Monastic Greece
Star Clippers will be making a maiden call to the Greek port of Ouranoupolis in 2026. Calling in this rarely visited port will form part of an itinerary that sails along the coast of Mt Athos. Alessandro Bracalente, Star Clippers’ excursions manager, explains: “The coastline offers a landscape similar to that of the Amalfi Coast, with mountains meeting the sea, and dotted with orthodox monasteries.”
He adds: “Mount Athos is a ‘monastic’ republic, an Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054 that has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. There are some 20 monasteries inhabited by some 1,400 monks, and the ‘holy mountain’ is accessible only by sea for men with a special visa – it is forbidden to women and children.”
The ship stops in Ouranopolis after the sailing along Mount Athos coast – this is the only entrance to Mount Athos and all pilgrims and Orthodox popes must pass here to get to the peninsula.
Bracalente says: “The tender pier is located next to the Byzantine tower, the town and the beach are just next to it. Passengers will have time at leisure at the small village, where they can find restaurants, cafés, some shops and some nice beaches.”
Book it: A seven-night sailing onboard Star Flyer departing from Athens throughout summer 2026 starts at £1,683pp; starclippers.co.uk
The wilds of British Columbia
Prince Rupert, the British Columbia port, is growing in stature and reputation, with 49 ships passing through in 2024. It is just 40 miles south of the Alaskan border, and so many ships sail straight past, but those passengers who do come to Prince Rupert can expect a relaxing and serene experience, says Karen Farndell, director, sales and marketing, UK & Ireland at Holland America Line.
“Prince Rupert, located on Kaien Island, British Columbia, has vast forests, wide rivers and abundant wildlife. The cruise port is a gateway to hiking and paddling spots, as well as the Butze Rapids Park and Trail, on which guests can take a hike into the forest to learn about the various plants and trees and their importance in traditional native medicines and culture, before arriving at the rapids.
“Additionally, guests can venture to the Khutzeymateen Valley of the Grizzly, home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America, for the chance to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Or alternatively, there’s the Great Bear Rain Forest by rail and road, taking in the Skeena River, Kleanza Creek Provincial Park and Exchamsiks Provincial Park.”
Book it: Holland America Line offers a seven-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary on Noordam, departing October 5, 2025, round-trip from Seattle, from £1,154pp, based on twin-share; hollandamerica.com
Grand Japan
In 2026-27, Windstar Cruises will be the only major cruise line to call at two lesser-known ports in Japan, Shingu and Karatsu, as part of a Grand Japan itinerary.
Augustus Lonsdale, head of Sales UK & Ireland for Windstar Cruises, says: “We dock in a central location in a port that is limited to 400 cruise guests, so guests can walk straight from the ship to the town centre, visit the Unesco site the Devil’s Castles (Oniga-jo Rocks) or take hiking excursions to see Sacred Kumano Shrines that pilgrims have travelled to pray at for more than 1,000 years.”
He adds: “On the same itinerary, Star Seeker calls at Karatsu, a city located on the island of Kyushu, close to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here, built in 1608. Karatsu is known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November. Karatsu Castle and the centre are both accessible easily from the ship.”
Book it: Windstar Cruises offers a 10-night Grand Japan cruise from Tokyo to Kobe and visiting Shinghu and Karatsu, onboard Star Seeker, from £8,710pp. Price is based on 16 September, 2026 departure.
windstarcruises.com
Greek beauty
One of the benefits of small ship cruising is the access to smaller ports, and these are plentiful in Travelmarvel’s Small Ship Cruise programme. One of the most popular itineraries according to Brad Bennetts, head of sales and development, APT & Travelmarvel, is the eight-day Greek Islands Explorer, which takes guests to lesser-known islands, such as Syros, Amorgos and Nisyros.
“We also visit the hidden gem of Milos,” he says. “For a full day, the Caledonian Sky anchors at the port of Adamas, which is the perfect point from which to disembark and explore the island, its charming towns, and beautiful beaches.”
“A morning sightseeing tour is included, taking in Phylakopi, a prehistoric Bronze Age settlement with huge historical importance, and Papafragas Cave, a tiny beach enclosed by rocks, which was once a pirate hideout and now a popular swim spot for those with insider knowledge.
Bennetts adds: “We also escort our guests to Sarakiniko, one of Milos’ best-loved beaches. Formed from the grey and white volcanic rock, the crystal blue waters make it a hotspot for yachts and boats during the summer. We conclude our tour with the island’s picturesque fishing village of Pollonia. Guests then have a free afternoon for further exploration.”
Book it: The eight-day Greek Islands Explorer costs from £2,895pp, including return flights, twin-share accommodation, meals, local guides, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Departures run May to October 2025; aptouring.com
Atlantic legacy
Swan Hellenic is offering a wine-themed itinerary, devised in partnership with the Champagne Castelnau brand, which explores the historic ports of the French, Spanish and Portuguese coasts, through their culture and gastronomy.
One of these is Getxo, the gateway to Bilbao, a port area with a mix of historic and modern attractions. Mario Bounas, general manager, UK & Ireland says: “Getxo is easy to explore on foot, with highlights including the Vizcaya Bridge, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the world’s oldest transporter bridge, which offers panoramic views from its walkway.”
He continues: “The waterfront areas of Las Arenas and Ereaga Beach are ideal for a relaxed stroll, while the Old Port of Algorta is a traditional fishing quarter with Basque-style houses. For those looking to venture further, the coastal path along the Punta Galea Cliffs provides a scenic walking route.”
While Getxo itself has plenty to see, Swan Hellenic will also provide shuttles into Bilbao’s city centre. Guests can enjoy a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum’s world-class contemporary art collection, housed within its titanium curves. Following this, a visit to the Magalarte Vineyard, a family-run estate, provides a tasting experience of rare vintages, paired with traditional Basque snacks.
Book it: A nine-night Old Worlds Gateway of the Atlantic cruise, departing on 12 May 2025, on SH Diana, costs £6,580 based on two-sharing an ocean-view stateroom (with no single supplement). Price includes pre-cruise accommodation and one selected shore excursion per port of call.
Cool Croatia
Explora Journeys very DNA is going off the beaten track, and a summer 2025 itinerary from Athens to Fusina (Venice) in Italy via Katakolo, Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Bari, Zadar and Rovinj is a good example of this.
Koray Savas, vice president hotel, Explora Journeys, says: “Whilst traversing the Adriatic, we have the rare chance to discover Fiskardo and Rovinj. Shining a light on the landscape, history and local towns, we invite our guests to Melissani’s inland cave home to a glittering lake, the Monastery of Agios Andreas and its Byzantine history, and the local village of Assos with its Venetian castle.
“In Rovinj, we offer expert-led truffle hunting across the Istrian peninsula or sampling renowned wines of the Matošević estate. Guests can explore the city on foot at their own will, or for wildlife enthusiasts, we offer special trips to Brijuni National Park to witness Croatia’s archipelago and wildlife in a protected setting.”
Book it: Explora Journeys offers the seven-night A Journey to Peak Perfection, Mount Olympus and Capitals of Cool itinerary, departing 5 July, 2025 onboard Explora 1, from £3,635pp.
explorajourneys.com
