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EDITOR’S LETTER
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/JOHN BILL/ANDREW MAYOVSKYY
Welcome
I’ve had the catchy tune of The Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun running through my head on repeat while putting this Summer Special issue together, and it’s definitely put me in a good mood for the months ahead. Perhaps it was looking at so many pictures of gloriously sunny spots for the Summer Hot List (page 77), our pick of the best destinations where you can find a last-minute break – and maybe even a bargain – this summer. Or perhaps it was drooling over a kaleidoscope of colours along Italy’s beautiful Cinque Terre coastline, where our writer wandered past scented lemon groves and jasminelined paths to a tiny, tucked-away vineyard (page 34). We’re gearing up for a booming summer of cruise, thanks in no small part to the addition of some seriously impressive new ships that are redefining the rules of what you can expect at sea (page 22). If you’re planning your own getaway in the next few weeks, send a picture of yourself on board to info@cruise-international.com – it could be featured in our next issue. If you’ve already got summer sorted, there’s still plenty of inspiration to start getting ideas for your next trip. Brighten up your day with our review of a tulips cruise through the Dutch waterways (page 66), awaken your sense of adventure with expeditions to take in summer (page 64), and combine two of the most romantic ways to travel with the best rail-and-sail holidays around the world (page 77). And until we meet again, enjoy the sunshine!
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The Chelsea Magazine Company, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ. Tel: 020 7349 3700. Email: info@cruise-international.com. Website: www.cruise-international.com EDITORIAL Editor Katie McGonagle Art Director Andrea Lynch Sub-Editor David Powning Contributors Marcus Adams, Jane Archer, Becky Fantham, Kaye Holland, Sara Macefield, Teresa Machan, Michele Monro, Julie Peasgood, Kelly Ranson, Gillian Thornton, Jeannine Williamson, Qin Xie DIGITAL Digital Product Manager Ben Iskander Digital Editor Claire Benktander Digital Marketing Assistant Olivia Matthew ADVERTISING Group Director of Sales Catherine Chapman Sales Manager Warren Wilkinson PUBLISHING Publisher Simon Temlett Managing Director James Dobson Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Chairman Paul Dobson NEWS DISTRIBUTION News Trade (UK and Rest of World): Seymour International Ltd., 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT CRUISE INTERNATIONAL (Print ISSN 1758-2326) (Online ISSN 2396-9237) is published bi-monthly by The Chelsea Magazine Company CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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CONTENTS
74
86 FEATURES 22 New Ships
Game-changing vessels that are transforming the face of cruise
34 Italy
Tour the Cinque Terre and French Riviera on new Azamara Onward
34 REGULARS 6
Hot Spot
42 Yacht Club
Are ship-within-a-ship upgrades worth it? We test MSC Virtuosa
92
48 Summer Hot List
Where to find the best deals and availability on a last-minute break
Find out why travellers are flocking to Croatia’s best beach this year
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64 Expeditions
Summer isn’t just about sunshine with our pick of adventure cruises
On Our Radar
A new direct flight has put Quebec City, Canada, back in the spotlight
66 Tulips and Windmills
Take a bloom-filled tour of the Dutch waterways and Keukenhof
11 Cruise News
Latest on celebrity speakers, new sailings and updated travel advice
74 City Guide
What to do and where to stay in Jamaica’s second city, Montego Bay
18 Health & Wellbeing
See what NCL has planned for its new ship in a first for spas at sea
77 Rail and Sail
Twin a train journey with your next cruise for the ultimate adventure
19 Style
Update your summer shopping list with our pick of holiday essentials
86 Why I Love Cruise
Hear from three devotees about why they enjoy holidays on water
62 Competition
Win a Broadcasting Legends fjords trip with Ambassador Cruise Line
ON THE COVER
92 Recipes
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/ANDREW MAYOVSKYY/DOOKPHOTO
Top mealtime tips from the team behind BBC’s Eat Well for Less?
96 Ask the Experts
Get the answers to your biggest cruise questions from our panel
98 Celebrity Travels
Comedian and actor Nina Wadia talks about taking her first cruise
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GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/SHANSCHE
© The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2022 All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. The information in CRUISE INTERNATIONAL has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. However, where appropriate, you are strongly advised to check prices, opening times, dates etc, before making final arrangements. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded. The opinions expressed by contributors to CRUISE INTERNATIONAL are not necessarily those of the publisher. For up to date travel advice, always check fco.gov.uk before you go.
Printed in England by William Gibbons, West Midlands. Origination by All Points Media www.allpointsmedia.co.uk CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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HOT SPOT
Brac, Croatia
PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK/BILETSKIYEVGENIY.COM
It would be easy for beach lovers to overlook Croatia. Despite miles of glorious Adriatic coastline fringed by clear turquoise seas, its beaches are more often pebble or shingle than golden sand, prompting many to steer south towards the Greek isles instead. But they miss out on beauties like Zlatni Rat (pictured), aka the Golden Horn, a long spit of smooth-pebbled beach that shifts its shape with the wind and tide. It’s a highlight of any island-hopping cruise along the Croatian coast, and smaller yacht-style vessels often anchor offshore so guests can swim across. It’s set on the island of Brac (pronounced Bratch), and from the beach it’s a pleasant half-hour stroll along the waterfront to the town of Bol, where you can rub shoulders with the yachting crowd, visit Dragon’s Cave, or just sit in the sun, dine out on sheep’s cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, while sipping local wine – bliss! >> Turn to page 48 for more popular destinations to visit this summer
ON OUR RADAR
PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ ANTHONY DEZENZIO/STOCKPHOTO52
Quebec City, Canada The fact that Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico might not seem very impressive on paper, interesting only insofar as it could come in handy for a pub quiz one day. But see it for yourself – all quaint cobbled streets and heavy-set stone ramparts topped with turrets that would be more at home in a medieval French castle than a modern Canadian metropolis – and it’s clear this is a city worth adding to your must-see list. Good news, then, that it just became a lot easier to get to following the launch of the UK’s first direct flight to Quebec City with Air Transat, flying from Gatwick on Thursdays and returning on Wednesdays until the end of September. Spend a few days exploring the French-speaking city, touring the grand Fairmont Le Château Frontenac or enjoying a bite in the bistros of Petit-Champlain (pictured) at the start or end of a cruise. You could also use it as a gateway to scenic driving routes along the St Lawrence River to spot milky-white belugas and thundering blue whales en route to the beautiful Gaspé Peninsula. Bon voyage! >> Turn to page 77 for more rail-and-sail ideas on where to go from Quebec
Azamara OnwardSM Launch, Monaco
AZAMARA ONWARD NOW SAILING!
SM
WELCOMING AZAMARA ONWARD SM After many months of anticipation and preparation, Azamara OnwardSM has been officially named during an historic ceremony which took place in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Monday 2nd May 2022. She was named by Godmother Beth Santos, Founder & CEO of Wanderful, Captain Carl Smith, Master, Azamara OnwardSM and Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara®. It was an afternoon of celebration in the glorious sunshine with the picturesque backdrop of Monte Carlo. We had guests from across the globe joining us for the momentous occasion, viewing from both the quay and onboard the ship. Guests were served champagne followed by entertainment such as a beautiful performance by The Children’s Choir of Nice and a spectacular aerobatic act. As she sailed away on her Maiden Voyage visiting amazing destination such as Rome, Amalfi, Kotor and Dubrovnik, we waved her off with a ‘Sea you Soon!’ greeting. Celebrate Azamara Onward’s arrival by booking our $500 Shore Excursion Credit* offer, available to book on select sailings through 5th May 2023 when booked before 30th June 2022! Ceremonial Scissors
Captain Carl Smith, Beth Santos and Carol Cabezas
Azamara OnwardSM Christening
TO SEE MORE ABOUT AZAMARA ONWARDSM AND HER LAUNCH, PLEASE VISIT: AZAMARA.CO.UK/ONWARD Change The Way You SeaSM
*Shore Excursion credit is applicable on select voyages only. See Azamara.co.uk/ShoreOBC for full details and Terms & Conditions. ©2022 Azamara. Ships registered in Malta. ‘Change The Way You Sea’ is an international service mark of SP Cruises OpCo Limited.
Cruise News SHIPS / EVENTS / DESTINATIONS
WINDSTAR SWAPS
ASIA FOR TAHITI
Windstar Cruises has dropped its planned sailings in Asia this autumn and replaced them with an extended Alaska season and a host of departures in Tahiti (right). The small-ship cruise line said the decision was prompted by uncertainty around ports reopening in Asia, as it cancelled sailings in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. All-suite ship Star Breeze will instead add an extra Alaskan Splendors departure, followed by five sailings in French Polynesia, during which the line will mark 35 years of operating in Tahiti with a series of onboard events (windstarcruises.com).
RIVA HEADS FOR RIVERS
PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/TRIGGERPHOTO; ADAM HILLIER; SHUTTERSTOCK/STLJB
FIRST STEP ON MARS A countess from the real-life Downton Abbey has named Viking’s newest ocean cruise ship at a ceremony in the Maltese capital of Valletta. Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon, offered a blessing for Viking Mars via video from her home at Highclere Castle, the filming location for Downton Abbey. The ship is spending its maiden season in the Med, Scandinavia and northern Europe, before moving to Australia and New Zealand later this year. Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said: “Many of our guests were introduced to Viking and Highclere Castle by Downton Abbey, and we have had a close friendship with the Carnarvon family as they have welcomed our guests into their home. We are very grateful that Lady Carnarvon has honoured us by serving as godmother of our newest ocean ship.” (vikingcruises.co.uk)
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Amadeus River Cruises has revealed plans to launch a new five-star river ship in May 2023. Amadeus Riva will offer holidays on the Danube, Rhine and the Dutch and Belgian waterways. It will feature 68 exterior cabins with panoramic windows plus 12 suites with walk-out balconies, along with a restaurant, bar with dance floor, traditional Café Vienna and an open-air River Terrace bar at the bow. It follows sister vessel Amadeus Cara, which launches this summer, in using sustainable technology to reduce CO2 emissions. The Austrian-owned cruise line is offering discounts of 15% off the cruise fare on any booking made before November 30, 2022 (amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk).
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CRUISE NEWS
FREE UPGR ADES ON VIVA FLEET
STAR CLIPPERS’ ECO ACHIEVEMENT
Viva Cruises is marking the launch of its first new-build ship, iva ne below , with free upgrades and reduced single supplements of 0% on departures in une. iva ne launched in pril and is operating a series of five and sevennight sailings on the hine and oselle throughout 0 and 0 , most departing from usseldorf. The -cabin ship has two restaurants and uses hybrid technology, solar cells on the sun deck and sulphurfree gas to li uid T fuel to reduce carbon emissions. The discounts are available across the iva eet viva-cruises.com .
Star Clippers has become the first line to earn an environmental seal of approval from the Costa Rica Tourism Board. The small-ship line has been lauded both for its eco-friendly practices and for a focus on sustainable travel as part of the Costa Rica Sanctuary project, which counts adventurer Levison Wood and TV presenter Julia Bradbury among its ambassadors. Fay McCormack, general manager of Star Clippers’ UK office, said: “The Costa Rica Sanctuary initiative is very close to our hearts and we are delighted to have been recognised and trusted as an approved tour operator within this.” Star Clippers is sailing in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua from December until March 2023 (starclippers.co.uk).
AMAWATERWAYS’ WINE EXPERTS AmaWaterways has added in-depth European Wine Immersion cruises this year, featuring wine tastings, chateaux and cellar visits, trips to food and drink festivals and wine-paired dinners. This is the first time the line’s Celebration of Wine river cruises will feature European wine experts drawn from France, Spain, Germany and Hungary. Executive vice-president and co-founder Kristin Karst said: “We have continued to see increased demand for our wine-themed cruises. They will feature tastings, interactive discussions and shore excursions, and will add detailed insights and experiences exclusively catered to the European wine region that guests sail through.” Cruises depart in August, October and November in France and Germany (amawaterways.co.uk). 12
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SCENIC ECLIPSE CHARTS
COURSE FOR SCOTLAND
PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/MIROSLAV_1; TOM JASNY; CLARK JAMES MISHLER; UNSPLASH/DUNCAN MCNAB; FRED OLSEN CRUISE LINES
Scenic has released its largest ever Arctic & Fjords collection with six new ultra-luxury expeditions in 2023-24, including its first voyages to the Scottish isles. Scenic Eclipse and sister ship Scenic Eclipse II, set to launch in 2023, will add almost 40 landings throughout the Arctic region, including in Canada, Iceland, Greenland and Norway. A new 10-day voyage in Scotland will explore Aberdeen, the Isle of Skye, St Kilda (below), Oban and Portrush. Meanwhile the 19-day Expedition into Greenland & the High Canadian Arctic lets guests explore one of the northernmost towns on Earth, sail through the world’s largest network of fjords and watch as icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier in the Canadian Arctic (scenic.co.uk).
COMEDY CRUISE FOR PRINCESS Princess Cruises has announced a new comedy-themed cruise on Enchanted Princess, which is homeporting in Southampton this summer. The Comedy Stars sailing features an impressive lineup including Bafta-winning impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner (top); Lucy Porter (middle), best known for appearances on QI, Mock the Week and Would I Lie to You?; Father Ted and Derry Girls actor Ardal O’Hanlon (bottom); and London-based improv group The Comedy Store Players. The seven-night Scandinavia voyage departs on June 24 on the 3,660-guest ship, starting from £849 per person with allinclusive drinks, Wi-Fi and tips. The ship will also host a Sports Stars cruise departing August 5, featuring Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, former England cricketer Phil Tufnell, ex-England rugby captain Martin Johnson and World Championship-winning badminton player Gail Emms (princess.com).
FRED ADDS NEW ‘NAVIGATORS’ Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is introducing Journey Navigators – experts in nature, culture, maritime history and entertainment – along with a host of signature experiences as part of its 2023-24 programme. The new collection features more than 100 cruises from just two to 93 nights, with departures from Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth, Dover, Southampton, Tilbury and Belfast, plus fly-cruises to the Caribbean. Martin Lister, head of itinerary planning and destination experience, said: “We will be cruising scenic waterways that are out of reach to larger ships, including the Kiel Canal and the Seine and Loire rivers. Braemar is also set to repeat her record-breaking feat of transiting the ultra-narrow Corinth Canal (right) – an experience not to be missed. “Guests will find new Journey Navigators on each ship to bring to life the ‘joy of the journey’, from stargazing events on deck to tours of the Bridge to celebrate our maritime history.” (fredolsencruises.com) CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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RIVER CRUISE DEMAND TREBLES River cruise bookings have increased three-fold since the start of the year compared with 2019, according to figures from cruise.co.uk. The specialist cruise agency also found appetite for holidays by river has grown, with a survey of 1,200 customers revealing that 83% had either taken or considered a river cruise, compared to just over half in 2019, with the Rhine (left), Danube and Douro the most popular options. Tony Andrews, deputy managing director at cruise.co.uk, said: “The advantages of a river cruise have unquestionably led to a steep increase in demand, with UK guests now much more likely to consider smaller ships for their holidays. “We’re anticipating their popularity will continue to grow with UK holidaymakers this year and beyond.” (cruise.co.uk)
NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR QE2 Former Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth 2 has been converted into a floating hotel in Dubai under global hotel group Accor. The hotel company – owner of brands such as Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Raffles – took over the vessel in May. It had served as a transatlantic liner from 1969 until 2008, and is being renovated to feature 447 hotel rooms, nine bars and restaurants, shops, a swimming pool and a gym under the MGallery Hotel Collection brand, based in Dubai’s Port Rashid (group.accor.com).
