Cruise news

Grab a Malta pleaser if you fancy a good value winter sun holiday. Research by travel agent loveholidays

shows the Mediterranean archipelago has the cheapest seven night package deals for escaping the British chill at £333 per person on average.

loveholidays.com

Five new Signature Experiences have been unveiled by Fred Olsen.

Aimed at celebrating the ‘’joy of the journey’’, the themed voyages are Itinerary Insights, the Sky at Sea, Treats of the Region, Scenic Discoveries and Ship and the Sea, with each one hosted by specialist guides.

A spokeswoman said: “A cruise brings experiences that aren’t possible with other forms of travel, such as the chance to witness breathtaking scenery best viewed from water, spot native marine wildlife, capture spectacular sunrises or stargazing with hot chocolate out on deck.’’

It has started to introduce elements of the experiences, with the full programme on all cruises next year. fredolsencruises.com

■ MSC have announced itineraries for Virtuosa’s 2022-23 UK no-fly season with voyages for new to cruise passengers and seasoned sailors. Highlights include 21 days to Hamburg, Lisbon and Casablanca; five days to Rotterdam, Ringaskiddy in Ireland and Falmouth; and a fortnight exploring the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland.

It’s the first time MSC has continuously operated one of its vessels out of the UK with 6,334 passenger, 181,541 gross tonnage Virtuosa sailing to the end of summer 2023. msccruises.co.uk