The summer sails
It’s not long before school’s out but if you haven’t booked a holiday there’s still time to jump aboard one of these family cruises, says
HELI-FLIGHTS IN THE FJORDS
Let nature do the talking on this Princess Cruises (0344 338 8663/princess.com) voyage to Norway where granite cliffs and towering mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the rugged fjords that cut into the Norwegian coastline.
Geirangerfjord is the pearl of them all and hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful, where visitors can go on adrenaline-busting speedboat rides or paddle across the peaceful waters on a kayak.
In Stavanger, take to the skies on an exciting helicopter ride, or join a glacier hike from the pretty hamlet of Olden, set at the head of one of Norway’s longest fjords and surrounded by a towering ring of snow-capped mountains.
Hike across the nearby Briksdal glacier or take a ride on the electric “Troll car” up the mountain to admire the breathtaking views of gushing waterfalls tumbling down sheer cliffs.
Sapphire Princess comes with the line’s popular attractions including the Movies Under The Stars film screen, where you can catch up with Hollywood blockbusters and sing along to concerts. An entertaining diversion during the day, it comes into its own in the evening when you can cozy up under a blanket with freshly made popcorn.
Alternatively, brush up on your basketball skills on the sports deck or perfect your swing in the golf driving nets before cooling off in one of the onboard pools.
And if all this builds up an appetite, savour the Tuscan specialities of Sabatini’s Italian trattoria and the choice cuts at the Sterling Steakhouse.
Seven nights from £759 (two sharing) full board. Departs Southampton July 21.
DISNEY THRILLS IN THE BAHAMAS
Sprinkle your summer holiday with pixie dust and hang out with Mickey Mouse and the gang on this Virgin Holidays package (0344 488 3084/ virginholidayscruises.co.uk) that combines a week at Walt Disney World with a threenight cruise to the Bahamas.
Throw yourselves into theme park thrills and spills at Disney’s All-Star Resorts before sailing away with Disney Cruise Line to explore the Bahamas’ capital Nassau where you can swim with dolphins or ride off on a Jeep adventure to historic forts and wash it down with a visit to a local rum distillery.
Escape to one of the island’s pristine white sand beaches for the day or discover the thrills of the Atlantis Paradise Island resort’s rip-roaring water park. At Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, there are sandy beaches and water play areas galore along with exhilarating banana boat rides, parasailing trips and fishing jaunts.
Disney Dream is like a floating Disney resort with Captain Mickey at the helm. There are kids’ pools and waterslides, including the fun AquaDuck water coaster, kids’ clubs and entertaining shows. But if it all gets too much, there are adults-only areas to escape to as well.
Ten nights from £1,625 (two adults and two children sharing) room only at Walt