Cruise news

Jet2 has launched its biggest ever programme of flights and packages to Iceland for winter 2022/23 with almost 120 departures from across its 10 UK bases. Options include Reykjavik city breaks and tours of the Golden Circle’s spectacular geothermal lagoons, spas and waterfalls. jet2.com

Two new five-star French culinary 11-day river cruises are on the menu for Scenic this summer.

A Tastes of Southern France trip from Lyon on Scenic Sapphire includes an interactive workshop at a chocolate museum, a meal served by a Michelinstarred chef, truffle-hunting and tastings at a vineyard and olive farm.

The Flavours of Bordeaux voyage on Scenic Diamond features oyster tasting at Arcachon Bay, sampling the finest cognac and cheese, and a cycle tour of Grand Cru vineyards.

Both all-inclusive, butler-service sailings in May start at £3,195 per person with chauffeur-driven airport transfers and flights. scenic.co.uk

Amadeus has created a cruise and stay package for green-fingered passengers combining Amsterdam’s tulip season with the Floriade Expo 2022 horticultural spectacular.

The April trip on Amadeus Silver II includes an eight-day river cruise, a hotel stay in the Dutch capital and tickets to Floriade, which is only held every 10 years. Prices start from £1,699 per person with rail travel, transfers and wine with dinner. amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

A sustainable wooden terminal with 930-yard seaview promenade has opened at the port in Tallinn, Estonia.

Demand for flights to long haul sunshine hotspots such as Mexico, the Maldives and Costa Rica is driving down prices below March 2019 pre-pandemic levels, says global travel site Skyscanner.net. Drops of as much as 45% have been recorded as consumer confidence returns and bookings soar.