WHAT’S NEW IN CRUISING
Our resident cruise specialist checks in from Iceland where she’s having a whale of a time...
International cruises make a return, circumnavigating Iceland and the best deals around
IAM writing this letter while still on a complete high after a pod of humpback whales came to say hello during my RIB ride in Iceland’s Westfjords.
Our local boatman knew each one of these whales by their sound, markings and tail flukes, so we sat mesmerised for more than an hour as the dozen or so gentle giants milled around our boat singing to each other before diving deep for shrimps on the sea bed.
It was the wildest wildlife adventure, just days after taking my first flight out of the UK for 17 months.
I have to admit that I had felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about getting back to overseas travel, but testing the waters has turned out to be, well, epic!
This land of ice and fire is on the green list, so it felt a good place to restart international cruising. I chose a seven-day circumnavigation of the island on Viking Jupiter, with tours to see geysers, waterfalls and wildlife as well as the chance to wallow in some of Iceland’s natural thermal waters.
As more countries open for cruising, one of my next ports of call will be Greece – one of the hottest destinations this summer with many cruise lines sailing out of Athens (Piraeus) to the Greek islands. There’s a great deal of choice for families, friends, solo travellers and couples, from all-action megaships to boutique luxury vessels.
Norwegian Jade and MSC Magnifica have fantastic kids’ clubs while, if you love music, Holland America Line’s Eurodam boasts the BB King’s Blues Club. For real indulgence, luxurious Seabourn Ovation and the new ships Celebrity Apex and Silver Moon offer fine dining and seven-, 10- and 14-night regular sailings. Marella Explorer joins the party from September with fly-cruises from £810pp.
This huge variety of sailings means that prices should remain competitive, but if you are first-time cruiser, it’s important to take advice from a travel agent about what ship would be the best fit for you. Get it right, and you’ll be hooked forever. Don’t forget to ask about what’s included from drinks, tips, tours and spas – and never be afraid to ask for a cabin upgrade.
Back at home, Cunard and Princess have joined the cruise lines sailing around the British Isles with bookings pouring in from passengers who have realised all-inclusive cruises are a far better deal than a cottage by the coast, where it is difficult to even get a restaurant booking this summer.
And there’s more good news. Since my last letter, two ships for the British market have been christened followed by inaugural sailings around the UK.
Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure completed the longest – so far – circumnavigation around the British Isles, while P&O Cruises’ Iona, cruised from Southampton to her namesake island in the Inner Hebrides for a celebratory firework display. Both ships boast new specialty dining venues – see our feature Deep Sea Dining, on page 4.
Discerning passengers are not only looking for quality dining and healthy options, but a combination of wellness opportunities across ocean and river ships. With sunrise yoga on the deck, huge gyms with the latest equipment and sumptuous spas, you’ll find there’s no excuse to drop your fitness routine while you’re travelling. Onshore cycling, hiking and kayaking also add to the mix so see our feeling good feature All Calm At Sea on page 6.
In 2021, cruise passengers can at last relax on a cruise holiday and return feeling healthier than ever.
Happy cruising!
Lesley