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VARIETY SPICES UP SUMMER Variety Cruises has released a new range, The Limited Collection Cruises, for this summer, taking in Greece, the Seychelles and from August, Tahiti. Small-ship sailings include Hidden Greece, Unexplored Greek Islands, which visits lesser-known isles including Ikaria, Patmos (above) and Serifos, plus a winefocused Aegean cruise to meet winemakers, enjoy tastings and
dine at vineyards. Other options include a Culinary Cruise in the Seychelles in July on a 148ft yacht, with swimming, snorkelling, walking tours and a chance to spot giant tortoises, plus cooking demonstrations, beach barbecues and food and rum tours hosted by chef Josh Thomsen to showcase Seychellois cuisine (varietycruises.com).
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CRUISE NEWS
ABERCROMBIE & KENT’S BIG ADVENTURES Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent is expanding its expedition cruise programme for 2023-24, chartering Ponant ships to take in all seven continents, and with four new itineraries in urope, frica and the South acific. New holidays include a coastal cruise around Portugal, Spain and France, exploring wine regions around Porto and the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela; and a journey from rench olynesia to aster sland. Bob Simpson, vice-president of expedition cruising, said: “Travellers want immersive experiences, whether alongside a marine biologist in the Arctic (below), an Aboriginal culture expert in Western Australia, or a former asa astronaut in remote regions of the acific. “Our expedition cruises are designed around engaging cultural exchanges, surprising wildlife encounters and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.” abercrombiekent.co.uk
MARCO PIERRE WHITE RETURNS AS P&O FOOD HERO
PICTURES: STEVE DUNLOP; RICHARD HARKER; MICHEL VERDURE; GNTB
P&O Cruises has unveiled its latest Food Heroes holidays, featuring high-profile chefs, wine experts and restaurateurs. Chefs Marco Pierre White (above) and José Pizarro join wine presenter Olly Smith and MasterChef Norway judge Kjartan Skjelde among the food and drink experts on sailings this year. Guests can expect cooking demonstrations, talks and hosted dinners on selected sailings from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Norwegian fjords. Marco Pierre White said: “Whether I am designing menus for the Celebration night or doing a cookery demonstration for guests on board in my Cookery Club, I know that it has to make a holiday truly magical and memorable. Classic dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients will always create a fantastic dining experience.” (pocruises.com)
HOLLAND AMERICA’S UKRAINE PLEDGE Holland America Line has extended its housing of Ukrainian families on Volendam until the end of September. The City of Rotterdam had chartered the vessel for an initial three-month period, but has extended this by 10 weeks to accommodate around 1,500 people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. This has prompted the line to cancel six sailings to Norway, the British Isles and the Mediterranean, with guests able to rebook on similar itineraries. Chief commercial officer Beth Bodensteiner said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to guests booked on Volendam through the summer. We appreciate their continued understanding as we work with the City of Rotterdam on this important mission.” (hollandamerica.com) CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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CRUISE NEWS
SEABOURN UNVEILS
NEW EXPEDITIONS
GWYNETH PALTROW TO APPEAR ON BEYOND Celebrity Cruises has announced that new ship Celebrity Beyond will feature a ‘goop at sea’ wellness retreat with an appearance from the lifestyle brand’s founder and Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow (above). The retreat takes place on Celebrity Beyond’s nine-night Italian Riviera & France sailing, departing on September 24, and will include exclusive wellbeing sessions, a live interview between Paltrow and a wellness expert, goop gifts, pop-up experiences and more. The actor has worked with Celebrity Cruises as a wellbeing advisor since April 2021, along with goop’s vice-president of content Kiki Koroshetz, who is among the speakers in Celebrity’s Women in Wellness programme. Koroshetz said: “Our partnership with Celebrity Cruises has been focused on the intersection of exploration and wellness. This new adventure – a mix of discovery and restoration – will be unique.” (celebritycruises.com)
Luxury expedition line Seabourn has put a new range of expedition cruises on sale for 2023-24. Destinations include Antarctica, South America, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Indonesia, Japan and beyond. The journeys aboard purpose-built ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will include ‘Seabourn Moments’ such as scuba diving in Raja Ampat (below) in Indonesia and hiking through Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz said: “It is our privilege to open up the world to those who desire adventurous experiences, and we’re excited to unveil another round of expedition itineraries that reach into the more remote corners of the world. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are setting a new bar for luxury expedition travel.”
Saga Cruises has revealed plans to make river ships Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube all-inclusive from next year, meaning all meals and drinks – including in speciality restaurants – will now be covered. This will bring them in line with Saga’s ocean cruises, and extend oΩers including 10% oΩ back-to-back cruises and dedicated solo traveller cabins on every sailing to the rivers. Chief executive Nigel Blanks said: “We have a lovely line-up of itineraries, with plenty of new options as well as firm favourites.” New itineraries include Autumn Colours of the Danube (pictured) and The Golden Age of Art on the Rhine, which visits world-famous galleries in Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague in the company of Antiques Roadshow expert Rupert Maas (travel.saga.co.uk). 16
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PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES/NEILSON BARNARD; SHUTTERSTOCK/RAIYANI MUHARRAMAH; SAGA
SAGA GOES ALL-INCLUSIVE
Expedition ships that are as extraordinary as your destination The Nordic Balcony Stateroom that lets you take in the spectacular views, while keeping the elements out. The Aula, the world’s first auditorium at sea that transforms into a panoramic alfresco viewing theatre. The Hangar, an enclosed in-ship marina where you can board your excursion craft inside the ship. The Laboratory, a research lab staffed by Viking Resident Scientists where you can participate in research activities. Expedition equipment that includes two submarines, a fleet of Zodiacs, RIBs and kayaks, to offer you a variety of ways to explore – at no extra charge. Six dining options, all included. And everywhere, serene, light-filled Scandinavian design that beautifully merges exploration with relaxation. The expedition ship perfected, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis are home to just 375 guests and build on our legacy of exploration, with many industry firsts. Availability is limited and we are now taking bookings for our 2023 voyages. Join us on the ultimate adventure aboard an expedition ship that offers the ultimate in comfort.
To find out more about our extraordinary expedition ships and our equally extraordinary journeys to Antarctica and the Great Lakes, call 020 8780 8701 or book online at viking.com
H E A LT H & W E L L B E I N G
CRUISE WELL THE LATEST HEALTH AND WELLBEING NEWS FROM AROUND THE CRUISE WORLD
NECK AND NECK They call themselves ‘the neck’s best thing’, and the team at PRAI Beauty might be right because this 40-plus skincare brand has just been rolled out on P&O Cruises’ Iona, the first time it has featured on a cruise ship. You can browse its branded shopping area packed with proageing products for the neck and decolletage, staffed by consultants trained in skincare as well as a new ‘neck yoga’ routine. Look out for the Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème, which was at one point the second-bestselling product across all M&S ranges (£25, available in M&S, Boots and at praibeauty.co.uk).
NCL’s first for spas at sea Norwegian Cruise Line has given us a glimpse of the Mandara Spa on new ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, set to launch this summer and next, respectively. The sister vessels will feature the first charcoal sauna on a ship, along with a two-storey indoor waterfall, thermal suite and hot-stone loungers. The charcoal sauna is said to help boost circulation and metabolism, as well as easing muscle stiffness, backache and arthritis. You can also indulge yourself in a salt and steam room, ice room, flotation salt pool and infrared sauna. Other firsts for the line include adding Gharieni beds that offer whole-body massage and acoustic vibration to promote relaxation. Fitness facilities have also been upgraded, with a front-facing location offering 270-degree ocean views during each workout (ncl.com).
If you want some pampering to get you in the holiday mood, check out the new partnership between Luxury Family Hotels and bath and body company Bramley. The all-natural British brand has created massage treatments inspired by the ingredients in each hotel’s location, including samphire from the Jurassic coast, wild mint foraged in the New Forest, and chamomile found across the Wiltshire countryside. A pop-up treatment experience is also on offer at Woolley Grange near Bath until July 3 (luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk). 18
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Bite the dust
Don’t let itchy mosquito bites get in the way of your summer holiday – put Science of Skin’s Solution for Bites in your case. The pocketsized rollerball will soothe insect bites, and even nettle or jellyfish stings. Its natural, vegan-friendly formula includes cooling aloe vera, green tea extract, pro vitamin B5 and capsicum, and can be used on children aged three and up (£8.99, available at Lloyds Pharmacy, Ocado and scienceofskin.com).
CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
PICTURE: BENEDETTO PHOTOS
IN THE MOOD FOR MASSAGE
CRUISE STYLE
Palm beach
Picture yourself on a sun-kissed beach in this Lauren batik maxi smock dress, patterned with palm fronds and made using a batik wax method. Its half-length sleeves are ideal for sunny days, and the on-trend tiered skirt will sway in the breeze (£72, sugarhillbrighton.com).
WAVE MACHINE Forget frizzy holiday hair with a funky-coloured wave comb from haircare brand Gkomb, released in time for summer. Designed by hairdresser and salon owner George Katsaros, they are antifrizz and anti-static, so you can comb through curls without losing shape or volume (£15, Amazon).
SHOPPING GIVE YOUR SUMMER STYLE A LIFT WITH OUR HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS
FEELING PRETTY
PICTURE: MARTIN EDWARDS
This feather-light Hannah Martin Pearl Bracelet from Scream Pretty comes with a mix of soft pearl and opal shades that will suit every outfit, taking you effortlessly from after-lunch lazing by the pool to pre-dinner drinks on deck. Matching items are available (£75, screampretty.com).
GETTING LIPPY If in-room air-con leaves your lips dry and cracked, try this Project Lip Matte Plumping Lip Primer. It’s infused with Vitamin E to hydrate, nourish and plump up your lips, with a subtle matte finish (£14, Amazon or projectlip.co.uk). CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
In the pink There’ll be no missing you on the pool deck in this South Beach-style swimsuit from Pour Moi. The colour block style and control fabric offer the best combination of looking good and feeling even better, with lightly padded moulded cups, secret support and adjustable straps for total comfort (£40, pourmoi.co.uk).
FUN IN THE SUN No matter how bright your summer wardrobe might be, these Scotch & Soda Kingsway sunglasses will match up. In cool shades of crystal cognac (pictured) and soft tort, the rounded lenses offer a retro-cool vibe (£149.95, scotch-soda.com). SUM M ER 2022 |
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EVERYTHING WE KNOW SO FAR What’s on board?
SkyDome
The Grand Atrium
the scenery roll by, aerial performances
and entertainment.
£70PP LOW DEPOSIT
Canary Islands
Canary Islands
MAIDEN VOYAGE
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
Caribbean Transatlantic
9 DEC 2022 | 14 NIGHTS | K203
23 DEC 2022 | 14 NIGHTS | K204
6 JAN 2023 | 15 NIGHTS | K301
Southampton, Madeira (Funchal), Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz (Seville), Lisbon, Southampton
Southampton, Funcal (Madeira), Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz (Seville), Lisbon, Southampton
Southampton, Tenerife, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Fly to London
Cruise Club
Fares From
1,564
£
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90
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Cruise Club
Fares From
1,534
£
With
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90
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Cruise Club
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per cabin to spend on board
1,257
£
Regional departures at no extra cost.
0800 028 2177
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will head down to the Iberian Peninsula in search fi to choose from, complete with all the popcorn and ice cream you could ever want. soak up the rays while you munch your way
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interactive water features. That should keep them
Mission Control Escape Room fi
£70PP LOW DEPOSIT
Caribbean
Caribbean Transatlantic
Caribbean
17 FEB 2023 | 15 NIGHTS | K304
17 MAR 2023 | 16 NIGHTS | K306
24 NOV 2023 | 15 NIGHTS | K324
Fly from/to London, Barbados (overnight in port), Curacao, La Romana, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Maarten, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados
Fly from London, Barbados (overnight in port), St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Kitts, Tenerife, La Coruna, Southampton
Fly from/to London, Barbados (overnight in port), Tortola, La Romana, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados
Cruise Club
Fares From
2,207
£
With
◊ Per
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Regional departures at no extra cost.
90
£
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per cabin to spend on board
Cruise Club
Fares From
1,376
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Regional departures at no extra cost.
With
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100
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Cruise Club
Fares From
1,930
£
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QUOTE: BCC REF 8118. ISSUED 18.05.22. The process of production/distribution takes several days and could therefore limit the availability of prices and accommodation as advertised, or they could not be
BOLSOVER CRUISE CLUB BEST HIGH STREET CRUISE AGENCY
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NEW SHIPS
PICTURES: MICHEL VERDURE; CMMURALII; RYAN WICKS
Inspiring artworks, epic views, the biggest ship ever b ilt and the first new ritish line to set sail in 10 years – we round up the latest launches...
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NEW SHIPS
WONDER OF THE SEAS
Royal Caribbean has raised the stakes with the world’s biggest-ever ship, but just what is it like on board? Sara ace eld finds o t
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s we drive into the port for Barcelona, it’s easy to spot Wonder of the Seas moored up in pole position – such is its size, this vast behemoth dwarfs all other ships around it. It isn’t surprising when you consider that the newest addition to Royal Caribbean International’s fleet, which made its European debut in May, is the world’s largest ship and boasts a jaw-dropping array of onboard attractions. More resort than cruise ship, the world’s newest wonder – as it’s billed – is like a floating slice of Las Vegas. Big, bold and some might say brash, this pumping powerhouse is the fifth of RCI’s giant Oasis-class ships, carrying up to 6,988 guests (though the more regular double-occupancy total is 5,734) and 2,300 crew. Despite having sailed on its predecessors, I’m still awed by the scale of this leviathan with its Royal Promenade shopping street and vast deck areas encompassing the pastoral greenery of Central Park, where you don’t even feel you’re on a ship. In addition to an adrenaline| SUM M ER 2022
pumping mix of waterslides, climbing walls, a zipwire and 10-storey Ultimate Abyss slide, guests can choose from 11 bars and lounges and sample 22 dining spots, nine of which are complimentary. So far, so similar to previous Oasis-class ships. Wonder of the Seas,
MORE RESORT THAN CRUISE SHIP, IT’S LIKE A FLOATING SLICE OF VEGAS however, has arrived with its own USPs. There’s a new Suite Neighbourhood comprising a VIP deck area with bar and pool that accompanies a suite-only lounge and Coastal Kitchen restaurant. It also encompasses 175 suites, with the top retreat being the Ultimate Family Suite – it even has its own slide – though the two-level Royal Loft Suites are pretty swanky too. Diners can sample The Mason Jar, a new speciality haunt serving treats of America’s Deep South, from fried green tomatoes and shrimp ’n’ grits to twice-fried Oreos. Guests can catch sunset vistas from The Vue, a colourful new cantilevered
pool bar, but it’s the revamped deck area and children’s underwater-themed Wonder Playscape that underlines this ship’s family credentials. Youngsters will find plenty to amuse, but the overwhelming choice of activities and incredible line-up of entertainment, from ice-skating displays and innovative stage shows to thrilling high-dive acrobatics, ensures this floating giant can keep all ages enthralled. Wonder of the Seas will spend this summer in the Med before returning to the US in November, where it will be based year-round in Port Canaveral, Florida, for Caribbean 8 and Bahamas cruises.
