Summer sails call ...in wine country
A GREAT way to beat the postChristmas blues is to make sure you have a nice holiday to look forward to. Here’s my pick of cruises to book now for this year.
A NEW Rail, Sip & Sail holiday combines a two-night hotel stay in Bordeaux with a vineyard tour in Medoc and a night in Cannes, with a seven-night cruise on the Mediterranean aboard beautiful tall ship Star Clipper – all without going near an airport. St Tropez, Portofino and Corsica are all on the itinerary. The ten-night holiday via Eurostar starts on July 13 and costs from £3,129pp (starclippers.co.uk, 0845 200 6145).
Looking out for dolphins and whales from the deck of a ship is a perfect way to have fun with your children or grandchildren. And there will be experts from whale charity ORCA on board new ship Ambience to help you spot marine life on a
multi-generation, no-fly cruise to the Norwegian fjords, sailing from Tilbury on August 6. New Year Saver Fares start at £649 per adult, with a charge of £199 per child sharing the cabin (ambassadorcruiseline.com).
Saga’s Celtic Fringe cruise this summer visits ports in England, Wales and Scotland, plus Jersey, Ireland and Brittany. A 13-night round trip from Southampton aboard boutique, allinclusive ship Spirit of Adventure on August 28 takes in St Helier and
Brest before heading north to Dublin, Greenock and Skye, with calls at Liverpool, Fishguard, Falmouth and Portland on the way back south.
Book now for fares starting at £3,926pp (down from £4,234pp).
The cost includes chauffeur service to and from the ship, travel insurance, four excursions, drinks, wi-fi and tips (saga.co.uk/cruise).
Extra cruises aboard sleek new motor yacht Lady Eleganza have just been released for June, September and October this year. On the eightnight Islands Of Croatia cruises from Dubrovnik, the yacht’s 34 passengers can swim in the warm, turquoise Adriatic Sea from the boat, and dine alfresco ashore. You’ll dock overnight on the chic and pretty islands of Korcula, Hvar, Brac and Vis. The cost, from £2,795pp (a discount of £500pp), includes flights, most meals, drinks and excursions with
APT (aptouring.co.uk).