SAIL THE WORLD
We round up some of the most exhilarating, exotic cruise holidays for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, circumnavigating the globe
IS THERE an inner explorer in you, just waiting to get out and discover the world? If you’ve ever dreamed of setting sail towards the horizon, in a bid to explore remote corners of the globe, there’s no need to channel Christopher Colombus, setting off in uncharted seas. Thankfully, cruise companies are offering a growing collection of beguiling and expertly planned voyages designed to appeal to an increasingly curious and intrepid clientele – and, of course, you’ll travel in all the comfort and luxury afforded by state-of-the-art cruise ships.
If you have a bout of wanderlust and you’re keen to discover new destinations, why not try a specialist agent, such as Cruise 1st, who can help you book a cruise from a variety of leading cruise operators based on criteria such as your available dates to travel or a preferred region. Booking with Cruise 1st means you’ll be able to compare and contrast the details on a variety of holidays and garner expert knowledge from specialist advisers, whittling down a selection until you find the perfect trip for you. With exclusive offers and the ability to access a range of deals direct from the cruise lines, you are likely to find the best prices in the market.
DREAM DESTINATIONS
HOW do you fancy discovering the islands of the South Pacific on a leisurely voyage from the west coast of US to Australia? Embark on a 27-night holiday (from £2,399pp with Cruise 1st) on Royal Caribbean’s spectacular Explorer of the Seas, beginning your trip with a two-night stay in Seattle, before departing for the Hawaiian and Fijian islands, and concluding your adventure with three nights in Sydney. Or perhaps you’d be interested in exploring southeast Asia? Cruise 1st are offering two holidays with Princess Cruises: spend two nights in Singapore, then spend seven nights on Sapphire Princess, sailing to Thailand and Vietnam, before concluding your trip with five nights in Bali (from £1,499pp with Cruise 1st), or enjoy a night in Hong Kong before cruising around Vietnam and Thailand for 14 nights, culminating in two nights in Singapore (from £1,899pp, with Cruise 1st).
The Caribbean has always been a popular cruising destination, offering the chance to enjoy a flavour of the
diverse cultures on each unique island, while basking in year-round sunshine. Discover the rich history and magical landscapes of this beautiful region on a 19-night Royal Caribbean holiday, sailing on Independence of the Seas, including three free nights in Orlando (from £1,199 with Cruise 1st).
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
PERHAPS you have a landmark birthday or anniversary to celebrate, or you’d like to mark your retirement? Of course, you don’t need a reason to set sail on a round-the-world cruise, but it’s a great way to commemorate a special occasion. Maybe you just want to experience the trip of a lifetime and visit those bucket-list destinations you’ve always dreamed of seeing? There’s no better way to enjoy a life-changing break, sampling a variety of captivating cultures, experiencing life in far-flung places, visiting iconic landmarks and learning about the people of the world than on a breathtaking world cruise.
Imagine setting sail from Southampton next January, as you embark on one of the most remarkable journeys of your life, with P&O Cruises. The newly refurbished Arcadia will be home for your 99-night adventure (from £11,699 per person with £2,000 on board spending money per outside cabin*, NC grade*), with restyled suites, refreshed cabins and public spaces and a host of luxurious, contemporary features added to her classic design. Designed exclusively for adults, Arcadia boasts a host of world-class restaurants, including Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill and Atul Kochhar Sindhu, while the threetier Palladium theatre, Screening Room boutique cinema, Monte Carlo Casino, the Piano Bar and more mean you’ll always find entertainment to suit. Unwind in the Oasis Spa, where you can relax on heated ceramic beds and in the steam room, then freshen up in state-ofthe-art mood-enhancing showers.
Nothing will come close to the experiences awaiting you as you set sail on a memory-making voyage: white beaches and verdant rainforests, pulsating cities and sleepy villages, world wonders and hidden gems. You’ll visit island paradises such as Barbados, Hawaii, Lankawi and Sri Lanka, thrilling cities including San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai, and a plethora of other enchanting destinations, from Auckland and the Great Barrier Reef to Petra and Naples.
To book or find out more information visit pocruises.com or call 0843 373 0160 or visit their travel agent. (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge). *Terms and conditions apply, please see below, left