Visit Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland in one cruise
Highlights
- Visit Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland in one cruise
- Sail the valley with the most castles in the world
- Explore German history in Cologne, Rüdesheim and Heidelberg
- Enjoy authentic French life in Strasbourg
- Taste Swiss chocolate and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in Basel
Classic Rhine Cruise
British winter time? There’s no better time to cruise.
As ever the clocks have fallen back – or at least they have for the last 98 years. Germany was the first place to put the clocks forward and back in 1916 in an effort to save energy during the First World War. The UK followed suit. Not that it mattered in the trenches. These days it is widely seen as a safety measure. There has even been talk of double daylight saving as a boost to the UK tourist industry.
Which is all very well but the question is if we have British Summer Time why don’t we call the bit where the clocks go back ‘British Winter Time’? There’s something quintessentially romantic about a British winter. Dew on the grass, breath steaming in the morning air, wrapping up warm for a walk down the pub for a glass of wine beside a log fire – what’s not to like? In comparison Greenwich Mean Time just sounds, well, mean!
Sometimes it’s best to un-wrap-up-warm
Then again there may be only so much wrapping-up warm a person can take. Whilst being toasty in coats and boots and scarves and hats is OK on bright sun-shining December Sundays it’s always not so pleasant when it’s lashing down with rain on your average January Monday and the festive spirit is just a ghost of Christmas past. That’s the time to think of un-wrapping-up warm for a week or 10 days where the sun is shining – and that of course is the quintessential beauty of cruising.
Has it ever occurred to you that there is no daylight saving in places like the tropics? The fact is that around the equator the sun pretty much rises at 6.00 in the morning and sets at 6.00 in the evening. The important word here is ‘sun’ – because in the tropics there is plenty of it on a year round basis.
Get a little bit of luxury-on-sea
The other thing of course is that all that going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark means that many of us get a touch of the winter blues. In fact scientists now recognise that levels of low sunlight can have a definite effect on the body’s chemistry. Without doubt the best way to rectify the situation is a large dose of sunshine and some serious TLC.
And that means a winter cruise! Whether you’re on a big ship, a mega yacht or a stylish catamaran nobody can deny that cruising in its many and varied forms offers more than just a little bit of luxury. All you have to do is simply lay back and enjoy yourself whilst somebody else moves the scenery every day.
If we haven’t persuaded you yet then call 0208 324 3116
We have a website full of winter cruising opportunities ranging from the coasts of Cuba, through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica, and right around the world to the Seychelles. Our tam of cruising experts likes nothing more than to get on the end of a phone and talk cruising – well it cheers them up these dark winter days! So give us a call and let us take you away from it all for a while.
Or check out www.seafarercruises.com – if you can’t get away over winter you’ll find details of our Sumer 2015 cruises too.
New Destination – Madagascar and its Mozambique Islands Mega Yacht Cruise
Madagascar and its Mozambique Islands Cruise
9 night / 10 day cruises from Nosy Be or Diego Suarez on board the Motor Yacht Pegasus
Discover Madagascar, once described as ‘Noah’s Ark adrift in the Indian Ocean’
Best cruise destinations for a varied holiday
Some people like to use their holiday time to toast themselves on a beach until they're relaxed and as brown as an old leather sofa. Others like to go striding around historic monuments and lush rainforests, seeking out the most cultural and educational aspects of a particular destination. There is, of course, a happy medium between these two extremes, and we at Seafarer embrace it wherever possible, filling our itineraries with plenty of opportunities to explore and relax in equal measure. However, some destinations lend themselves to balance more than others. Take a look at our favourite locations for those who love variety.
Greece
The Greek tourism industry is currently riding on a wave of seemingly everlasting praise, with the government declaring it to be the engine of the economy. There is a reason why the sector does so well though – Greece is possessed with such a plethora of aspects that it's hard not to describe it as the ultimate holiday destination. A tour of its many islands includes visits to ancient monuments and cities from the dawn of time. Include its capital Athens in this equation and you can count on a visit to the Acropolis as well. Then throw in the incredible nightlife that can be experienced in Mykonos. And don't forget the quiet little coves that line the coastline and can be explored on all of our tours. And have we mentioned the beaches? Stunning lines of sand or pristine white pebbles can be found on our wide variety of tours here. This truly is a holiday mecca.
