Ocean cruising: Top

Globe hopping 14 / Ocean cruising

Window to the world

The popularity of the ‘seacation’ has inspired cruise novices to venture beyond home shores. Jane Archer looks at what will be tempting them in 2022

Sailing Santotini and other greek iSlandS iS a claSSic firSt-time cruiSe W hat did the Knights of Rhodes ever do for Greece? It’s an easy answer, I realise, as I gaze around the splendid medieval old city of Rhodes.

A maze of narrow alleys here, the magnificent Street of the Knights there, the gothic Palace of the Grand Master, all enclosed in stout walls that still inspire the awe that must have greeted travellers in the 1300s.

No wonder the Ottomans wanted the city. They took it in 1522, booting the knights out in a one-sided fight: 100,000 Turks versus 7,000 knights.

I’m discovering the Greek Isles with Azamara, on the line’s first sailing since Covid. Azamara reckons the destinations it goes to are at least as fabulous as its ships. I can’t argue.

Every island we visit has a story to tell – the Minoans who vanished from Santorini; the mythical past of ancient Delos, a small isles off Mykonos; Ottomans again, this time laying siege to Heraklion. It took 21 years but they took it in the end.

Modern cruise ships are spectacular but, like so many others, I love cruising for the ease with which you get to visit lots of places on one holiday. All that history, culture and food in just seven nights!

Globe hopping Ocean cruising / 15

Clean and green

Feedback from cruise lines shows I’m not alone, with 2022 cruises reportedly being snapped up and months-long world cruises selling out in days.

“It’s like a spring bouncing back,” says Eamonn Ferrin, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Vice-President International Business.

The speed of the comeback is testimony to the way cruise lines worked as one to create robust health protocols – from mandating passengers and crew being fully vaccinated to enhanced cleaning and air filtration systems – that would ensure ships were safe and instil confidence in consumers. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimates some 5.5 million people cruised by the end of 2021, which says it all.

Many were first-timers, reassured by the safety protocols and attracted by fantastic deals. Free drinks, no single supplements and discounts were and are all in the mix.

Royal Caribbean International launched its Wave campaign in November to ‘stimulate the market’. “[We are] reminding our guests that epic holidays await,” says Vice-president EMEA Ben Bouldin.

Companies continue to invest millions to find ways the industry can achieve a 2050 deadline of net carbon neutral cruising set by CLIA.

Hurtigruten was ahead of the game by powering ships Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen by liquefied natural gas and batteries. Many of 2022’s almost 20 new ships will run on LNG.

Silversea’s new Nova-class vessels will use LNG, fuell cells and batteries. “They support our mission to preserve the planet without compromising on comfort or luxury,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea President and CEO.

By the end of 2021, almost 250 cruise ships were back in service, offering holidays to suit all ages and preferences, whether that be for big or small vessels, luxury or casual. Celebrity Cruises Vice-president and

“People are treating themselves after missing out for so long by booking top suites and ticking off bucket lists. Australia is selling well into 2023”

Jo rzymowska, celebrity cruises

expedition cruiSing iS hurtigruten’S Speciality

Managing Director EMEA Jo Rzymowska says people are treating themselves after missing out for so long by booking top suites and ticking off bucket lists. Australia is selling well into 2023, she notes.

Princess Cruises’ 2023-2024 Australia and New Zealand programme features the longest-ever World Cruise, stopping in 43 countries across Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe and South America.

What’s new

Product: There’s more on the allinclusive front, with Windstar adding drinks, Wi-Fi and tips into its fares as standard. Seabourn, which anyway included drinks and tips, now includes unlimited free Wi-Fi for all. Holland America Line’s optional Have it all upgrade covers drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and speciality dining.

A taste of the Caribbean awaits at P&O Cruises courtesy of Shivi Ramoutar, resident chef on ITV’s Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best. Her dishes will be served in Taste 360 and The Beach House on new ship Arvia launching December 2022.

Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud is opening his first restaurant at sea. Le Voyage will be on Celebrity Beyond, a new ship launching in April 2022,

Globe hopping 18 / Ocean cruising

fred olSen will Sail corinth canal in 2023

cruiSe the galapagoS for wildlife

royal caribbean iS enticing cruiSerS with itS wave campaign

and will serve dishes infused with flavours inspired by Boulud’s travels.

