SAFE Sail
A Note from
OUR FOUNDER
Since this conflict began at the beginning of March, our priority has been helping any stranded passengers get home and we’ve been working sideby-side with the cruise line companies to make that happen.
Nobody knows how long the situation in the Middle East will last so people are anxious about booking holidays. The Middle East isn’t a big cruise destination but several hundred thousand air passengers transit through the region’s hubs on a daily basis so that has a knock-on effect for people’s onward journeys and the cruise industry.
We know from the feedback we’re getting from customers that people just want to speak to someone and get accurate information so we felt we had
to do more than other agencies are currently offering.
Anyone who rings Panache Cruises will be answered within 10 seconds and we will provide clear guidance, expert advice and personalised support for customers with existing bookings or customers looking to travel in 2026 or beyond. Plus, if you’re not already a customer, we’ll happily chat with you if you have any questions.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
James Cole Founder and CEO Panache Cruises
Is Cruising
the Safest Way to Travel?
Cruising stands out as one of the safest and most dependable ways to travel, especially during times when the world feels unpredictable.
Across the travel industry, cruise lines are known for their ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Ships can adjust itineraries, alter routes or substitute ports as needed, ensuring guests remain in secure and stable regions without the disruptions that can affect land-based holidays.
Modern route-planning systems and operational protocols allow cruise lines to identify risks early and divert accordingly, which helps to minimise inconvenience while prioritising guest wellbeing. These itinerary adjustments aren’t just common practice. They demonstrate a level of proactive safety management that sets cruising apart from other types of travel.
Cruisers also benefit from financial protection when plans need to change. When there are disruptions in certain regions (where flights may be cancelled or FCO travel advice might change), many cruise lines offer flexible options from full refunds to changing your booking to another cruise. Just make sure to check with your personal cruise connoisseur at Panache Cruises what options you have in case of any travel disruptions.
This built-in flexibility is a huge advantage of cruising, allowing travellers to enjoy their holiday with confidence even when external events create uncertainty elsewhere.
TO HOME Sail Closer
Still feeling a little nervous about travelling abroad or flying long distances? Don’t worry. We have a vast selection of luxury cruises sailing closer to home.
Whether it’s a no-fly cruise out of the UK or a short-haul flight to Europe for a Mediterranean, Baltics, Northern Europe or European river cruise, rest assured there are still plenty of options for your cruise holiday this year.
You can trust us
We’ve been rated by thousands of customers as ‘Excellent’. We’re very proud of our unique one-to-one service and we’re proud to say, genuinely, that nothing is too much trouble.
We’ve already helped dozens of Panache customers who have been affected by travel disruptions in the Middle East and received an overwhelmingly positive response.
Mediterranean Cruises » River Cruises »
Northern Europe Cruises »
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Fancy a change?
Are you a first time cruiser looking to change your land holiday to a cruise? Look no further.
We’ve already had plenty of conversations with travellers in the same boat as you (pardon the pun). People who have never cruised before but are now considering switching it up because they’ve had land holidays cancelled, flights disrupted or because they’ve seen the price of land-based holidays to safer destinations sky-rocket.
If this is something you’ve been thinking about recently - or perhaps you’ve been considering it for a long time - we’re here to tell you that cruising is both a safe and an incredibly exciting option.
You get to visit places in style in what is essentially a boutique hotel at sea.
Everything is looked after - your meals are included, shuttles into each port of call, and on most occasions with our fantastic luxury cruise line partners, WiFi, drinks and excursions are included too.
You’re not just based in one place for a week; instead, you get to discover more from a country or region, visiting exciting new places every day. One day you could be eating pizza in St Marks Square, Venice and the next you could be hiking through a national park in Croatia. Or you could be waking up in Bratislava and by the end of the day be heading out to a classical concert in Vienna.
The opportunities for a safe and enjoyable holiday are endless with a cruise!
Mrs Karen Bayliss
“This is only second time with Panache and we returned due to their customer service. Karen Aspinall was great. So responsive and prompt. We like the fact you have a single point of contact from initial call to journey home. Highly recommend.”
Mr & Mrs Schofield S Heywood
“Excellent service from Helen at Panache. Friendly and helpful as always. Booking was quick and easy. Would recommend you ask Panache as nothing is too much trouble!”
“Jack was really helpful. Any questions I asked were answered quickly. Big thanks for sorting out loyality discount. I highly recommend booking with Panache Cruises and asking for Jack.”
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
Questions
I don’t want to fly through the Middle East, what should I do?
Don’t worry, we can help re-book your flights and get you safely to your destination.
Will I be charged to change my flights?
It depends on the terms and conditions of your booking. Some cruise lines, such as Silversea, have been automatically changing guest flights free of charge, so no need to worry about the hassle and cost of rearranging your flights. In cases where cruise lines, airlines or tour operators are not offering full refunds on flights, we will do our best to rearrange for as little cost as possible.
What happens to my insurance when world events affect my booking?
Your insurance will remain valid as long as you stick to FCO travel recommendations. If the UK FCO is stating that a destination is not safe to travel to or through but you decide to travel anyway, your insurance becomes null and void.
Have cruise prices increased due to conflict?
Not at all! If anything, we are seeing some cruise lines reduce their prices to reassure and encourage travellers wanting to cruise.
Where should I travel this year to avoid disruptions?
Although you can still travel around the world safely (avoiding certain air zones), we recommend that if you’re a nervous traveller you should consider staying closer to home this year. We’re seeing a lot of customers are switching their interest to Mediterranean cruises, Europe river cruises and Caribbean cruises.
What if I don’t want to fly at all?
We have some fantastic no-fly cruises available sailing directly from the UK. Southampton sailings are becoming more popular and reduce the need to travel further for a brilliant holiday.
Some cruise lines such as Riviera offer rail connections from local stations to Eurostar links making it even easier and more convenient to reach their destinations without dealing with the airports.