GETTING THERE A seven-night round-trip Western Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome), on September 29, 2022, starts at £770 per person, based on two people sharing an interior stateroom. For more details, go to royalcaribbean.com
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PICTURES: ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL/MICHEL VERDURE
Clockwise from above: Suite Sun Deck; the AquaTheater; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen; Wonder of the Seas; living room, Ultimate Family Suite; Suite Sun Deck; the pool area
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shimmering white peacock studded with exactly 28,854 Swarovski crystals, an ethereal darkened walkway strewn with golden sculptures, paintings signed by Picasso and a life-sized white elephant are not the type of things you would usually associate with a cruise ship. However, they’re just some of the many surprises that lie
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around every curve and corner on Celebrity Beyond. If ever there were a floating ambassador to challenge preconceptions about cruising,
SURPRISES LIE AROUND EVERY CORNER AND CURVE ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
or change the minds of landlubbers who vow they would never set foot on a cruise ship, this is it. Launched in April, Celebrity Cruises’ third Edge-class vessel provides all the wow factor elements of its predecessors Edge and Apex, plus plenty more. Continuing a partnership with designers and architects who had never worked on cruise ships before, including CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
PICTURES: RYAN WICKS; MICHEL VERDURE
Find a world beyond your imagination on Celebrity Cruises’ latest game-changing launch, writes Jeannine Williamson
NEW SHIPS
the UK’s multi-award-winning Kelly Hoppen and Tom Wright, who designed Dubai’s landmark Burj Al Arab hotel, the end result is a vessel that pushes seafaring boundaries to rival some of the most beautiful modern hotels and buildings you would find on dry land. Carrying 3,260 passengers, 17-deck Celebrity Beyond is 20 metres longer and one deck higher than its sister vessels. The extra space has resulted in a much larger Sunset Bar – the best spot for a sundowner – an expanded exclusive Retreat area for suite guests, and Le Voyage, international Michelinstarred chef Daniel Boulud’s first-ever restaurant at sea. The heart of the ship is the extended three-deck Grand Plaza, CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
surrounded by bars and restaurants and with the Martini Bar at its centre. Each night, beneath a chandelier glowing with hundreds of LED lights, theatrical bartenders juggle bottles and glasses. The Magic Carpet, introduced on Celebrity Edge, remains a standout feature in every sense. The cantilevered platform, with glass walls on three sides, juts out above the sea and is moved to different decks during each cruise, variously serving as a bar and lounge, and for extra-special dinners that are usually held once per sailing. The stylish and sophisticated Kelly Hoppen-designed accommodation includes single cabins with balconies, a pair of huge Iconic Suites offering a view as good as the captain’s, and the all-new Aqua Sky Suites that come
with wellness perks including free fitness classes and entry to the spa’s thermal suite. Celebrity Beyond will sail on a variety of Mediterranean cruises until early October, to destinations including Italy, the French Riviera and Greek islands, before relocating to the 8 Caribbean for winter 2022-23.
Clockwise from far left: Infinite Veranda Stateroom; Magic Carpet; The Retreat’s pool area; Resort Deck; Celebrity Beyond; The Retreat
GETTING THERE A nine-night Italian Riviera & France cruise on board Celebrity Beyond, departing on August 27, 2022, and sailing from Barcelona to Rome, starts from £1,321 per person excluding flights. For details, visit celebritycruises.com
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AMBIENCE
bassador r ise ine is the first ritish line to la n h in a de ade and its deb t is a elebration of lassi r ising finds Kelly Ranson
PICTURES: BRYSON SHEARWOOD; DAVID ADDISON
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tepping on board the newly refurbished Ambience, cruisers will feel a sense of warmth, not only from the crew but also from the ship’s welcoming public areas, each bearing the name of a British icon. From the bustling hub of the three-deck atrium ‘Centre Court’ to the ‘SW19’ bar, through to the ‘Borough Market’ buffet restaurant and the 700-seat main dining venue ‘Buckingham’, there are plenty of nods to British heritage. As the first new British cruise line in a decade, Ambassador had a clear vision when it launched the 1,400-passenger Ambience in April: to offer premium-value cruises for over-50s sailing from Tilbury. Ambience is not a new ship, having first set sail in 1991, but it’s been lovingly revamped with a fine balance of classic and contemporary. It may not be the flashiest ship at sea, but when it comes to bars, guests are spoilt for choice with 11 options. The beautifully decorated Botanical Lounge is popular for pre-dinner drinks and the atmospheric Raffles Bar is the place to go for a nightcap. Expect some traditional cruise favourites, including quizzes in the
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Purple Turtle pub, evening shows in The Palladium theatre, arts and craft sessions galore, and on formal nights, the retro Baked Alaska parade takes place in the Buckingham restaurant.
AMBASSADOR’S VISION IS TO OFFER PREMIUM-VALUE CRUISES FOR OVER-50S For those wishing to splurge on dining, the speciality restaurants are well worth it. Sea & Grass’s sevencourse menu of surf and turf costs £24.95 (£29.99 with wine pairings), while guests can enjoy a sumptuous Indian meal in Saffron for just £14.95. Finally, the chef’s table costs £89 and includes a galley tour with the executive chef followed by an eightcourse feast with wines, in a private area of the Buckingham. Drinks are not included in the cruise fare, other than tea and coffee in cabins and at various machines around the ship. Pre-paid packages are available, but onboard prices are reasonable with cocktails at £5, pints of beer at £4 and a glass of wine from £3.15. There’s also an expansive spa with eight treatment rooms, a thermal suite, hair salon and well-equipped-gym. On
Deck 14 the Active Studio holds yoga sessions with enviable views out to sea. So far, of the 798 cabins, only the 50 deluxe and junior suites have had a total refresh. The remainder are a little more dated but roomy, starting at 190sq ft, and have brandnew comfy mattresses and plenty of storage space. Ambience is sailing 31 itineraries to 90 ports during its maiden season and there will be themed cruises featuring famous names, including a Cricketing Legends voyage and a Broadcasting Legends cruise. A second ship, Ambition, will8 join the fleet next year.
Clockwise from far left, top: Spa offerings; The Palladium theatre; entertainment; hot tubs on deck; Sea & Grass restaurant; refurbished De-Luxe Suite; Ambience at sea
GETTING THERE A seven-night Autumn Fjordland cruise on Ambience, departing on October 16, 2022, sailing round-trip from Tilbury, starts from £739 per person in a standard outside twin cabin. For more details visit ambassadorcruiseline.com
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AVALON VIEW
Make the most of the sweeping scenery along Europe’s riverbanks with Avalon Waterways’ latest vessel, says Jane Archer
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t doesn’t take long to realise how Avalon Waterways’ new ship, Avalon View, got its name. I’ve just entered my suite and am greeted with what has to be the ultimate room with a view on Europe’s rivers. I’m in a Panorama Suite, a large room (200sq ft, for those into figures) with wall-to-wall and floor-toceiling glass doors that face the river – literally a window on the world. Better still, the
doors open two-thirds of the width of the room, creating an inside balcony. I’m not the only one in a room with a vista. Most of Avalon View’s 166 passengers get the same treatment as there are an extraordinary two decks
of these suites, which Avalon designed to cater for the growing number of cruisers migrating from ocean ships to the rivers and wanting a balcony. That’s not easy to offer on the rivers as vessels can’t be wider than the locks they have to pass through. Add a traditional balcony and you end up with less inside space. But do as Avalon does and you get the best of both worlds – a full-sized cabin and a balcony,
WHEN THE SUN SHONE AND THE WINDOW WAS OPEN, IT WAS LIKE BEING OUTSIDE
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NEW SHIPS
albeit one that’s inside. And it works. When the sun shone and the window was open, it was like being outside. The suites have large bathrooms with glass-enclosed walk-in showers and a lot of storage. A large mirror along one wall makes the room feel bigger than it is. And then there is the pièce de résistance: the bed faces the river so you always wake up to a view. For those who want more space, two Royal Suites on the upper deck have the same design but an extra 100 square feet. For a more affordable option, 16 cabins on the lower deck are a tad smaller than the Panorama Suites and don’t have the view. The lower deck also houses a small gym. The theme continues in the restaurant and lounge bar, which have floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. The restaurant is open for self-service CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
breakfast and lunch, and waiterservice dinners, with plenty of fish, meat and veggie options. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner, otherwise drinks are extra. The lounge is the vessel’s hub, used for cooking demonstrations, port talks and evening entertainment. A bistrostyle tapas dinner is served here a couple of times each cruise. In a small aft salon you can help yourself to teas, coffees, juices, cookies and muffins, as well as still, sparkling and flavoured water dispensed from a fountain. Passengers can use this to fill the glass bottles Avalon provides as part of its war on single-use plastic. In bathrooms, wall-mounted L’Occitane toiletries have replaced small bottles for the same reason, and paper daily programmes and menus are banished – the info is on an easy-to-use app.
The sun deck is the place for 360-degree views. There is ample seating, either in the sun or shade, and a small whirlpool, walking track and giant chess set. A couple of times per cruise, weather permitting, a barbecue lunch takes place in the rooftop Sky Grill.
GETTING THERE An eight-day Danube Dreams cruise from Deggendorf in Germany to Budapest in Hungary, departing September 8, 2022, costs from £2,540 per person including most excursions, wine, beer or soft drinks with meals, tips and Wi-Fi. Flights are extra. Find out more at avalonwaterways.co.uk
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Clockwise from far left, top: Club Lounge; waiter-service dinner; lobby; Avalon View; Panorama Lounge; seating area with inside balcony, Royal Suite; restaurant; beds face the floor-toceiling glass doors
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EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS with Oceania Cruises
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Explore the world one taste at a time with chef-led tours and more dining options than ever before
emons from the Amalfi Coast, crêpes Suzette on the French Riviera or salmon rillettes as you sail the Norwegian fjords – there is no better way to experience the world than through the food and drink of the places you visit. Each culture and community comes with its own distinct culinary traditions, so whether you’re browsing a food market piled high with local produce or picking up new skills with a chef-led cooking class back on board, immersing yourself in the flavours of a region is the tastiest way to enrich your travels. That’s why Oceania Cruises puts food
at the forefront of your experience, both on board and ashore. The line has always been renowned for offering the finest cuisine at sea, but its culinary programme has been updated and expanded as part of fleet-wide OceaniaNEXT enhancements, meaning the experience is better than ever. Expect new, flavour-packed dishes at flagship restaurant the Grand Dining Room and authentic Italian eatery Toscana, along with colourful poke bowls to enjoy al fresco at the Waves Grill and an expanded Sunday brunch to indulge at your leisure. Try new dishes designed by Oceania’s best chefs to reflect their favourite foodie
experiences, from family dinners at home to emerging cuisines that inspire them around the world. You will also have an opportunity to learn the stories behind Oceania’s top ingredients, including saffron from Castilla-La Mancha – carrying on a proud Spanish tradition of harvesting this precious spice in the same way for generations – and custom-milled French flour chosen for its superior quality and taste. Oceania Cruises’ small, sophisticated – and ‘re-inspired’ – ships Regatta, Insignia, Sirena, Nautica, Riviera and Marina offer a truly luxurious way to see the world in style.
P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E
WHAT’S NEW FROM OCEANIA CRUISES?
Oceania Cruises has released its new 2024 Collection, featuring journeys to every part of the globe and its largest ever range of Grand Voyages
PICTURES: OCEANIA CRUISES/DEBORAH JONES STUDIO; VRX STUDIOS/JUSTIN KRIEL; JERRY WYSZATYCKI/AVATAR PRODUCTIONS; OLGACOV/DREAMSTIME.COM
Guests on Marina and Riviera can rest their heads in new suites and staterooms with designer furnishings, custom-created lighting and fresh fabrics, adding even more touches of luxury to your sailing, plus a programme of OceaniaNEXT upgrades showcases new dining options, curated travel experiences and more. Highlights of the 2024 Collection include: ■ An incredible 355 itineraries to choose from, including 138 Grand Voyages and more than 230 sailings featuring overnight stays. ■ More Europe voyages than ever, from the enchanting Italian and French Rivieras to the wild landscapes of Iceland and the sun-kissed islands of Greece.
■ Incredible adventures in North America with both Insignia and Nautica exploring the best of Canada and New England, and visiting off-the-beaten-track Alaskan ports such as Homer and Kodiak. ■ Tropical escapes to the Caribbean and South America, ranging from just seven days to an epic 51-day itinerary. ■ Exotic journeys that delve deeper into the cultures of Japan, New Zealand and French Polynesia, along with multi-country itineraries taking in the best of Asia, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.
Find out more about about Oceania Cruises’ 2024 Collection and access exclusive special offers at oceaniacruises.com
OLIFE CHOICE
Enjoy the very best value for money with Oceania Cruises’ OLife Choice promotion, which is available on every sailing. OLife Choice means that on every booking you will receive return flights and internet on the ship. You can also choose between free shore excursions, onboard credit or a free house drinks package to tailor your holiday however you please. That’s all on top of Oceania Cruises’ signature inclusions, with free speciality restaurants, 24-hour room service, fitness classes, soft drinks and speciality coffees, launderette access and a free shuttle to the city centre in your favourite ports of call. Book now at oceaniacruises.com
ONWARD &UPWARD
PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK/ANDREW MAYOVSKYY
Italy’s Cinque Terre brightens up Becky Fantham’s journey on the maiden voyage of boutique ship Azamara Onward
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This page, above and below: Chiesa di San Pietro, Portovenere Opposite, clockwise from top right: Le Panier district; interior of Cathédrale de la Major; getting around local-style, all Marseille
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PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/ANDREW MAYOVSKYY/ALBERTO MASNOVO/ TRABANTOS; GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/STOCKYBYM/MANJIK PHOTOGRAPHY/CHALFFY
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t’s 11am and I’m sipping a glass of chilled champagne and nibbling on a deliciously flaky little savoury pastry: a local delicacy with sweet caramelised onion, dotted with salty olives. A steep climb past the pretty painted tower houses of Portovenere, where fishermen mend their nets by the tiny harbour, had taken us up to the beautiful Gothic stripes of Chiesa di San Pietro, teetering on the cliff face, where an opera singer in a sweeping ruby gown sings arias next to an impossibly placed glossy grand piano. This is destination immersion, Azamara-style. Normally, I’d scoff at the travel cliché, but our ‘AzAmazing morning’ includes not just fizz and clifftop opera, but an incredible jazz trio, a taste of the most heavenly homemade pesto, a visit to Lord Byron’s grotto (he liked to swim from a local cave here), and a very tasty Aperol spritz. We’re so invested in the experience, we start to wonder if even the dog snoozing on a balcony that groans with glossy green basil has been specially arranged. Our four-night cruise on board Azamara Onward – the newest addition to the boutique cruise line’s fleet – has so far surprised and delighted. Boarding in Barcelona, the small vessel is dwarfed by most of the other cruise ships, but this, in essence, is its USP, able to squeeze into harbours and ports that larger ships just can’t access, and gifting its clientele with wonderful deep-dive cultural experiences. Our next stop is Marseille, the oldest city in France. We dock right next to the impressive architecture of 8
AN OPERA SINGER IN A RUBY GOWN SINGS ARIAS NEXT TO AN IMPOSSIBLY PLACED GLOSSY GRAND PIANO
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PICTURES: MICHEL VERDURE; JENNA LYN PHOTOGRAPHY; GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/STOCKYBYM/MANJIK PHOTOGRAPHY
Cathédrale de la Major and tackle the steep steps to Le Panier, the city’s old quarter, where tiny, twisting streets are bursting with art, from graffiti to elaborate portraits. A stroll down wide, tree-lined Rue de la Republique, with its ancient, honeyed buildings and baroque balconies brings you to Vieux Port and the bustling Quai des Belges, where fishermen sell their catch (some of it still flapping) and locals shop for their dinner. We stop for café au lait, croissants and people-watching in nearby Place Général de Gaulle, before doubling back to the pretty central square in Le Panier for a well-earned chilled rosé and a spot of lunch al fresco. A couple of museums had been on my ‘to do’ list, but in the end the beautiful sunshine tempted us back to the ship to laze next to the small, sky-blue swimming pool. Public spaces are chic and understated, with impressive attention to detail. There’s a beautiful flow through the entire ship, with interesting pieces of art and plenty of cosy places to while away an hour with a good book from the well-stocked library. The feel is that of a high-end hotel, and although the focus seems to have been more on updating the public areas than the accommodation, our stateroom had a calming cream and taupe colour scheme, making it a peaceful place to rest after a day’s exploring. If your budget stretches to it, consider the Club Ocean Suite – a symphony of soft cream leather and marble, with inviting upholstery, fresh flowers and exquisite views. Sanctum Spa is a relaxed, inviting space, whether you’d rather pound the treadmill in the gym or indulge in a massage in one of the cosy, seaview treatment rooms.
