald
REWIND TO THE NINETIES
If the days of scrunchies and combat trousers seem like only yesterday, you’ll be right at home on the Nineties-themed Electric Sunsets cruise on Marella Explorer. On this three-night cruise, everything will be influenced by the decade, from DJs and tribute acts to fancy-dress themes. As well as the fun on board, you’ll step ashore to explore the cities of Amsterdam and Bruges. Prepare to party with the likes of B*Witched, 5ive, 911 and S Club Party, and dance to DJ sets from Judge Jules and DJ Sash! You’ll embark in Newcastle and disembark in Southampton, so no flights are required.
HOW TO DO IT: The three-night cruise from Newcastle visits Amsterdam and Bruges, departing 1 September 2019, from £462 per person on an all inclusive basis. To book, visit tui.co.uk/cruise
ESCAPE THE WINTER
Indulge yourself with a 52-night voyage to Australia and New Zealand, cruising via the West Indies, Panama Canal, South Pacific and French Polynesia. What a fabulous way to escape the chill of a UK winter and take in some of the globe’s most exotic places at the same time, courtesy of Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) new ship, Vasco da Gama.
Or book for the return journey, disembarking from Fremantle in Perth, Australia, sailing back via South East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Red Sea, Egypt, Suez Canal, Holy Land and the Med, back in Tilbury on 16 April 2021.
HOW TO DO IT: Set sail from Tilbury on October 2020. Fares start from £3,889 per person. Return leg fares, leaving Perth on 1 February 2021, start from £4,999 per person. Early booking deals are available on all winter 2020-21 and spring 2021 cruises in the new brochure. For full details and latest prices, visit cruiseandmaritime.com
GO TO THE GULF
From the modern city of Dubai to Bahrain and Oman, P&O’s seven to 21-night fly-cruises combine winter sunshine, iconic skylines, desert dunes and atmospheric souks. Flying to Dubai in under eight hours, you can enjoy sunshine, exotic locations, stunning beaches and the opportunity to discover a different culture. Your Arabian adventure starts right here…
HOW TO DO IT: A seven-night cruise on Oceana, round trip from Dubai, visits Manama, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi (overnight), departing 16 February 2020, from £849 per person for an inside cabin. Price includes flights from selected UK airports, kids’ club, full board meals and on-board entertainment. To book, phone 03453 555 111 or visit pocruises.com