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With a way to go before consumer confidence in air travel is fully restored, Charlotte Cullinan highlights new cruise itineraries that don’t involve boarding a plane
Avid cruisers have been patiently waiting to return to life on the waves, and this year there are swathes of new itineraries to tempt them, right from their doorstep.
While many cruise lines are already offering UK-based sailings for the summer, there are also new options later in the year for those keen to sail abroad from a UK port. Cruise lines hope by this time there will be greater clarity from the government on international cruising, and all have adopted rigorous post-Covid protocols.
After the turmoil of the pandemic, these ex-UK cruises could be your customers’ perfect holiday – highlight the ease of sailing from a UK port, and remind them that they can visit several destinations and only have to unpack once, without needing to fly.
There is an ex-UK sailing for every type of client, with the following eight brand-new itineraries all taking to the water in 2021.
Customers can sample their first cruise with Celebrity Cruises’ A Taste of Luxury three-night sailing to Zeebrugge, on the recently modernised Celebrity Silhouette.
Claire Stirrup, director of sales, UK and Ireland, says shorter cruises offer a unique alternative to a traditional long weekend away. She explains: “Customers can take the time to switch off, unwind in unparalleled luxury and reconnect with their loved ones. This sailing provides guests with the chance to explore the cobblestone alleys onshore, enjoy a relaxing sail-away moment on their balcony and indulge in our Michelin-starred culinary offerings.”
Book it: Prices start from £529pp, based on two people sharing an Oceanview stateroom. The round-trip sailing from Southampton calls at Zeebrugge.
Customers can savour cultural landmarks such as iconic Gaudi architecture in Barcelona and Palma’s cathedral, which is steeped in history, with Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Discovering Spain and the Balearics sailing on Borealis.
Geoff Ridgeon, the cruise line’s head of sales, says: “It’s been hand-crafted by our itineraries team to give guests a glimpse of quintessential Spain, with opportunities to delve more deeply into some of the cultural delights on offer. It’s been curated for guests looking for a cultural experience, with some warmer weather thrown in too”.
Book it: The 15-night round trip departs 11 September from Liverpool, calling at Malaga, Palma, Mahon, Barcelona, Valencia, Cadiz, and La Coruna. Prices start at £2,199pp based on two sharing an interior cabin, including a drinks package or £250pp onboard spend.
For those seeking ultimate luxury, suggest Silversea Cruises’ Edinburgh to Tromso sailing on Silver Whisper, which hops along the Norwegian coast and inside the Arctic Circle.
Amanda Middler, regional sales manager for Scotland and Ireland, explains: “Silver Whisper allows guests to experience Norway up close due to the ship’s intimate size. “With just 388 guests, Silver Whisper is relaxed and elegant – guests can dine in four restaurants, sip premium cocktails in the bar and unwind in the spa.”
Book it: Prices for the 12-night cruise start from £6,800pp, based on two sharing a Vista Suite, including business class flights from Tromso to Edinburgh. Departs from Leith on 26 July and calls at Rosendal, Bergen, Flam, Alesund, Trondheim, Leknes, Harstad, Honningsvag, Alta and Tromso.
Recommend adventures at sea and onshore with Royal Caribbean International’s nine-night Super City Break Cruise on Anthem of the Seas.
Thrill-seekers can head to the vertigo-inducing rides at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, marvel at Oslo’s iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump and climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Ben Bouldin, vice president EMEA, says: “From Anthem of the Seas’ globally renowned entertainment and high-adrenaline activities, to a variety of cuisines from around the world, this award-winning ship makes for the perfect high-tech playground and relaxing getaway.”
Book it: Departing Southampton on 23 September the round-trip sailing calls at Oslo, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Rotterdam and Paris. Prices start from £1,169pp, based on two sharing an interior stateroom.
Culinary connoisseurs can tuck into mouth-watering goodies with Tradewind Voyages. The small-ship luxury cruise line launched last year with Golden Horizon, which is the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship.
The seven-night Beautiful Denmark itinerary calls at Copenhagen during the city’s annual Cooking and Food Festival. Cooking class excursions include Sweet Treats at Cakenhagen in Tivoli Gardens, where guests learn how to make Flodeboller treats with a pastry chef.
Discussing highlights from the onboard menu, head chef Derek Allen says: “We’ll serve up delicious smoked fish and smorrebrod on rye bread with all the classic Danish fillings.”
Book it: Prices start at £1,599pp, based on two sharing a double outside cabin. Departing from Harwich on 21 August, the round-trip cruise calls at Skagen, Aalborg, Copenhagen and Frederikshavn.
Direct couples to Marella Cruises’ Icelandic Adventure sailing on Marella Explorer 2. The ship is adults-only and hosts a Champneys Spa, nine bars and nine restaurants.
Head of trading and planning Neil Duncan says: “Couples can enjoy sipping bubbles to the sounds of a pianist in Flutes or spend some time together in the outdoor spaces, such as the Veranda, where they can enjoy the endless sea views.
“If couples are lucky enough, they could spend the evening gazing at the northern lights or have a dip in the Blue Lagoon.”
Book it: The 12-night round-trip cruise departs from Newcastle on 10 September and visits Lerwick, Reykjavik, Isafjord, Akureyri and Kirkwall. Prices start at £1,406pp, based on two sharing an outside cabin.
Adventurous clients can experience the aurora borealis and try exhilarating winter activities with Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition. Dover departures are new for 2021, and the itinerary sails on seven departure dates.
Mark Walter, head of sales for the UK trade, says: “We offer something truly different for guests who want to get under the skin of destinations they visit. Our Expedition Team brings to life the places we venture to through informative lectures and excursions to explore the ports of call.”
Book it: Prices for the 14-night cruise start at £2,879, based on two sharing a Polar inside cabin, when confirmed by 30 June. Departing on 17 November and sailing round-trip from Dover to Stavanger, Alesund, Bronnoysund, the Lofoten Islands, Tromso, Honningsvag, Finnsnes, Kristiansund, Molde, Bergen and Calais.
