What a load of old ship!

New ships are launching left, right & centre with more capacity, innovation and experiences as cruise lines evolve and innovate to stand out in a crowded market and attract new to cruise guests. This got me thinking.. with so much focus on huge new ships and experiences, who is catering to the loyal cruisers that prefer classic traditional cruising on elegant small & mid-sized ships? Allow me to tell you…

Fred Olsen: Boasting a fleet of four classic ships built between 1972 & 1988; Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar & Balmoral carry between 799 and 1,325 guests. Renowned for their cosy interiors, friendly staff & diverse itineraries. A selection of no fly cruises are available from various UK ports including Southampton, Dover, Newcastle & Liverpool. Fred Olsen describe their ships perfectly – ‘Our ships may not boast a daunting list of unnecessary gimmicks such as climbing walls, surf simulators and zip wires, but what they do offer is ample space and comfort, a welcoming, home-from-home feel and the style and ambience of a country house hotel’.

Saga: Saga’s loyal band of cruisers known as ‘Saganauts’ were devastated when Saga announced their two classic ships Saga Pearl II and Saga Sapphire were to leave the fleet in the next two years. Fear not, Saga will launch two new ships in the next two years; Spirit of Discovery in 2019 and Spirit of Adventure in 2020. Both ships will offer a British boutique style small ship experience that their loyal cruisers so love and will both be all inclusive from 2020 offering even greater value for money. Don’t miss your chance to sail on Saga Pearl II & Saga Sapphire before they leave the fleet with no fly departures available from Southampton, Portsmouth & Dover. You can expect fine dining, stylish & comfortable cabins and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages: Only in their ninth year of operation, