Disney family fun
What could be more fun than a cruise with your favourite Disney characters? Disney has added a fifth ship to its fleet, which could be their most magical vessel yet! On its maiden voyage in August 2022, from Port Canaveral, Florida, choose from a three- or four-night escape and travel to Nassau in the Bahamas, then spend the day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Kids will love the on-board theatrical dining experience with Frozen friends, or team up with the Avengers on a Marvel cinematic dining adventure. And do ride Aqua Mouse, the ship’s water roller coaster, or relax in the calm of the Senses Spa.
There are plenty of cabin choices, too, and if you’re splashing out (or have a lottery win!), then book the Wish Tower Suite. This penthouse-style suite is positioned high in the ship’s funnel, and you can expect the royal treatment with your own concierge and even a private elevator – but it costs £2,000! For a more affordable option, try the inside stateroom cabin.
• Four nights for a family of four, from 8-12 August 2022 costs from £3,864 for an inside stateroom cabin, including food, drink and all entertainment on board. To book,visit Disneycruise.disney.go.com
A relaxed river cruise along the Danube
The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, flowing 1,785 miles from Germany to Ukraine and into the Black Sea. A great way to enjoy a fantastic journey along these waters is on a river cruise. Enjoy a piece of Sacher cake in a Viennese café, marvel at the beautiful Melk Abbey, and enjoy the breathtaking view from the Pöstlingberg in Linz. Immerse yourself in the historic cities of the Danube on this short trip and let yourself be carried away.
• A four-night river cruise with VIVA costs from £473 per person during October to December 2022, and includes VIVA Cruises’ signature All-Inclusive – snacks, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, Wi-Fi and all tips and gratuities. To book, visit Viva-cruises.com
Gary Barlow and gin!
Fancy cruising the Norwegian Fjords on Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, the Iona from P&O? The cruise departs from and returns to Southampton, and offers spectacular scenic cruising. Make sure you get off when it docks at the most beautiful fjord, the UNESCO World Heritage site Geiranger, framed for its deep blue waters and towering mountain peaks. Other ports of call are Stavanger and Olden, Haugesund and Hellesylt. On days at sea, you will stay on board, cruising by peaceful valleys, foaming waterfalls and picture-postcard coastal towns and villages on the way to the next port. The ship also has the first gin distillery at sea (in partnership with Salcombe Gin), so you won’t go short of a refreshing G&T or two on those sunny days on deck! And Gary Barlow is the music director of the 710 Club, so you can kick back and enjoy the music and dancing while you take in the awe-inspiring sights of the surrounding mountains and fjords.
• A seven-night cruise on Iona, touring the Norwegian Fjords, costs from £629 per person and departs on 23 April 2022. The price includes kids’ clubs, full-board meals and on-board entertainment. To book this cruise, visit Pocruises.com
reat Bear Rainforest Cruise in British Columbia Great Bear Rainforest Cruise in British Columbia
This fantastic trip takes place on a smaller ship, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a quieter cruise experience. It starts in Bella Bella (yes, really!), located on Campbell Island and two days will be spent exploring the Fiordland Provincial Protected Area. Kynoch Inlet has some spectacular rock faces and waterfalls, and you will visit remote estuaries with the chance of seeing bears attracted by the spawning salmon.
The remainder of the trip will be spent travelling along the shore of Princess Royal Island – the best area for sightings of the rare Spirit or Kermode bear. Khutze Inlet has a beautiful river valley and an abundance of bird life, and bears are often seen along the shore. A day will be spent with local Tshimshian guides who will take you to their wildlife viewing areas. Humpback whales may also be sighted.
• Departures take place May to October and cost from £4,595 per person. This price includes Internal flights to Bella Bella, one night in Vancouver on arrival, seven nights’ full board on the boat, and two nights in Vancouver at the end. To find out more, visit Canadaasyoulikeit.com
Fly to Seattle and cruise Alaska
Fly direct from London to Seattle, and spend three days enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.
Take in key attractions such as the 360-degree city views from the Space Needle, the colours and glass craftsmanship at Chihuly Garden and Glass, and enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine prepared by creative local chefs.
Venture out of the city into Washington State’s famed great outdoors to be awed by national parks such as the Olympic Peninsula and the glacial region of Mount Rainer National Park. Hop on a whale-watching excursion out of Seattle or head to Woodinville for some wine tasting experiences. Then board the Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas for a week’s cruise to Alaska.
• This 11-night holiday departs 17 May 2022, and includes return flights London to Seattle, a three-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Seattle and the Alaska cruise. From £1,749 per person, through Cruise118.com. To plan a trip to Seattle and Washington State, go to Seattlecruisealaska.co.uk
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