It’s official! - Wellness can be enjoyable. Silver Dawn, a new Silversea ship, launches this spring featuring Otium, a wellness programme inspired by the Romans’ love of indulgence and pampering.

A three-level go-kart track with a tunnel and a 10-storey plunge on a world-first freefall dry slide are among adrenalin hits on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima. The ship makes its debut in Southampton in August 2022.

Trade incentives: Carnival Cruise Line is giving agents £50 worth of points to exchange for treats with every booking made in January and February. LoyaltyRocksClub.com

Virgin Voyages has increased agent commission from 16% to 22% until February 16 in a major Wave campaign to get consumers booking.

Excursions: A Beatles walking tour in Liverpool and outing to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast have joined Cruising Excursions’ collection of UK cruise tours following the success of 2021’s summer seacation voyages around the British Isles.

New in the Med this summer, Scenic Eclipse passengers can spy the wreck of Britannic,

colourful localS in angola

the Titanic’s sister ship, which sank off the coast of the Greek Island of Kea in 1916, on a dive in the ship’s submarine. It’s offered on the 10-day Iconic Treasures of Italy and Greece and Mediterranean Odyssey cruises.

Top experiences

Bucket list: Azamara’s five-month World Voyage in January 2024 will visit more than Seven Wonders of the World aboard Azamara Onward. Departing from Florida, the 155-night journey will reach over 40 countries. azamara.com Croatian royalty: Sail from Split to Dubrovnik with APT on the 36-passenger Princess Eleganza. The eight-day journey visits Korcula, Hvar, Split, Brac and Vis, and stays in port each night. aptouring.co.uk Skilled sailing: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is giving adventurers the chance to relive history in May 2023, by joining small ship Braemar for a repeat of its record-breaking transit of the Corinth Canal – just 24-metres wide at its narrowest point –in Greece. fredolsencruises.com Animal action : Hurtigruten has added three new Galapagos itineraries available for 2023 and 2024. Clients can choose from four different

SilverSea haS a focuS on SuStainability

small-ship expedition cruises, ranging from four to eight nights. hurtigruten.co.uk Totally tropical: The Caribbean’s ABC Islands and the spice island of Grenada are among highlights on a series of new cruises round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas. royalcaribbean.com Canada bound: In 1713, Louis XIV staked his claim on a corner of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The resulting town, Louisburg, is among highlights on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ voyage to Canada round-trip from Liverpool. It’s on Borealis and departs August 9. fredolsencruises.com Turning Japanese: Take tea in Shizuoka on this seven-day cruise round-trip from Tokyo on Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess. Departure is October 4 2022 and there are maiden calls into Omaezaki in Japan and Jeju in South Korea. princess.com

Where to book it

HuRTIGRuTEn - 0203 603 7112

Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen is exploring Alaska in 2022 on a debut season of cruises. A 14-day Alaska and British Columbia cruise from Seward to Vancouver departing May 31 costs from £4,056pp. hurtigruten.co.uk •

Walking holidays in Gran Canaria

It may be best known for its beaches, but Gran Canaria’s mountainous terrain is made for outdoor enthusiasts

Keen walkers can follow well-signed trails through UNESCO biosphere reserves and past pre-Hispanic sacred rocks in Gran Canaria. After a day’s hiking, there’s the reward of breathtaking views and delicious gastronomy.

La Cumbre – “the Summit”

The island’s rugged interior has been crafted by volcanic eruptions. One particularly violent explosion caused the centre of the volcano to collapse, creating the Caldera de Tejeda, a crater 18km wide. The two distinctive pillars, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga crowning the crater, are the result of five million years of erosion.

The region has maintained local traditions more than any other part of the island, including delicious local dishes. Try the salt-fish sweet-potato “sancocho”’ washed down with a shot of warming honey rum.