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THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL FLOW THROUGH THE SHIP, WITH ARTWORKS AND COSY PLACES TO WHILE AWAY AN HOUR
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Club Veranda stateroom; writer Becky Fantham and partner Jamie; the pool deck; Mosaic Cafe; Aqualina restaurant This page, clockwise from above left: Sister ship Azamara Pursuit; Vieux Port, Marseille; local hospitality
Dinner is a highlight of each day: speciality restaurants Aqualina (a must-visit upmarket Italian eatery – on the day we dined, the chef had been ashore and bagged delicious sea bass), and steak and seafood offering Prime C, are both at the top of the ship with huge windows allowing sweeping views of twinkling ports or shimmering sunsets. Main dining in Discoveries is excellent, with no reservations, superb service and varied menus. Windows Cafe offers more casual dining while remaining a classy place to eat and a lovely place to have breakfast (the smoothie bar is fabulous), while Mosaic Cafe is a delightful spot for a coffee, sweet treat or light snack. After dinner, there is entertainment for everyone, from Abba singalongs in the Cabaret Lounge to ’80s club nights and classical soloists. We found ourselves returning to the cosy Den to sip a glass of something delicious and listen to the charming piano player sing and chat with her audience. Across the ship, service is warm, friendly and unobtrusive. A real standout is the new Atlas Bar, with a cool, clubby vibe in dark wood, plush lime and ochre velvet, boasting an incredible array of delicious hand-crafted cocktails, with state-of-the-art electronic ‘windows’ showing everything from the New York skyline to a meandering river at dusk. We set ourselves the target of working through the whole cocktail menu, but kept going back to old favourites instead. From Portovenere, we set sail on a small private charter to explore Cinque Terre (literally five towns), sailing past romantic Riomaggiore, then the tiny harbour of Manarola, scene of a thousand Instagram shots of rainbow-coloured 8 CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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houses clinging to the steep shoreline. We whoosh past the tiny, ancient village of Corniglia, perched impossibly high on the cliff face, surrounded by vineyards; and Vernazza, where houses cluster around a pretty little harbour and people sit sipping wine on a terrace that seems attached to the rockface by nothing more than sheer determination. Our destination, though, is glorious Monterosso al Mare, which boasts Cinque Terre’s only sandy beach, and where more towering houses painted in all the colours of the sunset – from palest lavender and peach to burnt orange and red – loom over narrow, cobbled streets. We meander uphill, calves burning, scaling a wobbly path lined with scented lemon groves and heady jasmine to a sweet little vineyard where we’re treated to a selection of their delicious wines and a perfect lunch of burrata, tomatoes, pasta and pesto, all the time wondering how they tend these vertiginous vines without scaling the pathways on all-fours. The wine selection on board is cracking, by the way. When requesting a rosé, we’re lovingly presented with perfectly chilled glasses of Whispering Angel. In fact, all the wines served in both the speciality dining and the main dining restaurants are incredibly good. Our final port is dazzling Monte Carlo, where we dock for a sumptuous christening celebration. Of course it’s spotless and faultlessly signposted, so we walk up to the impressively beautiful Oceanographic Museum, looking for all the world like it was hewn directly from the steep coastline, on to the pristine Prince’s Palace, then stop for a spot of lunch in the dappled sunshine of Piaceta Don Pacchiero (salade Niçoise of course). 40
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PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/TAKASHI IMAGES; GETTY IMAGES/ ISTOCKPHOTO/RYHOR BRUYEU/XANTANA/PKM1/DAVID FREUND
PEOPLE SIP WINE ON A TERRACE THAT SEEMS ATTACHED TO THE ROCKFACE BY SHEER DETERMINATION ALONE
Clockwise from far left,top: Monterosso al Mare; Monte Carlo Casino; Old Town and Prince’s Palace, Monaco; the Oceanographic Museum; grape vines, Cinque Terre
As we’re there just before the Grand Prix, it seems rude not to walk some of the route, before indulging in more people – and supercar – spotting at the Monte Carlo Casino and glamorous Hôtel de Paris. Back on board, everyone’s jazzed up for White Night – Azamara’s famous deck party, with live music and delicious food cooked out on deck. Sizzling barbecues fill the air with tempting wafts and we grab a table on the top deck above the pool to dine and sip champagne as the sun sets over the superyachts in Monte Carlo harbour. If you could capture the entire cruise experience – the sights, sounds, tastes and scents of such wonderful destinations – in just one moment, it would be this. But there remains one question I still can’t answer: how on earth did they get the piano up that cliff face?
GETTING THERE A 12-night Best of the Med Voyage departing August 27, 2022, on Azamara Onward, starts at £1,198 per person (not including flights). It leaves from Ravenna, calling at Dubrovnik in Croatia; Amalfi, Sorrento, Civitavecchia (for Rome) and Livorno (for Florence) in Italy; Monte Carlo and finishes in Barcelona. Book online at azamara.co.uk or call 0344 493 4016. Read more about Mediterranean cruises for this summer at cruise-international.com CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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Join the
C LU B
Exclusive enclaves, private bars and 24-hour butler service? Qin Xie tests the added extras on MSC Cruises’ ship within a ship
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YA C H T C L U B
PICTURES: MSC CRUISES/LUC SELVAIS/IVAN SARFATTI
Opposite: High tea Below: Top Sail Lounge
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PICTURES: MSC CRUISES/IVAN SARFATTI/STEFANO SCATÀ
Above: Sea views from the Top Sail Lounge Right: MSC Virtuosa
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Clockwise Yacht Club is designed to offer all the luxuries of a smaller jovial group of lads, dressed to impress and each from top left: vessel alongside the entertainment and facilities that you with a cocktail in hand, stumbles out of the Butler service; would expect to find only on larger ships. There are just mirrored lift as I pile in with a handful of other Infinity Atrium; 95 cabins in a private section located at the front of the guests. There’s an air of buzzy exhaustion as we Yacht Club ship, between decks 14 and 18 (there’s no deck 17). collectively lean back against the glass while the elevator Restaurant Within this bubble there’s a separate lift, concierge station makes its swift and smooth ascent. and three food and beverage venues for the exclusive use “Too much booze, and too much good food,” one guest of Yacht Club guests. quips as he rubs his stomach; we all chuckle knowingly. Like first-class passengers on flights, there’s also priority It’s true. After a whirlwind cruise on glitzy MSC Virtuosa boarding, 24-hour butler service, complimentary premium – the 19-deck Meraviglia-Plus vessel with room for close to drinks, free internet access and discounts at the speciality 6,000 guests – we’re a bit overwhelmed. It’s just as well I’m restaurants and spa on board. ending the night with a quiet drink in the Top Sail Lounge. During my short sailing, the Top Sail Lounge was a An oasis of calm away from the party atmosphere of favourite for pre and post-dinner drinks. Everything from the decks below, this low-key bar and lounge has plush Nicolas Feuillatte Brut champagne to Johnnie Walker Black armchairs and banquettes from which you can enjoy table Label came in generous measures and without the extra service. There’s not much to see besides the other guests price tag of other bars on the ship. when I slip in for a negroni just after midnight, but the The Swarovski crystal-studded staircase spiralling view during the day from its front-of-ship vantage point straight up to the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant on deck 18 on deck 16 is pretty impressive. adds to the effect, so you always arrive and leave in style. Just a handful of people get that privilege though, as it’s Breakfast, lunch open only to guests and dinner were who are staying in all served à la carte the Yacht Club, T H E LOW- K E Y B A R I S A at the Yacht Club MSC Cruises’ C A L M O A S I S A W AY F R O M Restaurant, with the equivalent of first class. daily-changing menu Described as a ship T H E P A R T Y AT M O S P H E R E pitched to a fine-dining 8 within a ship, the CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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Above: Yacht Club Grill & Bar
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standard. I enjoyed dishes such as stuffed tortellini with asparagus and mascarpone cheese, and charred sea bass fillet with crab and rocket salad, all with a glass or two of something delicious from the wine list. There’s one further exclusive spot for Yacht Club guests – the sun deck on deck 19. Laid out like a beach club, there are dozens of loungers facing the ocean, flanked by a bar at the back. Drinks and light bites are always available up here, and you barely have to lift a finger to get service. Situated to one side, a small heated pool and whirlpool bath complete the picture, along with a handful of cabana-style loungers that are assigned to specific Yacht Club cabins for exclusive use. You will always find plenty within the Yacht Club to keep you occupied on a short sailing, like my jaunt to Guernsey, but for those who want a longer adventure, the ship within a ship concept is perfect because you can access the variety of dining and entertainment facilities that would be impossible to fit on a smaller vessel, but still escape back to the sanctuary of your bubble afterwards. On MSC Virtuosa, the entertainment space is split into two areas. Deck seven is home to speciality restaurants that overlook Galleria Virtuosa on deck six, a promenade flanked by bars, more restaurants and the largest shopping area at sea. To the rear of the ship, through the casino, is the Carousel Lounge, where acrobatic-style shows are put on | SUM M ER 2022
every night, while musical productions take place in the 945-seat Le Grand Théâtre to the front. A second entertainment space starts from deck 15. The open-air Atmosphere Pool takes pride of place in the middle of the ship, surrounded by bars, loungers and whirlpool baths, but there are a couple of others dotted around the ship. Dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs are on decks 16 and 18, alongside a basketball court and virtual reality games. The interactive cinema is particularly thrilling. However, the pièce de résistance is on deck 19, where an aerial obstacle course wraps around a water park. I managed just a fraction of the ship and was completely exhausted. Luckily, the memory foam mattress and Egyptian cotton sheets in the Yacht Club cabins make getting a restful night’s sleep a breeze.
GETTING THERE A seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise in a Yacht Club balcony cabin on MSC Virtuosa starts from £2,009. For more information or to book now visit msccruises.co.uk, see your local travel agent or call 0203 426 3010. To read more ship reviews, as well as tips on luxury cruising, log on to cruise-international.com CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
YA C H T C L U B
SHIP WITHIN A SHIP MSC Cruises isn’t the only line to offer a more luxurious enclave on board a bigger ship. Here are some of the other places to upgrade your experience The Haven by Norwegian NCL introduced The Haven on Norwegian Breakaway and has now rolled it out across nine ships in the fleet, with more to come on new vessels Prima and Viva. Expect a concierge and 24-hour butler; private sun deck, lounge and restaurant; in-room extras and more, with some inclusions varying by ship.
The Retreat by Celebrity Cruises As part of Celebrity’s move to create a ‘new luxury’ vibe, enjoy private restaurant Luminae with dishes created by Daniel Boulud, complimentary in-suite dining, a sun deck with hot tub and loungers (on selected ships), plus a private lounge, premium drinks, pre-paid tips and onboard credit.
Grill Suites by Cunard Above: MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite Left: MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite
Elevate Cunard’s classy cruises even further with its most luxurious cabins, which are not clustered together in a private enclave but rather occupy the most sought-after spots on the ship. Book a Princess Grill or Queens Grill suite to enjoy lavish accommodation, a more intimate lounge and restaurant with openseated dining, bubbly on arrival, Penhaligon’s toiletries and a host of other in-suite extras.
PICTURES: MSC CRUISES/IVAN SARFATTI
Royal Suite Class by Royal Caribbean There are three levels of upgrade in the Royal Suite Class – Sea, Sky and Star – which offer more spacious accommodation, priority boarding and upgraded amenities, plus, in higher tiers, concierge service, tips, speciality dining and a ‘Royal Genie’ butler. Latest ship Wonder of the Seas has even added a dedicated Suite Neighbourhood (see page 24).
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SUMMER HOT LIST
HERE COMES
the sun
PICTURE: NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE/JIM HUGHES
Dust off your passport, sort out your suitcase and treat yourself to a new swimsuit – summer holidays are back on and it’s not too late to grab a last-minute break
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SUMMER HOT LIST
It could be the array of flight-free options, the easy pace of life along the rivers, or simply the allure of all that fine French cuisine and Provencal rosé, but France is sailing ahead of other destinations this summer. Bordeaux, Burgundy and Provence are the breakout stars, with one cruise company after another – Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, AmaWaterways and Amadeus to name but a few – seeing huge spikes in bookings for scenic summer journeys. But even though it’s in high demand, there are still great-value holidays to be found, according to James Cole, founder and managing director of Panache Cruises. He says: “There are some absolutely amazing deals available for summer – mainly due to American and Australian travellers being slow to restart cruising in Europe, as well as the pandemic – so a lot of cruise lines have leaned on the UK market to provide additional passengers on some voyages.” One of Panache Cruises’ fastest-selling cruises this summer is a seven-night Burgundy & Provence holiday on Avalon Poetry II, from just £999 per person cruise-only (reduced from £3,035) in an Avalon Deluxe stateroom, including shore excursions, select drinks and tips. Flights and transfers can be added (panachecruises.com). 50
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PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK/PROSLGN
The Greek isles have always been a perennial favourite for British holidaymakers, both on land and on water, but why choose just one resort when you could wake up to a new view of the Aegean Sea glinting in the sun every single day? “We’re witnessing an upswing in demand for cruises to the Greek islands this summer,” says Bolsover Cruise Club’s Emma Furze. “Customers are keen to return to some of their favourite destinations and explore those that are easily accessible as fly-cruises from the UK.” Whether you want to swoon over sunsets in Santorini, walk the whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped streets of Mykonos or seek out smaller spots like Milos – a favourite for Greek specialist Celestyal Cruises – where Kleftiko Beach was voted one of the best in Europe by TripAdvisor, Greece has got you covered. Norwegian Cruise Line’s nine-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia from Venice starts at £1,578 for an Oceanview cabin departing July 15 (not including flights). Fly-cruise discounts are available along with a Free at Sea upgrade that covers open bar, excursion credit, speciality dining and Wi-Fi (ncl.com).