Caribbean
When it comes to the Caribbean, the first image that pops into your head is likely that of extraordinary beaches, bordered by emerald trees, perhaps with a deck chair or two underneath the shade. But there's far more here than you might expect. Firstly, a culture so very different from anything you may be used to, with opportunities to witness isolated little villages at the heart of forests and old sugar plantations on one of our itineraries. Then there are the landscapes, which retain oodles of character while maintaining their picture perfect looks. Dramatic mountains pierce the skyline, begging you to explore them. Finally, you can explore an underwater world, with the diving proving to be absolutely incredible. There are many facets to witness when you head to the Caribbean on your holiday.
Croatia
Croatia's rough and ready coastline and enormous collection of islands is well worth exploring for a wide variety of reasons. Visitors can choose to enrich themselves by getting to know the country's incredible culture and history, which has been influenced by a number of factors over the past 1,000 years. Situated as it is on the Dalmatian Sea with neighbours including Italy, Austria, Montenegro and Hungary, you'll find influencers from all in the cuisine, culture and general way of life. Explore the Venetian architecture in beautiful Dubrovnik, often called the Pearl of Dalmatia for reasons that will be instantly apparent once you get there. Then there are the islands, each of them an entirely separate world to be experienced. Don't miss out – book a Seafarer Cruise that allows you to explore the delights of Split, Korcula, Hvar, Mljet and more. Otherwise, you'll be forever thinking about the other aspects on your holiday that you weren't lucky enough to
explore.
Turkey
If it's variety you're seeking, you can't get much better than Turkey, which is the epitome of the word. Often described as the place where eastern cultures collide with the western way of life, you can count on witnessing an extraordinary plethora of differences. Majestic temples rub shoulders with stone churches. Marketplaces hustle and bustle, alive with activity alongside sharp and sophisticated high street retailers. There are the smells and sensations of Istanbul and its extraordinary plethora of attractions. The atmosphere of the port town Bodrum, once a major trading post in the eyes of the world. Turkey offers variety in abundance, and you'll find equal opportunity to relax and enjoy the sights in its many cafés and bars, as you will to discover its historical secrets. Combine a visit to Istanbul with a trip to the Greek islands for the ultimate varied holiday.
Getting rid of the post-cruise blues
It's a Sunday evening. You have just come back from your trip around the Caribbean, the Greek Islands or some other idyllic corner of the world. And you're already nursing a heavy feeling in your stomach – the cruise is over and now you have nothing to look forward to until the next one.
But don't be upset. There are a number of ways that you can help those post-cruise blues, so why not consider some of the following activities to lift your mood?
Sorting out the photos
If you've been on a trip somewhere you've never visited before, chances are you'll have taken a lot of photographs. Once upon a time, this would have warranted a trip to the pharmacy and a week-long wait. Not anymore. With the ubiquitous nature of digital cameras, you can sort your photos out more easily than ever before. Plug them into your computer and share them around – on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram or Twitter. This is absolutely certain to get the conversation flowing among your friends, who will be anxious to hear how you got on. Print them out and put them into frames or onto canvas to hang neatly on your walls or sit on your mantlepiece. This little routine can help you get back into the swing of things.
Chatting about your holiday
Getting all those feelings out in the open is absolutely the best way to deal with your post-cruise blues. Let your friends know what you most enjoyed – was it perhaps unique cuisine from a coastal trip around Thailand? Or the awe-inspiring sights of Greek's plethora of islands? Perhaps the natural beauty of Mauritius keeps returning to your mind's eye. Perhaps such a chat will even inspire a group trip next year? That'll have the double benefit of giving you all something to look forward to! But either way, talking through your emotions is a recognised part of therapy and it's bound to get you through your post-holiday misery and the return to daily life.
