Hit the Highlands... or float off to a moonscape

CRUISES that include Scottish ports, sunny Greek islands and New Year spectaculars are now taking bookings. Here are today’s most exciting options.

SCOTLAND’S ports are welcoming cruise ships again, and Saga is offering up to 35 per cent off its short tours of the Highlands and Islands.

Spirit of Discovery will call at Scrabster, close to John O’Groats – mainland Britain’s most northerly village. You then sail to Lerwick in the Shetlands with an excursion to the Neolithic settlement of Jarlshof and visit Invergordon for a trip to Loch Ness.

The six-night round trip departs Tilbury on August 27. All-inclusive fares from £1,272pp (saga.co.uk).

If it’s sun you’re after, join Silver Moon, the newest luxury ship in the Silversea fleet, when it leaves Athens on

September 16 and sails around the Greek islands, including Mykonos and Crete. It also goes to the Turkish coast for a visit to the ancient site of Ephesus.

Expect a balcony, a butler, open bars, a choice of restaurants and tips all included. Fares from £4,699pp include businessclass flights (mundycruising.co.uk).

Boutique cruise line Azamara is preparing its ship Azamara Journey for a winter cruise to the Canary Islands. Board in Gran Canaria on December 28 for an 11-night cruise that can see you dancing on the deck on New Year’s Eve – with a fireworks show at midnight.

The voyage also takes in the islands of La Gomera, Lanzarote – famous for its astonishing lunar landscape – and Madeira. Fares start at £2,349pp, which includes all drinks and tips. Flights are extra (azamara.com).