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Saint Benezet Bridge across the Rhone, Avignon, France
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PICTURE: CELEBRITY CRUISES/DANNY LEHMAN
This page: Geirangerfjord, Norway Opposite: On board Celebrity Apex
SUMMER HOT LIST
Norwegian Fjords There is no bad time to be in the Norwegian fjords, but go in the height of summer – when the sun lights the steep-sided inlets in a lush carpet of green and the water seems to sparkle in varying shades of cyan – and you can experience the coast at its dazzling best. And you won’t only get great views from the ship. Stop at Molde where the hike up to the Varden Viewpoint reveals a panorama of snow-topped mountains, take the famous Flam Railway – the world’s steepest train journey – to see verdant hillsides and sweeping valleys unfold, or book a trip from Stavanger to the precariously placed Pulpit Rock for a god-like perspective on the Lysefjord below. Celebrity Cruises has six ships based in Europe this summer including Celebrity Apex, which launched last year. It sails out of Amsterdam on a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on August 13, with prices from £1,967 per person for an Ocean View stateroom including Wi-Fi, drinks and tips (celebritycruises.com).
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The Baltic
PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/STEPHEN BARNES; SHUTTERSTOCK/MARK OLEKSIY
“An ideal summer destination, the Baltic has always been hugely popular for cruising,” says Alex Loizou, sales and marketing director at luxury travel agency Mundy Cruising. “With a convenient flight from the UK, you can visit captivating northern capitals such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, Tallinn and Helsinki, each of which has a different atmosphere and appeal. You can choose between cultural treasures in museums and galleries or venturing out into the countryside. This summer, the removal of St Petersburg from itineraries means there’s availability and bargains to be had.” Among those are Silversea’s northern Europe cruises on Silver Moon, which launched last summer. It marked the debut of the Sea and Land Taste (Salt) programme, which brings to life the flavours of the region through a dedicated onboard restaurant and bar showcasing traditional dishes and drinks, onboard cooking classes and specially designed shore excursions where you can immerse yourself in local life. Try a cycling tour of Tallinn, including hipster district Telliskivi, a food-focused visit to the ‘Garden of Sweden’ in Blekinge or a half-day kayaking trip from Helsinki to get up close to the islands of the Finnish archipelago and the birdlife and other species that can be seen here. Mundy Cruising offers a seven-night all-inclusive sailing on ultra-luxury ship Silver Moon departing on August 8, 15 or 22, from £2,700 per person including business-class flights from the UK, private transfers, butler service and all food and beverages (mundycruising.co.uk).
Top: Traditional open sandwiches at a food market in Copenhagen Bottom: The Old Town, Stockholm 54
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The Blue Lagoon hot pool, Iceland
The land of fire and ice has long been a hit for its lively volcanoes, spewing geysers and other-worldly landscapes, not to mention its fabulous folklore and compact, likeable capital. Yet the best cruises are those that go well beyond Reykjavik to take in the tiny fishing villages in the north or spend time exploring the less-visited landmarks around this island nation. Graham Sadler, senior vice-president and managing director EMEA for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, says: “For those who have waited such a long time before finally taking a holiday, their next trip has to be something extra special. Iceland is an extraordinary destination with majestic scenery, incredible culture and wonderful wildlife, offering guests enough opportunities for memory building to make up for the past two years.” Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a 17-night Magic in Iceland sailing departing on June 21 on Seven Seas Splendor, starting from £10,679 per person based on two sharing a Veranda Suite, including flights, transfers, unlimited shore excursions, all dining, fine wines and spirits, pre-paid tips, speciality restaurants and Wi-Fi. Splendor will also have more cruises that visit Iceland in August 2022 and summer 2023 (rssc.com). 56
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PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/DIETER MEYRL
SUMMER HOT LIST
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SUMMER HOT LIST Viking Longship Odin on the Danube, Budapest
The Danube
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PICTURE: VIKING
The Danube delights at any time of year, linking many of Europe’s great capitals – Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade – with some of the finest sights you can see by river. Chief among those is the Unesco-listed Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems, where vineyards ripple along the riverbanks interrupted only by the occasional spire of a centuries-old village church. Even if you’ve sailed it before, such scenery never fails to show something new, and there’s an extra reason to visit this summer that has prompted a “surge in interest” according to Viking UK managing director Wendy Atkin-Smith. She says: “Until early October this year, guests will have the chance to journey to the charming hamlet of Oberammergau to witness a performance of the passion play. This depiction of the trial, suffering and death of Christ is performed once every 10 years, keeping the terms of a promise the townspeople made to God after they were spared from the plague in 1633. Today, many of the residents still take part in this dramatic performance, featuring beautiful music and choral accompaniment. It is a special event to experience.” Viking’s Oberammergau, The Passion Play cruise along the Danube starts from £4,695 for an 11-day journey in a Standard stateroom with departures from June to September, including flights from the UK, nine guided tours, all meals on board with wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and tips (vikingrivercruises.co.uk).
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SUMMER HOT LIST This page: Cable car journey, Mount Teide, Tenerife Opposite: Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Canary Islands
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PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/BETELGEJZE/ALBERTO POMARES
It’s easy to pigeon-hole the Canaries as a winter sun spot given that their location just off the west coast of Africa – boasting deserts and dunes more akin to the sands of the Sahara than the landscapes of mainland Spain – guarantees glorious weather year-round. Yet they are just as enticing come summer, too, and a cruise means you don’t have to spend hours deciding between Gran Canaria or Tenerife, when you can see both in one trip. Better yet, many sailings depart from the UK and include a stop at Funchal in Madeira along the way, so you can compare life in the Canaries to other Atlantic islands without ever having to get on a plane. The Canaries are not just about beaches, either – in Gran Canaria, skip Playa del Ingles to sample local cheeses at Mercado del Puerto in Las Palmas, or hike the trails around the impressive Caldera de Bandama followed by lunch in the pretty town of Teror (much more charming than its name might sound). And in Tenerife, you mustn’t miss the cable car journey up to Mount Teide, the third-highest volcanic structure in the world, offering up unbeatable views across the island. ROL Cruise has a 10-night all-inclusive No-Fly Canary Islands Discovery cruise on Enchanted Princess – one of four Princess ships based in Southampton this summer – departing from the UK port on August 16 and visiting Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira and Vigo in Spain. Balcony cabins from £1,449 per person, including premium drinks, tips and Wi-Fi (rolcruise.co.uk). CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
Spain Cruising from Southampton along the west coast of France to northern Spain and back again is a classic short-haul sailing, offering a hassle-free week in the sun and a great taster for anyone who’s never tried cruise before. Specialist agency Iglu Cruise says last-minute bookings on the likes of MSC Cruises’ ex-Southampton sailings have been among its bestsellers for the summer, with reduced prices, free balcony upgrades and included drinks on select sailings adding up to even better value. In Bilbao, visit the Guggenheim Museum, a marvel of curving steel. And if art is your thing, head to the Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases everything from medieval to modern paintings, sculptures, engravings and more, or check out the grand gold altarpiece at the Basilica de Begona. Farther west, La Coruña has the world’s oldest working lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules. Climb to the top, then stroll back along the waterfront to see the ‘galerías’ – glass-fronted balconies sheltered from the wind so they can be used year-round. Cruises also visit La Rochelle and Le Havre, the gateway to Paris. Iglu Cruise offers a seven-night no-fly France & Spain cruise on MSC Virtuosa from £629 per person for a balcony cabin with meals, premium drinks, free cabin upgrade and tips, departing June 25. There are also 14-night sailings in July that include Portugal, from £1,127 per person (iglucruise.com).
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COMPETITION
Win
A SEVEN-NIGHT CRUISE TO
A
mbassador Cruise Line is offering a seven-night British Broadcasting Legends themed cruise to the Norwegian fjords, departing from Tilbury this autumn, to one lucky Cruise International reader. The new cruise line – the first British line to be launched since 2010 – offers premium-value cruising for the British market with hassle-free no-fly departures from London Tilbury, making sustainability one of its key USPs. The winner will be able to enjoy fascinating lectures and Q&As with household names from the small screen, including John Sergeant, Floella Benjamin and Jan Leeming, on a cruise departing October 16, 2022, so enter now for your chance to win.
AMBIENCE SETS SAIL
Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience, set sail from the Essex port in April and is spending its maiden season in northern Europe. While the line is primarily aimed at the 50-plus market, Ambience will also offer a number of multigenerational cruises over the summer holidays 62
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that are perfect for families of all shapes and sizes to get together and enjoy a relaxing escape at sea. And from next spring, Ambassador will add sailings from another six regional ports around the country – Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth – ensuring everyone has access to effortless ex-UK voyages visiting a range of popular destinations.
RELAXED ENVIRONMENT
Ambassador’s small to mid-sized classic cruise ships offer a higher space-to-guest ratio than most similarly sized vessels, making cruising more relaxed and providing reassurance about the onboard experience. That means you are free to enjoy the amazing entertainment, exceptional cuisine, and get to know your fellow passengers and friendly crew. Ambassador’s sustainability-first approach ensures everyone can enjoy the world’s natural treasures. Ambience is in the top 10%-15% of environmentally sustainable ships, safeguarding access to pristine natural ecosystems CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/CHRISTOPHER MOSWITZER; GEOFF PUGH
AMBASSADOR CRUISE LINE IS GIVING AWAY A SAILING ON
THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS ITS BRITISH BROADCASTING LEGENDS THEMED CRUISE such as the Unesco-protected Norwegian fjords. Ambassador’s ships exceed the latest environmental standards, with renovations that have reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 95% and sulphur oxide by 80%. They have installed a new advanced wastewater treatment system, ballast water treatment system, new biodigesters and removed all single-use plastic on board, all to ensure they protect the seas they sail on and the marine life around them. That peace of mind also extends to financial protection: you’ll get a refund guarantee should any cruise be cancelled, and customer funds are kept in an independently managed trust account, released only when the ship departs.
HOW TO ENTER For your chance to enjoy a seven-night Autumn Fjordland sailing with Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience, departing October 16, 2022, simply answer the question below before the competition closes at 11.59pm on July 15, 2022. From which port did Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship, Ambience, set sail on its maiden voyage? A Southampton
B Portsmouth
C London Tilbury
To enter, go to cruise-international.com/win-with-ambassador-cruise-line
Terms & Conditions: The prize is offered by Ambassador Cruise Line and comprises a seven-night Autumn Fjordland cruise from London Tilbury departing on October 16, 2022. The competition is open to adults of 18 years or more; UK residents only. One entry per person. The prize includes accommodation in a Category 9 superior twin outside cabin, with onboard main meals (excluding speciality restaurants in which a cover charge will apply), entertainment and most facilities on board. The prize does not include travel insurance (adequate insurance is a condition of travel), travel to or from the ship, parking, drinks, shore excursions (Destination Experiences), spa treatments, personal expenses, gratuities or pre-paid gratuities. All entries must be received by the closing date of 11.59pm on July 15, 2022. Full terms and conditions can be found at cruise-international.com/win-with-ambassador-cruise-line CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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5 OF THE BEST
SUMMER EXPEDITIONS Expedition cruises often conjure up images of Antarctica in the depths of our winter season, but there are plenty of adventures to enjoy come summer, writes Sara ace eld
1 Clockwise from bottom left (this page): Swan Hellenic expedition team; suite on Minerva; Zodiac trip; Scenic Eclipse
ICELAND AND EASTERN GREENLAND SWAN HELLENIC
This venerable British brand relaunched in July 2020 as an expedition cruise line with plans for three new purpose-built ships. The first, Minerva, debuted last December and is followed by Vega in July on an Arctic summer season of voyages, marked by a sale with up to 70% off brochure fares for bookings before June 20. A 13-day round-trip voyage from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik goes to the country’s rarely visited Westfjords region, before sailing to Greenland’s remote east coast. Prices start at £4,559 per person (reduced from £10,669) for an August 18 departure and include pre-cruise overnight hotel stay, all meals on board, beverages and selected alcoholic drinks, gratuities and a shore excursion or expedition activity in each port. Flights extra (swanhellenic.com).
2
ARCTIC IN DEPTH SCENIC
With dual onboard helicopters and a nine-person submarine, Scenic’s expeditionary ship Scenic Eclipse promises the very best in ultra-luxury exploration. Its 200 guests enjoy suites with butler service, 10 dining experiences and a spa. This sailing through the Svalbard archipelago starts with an overnight stay in Oslo before passengers join Scenic Eclipse in Longyearbyen for a 10-night voyage showcasing the Arctic’s icy beauty, as well as having the chance to spot polar bears and marine life including walruses, seals and whales. The 12-night package, which includes overnight stays in Oslo pre and post-voyage, departs on July 12, 2022, and July 1, 2023. Prices start from £8,922 per person, including flights, gratuities, drinks and selected shore excursions (scenic.co.uk). CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
SUMMER EXPEDITIONS
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QUITO & GALAPAGOS CELEBRITY CRUISES
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ALASKA UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
PICTURES: MARTIN BIANCO; CELEBRITY CRUISES/DANIEL ROMAGOSA; UNCRUISE; SHUTTERSTOCK/DON MAMMOSER/JOHN BILL
The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list thrill thanks to wildlife that famously has no fear of humans. Visitors can swim with sea lions and penguins, walk among prehistoric-looking iguanas and watch as tiny birds hop around their feet. The trip starts with a two-night stay in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, and a tour through the Old Town’s cobbled streets, before flying to the Galapagos island of Baltra to join Celebrity Xpedition, which holds just 48 passengers. The 10-night trip, which includes overnight stays in Quito pre and post-voyage and a seven-night round-trip Southern Loop sailing from Baltra, departs on June 15, 2023. It costs from £5,528 per person, including Wi-Fi, drinks and gratuities. Flights extra (celebritycruises.com).
American company UnCruise Adventures specialises in small ship exploration and this sailing on 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy promises a week of kayaking, hiking and biking trips, along with skiff tours to spot bears and moose or spy orcas and humpback whales. Guests explore lesser-known areas of Glacier Bay National Park and Chichagof Island, which reputedly has the highest number of bears per square mile on the planet. One-week round-trip voyages from Juneau depart every week next summer, with prices from approximately £5,000. Flights are extra, though drinks, activities and shore visits are included (uncruise.com).
