CRUISE NEWS

In-tune Canaries

WINTER sun destination the Canary Islands will be added to the UK Government’s safe travel list tomorrow, plus it has joined the small but growing list of countries reopening ports to cruise ships, including Greece, Italy and Singapore. So far, TUI and HapagLloyd Cruises have gained approval to sail from November 5 after meeting strict health and insurance criteria.

Call of the Caribbean

MUCH of the Caribbean is an open travel corridor and Marella Explorer 2 is offering all-inclusive Barbados round-trips in December. Seven nights from £1,200 pp, departing Birmingham or London Gatwick, or opt for a 14-night cruise and stay holiday from £1,693 pp ( tui.co.uk, 0800 975 4477).

Six go to Alaska

NO CRUISE ships sailed in Alaska during 2020 but Holland America Line is sending six vessels for the April to September 2021 season. Bookings are already strong with seven-day departures from Seattle, Vancouver or Whittier starting at £920 pp ( hollandamerica. com, 0344 338 8608).

Oberammergau discounts

ONCE every decade the Bavarian village of Oberammergau puts on The Passion Play and Viking Cruises’ passengers can see it on four extended 2022 itineraries. Sailings include a hotel stay in Oberammergau and bookings made before June 30, 2021, receive a discount of up to £1,000pp. Prices from £3,695 pp on Passau to Budapest sailings ( vikingcruises. co.uk, 0800 319 66 60).

All-inclusive insurance

CRUISE lines continue to introduce ‘book with confidence’ incentives for 2021. Celestyal Cruises and Saga Cruises are offering all-inclusive insurance while Fred Olsen’s Plain Sailing Guarantee allows guests to move their deposit to any other cruise or have it refunded without fee. Marella and TUI River Cruises’ passengers are free to amend bookings up to 21 days before departure.