Reliving the nostalgia
Think about what you particularly enjoyed about your latest holiday. Is there any way you can recreate those aspects here? If you loved the cruising element aboard a Seafarer holiday, why not get down to the coast more often and see if you can partake in any sailing? If you couldn't get enough of the lush green forests of the Seychelles, why not explore some of the natural beauty around your home? Consider yourself a bit of a wizz in the kitchen? Then get hold of one or two special recipes from your destination and see if you can recreate the cuisine in the kitchen. Just because you're at home, it doesn't mean your love affair with the destination has to end entirely.
Plan the next one!
If you really can't get your cruise holiday out of your mind, then set aside some time to get around planning the next one. This is pretty much the ultimate cure as it will really give you something to look forward to in the future. And with Seafarer's incredible range of destination choices, you really won't be disappointed. Book yourself a truly unique holiday experience in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or somewhere even more exotic for your next holiday and start counting down the days! And don't forget – you can always make your next cruise all the closer by choosing an option that allows you to explore the waters much closer to home.
Short cruises good for first-timers
If you're tempted to indulge in a cruise but are nervous about embarking on such a holiday for the first time, then it might be wisest to test the water with a short cruise of only three or four days.
At least, this is the conclusion drawn by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which asked customers a series of questions and discovered a number of aspects about short journeys that were particularly pleasing to first-time cruisers.
Those looking for a quick romantic getaway or to spend the vast majority of their trip exploring destinations rather than staying on the cruise vessel also advocate booking only two or three nights.
Although these were the main groups identified by the survey, time-strapped holidaymakers as well as those seeking the best possible value claimed they look for short-term cruises as well.
Interestingly, people tended to fly to exotic destinations for such cruises rather than staying local, with the most popular destinations for short holidays proving to be Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
If you fall into one of the above categories, it might be worth considering one of Seafarer's shorter cruising experiences below. A plethora of destinations and experiences are available in countries ranging from European historical hotspots (Greece, Italy) to exotic beach destinations (the Seychelles). Check out the range of exciting options below.
Greece
Few holiday destinations can boast as much attraction as Greece. Quite apart from possessing some of the most beautiful beaches and attractive little coves, it also has plenty of important historical locations, such as the town of Ephesus with its ancient harbour and fascinating ruins, constructed around the 10th century BC. Once upon a time, a population of 56,000 resided among these stone columns and crumbling walls. With Seafarer, Greece is one of your best options for a short cruise, with the Idyllic Aegean itinerary lasting either three days or four days. You can enjoy the atmosphere of Syros, Cesme, and Athens – plus more – before returning home after a fantastic holiday. Experience renowned beauty spots including Santorini, chic cosmopolitan atmosphere on Myokonos, and destinations from the lap of history such as Patmos and Heraklion.
Seychelles
Don't write off exotic destinations for a short cruise. The Seychelles is available with three and four-night itineraries that show off this archipelago's best points – warm temperatures, gorgeous turquoise seas, stunning beaches and charismatic coastlines. Opportunities for diving, snorkelling and swimming on islands such as Moyenne and Praslin are simply unmissable, with the marine life proving varied and fascinating. An oxcart tour in La Digue, the quaintest community in the Seychelles, is also well worth experiencing. And that's just some of what's on offer in the three-day itinerary, with a visit to St Anne to see giant tortoises proving the highlight of the four-day alternative.
Wildlife, extraordinary landscapes and great weather. The Seychelles quite frankly has it all, and experiencing it on a short trip might just convince you to come back for a longer visit.
Tahiti
Another extraordinary location for a short holiday is Tahiti, which boasts eye-popping beauty along every turn and twist of its elegant coastline. There are three and four-night itineraries available – the Blue Lagoon Dream and the Huahine Dream. The former will see you navigating the famous blue and green lagoons, with snorkelling and kayaking opportunities in the Avatoru Pass and walks on the motu. There is a nursery of sharks to witness and many tropical fish, while your hunger will no doubt be sated with a tasty barbecue. Meanwhile, the Huahine alternative is quite a different experience, taking you to the likes of the Avea Bay and the Bourayne Bay – both grand and expansive stretches of water. Surrounded by tropical fish, lush vanilla plantations and archaeological sites, you can count on an extraordinary week here.
