Innholdsfortegnelse for February/March 2025 i Cruise & Travel

Savvy cruise travellers are waking up to the benefits of travelling in the winter months and recently I was lucky enough to enjoy two out-of-season cruises. My first took me on my first Rhine adventure (pg 76) then to the Canary Islands for a much-needed sunshine hit (pg 32). Onboard both ships I found a slew of happy travellers revelling in their out-of-season adventures. It’s a trend that keeps on growing, especially as winter fares tend to be kinder to our bank balances. Looking for some inspiration? Turn to page 82, where Deborah Stone asks nine leading cruise CEOs where they’d love to sail to in 2025, and why. They’re the leading experts in their field, so their recommendations are invaluable. Closer to home, Scotland is fast gaining a reputation…

Spring forward Whether you’re headed for the Med or enjoying a fjords-bound cruise this spring, these stylish new separates from John Lewis’ own range are affordable and chic. Each piece is an ideal staple for casual onboard lunches with new friends or action-packed shore excursions, immediately refreshing your at-sea wardrobe. Zip-up jacket, £49; striped jersey polo, £29; jersey polo shirt, £29; A-line maxi skirt, £59; woven leather ballet pumpss, £75; utility zip-top bag, £99 johnlewis.com WELLBEING ON THE WATER Luxury line Windstar Cruises will be hosting four special wellness-themed sailings in 2025 – the Mind, Body & Spirit collection. Designed for travellers looking to get healthy, the cruises will be led by renowned American life coach and healer Debbie Dixon. These dedicated wellness voyages will include meditation classes, breathwork, yoga…

“We hope to use this as an example for the entire industry. Together, we must make the right choices if we’re to succeed in meeting the climate goals of the future” We all do our bit at home to help the environment, so it’s reassuring to hear that the cruise industry is doing its bit, too. Going on a cruise used to be seen as a less-than-green way to travel; now it embraces environmentally friendly technology, with battery-powered ships, biofuels, wind power and other exciting eco initiatives. Sustainability is the word: the goal is to protect, conserve and restore the environment, stopping further damage to the planet’s delicate ecosystems and creating new ways of powering ships to ensure humans can live in harmony with nature. For starters, as the world…

Who doesn’t like the chance to bag a bargain or nab a few discounts on holidays? Fierce rivalry between cruise lines means there’s always lots of special deals to be had, if you know where to find them. WELCOME TO WAVE SEASON The most obvious place to look is the cruise industry’s traditional wave season which kicks in during December and runs into February the following year, offering a host of eye-catching cruise promotions. During this time, virtually all cruise companies vie for bookings with a slew of savings and added-value offers that often feature packages which include complimentary drinks and speciality dining. Check out our website - cruiseandtravel.co.uk - for up-to-date information on the latest deals. SAVVY SAVINGS You don’t only have to rely on the wave season to…

1 WATERBOUND WELLBEING EXPLORA JOURNEYS Part of Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness concept, the spa facilities on Explora I and II offer guests a serene and revitalising experience, with a deep connection to the ocean. There are 11 treatment rooms – including two private spa suites with outdoor relaxation areas, a room dedicated to Dr. Levy treatments which focus on advanced anti-ageing techniques, and a double treatment room. Other facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, salt cave, steam room, heated marble loungers, and outdoor relaxation decks with panoramic ocean views. Meanwhile, gym goers will love the modern fitness centre with the latest Technogym equipment, open-air workout area and running track. explorajourneys.com 2 RIVERSIDE RITUALS HERITAGE LINE Ease into Eastern health traditions while cruising through the peaceful waters of Lan Ha…

I love cruise holidays because they’re so personalised. You can tailor-make each day according to your mood. Making new friends onboard is always a bonus, and whether it’s a new restaurant or unknown port to explore, there’s always something to make me happy. My first memory of ships is visiting my grandparents on a cruise. I was struck by the size and beauty of the vessel and how the atmosphere onboard was instantly thrilling. The first cruise I took my family on when the kids were very young was on P&O’s Azura in the Caribbean – we still talk about those happy memories to this day! Cruise cuisine goes from strength to strength. From amazing steaks and cutting-edge sushi to aromatic curries and informal comfort dining, I’m always spoilt for…

WORLD ADVENTURES BETH BODENSTEINER, President, Holland America Line “If I had the time, I’d choose the middle segment of our 2025 Grand World Voyage from Singapore to Athens. During this 49-day segment, you’ll get to experience the cultural diversity of south-east Asia, the stunning beaches of Reunion Island and the Seychelles, and wildlife in South Africa. Once the ship reaches Durban, guests can join a four- or five-day Overland Tour to explore Kruger National Park or the legendary Victoria Falls, then rejoin the ship in Cape Town to sail up the coast to the Mediterranean, crossing the equator a second time, to visit Alexandria and Ephesus before arriving in Greece.” hollandamerica.com WINTER SUN FUN CHRISTIAN VERHOUNIG, CEO, Ambassador Cruise Line “A balanced mix of festive cheer, culture and winter sun…

SUNNY DELIGHTS What could be better than a sun-kissed cruise to the Caribbean on an exciting new ship? When Celebrity Xcel makes its debut in November this year it will sail from Fort Lauderdale in the US on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. As well as enjoying all the great amenities onboard this 3,260-capacity ship, guests can enjoy stops in some of the world’s sunniest destinations including The Bahamas, Mexico, St.Thomas, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman and Puerto Plata. So, if you’re seeking some winter sun at the end of the year and love all that’s great about new ships, take a look at the sailings on offer from this fun, contemporary cruise line. celebritycruises.com MARVELLOUS MR MUNCH Edvard Munch is, of course, is famous for his haunting work, The…

You’ve got to go and see the Pinnacles, friends said, when they learned we were calling into Fremantle – the port for Perth in Western Australia – for the day. Never ones to ignore a pit-stop recommendation, we duly set off, expecting to see what the blurb had described simply as ‘limestone formations in the desert’. Talk about an understatement. As we entered the park, we were met with a sea of yellow limestone pillars – hundreds of them - rising up out of the sand as far as the eye could see, some as high as 3.5 metres, others small, some spindly, others great chunky spikes. It’s not often something turns out to be 100% better than you expect, but this was certainly one of those moments. The Pinnacles…

What is it about Tokyo that’s so appealing? Perhaps it’s the fact that every arrival into Japan’s dazzling capital starts with a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. Perhaps it’s how futuristic technology and centuries of history seamlessly blend together here. Or perhaps it’s the fact you’ll find something new around every corner. Whatever it is that draws you here, you might be surprised to learn that until the start of the 17th century, Tokyo was a tiny fishing village called Edo. Its fortunes changed in 1603 when a military leader called Tokugawa Ieyasu arrived and made it the command centre of his new domain, the Tokugawa shogunate. It marked the start of the Edo period, a time of peace and prosperity, and of rapid growth for the…