Cruise news

Beads and Big Easy vibes at the ready for the new Thorpe Park Mardi Gras running from May 19-June 19.

The New Orleans themed funfest will also feature authentic

Louisiana street food and family rides. Admission from

£37 per person. thorpepark.com

Fred Olsen’s four-midable fleet reunion will take place in Madeira late next year.

New ships Bolette and Borealis, plus old favourites Balmoral and Braemar, will set sail on four separate cruises from Southampton, Dover and Liverpool and rendezvous at the

Portuguese island’s capital Funchal in November for a quayside fiesta.

Cruise line boss Peter Deer said: “Our teams here are already busy curating a programme of events, and will be working very closely with the team in the Port of Funchal to ensure it is a truly memorable day for all.’’

Itineraries start at £1,999 per person for 14 nights on Borealis, sailing from the Mersey.

fredolsencruises.com/four-freds-infunchal ■■Sophia Loren will be godmother to her 18th MSC Cruises ship when MSC Seascape’s naming ceremony is held in New York City on December 7.

The Oscar-winner will smash the bubbly in a star-studded event at Manhattan Cruise Terminal, then Seascape repositions to Miami. In spring 2023, MSC Meraviglia starts voyages to the Caribbean, New England and Canada from

Brooklyn terminal.

msccruises.co.uk

Tickets are on sale for Flackstock, a festival celebrating the life of Caroline Flack, being held at Englefield Estate, Bucks on July 25. The event, organised by her

mum, sister and celebrity friends, will raise money for mental health charities.

flagstock.com