Cruise International November/December 2022 - Sample

I’m sure I say this every year, but I can’t quite believe Christmas is nearly here! If you’re one of those organised people who already has all your presents wrapped and under the tree, I am in awe – I’m usually the one doing a last-minute dash to the high street because I’ve left it too late to order online.

You can avoid all that and make Christmas shopping a highlight of next year’s festive season with our guide to the best Christmas markets cruises across Europe (page 32). And if you’re looking for extra inspiration, why not give your loved ones a gift that lasts all year long with a subscription to Cruise International (page 81)?

For now, find out how to make the most of your next Nile voyage (page 61), as we mark 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. There’s more ancient intrigue on o er with a Greek antiquities trip (page 44), along with adventures in the Arctic (page 52) and a small-ship sailing along the coast of Spain and Portugal (page 74).

For the football fans among us, check out our guide to the Qatari capital of Doha (page 72) as you settle in to watch the latest match and learn about the city’s ambitions to become a hub for winter-sun cruises in 2023.

Then get ready for the festivities with recipes that are best enjoyed among family and friends from Mary Berry (page 92), plus an interview with Jools Holland as he looks forward to the 30th anniversary of New Year shindig Jools’ Annual Hootenanny (page 98).

Katie McGonagle, Editor

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Hot Spot

The Portuguese island of Madeira is a highlight of winter-sun sailings

On Our Radar

America’s Great Lakes region is putting itself on the cruise map

Cruise News

Health & Wellbeing

Competition

New Ships

Reviews of Norwegian Prima

Ocean Victory and Viking Polaris

Christmas Markets

Take your pick of cruises that visit the most festive fayres in Europe

Greek Antiquities

Retrace the steps of the ancients on a luxury voyage from Athens

Arctic

Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears on Le Commandant Charcot

Nile Advice

Get expert tips on making the most of a temple-filled River Nile voyage

Seychelles

Swap five-star resorts for small-ship relaxation in this Indian Ocean idyll

City Guide

Discover how the host of the Fifa World Cup is kick-starting cruises

Portugal & Spain

Find out how you stretch a ship on this tour of the Iberian Peninsula

Latin America for foodies

Whet your appetite for adventure with the tastiest tours for cruisers

Entertainment

Go behind the scenes with your favourite acts and entertainers

Ask the Experts

Travels

GETTY IMAGES/ADRIAN HANCU

Madeira, Portugal

Most people know of it, but few could say where it is – subtropical Madeira floats dreamily in the Atlantic Ocean and, despite being Portuguese, is closer to Africa. Closer still are the Canary Islands, and for this reason Madeira is tacked on to many a Canaries cruise itinerary, though it is deserving of its own spotlight. The capital, Funchal, is easily explored, with charming squares, mosaic pavements and plenty to see – such as the cathedral, harbourfront, buzzy food market and botanical gardens. Strike out, however, for some spine-tingling scenery. Jeeps can whisk you away to swim in inky lava pools and to gaze at mountains, vast canyons and laurel forests that survived the last ice age. You can also hike to lofty waterfalls alongside ancient levadas –channels that were created centuries ago, and still used today, to transport water from the misty peaks down to arid fields. And your exertions can be rewarded with a few sips of Madeira wine or poncha – a Madeiran own blend of rum, honey and orange juice.

WORDS: EMMA O’REILLY

>> Turn to page 64 for a winter-sun cruise in the Seychelles

Mackinac Island, the US

Step back in time on Lake Huron’s Mackinac Island. Vehicles are banned and the only transport is horse-drawn carriages, rental bikes or walking. Part of Michigan State, this unique destination is an enchanting port on a growing number of Great Lakes cruises sailing on the world’s largest body of fresh water. The 500-strong population is outnumbered by 600 heavy horses, and a gentle clip-clop through old-world Victorian streets and the State Park’s lush forests is a lovely way to sightsee. Tours visit 18th-century Fort Mackinac, built by the British and holding the title of Michigan’s oldest structure. Another highlight is the aptly named Grand Hotel, with the world’s longest porch. It’s also easy to get around under your own steam as Mackinac covers only 4.35 square miles, with an eight-mile circumference. For a treat afterwards buy some homemade fudge – the tempting aroma wafts down Main Street and has earned Mackinac the title of America’s Fudge Capital. Try it for yourself with American Queen Voyages, Ponant and Viking’s new expedition ships.

WORDS: JEANNINE WILLIAMSON

STOCK/MICHAEL DEEMER

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Words are inadequate to fully describe Antarctica, but you’ll never forget how this pristine continent makes you feel. Catch your breath as a breaching whale casts up sheets of icy water. Reflect on nature’s incredible power as you ride a Zodiac® in the shadow of monumental icebergs. Along the way, let magical moments, celebratory meals and luxurious surroundings fill you with delight.

Your skilled expedition leaders will curate complimentary Zodiac landings at remote islands and beaches, while on optional kayak excursions you may paddle among icebergs, leopard seals and regiments of penguins along untouched beaches. ‘Seabourn Moments’ include a ‘Caviar on the Ice’ party, digital photography workshops, open air bouillon and freshly baked treats on deck as you survey the incredible wildlife and scenery.

SEABOURN VENTURE l SEABOURN PURSUIT

Designed for those whose appetite for unique experiences is matched by a taste for ultra-luxury amenities and all-inclusive elegance. Built for diverse environments to PC6 ice-strengthened hull standards, these ships feature 132 luxurious oceanfront suites, together with a host of expedition amenities and an onboard 26-strong Expedition team made up of world-renowned scientists, historians and naturalists. Two custom-built, 6-seater submarines provide an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface, while a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiacs may accommodate all guests at once.

