A short HOP
Want a relaxing two or three-city break without checking in and out of hotels? Look no further than a short cruise from a UK port, and return home feeling revitalised
We were in need of a quick, hassle-free break, with lots to see and do, but without having to arrange multiple hotels and flights. A short cruise aboard P&O Britannia, taking in the delights of Amsterdam, Delft, Bruges and Guernsey, seemed the ideal getaway.
From the minute we were ushered to our car parking spot at Southampton, and our suitcases were whisked away and deposited in our cabin, we began to relax. Everything was so well organised.
Britannia was very impressive. With its three pools, well-equipped gymnasium, spa, theatre, eight restaurants and shops, the hardest part of each day was deciding what to do and where to eat.
Day one was spent at sea. Active options ranged from yoga to archery, dance classes to bridge, aquafit to table tennis. Entertainment included guest speakers, comedians, cinema and discos. We were particularly impressed by the Marco Pierre White Cookery Club.
The next morning, we woke up in Rotterdam and headed straight out on an excursion to Amsterdam, taking in a canal tour, shopping at the flower market for spring bulbs, a stroll in the quaint and colourful Nine Streets neighbourhood full of artisan and vintage shops, and a visit to the Rembrandt House Museum.
The next morning, we decided to do our own thing and went to Delft, famous for its blue and white pottery. It was like a mini Amsterdam without the crowds.
Our next stop was the huge port of Zeebrugge, where a short coach trip took us to romantic and medieval Bruges. We could have explored by boat or horse-drawn carriage but we decided to walk, wandering down little tree-lined streets, over fairy-tale bridges, admiring the ancient architecture, visiting just about every chocolate shop possible, appreciating the skilful lacework and sampling Belgian beer with mussels.
Our final port of call was Guernsey, with its interesting museum reflecting life on the island during the German occupation, and the delightful Little Chapel at Les Vauxbelets, decorated with shells and broken china.
We left Britannia thinking back on what an easy, stress-free week it had been, yet what a lot we had seen and done. It offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax and do as little as possible, or join in the activities and excursions and dance the week away. Elizabeth Johnson
SHIP SHAPE
A P&O Cruises seven-night Western Europe cruise departing 19 April 2020 costs from £499pp for an inside cabin, including all meals (pocruises.com).