Bear in mind that for the two long-haul destinations, our cruises are attached to land or beach-based holidays.
A Tale of 2 Cities and 5 Islands
Sometimes, one holiday destination just isn't enough. Whether as a cultural enthusiast, you yearn for contrasting architecture and history, or simply want to enjoy the best of both city life and beach beauty in one go, a dual-destination cruise holiday is definitely something you should consider.
Take, for example, Seafarer's Greek Islands and Istanbul Itinerary, which offers exploration of one of the most hustling, bustling cities in the world. Declared the point where east meets west, you can expect to encounter a veritable melting pot of cultures, all among an absolute hive of cafés, restaurants and cultural things to do. Discover Istanbul's fascinating history as an essential port and this fascinating city of Turkey. Visit its sites of cultural importance as well as its extravagant markets.
And then embark on an adventure throughout the Greek Islands that allows you to witness the very start of civilisation, where you will be treated to ruins dating back further than you could possibly imagine, to the likes of Hippocrates, Socrates and other famed philosophers and physicians.
If you needed more persuading, here are some more reasons why you should consider holidaying in two distinct countries.
Culture clash
The cultures in Turkey and Greece are vastly different, and nowhere is this more evident than in Istanbul and the Greek Islands. Despite the proximity of the two locations, this is an invigorating part of the world to be in, and with a choice of excursions available, you have the opportunity to explore its many vibrant facets. After venturing onto places like Mykonos, Patmos and Rhodes, taking time to explore their elegant coastlines and picturesque ports, the difference between the two cultures should be very obvious indeed. Experiencing such contrast can be enlightening and educational.
Start by exploring the likes of the Topkapi Palace, the Blie Mosque, Saint Sophia and the Grande Bazaar in Istanbul – places that offer incredible history and spectacular architecture. Then contrast it with the fascinating museums of Rhodes. It's also worth exploring the medieval old town, with its ancient walls and charismatic streets lined with churches and beautiful old buildings dating back to the Templar Knights of St John. Finally, the experience both starts and ends in Athens, which has not only a lively and vibrant nightlife but also one of the most notable historical sites in the entire world – the Acropolis.
Variety in activities
While the Greek islands offer plenty of opportunity to swim in serene bay locations, the city of Istanbul offers markets, activity and excitement. Why choose one over the other? There is plenty of time to do both. The Turkish cultural metropolis represents a chance to see some of the world's most magnificent architectures and indulge in an international atmosphere. Greece's many islands, meanwhile, showcase rest and relaxation at their finest, as well as some fascinating ancient monuments. Indulge in the best of both worlds.
Cruising
Visiting two locations can sound like a lot of unwanted stress if you're on holiday, but cruising is something that takes the pain out of travel. Aboard our Cristal Cruise Vessel or Variety Voyager, you will be able to spend the travel time in plenty of comfort, entertaining yourself in the lounge or enjoying a sea breeze out on the sundeck. There is a children's club, casino and a beauty salon, while the novel factor of bringing your bedroom with you means that you won't have to unpack everything more than once on holiday.
If we've made the case for a double destination cruise break, don't delay – book ontoone of our Greek Islands and Istanbul itineraries right now for an unforgettable experience. Choose between the Aegean Mosaic from Istanbul or the Five Greek Islands and Turkey from Athens.
Fascinating towns and cities of Greece
The Greek Islands hold a romance and mysticism that make them the ideal holiday spot. Crystal blue waters, culture by the barrel load, and warm, hospitable people – could you ask for anything more?
How about great towns and cities that enthral and surprise? Well, they've got those too.
Athens
No list of Greek cities can exist without mentioning Athens. It's the historical capital of Europe and the origin of some of the greatest works of mythicism, culture, art, philosophy and science the world has known.
The first settlement of the area can be dated back to the Neolithic age but it wasn't until the 5th century BC that the city really came into its own. Known as the 'Golden Age of Pericles', this period in history is when the city was at its most prosperous and at its most politically significant. It was during this time that playwrights Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides lived and historians Herodotus and Thucydides walked the streets.
