6 CRUISES YOU MUST BOOK NOW!
From enchanting European cities to beautiful isles in the Med, the gaunt beauty of the North and the exhilarating wilds of Alaska, there’s a cruise for you...
SPRING is nearly here and what better way to travel the world than on a luxury cruise ship? Not only do you get to marvel at the scenic and glorious views en route to your next destination, there is plenty of on-board entertainment to keep you occupied, from swimming pools and spas to kids’ clubs and games rooms, not to mention the gourmet dining experiences and the bars with the best views in town.
Saga Barcelona and the Western Med
THIS all-inclusive cruise sails on April 3 and takes you to some of Spain’s most vibrant cities, on the elegant and timeless Saga Sapphire. It starts with an overnight stay in Barcelona, which transports you to a world full of impressive Gaudí buildings, wonderful tapas bars, galleries, parks – Parc Güell is particularly impressive – and even its own city beach. You will also get the chance to explore the city in a supercar. Next stop is Andalusia’s most magnificent Moorish sight: Granada’s Alhambra Palace, where you can watch authentic flamenco dancing, before setting sail to sample the delights of Port wine in Oporto, and take a ride in a 4x4 to see the other side of party island Ibiza – its stunning countryside is a sight to behold – before venturing on to Spain’s glorious orange-scented Andalusian capital, Seville (in full bloom by spring). Note: there is also the option take a shorter cruise, sailing from Southampton, and then flying back from Motril in Spain.
Charms of the Continent
AN ALL-inclusive six-night mini-cruise aboard the Saga Sapphire is the perfect introduction for the uninitiated to what cruise life can offer. Departing on May 4, it will take you on a voyage through the glistening canals of Bruges, with a couple of days to spend in art-filled Amsterdam, which has the world’s greatest Van Gogh collection, as well as
Indulge in tea and cake in stunning Budapest’s old-fashioned grand cafés
Anne Frank’s house, where she and her family hid during the Second World War. There will also be the opportunity to go to Le Havre, at the mouth of the Seine, or you could take a day trip to Paris instead, for a stroll along the Champs-Élysées to take in the views of France’s capital. The cruise will end with a visit to London, where many possibilities await for West End shows and heady sights. >> travel.saga.co.uk/cruises
Fred. Olsen Cities of the Beautiful Danube
STARTING at Nuremberg, Germany, this seven-night cruise from April 27 will take in some of the finest sights along the River Danube, an important and very beautiful historic waterway, stopping in some breathtaking German and Austrian destinations. This will include Nussdorf, a Viennese district where the brook meets the Danube Canal, on to Bratislava in Slovakia, with its pretty 18th-century old town and castle views, and finally an adventurous stop at Hungary’s stunning capital, Budapest. Here you can indulge in tea and cake in its old-fashioned grand cafés, take a dip in one of its thermal baths or even venture to St Stephen’s Basilica for a unique night at the opera.
P&O Cruises Portugal and Canary Islands
This 13-night cruise is the perfect way to explore all the Canary Islands have to offer – from smoking volcanoes and spectacular forests to seaside villages. After boarding at Southampton you will set sail for Madeira, full of subtropical flowers and charm, before heading to the Canary Islands via a quick day stop at La Palma – the ‘fair isle’. It’s worth the trip alone for a visit to its volcanic crater, Caldera de Taburiente, a designated national park filled with unusual animals and plant life. Next stop is Gran Canaria, followed by the flora and fauna of Tenerife, and on to the dramatic landscapes of Lanzarote, with a final stop at La Coruña, before heading back to Southampton. Renowned Michelin-star chef Atul Kochhar will also be on board to cook up a feast – not to be missed. >> pocruises.com
Princess Cruises Scandinavia
ALL aboard the Sapphire Princess at Southampton on May 26 for a Scandinavian adventure. This seven-day trip will see you stop at four different ports, via the quaint cobbled streets of Brussels and Bruges in Belgium, and on to
Denmark’s fascinating city of Copenhagen, ‘The Venice of the North’. Don’t miss a visit to Tivoli while you’re there, with its magical landscaped gardens, quaint amusement park and pagodas. Next stop is Sweden’s medieval town of Helsingborg, home to Kronborg Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a 12th-century cathedral. Final stop before the round trip back to Southampton is the oldest capital city in Scandinavia: Oslo. This Norwegian gem has a striking sculpture park, medieval castle and a unique City Hall. Its National Gallery is also home to Edvard Munch’s famous painting, ‘The Scream’. >> princess.com
Holland America Alaska
Don’t miss a visit to the magical gardens of Tivoli in Copenhagen
ALASKA is a truly fascinating destination, and a cruise is the best way to get close to its stunning glaciers and magical scenery. This ideally planned seven-night cruise departs on April 29 from Vancouver, with its cityscape views to admire as you depart. You will then be taken on a scenic voyage, stopping in Juneau, where you can search for wild deer and bald eagles, before docking in historically fascinating Skagway – why not try a spot of dog sledding? – and on to Ketchikan, where you might want to try salmon fishing or see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – a family favourite. There are many excursions that you can try in Alaska, but be sure that whale watching is on your itinerary. >> hollandamerica.com