Well, that’s the end of our cruise experiences for this year, rounding off the year in style with Jackie’s mini-cruise with Crystal Cruises, and Ashley’s ship visit on Ambassador’s new Renaissance, based in the Caribbean for the winter months.
You may have noticed over the last couple of years, we have spent a lot of time either on cruises or travelling to see ships, either in the UK or in Europe. That’s really no coincidence, as we have invested in broadening our knowledge of several key cruise markets so we can better advise what the best cruise for you is.
Naturally, this aligned perfectly with the cruise policy we launched last year, where we have steered away from the very largest cruise ships to focus on those which offer a more refined version of cruising, either on the ocean, as an expedition or one of the fabulous rivers around the world. Even with smaller ocean ships, there is still something available for everyone, including children, with cruising such an accessible way to see the world.
This year, more than any other, we have tried to experience as many ships as possible – Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer, Sea Dream, Explora Journeys’ Explora I, the Crystal Symphony, Oceania’s new Vista and Ambassador’s Renaissance. We’re also heading back on the Ambition in December for a Christmas-themed cruise to Bruges and Amsterdam.
Explora I
Luxury
Between us, we have now sailed on all the major ‘luxury’ cruise lines – Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal and Explora Journeys. Although we have worked with Silversea in particular for the last fifteen years, it’s clear that although the theme is that they have smaller ships with fewer passengers onboard, each has its own special sauce.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Navigator
Mariner
Splendor
Crystal
Symphony
Explora Journeys
Explora I
Seabourn
Encore
Oceania Vista
Small Ship
Oceania Cruises
Vista
Hapag Lloyd
Europa 2
SeaDream 2
Yacht
Sea Dream
Sea Dream 2
Ponant
La Dumont d’Urville
Ambassador Ambition
Traditional
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambition
Renaissance
River Cruises
APT / Travelmarvel
Polaris
Greg Mortimer, Aberdeen
Expedition
Aurora Expeditions
Greg Mortimer
Hurtigruten
MS Maud