Physician Hippocrates and philosopher Socrates also lived during this time, making it an exciting place to be.
Athens derives much of its vibrancy from its multitude of conquerors who shaped the city and erected some of the historic sites we know today.
No visit to Athens is complete without a trip to the Acropolis, the Parthenon or the Ancient Agora of Athens, to name but a few.
Nafplion
A stunning example of the Byzantine era, this is one of the most breathtaking towns in the Argolis and has a rich history.
Founded by Nafplios, believed to be the son of Poseidon and daughter of Danaus Anymone, Nafplion can be traced back to the prehistoric era.
While it went into decline during the Roman era, it resurged during Byzantine times and bears the marks of Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors. You can see it's history played out in its architecture, traditions and its people.
So central is this town that between 1823 and 1834 Nafplio was the first capital of the new Greek state.
Visitors to the town can marvel at the medieval castle, commanding statues, idyllic fountains and ancient walls.
Sparta
Any fans of Greek military history need to go to Sparta – it is the location of the ancient military state of Sparta and anyone who's seen the film 300 will know that it bred its people to be strong in body, healthy in mind and brave in character.
The ancient site of Sparta is located close to the modern city centre and was previously occupied by a small group of people who lived among the ruins.
Visitors should be sure to see the Tomb of Leonidas, the theatre of ancient Sparta and the Archeological museum.
In Ancient Sparta, enter the South Gate of the Acropolis and see the Temple of Athena Chalkioikos. North in the ruins is the Heroon and the Altar of Lykourgos.
Rhodes
The capital city of the island of Rhodes, it is one of the most famous and ancient spots in Greece. Rhodes is now a World Heritage site and its past is etched beautifully on its stone walls.
The city used to be home to the Colossus, which was classed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The old town is also one of the best preserved historic sites, giving visitors a real atmosphere.
When in the city it's important to drop by the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes and the Archbishops Palace. Both are beautiful buildings and contain examples of the history of the city.
The examples above are but a taste of what can be experienced on a cruising holiday in Greece with Seafarer. Witness the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, home to the fascinating historical site Mystra. A glorious airy ruin hugging a lush, vegetated foothill, the Byzantine ruins here are extremely intact. Or else experience the delights that Thessaloniki has to offer. Winding alleys, monumental gates and medieval houses are yours to explore. Finally, don't forget to check out Corfu for examples of French, British and Venetian architecture from throughout the ages.
Maldives witnesses 11% rise in tourists
Tourism figures in the Maldives are continuing to rise as more and more people see the appeal of this stunning collection of islands. White sandy beaches, beautiful natural vistas and glorious seascapes have been held responsible for pulling in 11.8 per cent more tourists between January and July 2014 than the same period last year.
According to figures released by the local Tourism Ministry, 701,704 international holidaymakers sought a good time in the archipelago during 2014, in comparison to just 626,639 during the first seven months of 2013.
Dramatic increases were observed across all groups of tourists, including a 27.7 per cent jump from those originating from Western countries.
Tourists from the Middle East rose by 20.7 per cent while visitors from the Asia Pacific area soared by 21.9 per cent, buoyed particularly by holidaymakers from China. Indeed, Chinese holidaymakers increased by 19.8 per cent, with more than 214,518 tourists originating from the nation alone.
UK tourists have also expressed greater interest in the Maldives, with a modest 3.4 per cent rise in the figures. German visitors, meanwhile, rose by 2.5 per cent and even Italy – the oldest holiday market of the Maldives – saw a 2.3 per cent uptick.
The news will no doubt be welcomed by the government, which had previously responded positively to a survey released by the Maldives Monetary Authority at the end of August that indicated an increase in tourism.
Those wondering what all the fuss is about are advised to consider a trip to the Maldives to find out for themselves. Aboard Seafarer's comfortable catamarans, you can be sure of exploring every nook and cranny of this stunning archipelago.
While 11 per cent is a significant increase, it's worth noting that the beaches, forests and general landscapes of the Maldives remain as stunning as ever.
Recent Comments