no plane all to gain
Lots of luggage? Don’t fancy flying? Then choose a cruise departing from the UK, writes Wendy Douglas
1. DISCOVER THE CANARY ISLANDS
The delights of the Canary Islands await you on this 14-night cruise on P&O’s fabulous ship, Iona. First stop is Madeira, known as the Garden Island, thanks to its abundance of colourful sub-tropical plants. Next, spend a day exploring the cobbled streets and leafy courtyards of Gran Canaria’s Las Palmas, before setting sail for the dramatic, volcanic landscapes and saltwater lagoons of Lanzarote. This all-inclusive cruise will also take you to the mainland ports of Cadiz and Lisbon, before bringing you back to Southampton.
Iona departs Southampton on January 16, 2021. Prices start from £879pp for an inside cabin, and includes kids’ clubs, full board meals and onboard entertainment. Visit pocruises.com
2. ENJOY SOME IRISH CRAIC
Crumbling castles, rolling green countryside, lively pubs and historic strolls are all on offer with this five-night, all-inclusive round trip cruise from Southampton to Northern Ireland. Enjoy the luxurious and relaxed surroundings of Saga’s Spirit of Discovery, before arriving at Greencastle, from where you can explore the historic border city of Derry – it’s become a flourishing centre for the arts and culture. Next up is Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, where you can discover the buzz of this cosmopolitan city or journey on to the magnificent Giant’s Causeway.
The Celtic Escape cruise departs Southampton on September 24, 2021. Prices start from £1,084pp all inclusive. Visit travel.saga.co.uk
3. EXPLORE THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS
If you’ve ever wanted to see the beauty of the Norwegian fjords, then a five-night cruise with Fred. Olsen is the way to do it in style. Leaving from Edinburgh, you’ll sail into Lysefjord, where the unique landscape will take your breath away, before you journey deep into Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in Norway. And the adventure doesn’t stop there. Get up close to the awe-inspiring Furebergfossen waterfall, and spend a relaxing day wandering the cobbled streets of the lovely town of Bergen.
Balmoral’s five-night Fjordland Discovery cruise, departing from Edinburgh (Rosyth) on May 28, 2021. Prices start from £799pp. Visit fredolsencruises.com
4. AN ICELANDIC ADVENTURE
Set off on your own expedition north, on a 14-day round trip that takes in the history of Edinburgh, the mountains, waterfalls and pine forests of Norway’s fjord towns and the world’s most northerly capital city, Reykjavik. From a thriving music scene to quaint buildings and incredible cuisine, this stunning city has much to discover. As you make your way back to the UK you’ll spend a day in Glasgow and Dublin before arriving in Southampton on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star.
This 14-night journey into the north departs Southampton on August 29, 2021. Prices start from £1,969pp. Visit ncl.com
5. MARITIME MARVELS
One for true lovers of the ocean, this eight-night journey on Magellan will take you by sea and river to five of the most famous maritime cities including Belfast, where Titanic was built, Portsmouth, home of the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Rotterdam, where you’ll become part of the CMV Fleet Parade and Rotterdam Regatta. After setting sail for Le Havre, you’ll cruise down the River Seine to historic Rouen, where you can explore its gothic cathedral and walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, before arriving back in Liverpool.
Magellan departs Liverpool on August 24, 2021 for eight nights. Prices start from £679pp. Visit cruiseandmaritime.com