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MEKONG RIVER VIKING
Capture the spirit of Indochina on this sailing with Viking Cruises that combines the colourful floating markets, rustic monasteries and fishing villages of Vietnam and Cambodia. The trip starts with two nights in the Vietnamese city of Hanoi and a three-night stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia – gateway to the ruined ancient city of Angkor. A one-week sailing on 80-passenger Viking Saigon departs Kampong Cham in Cambodia for the bustling Vietnamese metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, where guests disembark to spend the final two nights. The 14-night package departs on August 14, 2023, with prices from £4,895 per person, including flights, drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi (vikingrivercruises.co.uk). CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
Clockwise from top left (this page): Celebrity Xpedition; hiking in Alaska; sea lion in the Galapagos; Angkor Wat; Yen Stream near Hanoi, Vietnam; Dawes Glacier, Alaska
D U T C H W AT E R W AY S
Rainbow RIVER
Enjoy the Dutch waterways at their blooming best on a cruise to see Holland’s tulips and traditional windmills, writes Gillian Thornton
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The magnificent flower displays at Keukenhof
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PICTURES: KEUKENHOF/LAURENS LINDHOUT; SHUTTERSTOCK/JACOBS/BORIS STROUJKO; ALAMY STOCK PHOTO/JAN SCHNECKENHAUS
D U T C H W AT E R W AY S
Clockwise, from opposite page: Inntel Hotels, Zaandam; demonstration of clog making; Hoofdtoren tower, Hoorn; learning about flowers; Marken lighthouse, Markermeer
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tepping through the entrance of Holland’s legendary Keukenhof park, I have the strange sensation of walking inside a rainbow. Bands of multi-coloured tulips snake off into the trees; vivid crocuses fringe a blue ‘river’ of tiny grape hyacinths; and swathes of daffodils bob brightly in the breeze. Everywhere I look, manicured beds and packed planters offer startling new colour combinations and dramatic design ideas, while distant glass pavilions promise yet more delights. I’m no expert gardener, but you don’t need to be greenfingered to appreciate the colour that splashes the flat countryside of the Netherlands as the days lengthen, and a trip to Keukenhof – ‘the most beautiful spring garden in the world’ – is a bucket-list trip for many a garden lover. Embark on a river cruise and you’ll be able to combine horticultural highlights such as Keukenhof with some of Holland’s best heritage sites. I joined River Discovery II on a five-night Tulips & Windmills tour, the ship’s inaugural cruise for Titan Travel. Built in 2012 and refurbished in 2018, River Discovery II joined the Titan fleet in April this year for a six-week stint in northern Europe, before repositioning to the Danube for the rest of the 2022 season. We leave from the outskirts of Amsterdam, not by canal but through open water. Our route takes us up the west side of the Markermeer to Hoorn and Enkhuizen, where a causeway separates this freshwater ‘inland sea’ from the Ijseelmeer to the north. Then it’s over to Lelystad and down the eastern shore for Zaandam and Amsterdam. We make new friends on the way to Hoorn over a 8
EVE RY WHE RE I LOOK T H E R E A R E S TA R T L I N G C O L O U R C O M B I N AT I O N S A N D D R A M AT I C D E S I G N 8 S CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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Above: Writer Gillian gets into the spirit of things Centre (top): Owners Suite (bottom): The ship’s bar
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size, the smallest ones singled out for replanting and the best dinner of international cuisine that is attractively presented ones packaged for sale across the world. and served with a smile by the ship’s fledgling team. And Pandemic restrictions in 2020 and 2021 kept Keukenhof after a nightcap in the lounge to a medley of songs from closed to all but virtual visitors, so I’m excited to be one of resident singer and dance coach Aleks, I’m ready for bed. the first to set foot in the 32-hectare park in three years. River Discovery II has accommodation for 176 passengers The garden opens for just eight weeks between mid-March in 92 cabins and suites, including eight single cabins, and I and mid-May, so it’s never too early to book for next year, relax in a spacious Deluxe Suite on the Navigator Deck with especially as the limited season means bulb fields cruises two full-length windows, a sitting area and bath. often sell out many months in advance. Lulled to sleep by the sound of water gently slapping the Forty full-time gardeners side of my floating home, plant some seven million I wake up bright and early, each year in a threeready to discover historic A F T E R A T A L K O N T H E bulbs layer ‘lasagne’ system that Hoorn. Unfortunately the ensures continuous colour. weather is anything but T U L I P I N D U S T R Y, W E And each year, they create bright, so after a a new design using 1,600 fascinating talk on the HEAD TO THE PRETTY varieties of bulbs, of which tulip industry, we zip up COBBLED STREETS 800 are tulips, all provided our raincoats and head by local growers. Expect valiantly out into the huge glasshouses too with pretty cobbled streets. tulips of every size, shape and colour, but also amaryllis, Take a break anywhere in northern Europe and the orchids and creative floral displays to rival any flower show. weather is always a gamble, but a cruise trip means you Visitors can also glide past the bulb fields in an electric not only have a snug base but also someone to sort out boat with commentary or take an independent tour by bike. weather-proof options should the need arise. The wind stops Just one tip though: if, like me, you suffer from hayfever, us reaching our overnight mooring at Enkhuizen in time to explore, but everyone is happy to relax on board and by next you may want to take antihistamines before you travel. Back on board, we eat dinner while cruising across the morning we are ready to set off for the hour’s drive to the Markermeer to our overnight mooring at Lelystad, and enjoy Keukenhof park at Lisse. On the way, we spot our first windmills and rainbow-hued a rousing performance of sea shanties by the Shantymen of Hoorn. We set sail again before sunrise, passing our final fields ablaze with neat rows of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. mooring in Amsterdam and up the canal to Zaandam, the Grown not for their vibrant blooms but for the bulb market, starting point for a morning excursion to Zaanse Schans. 8 the flowers are cut and composted and the bulbs sorted by | SUM M ER 2022
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PICTURES: RACHEL THORNHILL; GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ MARC VENEMA; SHUTTERSTOCK/PAOLO GALLO
D U T C H W AT E R W AY S
Clockwise, from main image: Town Hall windows, Zaandam; the ship’s restaurant; River Discovery II; windmills in Zaanse Schans
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D U T C H W AT E R W AY S
NEARBY CITY HALL SEEMS MORE LIKE A LEGO SET THAN B R I C K S A N D M O R TA R This open-air heritage village is traditional Holland in a nutshell, with wooden buildings in the area’s signature green, a line of waterside windmills, and a clutch of gift shops and workshops demonstrating various crafts from clog making to cheese production. The rain holds off again and the windmills work overtime in the stiff breeze. After lunch on board, I set out to explore historic Zaandam. Peter the Great came here incognito in 1697 to learn the shipwright’s trade, although it wasn’t long before his Russian accent was rumbled. The young Tsar returned several times over the next 20 years, and you can visit the small wooden house where he stayed with a local craftsman, now protected by a roof and brick walls. My imagination is further caught by another young man, French artist Claude Monet, who stayed in Zaandam for four months in 1871 with his wife and child to paint windmills and wooden boats. Blue House at Zaandam is still recognisable today and replicas of his 25 paintings are displayed at the waterside Monet Atelier. Zaandam also has a neat little shopping centre, bisected by water and home to the extraordinary Inntel Hotel that resembles a stack of traditional green houses with Monet’s blue one thrown in for good measure. Nearby City Hall also seems more like a child’s Lego set than bricks and mortar. Next morning I wake up with a sense of déjà vu. Instead of Amsterdam outside the window, I find we are still in Zaandam due to crosswinds on the canal. Yet nobody misses the chance to visit the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank’s House, take in the Van Gogh Museum or the Maritime Museum, as our tour manager arranges coaches while some of us choose to fly solo and make the 12-minute journey by train. And so I spend my final day strolling beside the canals, browsing the boutiques and picking up a few floral souvenirs at the Flower Market. Everlasting painted wooden tulips and a few tulip bulbs to plant at home for my very own Keukenhof corner. Green fingered? Not really. Inspired? Most definitely!
From top: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; statue of Anne Frank; bridge over the canal, Amsterdam
Titan Travel’s Tulips & Windmills river cruise includes five nights on River Discovery II, 20 meals and three excursions, plus VIP door-to-door chauffeur service; unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and mineral water during lunch and dinner; and return flights from Heathrow (regional flights and no-fly ferry option from Dover also available). Prices start from £1,299 per person based on departures on April 3, 2023. River Discovery II will also be sailing the Danube this summer, with prices for a seven-night Melodies of the Danube tour from £1,599 departing on July 13, 2022. Find out more at titantravel.co.uk For more on Keukenhof Gardens and horticultural show Floriade Expo 2022, go to cruise-international.com 72
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PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/JANE RIX; GETTY IMAGES/ ISTOCKPHOTO/ANDREYKRAV/TUNART
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MONTEGO BAY
City guide
S
oft sandy beaches, endless sunshine, spicy plates of jerk, plus rum, reggae and friendly
Jamaica’s second city is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, bringing together the perfect blend of city buzz and bea h hills finds Kaye Holland
locals – there’s a lot to love about the city affectionately known as Mo Bay.
Add to this world-class championship golf courses,
well-preserved plantation houses that tell the story of Jamaica’s troubled history of colonisation and slavery, and mesmerising waterfalls, and you have a Jamaican port city that rewards a pre or post-cruise stay. With the Caribbean island set to take centre stage this summer as it marks 60 years of independence on August 6 – with a host of fetes and festivals for its annual carnival to mark this milestone – here’s your expert guide to Montego Bay. Get ready to soak up the good vibes…
What to see
While it’s tempting to spend your time slumbering
If it’s the three Ss – sun, sand and sea – that you’re
in the sun, rum punch in hand with reggae music
after, Mo Bay won’t disappoint. Stake your spot at
permeating the air, there’s more to Mo Bay than
Doctor’s Cave, aka Montego Bay’s most famous beach.
beaches and Bob Marley.
Founded as a bathing club in 1906, Doctor’s Cave
When you’re ‘done’ at Doctor’s Cave, wander along
owes its name to English osteopath Sir Herbert Barker,
adjacent Gloucester Avenue snapping up souvenirs.
who wrote an article espousing the virtues of the
Must-buys include Blue Mountain coffee, woodwork,
water’s healing properties. Following the publication
Wray & Nephew white rum, and Jamaican soaps.
of Barker’s piece, people flocked to Doctor’s Cave
Bottom row, from left: Rose Hall; rum shack, Ocho Rios; White Witch Golf Club; S Hotel
From there, make for National Museum West
in their droves to experience the supposedly
which, as the name suggests, tells the history of western
therapeutic mineral effects.
Jamaica. There’s a separate room dedicated to the rise of the Rastafarian movement, which began in Jamaica during the 1930s following a prophecy made by black political leader Marcus Garvey. However, for a proper introduction into the island’s famous religion, head to the Rastafari Indigenous Village. Here you can connect with Rastas and learn more about their culture and way of life.
Where to eat Jamaican cuisine is a feast for the senses, and no visit to the Caribbean’s liveliest island is complete without
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CITY GUIDE
Top row, from left: Bamboo rafting; the colours of Jamaica; ackee and saltfish; Caribbean sunset; Bob Marley music on view at the S Hotel
sampling some jerk cooking, bammy – a type of flatbread – and ackee and saltfish, the national dish that’s made with salted codfish and ackee fruit. You can tuck into these dishes at street-side shacks and fine-dining restaurants alike but, for a fun night out, try Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records. The legendary sprinter has added another string to his bow and opened a chain of eateries, including a branch in Mo Bay. Just steps away from Tracks & Records lies the S Hotel, a sleek addition to the city’s sleep scene with its minimalist colour scheme and Insta-worthy Sky Deck, home to the island’s hottest rooftop pool lounge. Rooms from £237 per night.
the jumping-off point for Jamaica’s number one
Go further
tourist attraction, Dunn’s
East of Mo Bay lies Rose Hall, the most famous
River Falls, a dramatic series
plantation house in Jamaica, whose origins go back
of cascades and rock pools
to the mid-18th century. And to add some spice to
that empty into the sea.
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK/JAM TRAVELS/CO LEONG/ AMYM411/PAUL BRIGHTON/WIRESTOCK CREATORS; GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/VALE T
its history, there is a ghostly tale of the so-called ‘white witch’ Annie Palmer, to whom the mansion
Getting there
owes its fame. Local folk legend has it that Annie
Virgin Atlantic flies direct
murdered three husbands here and her ghost is
to Montego Bay from
rumoured to haunt this huge house. Theatrical
Manchester and Heathrow four times a week with a
45-minute tours run both day and night.
flight time of around 10 hours. British Airways offers
Staying in the neighbourhood of Rose Hall,
flights from Gatwick in spring and winter. Tui serves
golfers who don’t scare easily won’t want to miss a
Jamaica’s second city from a number of regional UK
chance to enjoy a round at the 18-hole White Witch
airports including Birmingham and Bristol, and has
Golf Club. Designed by Robert von Hagge and
used Montego Bay as a home port for ships including
Rick Baril, its fairways offer players arresting vistas
Marella Explorer 2 and, from January 2023,
of the Caribbean Sea.
Marella Discovery 2. Other cruise lines that offer
Further east, you’ll find Luminous Lagoon, whose
guided excursions in and around Montego Bay include
waters glisten when disturbed – a magical effect that’s
Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard,
down to the presence of bioluminescent plankton.
MSC Cruises, Viking and Holland America Line.
There are 45-minute boat tours allowing passengers to swim in this mystical place, which depart from the Glistening Waters Marina every night.
For more city guides and destination inspiration, log on to cruise-international.com
If you want to go further still, the attractive port town of Ocho Rios is an hour’s drive east – and
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CRUISING FROM VANCOUVER? Take the opportunity to add on VIA’s famous ‘Canadian’ train and explore more of Canada. Perhaps take the one night trip to Jasper and explore the majestic Rocky Mountains or why not sit back and relax for the full four night journey to Toronto (you can always break the journey for a few nights en-route).
CRUISING FROM MONTREAL OR QUEBEC CITY? Those departing from either port have the option of using VIA Rail’s daily, affordable and efficient services to visit some of the other cities on the east coast. How about visiting the capital of Ottawa or the cosmopolitan city of Toronto or why not both?
For more information or to book simply visit www.viarail.ca or contact your preferred operator or agent.
RAIL & SAIL
Track STARS Tag a train journey on to your next cruise for the ultimate rail-and-sail adventure, writes Teresa Machan
C
PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK/VIACHESLAV LOPATIN
ruising and rail journeys make great bedfellows. Ribbons of track and river snake off the beaten path and into the heart of a destination, while trains and ships pull into grand stations and historical sea ports with a sense of ‘arrival’ that is unmatched by car or plane. Combine the two,
and you can map out an extraordinary trip. It’s easy to pair like with like in terms of food, service, land touring and accommodation, as the following rail-and-sail combinations illustrate. Whether you decide to go it alone or book the pair as a package, the hardest part will be choosing your route. 8
RAIL & SAIL
VENICE AND THE SWISS ALPS RAIL: Admiring Europe’s shimmering lakes, perched castles and chocolate-box villages is one thing; doing it from the refined cocoon of the Danube Express is quite another. The handsome train belongs to the renowned Golden Eagle fleet and this rail route from Zurich to Trieste via Innsbruck and Slovenia doesn’t disappoint. WOW FACTOR: The Obernberg Valley on the AustrianItalian border of the Brenner Pass is one of the Austrian Tirol’s most pristine wilderness areas. SAIL: Making light work of a vast swathe of central Europe, this alpine rail-and-sail combo from Uniworld includes a relaxing sail from Venice on the luxurious La Venezia, visiting Chioggia, Polesella (for Bologna or Ferrara) and the lagoon island of Burano (for Torcello, Mazzorbo and Burano). BOOK IT: This 12-day Cruise & Rail: Venice & the Swiss Alps trip costs from £9,999 including flights, transfers and excursions, including a private concert in Slovenia’s subterranean caves at Postojna (uniworld.com).
