Itching to sail away? There’s a great deal on the horizon
CRUISING may be off the menu for now, but there’s plenty to look forward to in 2021 and beyond.
The cruise lines have been busy polishing their new ships, creating fresh itineraries and whipping together tempting deals.
Cunard (cunard.com) has announced a 2021 programme for Queen Elizabeth and will offer free upgrades when they go on sale on Tuesday. Whether you choose one of its first-ever scenic cruises – three nights without stepping ashore – or take a fly-cruise in the Med, the added value is tremendous. Balcony cabins for a British Isles scenic cruise start at £299pp.
Hurtigruten (hurtigruten.co.uk) has a new expedition tour, exploring the British Isles on refurbished MS Maud. During a two-week round-trip from Dover via the Outer Hebrides, you’ll land on rugged coasts and remote islands, including lonely St Kilda and birdwatchers’ paradise Rathlin Island off County Antrim. Departures are on April 27, July 4 and August 1, with fares starting at £3,119pp.
Holland America Line (holland america.com) is offering free flights, along with other perks, from a range of UK airports on a host of cruises in Europe next year for bookings made by this Wednesday.
You can join a one-week Aegean Sunsets cruise aboard Westerdam on July 31, sailing from Athens to Venice and calling at Crete, Mykonos and Istanbul, with fares from £1,300pp. This includes flights, transfers, speciality dining and gratuities.
Or you could be among the first to sail on Iona, the newest ship from P&O Cruises (pocruises.com), due to launch her maiden season of no-fly cruises from Southampton in the spring. A leisurely week to the majestic Norwegian fjords, departing on May 22, costs from £649pp.
Further ahead, Azamara (azamara. co.uk) has 80 new itineraries for 2022 and 2023. Three Azamara ships, with a boutique-hotel feel, offer port-intensive experiences, often staying late or overnight so that you can stroll with the locals after dinner – perfect for child-free couples who love exploring ashore.
Fares start at £1,856pp for a oneweek Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on April 9, 2022, including drinks and gratuities.