We’ve all had a disappointing year where foreign travel is concerned, so rather than dwell on our missed adventures, why not plan something to look forward to?
We love these dream cruise ideas, and with departure dates so far ahead, there is plenty of time to plan – and budget, for your dream cruise….
A dream cruise holiday is one of the best ways to visit various destinations from the comfort of a floating luxury hotel.
Itineraries offer calls at major ports and picturesque locations, you could visit up to 9 or 10 countries on one two week cruise – sailing overnight and waking in a new destination each day is all part of the fun!
Iglu Cruise
Ticking off key Japanese hotspots, departs 6 April 2022
With the Olympics postponed to next year, Japan continues to top the list of destinations to visit in 2021. This cultural voyage journeys through some of Japan’s most beautiful spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Departing from various London airports, this 19-night cruise glides past Tokyo, where guests will enjoy a three-night stay in the futuristic capital, before heading to Kyoto with a day’s excursion exploring the city’s traditional temples and shrines framed by the Cherry Blossom for which the city is renowned.
During the trip, guests will also visit the world famous Torii Gate in Hiroshima, explore Mount Fuji in an exclusive tour, ride the bullet train and take a trip to Hirosaki Castle and Gardens row boating under Japanese cherry blossoms. Onboard Celebrity Cruises luxurious Solstice, guests can enjoy afternoons in the ship’s art gallery, unwind in the Persian garden with loungers looking out at the views or visit one of the 12 restaurants for dinner with alfresco options available. Iglu Cruise is offering this cruise from just £3,849 per person (full board on cruise) including return flights and transfers, a complimentary all inclusive drinks package, a Suica travel card preloaded with 1,500 Yen and port taxes and fees. www.iglucruise.com
Planet Cruise
Discovering the hidden Galapagos Islands, departing 28 April 2022
This 10-night ultra-luxurious cruise to The Galapagos Islands focusing on the more remote spots of the archipelago is ideal for travellers who want to reconnect with nature. With The Galapagos known for its inspiration behind Darwin’s theory of evolution, guests are promised sightings of plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world, including the giant tortoise and magnificent frigate bird. Starting in Ecuador’s Quito with a two-night hotel stay pre-cruise, guests will fly to Baltra where they will board the ship which skims across the Pacific heading to the farther flung ports of the islands, including the volcanic Daphne Island, where guests can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and exotic wildlife.
During the trip, guests will also stroll on the sandy beaches of Santa Cruz, enjoy a day exploring the culture of San Cristobal and swim with sea lions in Gardner Bay. When sailing on Silversea’s Origin, guests can spend afternoons relaxing in their luxurious suite whilst the world peacefully drifts by before heading to The Grill, where chefs use cooking methods inspired by their volcanic surroundings. With a 10% saving and lower deposits available, Planet Cruise is offering this cruise from just £8,580 per person (full board on cruise) including return flights, transfers and hotel stays. www.planetcruise.com
One Traveller
Travelling the Rhone & Saône, departing May 2021
One Traveller, the British tour operator specialising in escorted holidays and cruises for the mature solo traveller, will launch their eight-day river cruise along the Rhone and Saône in May 2021, visiting France’s peaceful scenery and exploring quaint medieval towns. During the cruise, guests will enjoy morning excursions followed by afternoons relaxing on deck whilst watching ancient buildings and beautiful countryside drift by slowly.
Itinerary highlights include an opportunity to tour the former Palace of Dombes Parliament in Macon, feast in the food capital of Lyon and visit the historic Avignon city, marked a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers will also indulge in lunch at a traditional château in Beaujolais after touring the two Maisons of Côtes du Rhône and meeting the local vineyard growers. When they’re not exploring local areas, guests can venture back onboard MS Swiss Gloria to unwind in the wellness area or cosy up with a book in the Lido Conservatory. This eight-day cruise starts from £3,490 per person including return flights or Eurostar, onboard gratuities, coach transfers, all excursions, full board cuisine and a double room for sole occupancy. www.onetraveller.com
Oceania Cruises
Exploring the stunning scenery of Alaska, departing 29 July 2021
Experience the magic of Alaska onboard this voyage showcasing the states stunning scenery, indigenous cultures and local wilderness. Embarking on their journey in Seattle after an afternoon exploring, visitors will spend a day sailing before they reach Ketchikan, where they can head to Saxman Native Village, the best spot to view the city’s famed totem poles. Travelling further along the northwest coast, guests will arrive in Sitka for an afternoon strolling through The Sheldon Jackson Museum, which exhibits one of the states’ oldest native collections.
Before they return to Seattle, cruisers will sweep across the Pacific to Western Canada for a fleeting visit to the quintessential Craigdarroch Castle or head to the Royal London Wax Museum to spot King Henry VIII. Whilst onboard the elegant Regatta, cruise-goers can indulge in the finest cuisine at sea, treat themselves in the Aquamar Spa or cosy up in the library packed with over 2,000 classic books. With major price reductions in The Ultimate Sale, this seven-night cruise now starts from just £2,780 per person with a saving of £2,549 per person. Included in Oceania Cruises Unlimited Passport Collection, this trip includes return flights, unlimited shore excursions, complimentary internet usage and a choice of either a complimentary beverage package or $400 of complimentary ship credit. www.oceaniacruises.com