Left and below left: Uniworld’s luxurious La Venezia offers guests a relaxing atmosphere on their journey through Italy Below: Staff from the renowned Golden Eagle fleet
SOUTHERN CROSS RAIL: Rivers, plains and New Zealand’s soaring Southern Alps are some of the striking natural features along the TranzAlpine’s coast-to-coast run from Christchurch to Greymouth. The best come at the end of the Craigieburn Straight, where plains roll towards Mount Binser and the edges of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Midway between there and journey’s end at Greymouth is tranquil, troutpacked Lake Brunner and the Arnold River valley. WOW FACTOR: During the ascent to the high plains of Craigieburn, the train encounters 15 short tunnels and four viaducts, including the 72-metre-high Staircase Viaduct. The stream below empties into the ice-fed Waimakariri River. SAIL: Now that Australia and New Zealand are open to visitors, why not combine both? Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises both offer one-way sailings between Sydney and Auckland. Silversea’s Auckland to Sydney cruise via Tasmania (Hobart) and Melbourne takes in several ports including Auckland, Picton and Milford Sound, without duplicating any of the TranzAlpine stops. BOOK IT: An 11-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney on Silver Whisper costs from £7,400 departing on January 8, 2023. A one-way trip on the TranzAlpine in January 2023 costs around £112 and takes just under five hours (silversea.com; railnewzealand.com).
PICTURES: UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES/RAINER WITZGALL; STEVE GROGAN; JONATHAN ATKIN
OH, CANADA RAIL: VIA Rail is best known for The Canadian – a silvery train of restored 1950s Streamliner coaches that snakes its way across five provinces from Toronto to Vancouver – but that’s not the end of its extensive rail network. This year will see the launch of the first in a 32-strong fleet on the Quebec City-Montreal-Toronto-Niagara Falls route. Whether you take the Quebec route, The Great Western Way from Toronto to Vancouver or the coast-hugging Maritime Way from Montreal to Halifax, there’s plenty to feast your eyes on. WOW FACTOR: Cruising up the St Lawrence towards the only fortified city in North America is a proper ‘pinch me’ moment. The turreted hilltop, copper-roofed Chateau Frontenac announces your arrival in Quebec City. SAIL: P&O Cruises, Viking, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard are among those lines featuring the Unesco World Heritage-listed city. Most itineraries combine it with a cruise up America’s eastern seaboard in September, to coincide with Fall colours. BOOK IT: A seven-night New England and Canada cruise from New York to Quebec on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 costs from £1,549 departing in September. Great Rail Journeys’ nine-day Maple Explorer tour visits Niagara Falls before heading north to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. From £2,695 including city tours, eight nights’ hotel accommodation, flights, meals and all rail travel on VIA Rail Canada trains (cunard.com; greatrail.com). 8 Top right: TranzAlpine’s coast-to-coast run from Christchurch to Greymouth is a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery Right: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 sailing into New York CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
RAIL & SAIL
EXPRESS TICKET RAIL: A seat on the graceful Venice Simplon-OrientExpress is a bucket-list staple. On this overnight from Paris the romance of the legendary train is matched only by its final destination, Venice. Settle into one of the plush restaurant cars, tuck into a lavish dinner and watch the French vineyards and countryside roll by. WOW FACTOR: Coffee, smoked salmon, eggs, truffles… perhaps some caviar, too? Chef John Imbert’s decadent feasts – and there are four of them on this trip – may require loose-fitting trousers. SAIL: This new Italian itinerary from Fred Holidays combines the rail journey from London to Venice with a seven-night Amalfi and Sicily cruise on the four-masted tall ship, Star Clipper. There are also city stays in Venice and Rome, and four nights in a Tuscan villa hotel with a cookery class and some relaxing pool time. BOOK IT: The 15-night trip costs from £7,969 including travel from London to Folkestone on board the British Pullman; an overnight journey on the Venice SimplonOrient-Express (with meals); two hotel nights in Venice and Rome; rail travel from Venice to Florence, excursions to Florence, Pisa and Lucca, rail travel from Florence to Rome and the seven-night cruise (fredholidays.co.uk).
RAIL: For full immersion in Canada’s epic mountain landscapes, nothing beats sliding through the Rocky Mountains in a glass-domed train carriage. Bookended by luxury hotel stays and including an overnight in Kamloops, the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Banff to Vancouver takes in alpine forest, miles of lakeside track and big skies punctured by craggy peaks. WOW FACTOR: While views and food are superlative, it’s the insight and stories that bring this journey to life, so make the most of the always-entertaining commentary from your onboard hosts – who will also keep your wine glass topped up along the way. SAIL: Vancouver is a springboard for summer cruises to Alaska’s Inside Passage, but from the western Canadian city you can also cruise to Hawaii, Seattle and America’s West Coast beach cities and wine country. BOOK IT: Railbookers has a 10-day Canadian Rockies holiday including an overnight on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf class, nine nights’ hotel accommodation and five tours, from £2,549. Tag on Princess Cruises’ six-day Pacific Wine Country itinerary from Vancouver, which takes in the vineyards of Napa Valley and calls at San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, from £499 departing in September 2022 (princess.com; railbookers.co.uk). 8
Above left: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express restaurant Left: Banff to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
PICTURE: HELEN CATHCART
ROCKIES BY RAIL
Cologne
CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF THE RHINE 5 DAY RIVER CRUISE FROM £895pp
Experience the spirit of Christmas on the Rhine, discovering fairytale Germany at the most magical time of the year. Renowned Christmas markets, the natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge and a host of festive treats await.
London
Rüdesheim
Cologne
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Cologne
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Visit the Christmas markets of Rüdesheim, Bonn and Cologne Discover the twinkling lights and enticing aromas of Germany’s Christmas markets, each with their own unique twist on this age-old, festive tradition.
4 nights of relaxed luxury on board your Amadeus ship
Seasonal celebrations Get in the festive mood with mulled wine, carol singing and a spectacular festive gala dinner on board that serves up both German and British Christmas treats.
Daily excursions led by local guides
Sail through the Rhine Gorge This geological monument has been the inspiration for countless legends throughout the years, and, at this time of year, is surrounded by glorious winter scenery.
Bonn
Koblenz
London
2022 DEPARTURES Dec 2 from £895 Dec 5 from £895
Fully escorted return rail travel from London St Pancras
AMADEUS FLEET Our 5-star Amadeus ships boast impressive on-board facilities, including a fitness room, a hairdresser and spa. There’s also a panoramic lounge and bar where you can relax, admiring the scenery as you cruise gently by.
5-Star dining and drinks package with dinner Your choice of spacious cabin UK Tour Manager and Cruise Director On-board entertainment
Order your free brochure now Call 01904 734304 • Visit GreatRail.com/RLM TRAVEL SAFE
49 YEARS OF EXPERTISE
FULLY ESCORTED
Working with our partners to make sure you feel safe
With five decades of experience at our fingertips we’ll ensure your holiday goes without a hitch
Professional UK Tour Manager with you from start to finish
Protected by ABTOT. Dates and prices are subject to availability. Prices shown are per person, based on 2 people sharing. Prices may change prior to and after publication.
ONLY IN JAPAN
MOUNTAIN HIGH, VALLEY LOW
RAIL: Ever ridden Japan’s famous bullet train? From the oh-so-precise timings and white-gloved conductors to the bento-box lunches and polished service, the needle-nosed Shinkansen is surely as good as ‘regular’ train travel gets. The Tokaido Shinkansen line calls at Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, scooping up scores of attractions at stops en route. WOW FACTOR: About 45 minutes from Tokyo, the train whooshes past Mount Fuji. Be sure to look out of the right-hand side of the train. SAIL: Several ships are due to sail to Japan in 2022 and 2023. Abercrombie & Kent will charter Ponant’s Le Soleal to coincide with cherry blossom season next spring. Brand new from New Zealand-based line Heritage Expeditions is a 16-day Islands of Japan cruise from Kanazawa to Otaru on board Heritage Adventurer in May 2023, while Celebrity Millennium will visit Hakodate and Aomori, at the northern tip of Honshu, in autumn 2023. BOOK IT: Riviera Travel’s 13-day Japan Garden Discovery visits 10 traditional Japanese gardens and includes a journey on the bullet train and a night in a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan. From £4,299 departing November 2, 2023. Add Celebrity Cruises’ 13-day Best of Southern Japan cruise from £1,539, departing November 17, 2023 (rivieratravel.co.uk; celebritycruises.com).
RAIL: How better to appreciate Switzerland’s cinematic alpine vistas than by rail? Two trains operate specifically for passengers’ viewing pleasure – the Bernina Express, which climbs to 7,290ft, and the Glacier Express, which travels through three Swiss cantons with white-knuckle viaducts, spiralling tunnels and spectacular views of the Matterhorn. WOW FACTOR: Assuming you have a head for heights, be ready for when the Bernina Express crosses the six-arch Wiesen Viaduct and heads into the Wiesen Valley in the canton of Graubünden. SAIL: Basel is a springboard for river cruises on the Rhine, which flows from the Swiss Alps to the Black Sea via Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Take on a sailing of seven, 10 or 14 nights. BOOK IT: Titan’s eight-day Spectacular Rail Journeys tour round-trip from Davos (via Zurich) includes journeys on both trains before swapping rails for water on a scenic Lake Constance cruise. From £2,099 departing on July 20, 2022. Saga has an eight-day Castles and Vineyards of the Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on board the new Spirit of the Rhine. From £1,499 departing in May 2023 (titantravel.co.uk; travel.saga.co.uk). 8
Above: Cherry blossom in front of Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Right: The spectacular six-arch Wiesen Viaduct, Switzerland 82
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PICTURES: CELEBRITY CRUISES; SHUTTERSTOCK/2199_DE
RAIL & SAIL
SOUTH AFRICAN SLEEPER RAIL: Watch South Africa’s magical veld, vineyards and Great Karoo unfold from the open-air observation car on Rovos Rail. More like a five-star hotel on wheels, the train has elegant en-suite wood-panelled sleeper coaches and an observation car with a bar, sofas and booths. Highlights of the Pretoria to Cape Town route include excursions to the historic village of Matjiesfontein and the open pit and underground diamond mine in Kimberley. WOW FACTOR: The dining car serves up some of the continent’s finest food (think roasted karoo lamb shank and grilled queen scallops), matched only by some of the country’s excellent wines. Dress to impress. SAIL: Leaving Southampton, Fred Olsen’s ship Bolette will sail around the African continent late next year, and call at the Seychelles and Maldives. For a river alternative, a sedate cruise on Lake Kariba from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls with CroisiEurope visits both Chobe and Matusadona national parks, and Impalila Island in Namibia. BOOK IT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 20-night round-trip Cape Town cruise on Voyager departs December 6, 2022, from £11,999. Rovos Rail can be included in a five-night pre-cruise extension (rssc.com).
EXPLORING ALASKA RAIL: Alaska trains venture into back country, and the scenery is spectacular. Those cruising with Holland America Line can take the double-height, domed McKinley Explorer to travel between Anchorage and Denali National Park & Preserve. Named after its tallest mountain, Denali, this six-million-acre wilderness is home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. There’s a restaurant car and open-air viewing platform. WOW FACTOR: Curved glass dome windows run the full length of the car, for panoramic views of the flora and fauna and soaring mountain peaks. SAIL: After disembarking in Whittier, passengers join the Nieuw Statendam in Anchorage for one of the world’s most scenic sea routes, via the magnificent (and advancing) Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, to Vancouver. BOOK IT: A 10-day Denali ‘Cruisetour’ starting in Anchorage, including a stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort and a seven-night cruise to Vancouver, costs from £1,669 departing on June 23, 2022 (hollandamerica.com).
