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Fire up your festive spirit on a Christmas markets cruise
SEASON’S GREETINGS Nile voyage Antarctica Wine cruises Mediterranean for less Safari sailing Latest ship reviews Dubai guide John Craven
DEC 2023/JAN 2024
£5.25
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LISBON, PORTUGAL The Portuguese capital is a popular port of call on Mediterranean and transatlantic cruises throughout the year – and arriving there is quite the spectacle, sailing up the Tagus River into the culture-rich city. Pass by the 16th-century Belém Tower on one side and the Cristo Rei statue, which was inspired by Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro, across the river in Almada. There’s so much to see and do in the ‘city of seven hills’, but after taking a ride on one of the yellow trams through the narrow streets of Chiado and visiting the vibrant heart of the city that is historical Baixa, you should take some time to tuck into the capital’s local cuisine. It would be a crime to leave Lisbon without sampling a pastel de nata, the famous custard pastry. Head to the Pastéis de Belém – the queues may appear endless, but these tasty tarts are guaranteed to be fresh straight out of the oven. There’s also the Time Out Food market in Mercado da Ribeira, which houses pop-ups of some of the city’s hottest bars and restaurants, as well as gloriously fresh fruit, meat, fish and flowers.
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PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA If uncrowded beaches, an abundance of wildlife and the chance to see a live rocket launch appeal, then Florida’s Space Coast could be the perfect pre-cruise spot. Port Canaveral may be less than an hour from the thrills and spills of Orlando’s theme parks, but the region is also home to some superb natural attractions. Watch the water come alive with a bioluminescent kayak tour in the glowing Indian River, or witness sea turtles nesting along the Atlantic coast. Leaping from the natural to the futuristic, Kennedy Space Center is close by – visit the complex to see spaceships of the past, and if schedules align, watch an exhilarating rocket launch from Cape Canaveral. Cruise departures from Port Canaveral are set to rocket in 2024. Already home to the likes of MSC Cruises, Marella and Norwegian Cruise Line, in recent months Celebrity Cruises has announced it will homeport Celebrity Equinox in Port Canaveral next winter, while Disney’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, will debut in the Floridian port in December 2024.
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SAILING BACK IN TIME A first-time cruise along the Nile is sure to leave travellers in awe of its ancient antiquities WORDS KELLY RANSON
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NILE
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VIVA
LA DIVA
You don’t need to book a luxury voyage or blow the budget to enjoy an upgraded cruise experience, as we discover on a swish sailing in the Med
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WORDS REBECCA BARNES
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AFFORDABLE LUXURY
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CHRISTMAS MARKETS
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