CRUISE CONTROL
Forget the flights and the long airport queues: cruises that set off from the UK will ensure your journey is plain sailing
IT’S ALL very well boarding a cruise ship in a far-flung glamorous location, but if you want to avoid all the hassle of an airport and a lengthy pre-cruise journey, you can start your sea adventure in a smoother gear by opting for a ship that departs from the UK. Just hop on a train, and once you arrive at the start of your cruise, you can begin a stress-free voyage of discovery.
Saga A Channel Island Hop
A MINI cruise across the Channel is the perfect introduction for first-timers to the leisurely pace and wonderful sights that a cruise brings. And Saga’s latest ship, Spirit of Discovery, will impress even seasoned cruise goers.
It sets off from the white cliffs of Dover, and, as ever, the on-board activities are plentiful and varied, with shows and music to suit all tastes – but a real highlight is that star pianist Jools Holland and his band will be performing live, to create a supper club extraordinaire (with an ocean view).
First Channel Islands stop is Guernsey, St Peter Port, where an excursion to cherish includes a motor cruise with Captain Buz to explore the hidden coves of Guernsey’s neighbouring islands (birdwatchers will be particularly thrilled), before heading on to the most westerly point in France: Brest – where you can marvel at its natural harbour and fascinating history.
Adventure seekers can explore the countryside further, and head for the views of the lighthouse from Pointe Saint-Mathieu.
The last port of call will be the Isle of Portland, which is joined to Devon by Chesil Beach (so atmospheric that it’s in the title of an Ian McEwan novel, On Chesil Beach, now a major movie), where you will have access to the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. But a must for all Saga passengers on this trip is the uplifting live jazz concert that will be held at the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, filled with rare plants from the world over – a fitting location for a champagne and canapé reception.
From July 23, 2018, four nights. To find out more, visit sagacruises.com
P&O Cruises Norwegian Fjords
FIRST-time cruise goers will also appreciate this fascinating fjords cruise, with endless natural wonders to discover, from snow-capped mountains to sparkling seas – it’s a stunning route. After setting off from Southampton, P&O’s Azura – a luxury ship with a sports deck, kids’ clubs, swimming pools and very interesting special events – will make its first fjord stop at Stavanger, rich in Viking history and the gateway to ‘fjordland’, before heading to Olden, with its distinctive and vivid green valley, and backdrop of cascading waterfalls. Adventures to be had here are truly special – from an up-close trip to the Briksdal Glacier to crayfishing by RIB. Back on board you will pass, among others, Innvikfjorden, with its deep valleys and intricate inlets, en route to the ‘adventure capital of the fjords’, Ålesund, a vision of Art Nouveau, where you can take a heritage walk. Meanwhile, what better way to be at one with nature than a three-hour kayak around the region’s waters – or if that sounds like hard work, a leisurely boat ride along the Hjorundfjord? Last stop before your journey back to Southampton is at Bergen – a UNESCO World Heritage City, with its distinctive and vibrant clapboard houses and a mountainous backdrop, where you can travel by funicular railway to overlook all Bergen and its surrounding area. A fine way to end a spectacular Norwegian journey.
From August 4, 2018, seven nights. To find out more visit pocruises.com
Fred. Olsen Cities of Spain and Portugal
BOARD Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral at Newcastle for a heady, all-absorbing trip to Portugal and Spain. The Balmoral ship has plenty of entertainment and deck space for your downtime, too, which you can spend in the Jacuzzi and swimming pool, or partaking in one of the many classes, such as yoga or Pilates. Why not take the time to learn new skills, such as ballroom dancing or photography? Once you arrive at the first port, Leixões, you will have entered
the gateway to the architecture and renowned Port wine cellars of Portugal’s Oporto. You should even have time to fit in a trip to the UNESCO-listed Ribera District, before heading to Malaga in Spain – where it’s worth taking a tour to nearby Granada to see the spectacular Alhambra Palace in all its Moorish glory. Next stop is to Casablanca in Morocco, with its striking mosque and atmospheric medina, as well as its undoubted charm – fans of the film, Casablanca, will be raring to visit Rick’s Café for a nostalgic lunch. Back on board, the Balmoral will set sail for Spain once more, where it will dock in Cadiz for the Captains In Cadiz event, to mark 170 years of Fred. Olsen – the whole fleet will be together, for only the second time ever, for a day of fun on the quayside, before the Balmoral heads to Portugal’s vibrant capital city of Lisbon, with its clattering, charming trams and romantic side-street cafés. The last two stops are both back in Spain – to include Vigo, where you can tour to UNESCO-listed Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, then on to picture-postcard pretty El Ferrol, before heading back to Newcastle.
Just hop on a train, and begin a stress-free voyage of discovery