Left, top: Wood-panelled Deluxe Double room on Rovos Rail Left: Domed windows make for panoramic viewing on board McKinley Explorer Right: Observing game in South Africa CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
PICTURES: DOOKPHOTO
RAIL & SAIL
Right and centre: Cruise holidays offer a warm welcome for same-sex couples Far right (top): Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet for tender access (bottom): Many ships are fully accessible to wheelchair users Below: Solo cruising on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth
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PICTURES: CELEBRITY CRUISES
CRUISE NICHES
If you’ve ever thought cruising wasn’t for you, then think again – we hear from three devoted cruise fans about why holidays on the water are the way to go
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LGBTQ I+ CRUISING Travel blogger Marcus Adams looks at why cruise has always been a big hit with the LGBTQI+ community
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or me, cruising appeals because of the variety and value for money. But it’s also unique – no other holiday gives you the chance to tick several places off your wish list without having to pack and unpack over and over. Crucially, it provides a safe space for those in the LGBTQI+ community to be themselves and be open about who they are. A big draw of cruising is the social aspect and the ability to meet like-minded people who you can share experiences with. On top of this, cruise lines such as newcomer Virgin Voyages openly encourage crew to be ‘themselves’ too and reflect their own individuality. Cruising also offers a hefty dose of pampering and indulgence – such as out-of-this world entertainment on Royal Caribbean International and mouth-watering culinary options like those found on Princess Cruises. All this, set within stunningly designed spaces and impressive accommodation and suites, plus real
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destination immersion and cultural exploration on river and expedition cruises, means there really is something to suit every taste and budget. When it comes to destinations, I know that, sadly, personal safety is still a concern for LGBTQI+ travellers, but in many years of cruising, I have – thankfully – never seen or had a negative experience. Almost every cruise line has adopted policies to protect LGBTQI+ travellers, including banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and, in some cases, gender identity. Cruise ships travel to ports across the world and, broadly speaking, these are seen to be safe. But some are considered less friendly towards LGBTQI+ travellers. This includes some parts of the Caribbean, Middle East and Asia. My advice is to research the various destinations in advance, and remember, there’s always the option to stay on the ship. For further peace of mind, talk to the excellent CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
PICTURES: CELEBRITY CRUISES; MATT STROSHANE; FABFERNANDEZ; VIRGIN VOYAGES/MELANIE ACEVEDO
ALMOST EVERY CRUISE LINE HAS ADOPTED POLICES TO PROTECT LGBTQI+ TRAVELLERS
Clockwise, from far left: Harmony of the Seas’ AquaTheatre; Disney Cruise Line; Ovation of the Seas entertainment; couple on Celebrity Apex; casino on Navigator of the Seas; writer Marcus Adams; Pizza Place on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady
shore excursion staff and book excursions through the cruise line if you have any concerns. LGBTQI+ travellers also have the choice of specialist cruise options, with companies such as Atlantis Events chartering some of the world’s most impressive ships to provide a unique experience on board. This includes parties and exclusive shows hosted by celebrities and influencers. And if you’re after a family cruise, you’re not forgotten either. Cruises increasingly cater for little ones with exceptional entertainment and family facilities, while also being rated very LGBTQI+ friendly. Companies such as Disney Cruise Line tailor their whole experience around family and child-friendly activities featuring all your favourite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters. Cruising is one of the best ways for people to see the world, meet new people and embrace new experiences. 8 Maybe I’ll see you on board one day. CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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Clockwise, from far left: Avoid tender ports, where it can be difficult or even impossible to go ashore; writer Michele Monro; wheelchairaccessible stateroom with Princess Cruises
ACCESSIBLE CRUISING Lifelong cruise lover Michele Monro, daughter of Born Free singer Matt Monro, offers her take on why cruising is a top choice for people with disabilities
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iving with a disability presents a lot of challenges, but a cruise doesn’t have to be one of them. I have cruised for more than 40 years, and 25 years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After that, I began to notice obstacles I hadn’t encountered before, but with a little forethought, cruising is still my first choice for a stress-free holiday. I don’t fly any more – I simply drive to one of the British ports, park the car, get on the ship and I’m on holiday. What could be better than if the countries or islands come to you? When I was diagnosed, I was nervous about being away from home as my symptoms can change daily, but every modern cruise ship has medical facilities. I use sticks or a walker, but on embarking and disembarking I book a wheelchair at the port and am taken right to my cabin. When planning a cruise, ship choice is most important. Larger new-builds offer bigger accessible cabins, roll-in showers with fold-down benches, handheld showerheads, bathroom grab bars, lower wardrobe rails, alarm buttons, ramped balcony access, and incorporate the latest visual or tactile technology for those with hearing and sight limitations. Many also have electronic doors with wider stateroom and bathroom openings, and braille signage in lifts, corridors and on stairwell handrails. American cruise lines have to conform to the Americans with Disability Act. When it comes to public spaces, look for automatic deck doors, accessible restrooms, swimming pool hoists, assistive listening devices in theatres with designated seating for wheelchair
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users, and lower gaming tables in the casino. The restaurants accommodate guide dogs, cater for special dietary needs, and braille menus are available upon request. You don’t have to lug all your equipment with you, either. Companies such as Mobility at Sea can take care of everything, whether it’s a bed hoist, raised toilet seat, power chair, scooter or walker. Select your destination carefully and avoid tender ports whenever possible – if you’re a permanent wheelchair user, you can’t get off the ship if you have to tender ashore. There are a few exceptions – notably Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet on Beyond, Edge and Apex – where state-of-the-art equipment enables a wheelchair user to access the tender. Princess Cruises also has an accessible tender on some ships, while Holland America Line’s scissor lift can transport a wheelchair user down the gangway and onto the tender. Once dockside, the tender uses a hydraulic levelling system to adjust to the height between the dock and the tender, allowing the wheelchair to be rolled off safely. The great thing about port stops is you can always see something new. One of my favourites is Lisbon – I’ve been more than 30 times but always find new streets or little treasures to explore. If you prefer lounging on a beach, some cruise lines’ private islands have accessible landing quays, beach wheelchairs and adapted bathroom facilities. Cruising has become very accessible – do your research to select the ship and ports of call that suit your needs best, and have a marvellous time! * Michelle is author of The Autonomous Cruiser: The Complete Guide to Cruising For and With Disabled Travellers, out now in paperback and ebook. CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
CRUISE NICHES
SOLO CRUISING Keen traveller Teresa Machan explains why she loves sailing solo and finds it’s the best of both worlds
PICTURES: CELEBRITY CRUISES; MARK KATZMAN
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ou’re spending Christmas alone?” So said friends when I told them a few Christmases ago that I was leaving the cold and commercialisation of the festive season behind in favour of a tall ship cruise around the Caribbean. Admittedly I had doubts – dining can feel rather solitary on holiday, and I suspected eight days of exploring independently might get dull by day three. In the event, of course, neither came to pass. The ship was small (227 passengers) and the sailing element encouraged time on deck, which was conducive to casual chat and mutual appreciation – of sunrises, sunsets, island-spotting, dolphin sightings and the neverending nautical ballet of tackles, winches, pulleys and sails. By the end of day two, solitary mealtimes were out of the question. The restaurant set-up encouraged small-group dining and had I not met people the maître d’ would have smoothed my passage into the company of strangers. I let my hair down and laughed a lot, and when I did fancy a night off with a book (once), I ordered room service and suffered FOMO. Subsequent solo sailings have been successful. I’ve tried all sorts of activities, including diving and kayaking, and have never felt alone or bored. Cruising solo affords the best of both worlds: time alone with a cabin to yourself and company on tap when you want it. Keen travellers nervous about going it alone will never need to fret about logistics. Find a cruise line that waives single supplements. Increasingly, newer ships are built with cabins for solo occupancy (try Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Celebrity
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Clockwise, from top: Smaller ships are more conducive to interaction; enjoy the best of both worlds; writer Teresa Machan
Cruises, NCL, Oceania Cruises and Holland America Line, and on the rivers American Queen Voyages, CroisiEurope and AmaWaterways). Bigger lines, including Cunard and HAL, have dedicated hosts for groups of single travellers. As a rule of thumb if you’re a confident solo traveller, opt for a smaller ship. Assuming you want to socialise, the sooner you meet your co-passengers the less ‘alone’ you’ll be. Go with a positive attitude and maybe try a new activity – it breaks down barriers quickly. You never know, you might leave with invites to several more destinations… SUM M ER 2022 |
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Eat Well
FOR LESS
BBC series Eat Well for Less? is back, along with a new cookbook featuring 80 simple and stress-free recipes for the whole family to enjoy
RECIPES
SWEETCORN, PEA AND COURGET TE FRIT TERS WITH POACHED EGG SERVES 4 Fritters are a great way of using up leftover veg, supplemented with peas and sweetcorn from the freezer. Serve with a poached egg and you have a quick meal ready in less than 20 minutes. INGREDIENTS 6 eggs 150ml semi-skimmed milk 150g self-raising flour 1/2 tsp fine sea salt 160g frozen sweetcorn 160g frozen peas 1 courgette, coarsely grated
4 spring onions, roughly chopped 2 tsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 tbsp finely chopped chives, to serve
METHOD
Crack two eggs into a large bowl, add the milk, flour, salt and some black pepper and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sweetcorn, peas, courgette and spring onions and mix well, then whisk once more. Heat a non-stick frying pan until medium hot. Add a little of the oil then add four separate ladlefuls of batter. Turn the heat down to low and cook for one to two minutes until you can see bubbles bursting on the surface of each. Flip them over and cook for a further one to two minutes until just set. Lift the fritters out onto a plate and set aside, then repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan first. Meanwhile, fill a pan with water, add the vinegar and heat until just simmering. Crack two of the remaining eggs into two small cups. Whisk the centre of the pan to create a vortex and carefully pour the eggs in, one at a time. Cook gently for two to three minutes, until the white is set and the yolk still just runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper, then repeat with the remaining two eggs. Divide the fritters between serving plates, top with a poached egg, a grinding of black pepper and a sprinkling of chives, and serve immediately. CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
STORE CUPBOARD COOKIES MAKES 24
Using apple sauce in these cookies gives them a nice fruity flavour, but also means that you need less fat and sugar than in traditional ones. The flour is replaced with oats and oatmeal, so even though they might be small, they certainly fill you up! INGREDIENTS oil, for greasing 125g medium oatmeal 175g porridge oats 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon 50g soft light brown sugar 50g butter, melted 150g apple sauce 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 40g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), roughly chopped
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 200C (fan 180C, gas 6). Grease and line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Tip the oatmeal, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and sugar into a bowl and mix thoroughly. Make a well in the centre, then add the melted butter, apple sauce, eggs and vanilla extract and stir until the ingredients are completely combined. Place spoonfuls of the mixture on the baking sheets, leaving at least 2cm between each one, then flatten each to about 1.5cm thick. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and set. These are soft, chewy cookies so they won’t be crispy. Set aside to cool while you melt the chocolate, either in the microwave or put in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Leave to melt, then stir until smooth. Drizzle the cookies with the melted chocolate and leave to set completely before serving. Store in an airtight container. 8 SUM M ER 2022 |
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RECIPES
Tip
The remaining turkey will keep for three days in the fridge or three months in the freezer
PULLED TURKEY BURGER WITH CRISPY SWEET POTATO FRIES SERVES 3 (PLUS LEF TOVERS)
Slow cookers are traditionally used for stews, but they work well for large joints too. Strip the turkey meat from the bones and stir back through the sauce for an easy pulled turkey. Serve any leftover meat with some steamed rice or pasta. INGREDIENTS For the turkey (makes 15 portions in total): 2 red onions, sliced 2.5kg turkey bone-in thigh joints 100g reduced salt and sugar brown sauce 50ml cider vinegar 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika 50g clear honey freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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METHOD For the sweet potato fries: 1 egg white 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into batons 1cm thick 60g panko breadcrumbs 1/2 tsp smoked paprika To serve: 3 small burger buns, split in half 1/2 little gem lettuce, leaves separated 2 medium tomatoes, sliced 3 gherkins, sliced
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Preheat the slow cooker on the high setting, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Tip the onions into the slow cooker, then place the turkey joints on top. Season well with black pepper. Pour the brown sauce into a small bowl, add the vinegar, smoked paprika and honey and mix well until smooth. Pour over the turkey then cover with the lid. Leave the setting on high or turn it down to low, then leave the turkey to cook for six to eight hours on high, or for eight to 10 hours on low. When the turkey has 45 minutes left to cook, prepare the sweet potato fries. Preheat the oven to 220C (fan 200C, gas 7) and line one large or two medium baking trays with baking parchment. Put the egg white into a bowl and whisk with a fork until just foamy. Toss the sweet potato batons in the egg white until coated all over. Tip the breadcrumbs, smoked paprika and plenty of black pepper into a separate bowl and mix well. Add the sweet potato batons a few at a time and coat in the crumbs, then place on the lined baking tray(s). Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, turning the fries halfway through, until golden and tender.
When the turkey is ready, remove from the slow cooker, discard the skin and pull out the bones. Return to the cooker and shred the meat into small strands, using a fork and spoon. Mix with the cooked onions and sauce until totally coated. Lay the bottom half of the burger buns on serving plates. Add the lettuce and tomato, then add a generous two spoonfuls (about 150g) of pulled turkey on top. Top with the gherkins and the upper half of the bun. Serve the fries alongside.
Recipes are extracted from Eat Well for Less: Happy & Healthy by Jo ScarrattJones (BBC Books, £14.99). Foreword by presenters Chris Bavin and Jordan Banjo; photography by Andrew Burton. The new series of Eat Well for Less? airs on BBC One on Thursdays until June 30.
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I’m writing on behalf of a group of friends – we are in our 50s and we love to cruise every year. We’re all sad that formal nights seem to be disappearing though, as we miss the sense of occasion! Are there any cruise lines that still uphold black-tie? Julie Peasgood, TV presenter and Cruise International contributor There have been changes in dress codes in recent years, with many passengers welcoming a relaxing of the rules, but you’ll be pleased to hear there are a significant number of cruise lines that continue to honour this cruising tradition. Match the elegance of your ship on board Cunard, which operates one of the strictest dress codes at sea with its black-tie Gala Nights. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, Saga and Royal Caribbean International all offer opportunities to don your ball gowns or cocktail dresses, and you can also pack your finery for Princess, Seabourn, Carnival, Silversea and Hebridean Island Cruises. So you can still dress to the nines at sea! 96
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We’re tired of airports so we’re thinking about a cruise from Southampton this year, instead of flying. Where can we get to from the UK without too many days at sea, as we like to get off the ship and explore as much as we can. Andy Harmer, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) UK & Ireland A cruise from Southampton, or any UK port, is a great way to help reduce overall travel time. Once you arrive at your departure point you will quickly be on board your ship, and from there you only need to unpack once – it’s a hassle-free way to start your holiday. There are various destination options from the UK, including sailing round Britain, to the Med, northern Europe and even the Caribbean. Speak to a Clia member travel agent, who can advise on the ship and itinerary to suit you best. Of course the further you travel, the more likely you are to have sea days. However, don’t be put off if you’ll be spending time at sea. Cruise ships have an incredible range of activities and events on board, from sports and spas to shows. These days you’ll have as much fun exploring on your ship as you will off it.
I would like to go on a cruise this year but my husband is worried about feeling seasick. Is there anything you can suggest he do to prevent this from spoiling our fun?
PICTURES: ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL/SIMON BROOKE-WEBB/SBW-PHOTO; MC PHOTOGRAPHY; SHUTTERSTOCK/SHANE MYERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Emma Furze, copywriter, Bolsover Cruise Club There are various ways to help prevent and reduce the effects of seasickness, even before you’ve stepped on board. When booking, try to request a cabin on a lower deck, preferably midship, which is where you’ll feel the least movement. A balcony might also be a good idea as fresh air can help ward off nausea. I’d also recommend getting travel sickness pills before you sail. They are easy to pick up over the counter from a high street chemist and will only cost a few pounds. While on board, try to keep hydrated. I’ve also heard plenty of people say over the years that looking at the horizon line will help steady you. CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
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C E L E B R I T Y T R AV E L S
Nina Wadia
The comedy actor talks about her favourite travel moments and getting ready to embark on her first cruise I loved to travel from when I was very little. My father used to work for Air India in its heyday, so from a very young age I lived all over the world. We were in India, Tehran, Moscow, Belgium, Canada and Hong Kong, where I ended up living during my teenage years. Our school trip from Hong Kong was on the Trans-Siberian Railway. We went to Inner and Outer Mongolia, the Great Wall of China, Irkutsk in Siberia – compare that with a school trip from the UK to Boulogne! That’s where my absolute passion for travel kicked in. I loved every minute of that journey.
When we had kids, I had just started on Eastenders so our family holidays had to be where I wouldn’t get recognised. We started to do driving holidays, but wouldn’t book anywhere – we would just jump in our car and drive into Europe. In six years of doing this, there was only one night we couldn’t get a hotel. We were in Ulm in Germany and there was a festival so every room was booked up and we spent the night in the car. It was fine for the kids but not for me or my husband, who’s six foot two! 98
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Clockwise from above left: Hofburg Palace, Vienna; Christ, the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro; Enchanted Princess; the Maldives
I prefer not to go to the same place twice – life is too short. But if I had to choose a favourite, it might have to be the Maldives. That’s where our honeymoon was so it holds a special place in my heart. I haven’t been to Australia and New Zealand and those are on my bucket list, but I’m slightly scared because I hate spiders. I have always wanted to go to Japan, Hawaii, the Polynesian islands, Colombia and Peru – I want to see Machu Picchu so bad! I just managed to do Cape Town recently, but there’s still a lot to explore. I feel like I’m running out of time now I’m in my 50s.
I’m excited to be going on a cruise with Princess because it’s something I have never done, and it’s a different way to travel. I have never been on a cruise ship so to get a new experience is going to be very interesting. Denise Welch and lots of the ladies on Loose Women have done cruises and they said, ‘You’re going to love it.’ It’s something I have been wanting to do and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long. I love the idea of going to a part of the world I haven’t seen before. The fjords are stunningly beautiful so I’m keen to explore. We have always done holidays as a family, but this time it’s just me and my husband, so I’m looking forward to something more romantic. Nina Wadia is a guest speaker on Princess Cruises’ 14-night Iceland and Norway cruise on Enchanted Princess, departing July 22. Fares start from £1,799 per person (princess.com). For more celebrity interviews, go to cruise-international.com
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If we go on a city holiday, I love nice dinners and exploring the history of the place. In Vienna, you can be walking around and hear an orchestra playing, which is beautiful. When we were in Malta there was a wine festival, so for three days straight there were fireworks every night – it was amazing. We like to explore and experience things. The less planned it is, the more exciting it is for us.
I don’t think of myself as adventurous, but in Koh Samui we did a zipline from one mountain to another, and in Rio I went hang gliding off the mountain next to Sugar Loaf. I love being really high up – if I were ever reincarnated, I’d want to come back as a bird because they see everything.
READY. SET. BREAK FREE Plan your getaway with Norwegian Cruise Line
It’s time to get away to a place where you can finally be free. Free to zoom on the only race tracks at sea - no meeting request required. Free to dine out, like way out, beside the sea and under the stars on The Waterfront. Free to binge watch your favourite sunsets. And with our leading Health & Safety Programme, you can cruise with the ultimate safety and confidence. So, whether you’ve been dreaming of familiar islands or places far and away, come aboard NCL for the holiday of a lifetime.
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