13-Day Antarctica Exploration

Round-trip Buenos Aires 3; 25 Jan; 27 Nov 2023; 6^*, 8, 28^, 30 Jan 2024

Cruise from £10,999pp*

Visits:Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia; 7-day ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; Flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

*Lead fare based on 6/1/234

11-Day The Great White Continent

Round-trip Buenos Aires 15 Jan; 6 Feb, 17, 27^* Nov; 7^, 9, 17^, 27^ Dec 2023; 18^; 20 Jan, 9^ 11 Feb 2024 From £7,499pp*

Visits: Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia; 5-day ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; Flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

*Lead fare based on 27/11/23

22-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Discoveries

Round-trip Buenos Aires 16 Feb 2023

Cruise from £27,499pp

Visits: Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia; 5-day ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; 3-day South Georgia Experience; Stanley (Falklands); Saunders Island; West Point Island; New Island; Steeple Jason.

18-Day Chilean Fjords & Antarctica

San Antonio (Santiago) to Buenos Aires 31 Oct 2023

Cruise from £16,699pp

Visits: Cruising Reloncavi Sound; Puerto Montt (Chile); cruising Moraleda Sound; Darwin & Baker Channels; Jorge Montt Glacier; transit English Narrows; cruising Eyre Fjord; Pio XI Glacier; Wide Channel; Peel & Calvo Fjords; Brujo Glacier; Smyth Channel; Strait of Magellan; Puntarenas (overnight); 5-day ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; Ushuaia Flight to Buenos Aires

21-Day Wild South Atlantic & Antarctic Peninsula

Rio de Janeiro to Ushuaia 7 Nov 2023^

Cruise from £16,699pp

Visits: Parati (Brazil); Montevideo (Uruguay); New Island (Falklands); Steeple Jason; Carcass Island; Saunders Island; West Point Island; Stanley; 5-day ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; Ushuaia Flight to Buenos Aires

21-Day Ultimate Holiday Antarctica & South Georgia

Round-trip Buenos Aires 19 Dec 2023

Cruise from £23,699pp

Visits: Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia; New Island (Falklands); West Point Island; Steeple Jason; Saunders Island; Stanley; 3-day South Georgia Experience; 6-day ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; Flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

PLEASE ASK FOR FLY/CRUISE PRICES

Voyages marked ^ take place on Seabourn Pursuit

ANTARCTICA EXPERIENCE

Panorama Veranda Suite

Cruise News

SHIPS / EVENTS / DESTINATIONS

SILVERSEA’S ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Explorer Felicity Aston (right), the only woman to ski across Antarctica solo, has been named godmother of Silversea Cruises’ new expedition ship, Silver Endeavour. She is due to name the ship in a small ceremony taking place in Antarctica in November, before it departs on a maiden season in the region.

Endeavour will move to the Arctic for summer 2023, via the British Isles and Iceland, for a season exploring Greenland, Svalbard and the rarely visited Canadian High Arctic, before returning to Antarctica for winter 2023-24 (silversea.com).

CRAFTY COCKTAILS ON OCEANIA

Cocktail mixology is set to hit new heights with the debut of Oceania Cruises’ new ship Vista.

The ship’s bar programme will feature the latest in cocktail craft, including flavoured smoke bubbles, wooden barrel-aged negronis, a Moët & Chandon champagne-paired dinner and an Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar. There will also be a wide selection of zero-proof mocktails and low or no-sugar wines on offer, as well as speciality carts including The Bubbly Bar, serving champagne cocktails.

The 1,200-passenger ship is the first in the new Allura Class, and is set to launch in May 2023 (oceaniacruises.com).

FIRST LOOK AT ARVIA

The captain of P&O Cruises’ new ship Arvia (below) offered Cruise International a sneak peek into construction during a visit to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

The 5,200-guest, hybrid-powered ship is a sister to Iona and launches on December 9 with a sailing to the Canary Islands, followed by a season in the Caribbean. It features a new-andimproved Grand Atrium with space for aerial performances, a new Mission Control escape room and the first rum distillery at sea.

Captain Robert Camby said: “Iona was state of the art for us, but this [ship] has taken it to the next level.” (pocruises.com)

TAUCK’S SOLO SAVING

There’s good news for solo travellers – Tauck has dropped or reduced the cost of its single supplements on hundreds of river cruises next year.

The luxury river cruise line has waived the fee for Category One riverboat cabins on any European cruise in 2023, valid across nearly 250 departures. For other cabin categories, the supplement has been reduced by as much as £750, which applies to certain departures across 20 river itineraries.

Chief executive Dan Mahar said: “We’re excited to eliminate or dramatically reduce the single supplement on so many of our journeys. Our trips provide a wonderful sense of assurance and support that our solo guests truly appreciate.” (tauck.co.uk)

CRUISE BOUNCES BACK

Cruise is back and better than ever before, according to the latest consumer research. A survey by industry body

Clia (Cruise Lines International Association) found interest in cruise holidays is now higher than 2019 levels, with travellers adding extra time on land before and after sailing.

More than two-thirds of travellers spent at least one night in a destination before or after their cruise, with between a third and half adding even longer.

Six in 10 also said they returned to destinations they first visited on a cruise.

The survey polled 4,000 travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy and Spain (cruising.org).

AZAMARA GOES GOLFING

Azamara has added more golf and single-destination sailings as part of its new Europe itineraries for 2024. The line’s Country Intensive voyages, which delve into each destination in more depth, now make up more than half of the collection, with 53 of the 84 new sailings.

Fifteen golf cruises also feature in a partnership with operator PerryGolf, including a British Isles cruise taking in the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, and a golf cruise of New Zealand and Australia (azamara.co.uk).