Rock dwellings of Artenara

The crossroads at Cruz de Tejeda marks the geographical centre of Gran Canaria, and makes a good start for two walks. The first 8km trail involves a gradual climb up through the pines before a gentle downhill ridge walk. Take time to enjoy the views across to the Caldera de Tejeda, with Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga in the distance. The path passes the Cuevas de Caballero – caves with aboriginal rock engravings – before descending to the village of Artenara, at 1,270m it is the highest on Gran Canaria.

Some of the houses are built into the rock and the chapel of the Virgen de la Cuevita, dating from the 18th century, has a cave to itself. One of these troglodyte dwellings has been turned into a museum.

Tempting treats in Teror

The second option is a 12km trail in the opposite direction, dropping down through dense forest and mixed farmland to Teror. The town is famous for being the site where the Virgin Mary revealed herself in a pine tree to a group of shepherds in 1481. The spot became a place of pilgrimage and the 18th century Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino now stands imposingly in the Plaza del Pino. Walkers will enjoy typical colonial Canary houses with colourful wooden balconies. Go for the Sunday morning market and taste local cheese, olives and freshly baked breads. Finish by sampling the local wines.

Roque Nublo marks the top

In the centre of the island, the outline of the volcanic rock Roque Nublo stands stark at 1,813m above sea level. At 80m tall it is one of the world’s largest free-standing crags. The path up to the rock is relatively easy, starting at the car park at La Goleta.

There are fine views of Pico de las Nieves, the highest peak of Gran Canaria, and the island’s other sacred rock, Roque Bentayga, as well as out towards the sea. It was an ancient place of worship for the Guanches, the island’s aboriginal inhabitants.

Sacred light of Roque Bentayga

Bentayga is a natural fortress lined with inscriptions and wall paintings, marking a time when generations of

Guanches lived here, building community granaries and funerary caves. A short and precipitous path leads to their almogarén, a spiritual ceremonial space where the sun plays a game of light and shadow. At the solstice, a single solar ray strikes a circle engraved on the rock centuries ago by Guanche astronomers.

Chill out at Pico de Las Nieves

Translating as “peak of the snows”, Pico de Las Nieves was used in the 17th century to store snow for the summer. In June, blocks of ice were carried on horseback to the ice cream shops in the capital, the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a journey of around five hours. They were also used at the hospital to control epidemics of yellow fever and cholera.

The peak is the highest point on the island at 1,949m. From the car park, follow the signs to the mirador which overlooks the entire south of the island. Unlike other lookout points, Las Nieves has great views on misty days with Gran Canaria’s peaks seeming to float on a sea of clouds.

History unfolds at La Fortaleza

Near Santa Lucia in the south east of the island are the castle-like La Fortaleza rock formations, rising in layers from the fissured valleys below. It was a fortified Guanche settlement and its eastern side has a large number of natural and artificial caves. These were used as dwellings, food storage and even as burial sites and are all linked by a network of paths and tunnels. It’s recognised as the site of the last stand of the indigenous people against the Castilian conquerors in 1483. The excellent interpretation centre details their tragic history.

Nature thrives at Tamadaba

Forming part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tamadaba Natural Park in the west is the oldest and largest natural park on the island, covering an area of 7,500 hectares. The landscape was shaped by eruptions of the Tamadaba volcano over 14 million years ago, descending to the sea in a series of ravines and sheer cliffs. At the heart of the reserve is an enormous forest of indigenous Canary pines containing the largest variety of endemic flora on the island. It’s also a bird watchers’ paradise with woodpecker, blue chaffinch, kestrels and hawks easily sighted.

Paddle at Puerto de Las Nieves

Starting at the Tamadaba campsite, this 11km walk is fairly level until the footpath, long used by locals collecting wood for fuel, leads down steeply, passing caves dug into the crags for storing grain. There are spectacular views of the coast and the Agaete Valley but even more unique is the sudden rise of temperature that walkers will experience at the valley floor, which has its own microclimate.

It’s lush with fruit trees, coffee bushes and vines but a highlight is a stop at Bodega Los Berrazales to sample their excellent wines and coffee. Finally, you arrive at Puerto de Las Nieves where you can soak your aching feet in the saltwater pools by the sea. Don’t miss the excellent fish soup, “caldo de pescado” it’s a local specialty. grancanaria.com •