Introducing an Exclusive Châteaux & Gardens Voyage Aboard Oceania Nautica

• Expert Gardening Host: Sail alongside David Hurrion, former deputy editor of BBC Gardeners' World, featuring interactive lectures and an exclusive cocktail party.

• Hosted Shore Excursions: Enjoy included guided tours to Gijón's cliffside Jardines De La Fonte Baxa and Normandy's historic Parc du Château des Ravalet.

• Exceptional Inclusions: An 8-night round-trip Southampton voyage on Oceania Nautica, covering gratuities, Wi-Fi, and the House drinks package, plus a £100 garden voucher for the first 10 bookings.

For garden enthusiasts and discerning travellers alike, Cruise.co.uk has unveiled a brand-new, exclusive ocean escape combining luxury cruising with world-class botanical discovery.

Departing round-trip from Southampton aboard the elegant Oceania Nautica, this eight-night Châteaux & Gardens of Spain & France voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore Europe’s most magnificent coastal landscapes alongside one of the UK’s most respected horticultural authorities, David Hurrion.

From dramatic cliffside estates in Northern Spain to historic Renaissance châteaux in Normandy, this boutique itinerary is designed to inspire, delight, and bring the region's rich botanical heritage vividly to life.

Meet Your Host: David Hurrion

To enrich every step of your journey, your voyage is hosted throughout by renowned gardening expert, writer, and presenter David Hurrion.

Formerly the Deputy Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, David brings over 50 years of practical horticultural experience to the cruise.

As a prominent Royal Horticultural Society Show Judge at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show and a regular presenter at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, David offers a wealth of practical tips, plant care knowledge, and design inspiration.

Cruisers will enjoy continuous expert insight throughout the trip, whether joining David on hosted shore excursions, participating in interactive onboard talks, or chatting over drinks.

Exclusive Included Shore Excursions

The coastal regions of Spain and France are world-famous for their mild maritime climates and extraordinary estate gardens.

As part of this exclusive holiday, guests will enjoy two complimentary, hosted shore tours accompanied by David:

Jardines De La Fonte Baxa (Gijón, Spain)

Perched dramatically above the Cantabrian Sea on the Asturian coastline, Jardines De La Fonte Baxa is a breathtaking botanical haven.

This living tapestry features a labyrinth of camellias, hydrangeas, and ancient trees, seamlessly blending manicured garden design with wild coastal views.

As you wander the peaceful pathways, David will highlight key species selection, design ideas, and practical care tips.

Parc Du Château Des Ravalet (Cherbourg, France)

Surrounding a majestic Renaissance château, Normandy’s Parc du Château des Ravalet offers a serene landscape design rooted in grand French history.

Guests can explore sweeping English-style parklands, tranquil ornamental lakes, and a magnificent 19th-century heated greenhouse filled with exotic flora, all while David shares the fascinating history of the estate.

Inspiring Onboard Events & Expert Talks

The botanical discovery continues while at sea, with David hosting three practical, engaging presentations in Oceania Nautica's comfortable lounge venues:

• Creating Your Best Ever Garden: Learn practical hacks and straightforward tips to elevate your outdoor space, take the stress out of gardening, and cultivate with confidence.

• Growing Mediterranean Plants in the UK: Discover how to successfully introduce sun-loving, drought-tolerant Mediterranean species into evolving British garden climates.

• Your Essential Guide to Understanding Pruning: Demystify the art of pruning as David explains when, where, and why to make every cut to boost seasonal blooms and plant health.

Guests will also receive an exclusive invitation to a private onboard cocktail party hosted by David.

Featuring complimentary drinks and gourmet canapés, this intimate evening provides the ideal setting to mingle with fellow plant lovers, swap gardening stories, and discuss favourite highlights from your days ashore.

What is Included in Your Voyage?

Designed to offer total comfort and exceptional value, this exclusive Cruise.co.uk holiday covers:

• 8-night luxury cruise aboard Oceania Nautica, sailing round-trip from Southampton.

• Free hosted shore excursion to Jardines De La Fonte Baxa in Gijón.

• Free hosted shore excursion to Parc Du Château Des Ravalet in Cherbourg.

• Three exclusive onboard talks and Q&A sessions led by David Hurrion.

• Exclusive invite-only onboard cocktail party with drinks and canapés.

• House drinks package (covering Champagne, wine, and beer at lunch and dinner, plus soft drinks throughout the day).

• Unlimited Wi-Fi package.

• All onboard gratuities included.

Exclusive Early Booking Perk

To make this voyage even sweeter, the first 10 bookings made through Cruise.co.uk will receive a complimentary £100 John Lewis or Dobbies Garden Centre voucher to help put David's expert advice into practice back home!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is included in my cruise holiday fare?

Your fare covers hand-picked shore excursions plus interactive talks hosted by David Hurrion. Also included is a Free House Beverage Package featuring complimentary Champagne, wine, and beer served during lunch and dinner and at designated times across all bars and lounges, alongside unlimited Wi-Fi access throughout the ship and all onboard crew gratuities.

2. Who is the onboard host David Hurrion?

With over 50 years of practical experience in gardening and horticulture, David has a wealth of hints, tips and inspiration to share. A trained horticulturist, teacher and journalist, he was formerly the Deputy Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. He is a prominent Show Judge for the Royal Horticultural Society at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show and is an active member of the RHS Tender Plant Expert Group. David continues to present and host on stage at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, communicating his deep passion for plants, growing, and practical gardening solutions to audiences nationwide.

3. Is this cruise suitable for all gardening skill levels?

Yes. David’s presentations and excursion walkabouts are structured to offer practical advice, creative ideas, and troubleshooting tips for everyone - from absolute beginners seeking straightforward hacks to experienced gardeners looking to expand their plant knowledge.

4. How physically demanding are the included garden shore tours?

The excursions to Jardines De La Fonte Baxa and Parc du Château des Ravalet involve walking on gravel paths, stone steps, and gentle inclines at an unhurried, comfortable pace. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

5. How do I book time with David Hurrion?

You don't need to pay extra or book individual appointment slots! David will accompany guests on all included shore excursions, host four interactive onboard talks, answer individual questions during the Gardeners Q&A, and mingle during the exclusive private cocktail party.

6. Where do we meet David for onboard talks and hosted events?

Details on where talks and events will be hosted onboard will be available closer to the cruise departure.