Making way for the sail
THESE are the days of big new cruise ships that carry thousands – and yet small, intimate vessels can be so much more fun. They get into extraordinary ports that the big ships can’t, from harbours on Greek islands to historic spots in the ancient world to the narrowest of Norwegian fjords.
Here are some of the best, in packages created by Titan Travel.
Royal Clipper
The splendid five-masted tall ship, flagship of the Star Clippers fleet, offers unbelievable experiences – climb to the crow’s nest, marvel as the crew unfurl the sails to a stirring musical soundtrack and lounge in netting rigged across the bow as you cut through the waters.
The 10-day Rome and a Classic Italian adventure combines a seven-night cruise with two nights in Rome (with Roma Pass free transport and attractions). The voyage takes in dreamy spots such as Ponza on Ponzarola (rated by explorer Jacques Cousteau as “the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean”) and the seaside gems of Sorrento and Amalfi. Departs June 8, July 20 and August 31, from £2,329pp.
Hurtigruten
Working ships that deliver mail to 20-plus destinations up and down Norway. They double as cruise ships with smart facilities and food that reflects their Scandinavian parentage.
The 13-day Norway Adventure starts with a night in medieval Bergen before a cruise to Kirkenes, close to Russia, and back. Visit Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town, and Honningsvag, for trips to the North Cape, Europe’s most northerly point.
Various summer dates plus October 25, when you could glimpse the Northern Lights (from £1,849).
Adriatic Queen
A gorgeous way to see Croatia and the islands dotting its coastline. The charmingly wooden ship carries only 28 passengers, and you’ll always want to be on deck for the constant views (and meals, including fish bought at quayside. From the walled city of Dubrovnik she sails to Split (where the retirement palace of Diocletian, the final Roman emperor, graces the waterfront) and back, via islands such as Korcula (Marco Polo’s birthplace) and hip Hvar.
The eight-day Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Islands cruise, May 5 and 19, starts at £1,379, including daily excursions.
Ocean Diamond
A super-yacht for 224 passengers from Iceland Pro Cruises that tours the frozen coasts of Iceland and Greenland as you enjoy the cuisine, watch lectures and entertainment and steam in the on-deck hot tub.
The 10-day Iceland’s Stunning Coastlines trip circumnavigates the island, with trips to Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its volcanic peaks and fjords. Departures May-June, from £2,699pp.
Aegean Odyssey
The elegant, traditional ship of Voyages to Antiquity, the only company to still offer cruises for those who seek the history and culture of the ancient world. The 17-day Voyage Through The Middle Sea is a journey the length of the Med, from Athens, to the isle of Madeira in the Atlantic. Calls include Crete, Santorini, Sicily and Malta plus Malaga in Spain, Portimao in Portugal, and 11 excursions, from sherry tasting to Malaga’s Picasso Museum. Departs April 17, from £2,195pp. INFORMATION: Titan Travel (0800 988 5873/titantravel.co.uk). All prices include return flights, transfers and VIP door-to-door travel service.