To date, P&O Cruises’ Britannia is the biggest vessel ever built for British cruisers, carrying 3,647 passengers, although P&O is launching an even bigger ship in 2020. For now, though, Britannia remains the line’s flagship, proudly British in feel, with the world’s longest Union Flag emblazoned on its white hull and all food and entertainment... To date, P&O Cruises’ Britannia is the biggest vessel ever built for British cruisers, carrying 3,647 passengers, although P&O is launching an even bigger ship in 2020. For now, though, Britannia remains the line’s flagship, proudly British in feel, with the world’s longest Union Flag emblazoned on its white hull and all food and entertainment...
More cruise lines than ever are focussing on solo cruises. More and more companies are waiving single supplements while others are increasing the number of cabins available for those choosing to sail on their own. Cruise ships certainly offer a safe haven, with pastimes for lone voyagers of all ages. If you take a cruise...
In cruise ship terms, Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam is getting on a bit. Launched in 2003 as the first in the line’s Vista-class ships, it is also reasonably small at 1,964 passengers when compared with today’s industry average of around 3,000-plus among mainstream lines. However, in common with all Holland America Line ships, the...
P&O Cruises' Ventura was christened in spectacular style by Dame Helen Mirren in 2008, when the screen siren commanded a team of Royal Marine Commandos to abseil down the side of the ship. This 3,092-passenger ship ushered in a more contemporary look for P&O Cruises. Rising 15 decks, the family-friendly Ventura is similar to Princess Cruises’...
Once you have discovered Valencia, you’ll wish you had more than a day to explore Spain’s third-largest city, located on the southeast coast. With an easily walkable centre, gorgeous medieval monuments built from golden stone that glows in the sunshine, and some dazzling art nouveau gems, Valencia is a joy to explore. It is also...
Criss-crossed through the ages by Greeks, Romans, Saracens and Byzantines, Sicily has so much of archaeological and historical interest that it could be a cruise destination in its own right; you could easily spend a week just sailing round the island and exploring. In reality, though, this rugged volcanic island (the largest in the Mediterranean),...
As the epicentre of Icelandic cultural life – and the world’s most northerly capital city – Reykjavik is small, but charmingly formed and buzzes with quirky chutzpah. Nearly half the country’s population reside here, but even so there are barely 123,000 inhabitants, ensuring that the city’s streets remain refreshingly uncrowded. Sun Voyager - Reykjavik harbour While...
Having been the Cunard flagship for almost 40 years, Queen Elizabeth 2 was a tough act to follow, but the next ship to bear the name Elizabeth offers a glimpse back to the Golden Age of travel. The era of the much adored ship known the world over as QE2 may be gone, but on-board...
Vietnam has become one of Asia’s rising tourism stars over the last decade thanks to an irresistible combination of awe-inspiring landscapes and mesmerising cities. The Mekong River While many Far Eastern countries can promise a similarly alluring mix, Vietnam stands out for the unmistakable Gallic legacy of French rule that still leaves its mark culturally...