No-Plane Sailing
April 22, 2010 Something Different
If your flight was grounded by the volcanic eruption in Iceland, you’re probably looking at an alternative holiday. Most UK airspace reopened today but there is still a huge backlog of passengers. The Eurostar, ferries and coaches to the continent are packed and we haven’t quite got beach weather here in the UK yet. We say be travel savvy and sail out of the UK on a cruise. Visit multiple ports, relax on board and enjoy good food: a true departure from the hassle and chaos of the airports. We’ve compiled a list of the best cruise deals departing the UK over the next few days. Whether you’re looking for a small, traditional ship or a staggering floating city complete with cinema and shopping mall, there’s something for you. There are cruise holidays to suit beach addicts, nature lovers, sun worshippers and culture vultures. Even if you haven’t been grounded by the volcano, maybe you’ll consider a relaxing UK cruise for your next holiday. Imagine the calm of gliding out of a home port, enjoying a magnificent holiday and simply gliding home again. Availability and prices are correct right now, but subject to change. Savvy travellers are latching on to the no-fly cruise trend fast, so hurry and grab yourself a cabin…
Mediterranean
Depart Southampton on 1st May and spend 14 nights cruising the Western Mediterranean on board P & O’s Oceana. This luxury ship has a sociable atmosphere and boasts four swimming pools, a Marco Pierre White restaurant, an in-funnel sports court and an ocean-view gym. The itinerary takes in seven ports in four different countries: Gibraltar, Cartagena, Rome, Pisa . Florence, Cannes, Barcelona and Cadiz. Two adults can share an outside cabin with balcony from only £1099 each – equating to £78.50 each per night, full board.
The Norwegian Fjords
Sail out of Hull on 26th April and spend 6 nights on board Cruise & Maritime’s Ocean Countess. Glide through the breathtaking Fjordland and take in high snow-tipped mountains, blossoming fruit orchards and quaint coastal villages. Ocean Countess is a relatively small, recently-refurbished ship with good facilities including a gym, sauna and heated swimming pool. Two share an inside cabin from just £399 each.
The Canary Islands
Sail from Dover to the sun on 3rd May on board Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral. Call in at Madeira and view stunning spring gardens, visit unspoilt La Palma, the surprisingly cosmopolitan Santa Cruz on Tenerife, and feel hot sand between your toes in Gran Canaria. On your way back to Dover, stop off in Lisbon and enjoy the vibrancy of the Portuguese capital . Between ports, bask on the large sun deck or cool off in one of the outdoor pools. This is a 12 night cruise and two adults share an inside cabin from £699 each.
At the poolside on board the indulgent Arcadia.
Baltic Cities
Board the lavish P & O Arcadia at Southampton on 9th May for a packed 14 night itinerary docking at seven ports in six countries. Explore the fascinating cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Oslo and Kristiansand. The enormous, child-free Arcadia boasts luxury staterooms, fine dining and modern facilities: with so much space and so much to do, it’s easy to forget you’re at sea. Two adults share an inside stateroom from £1099 each.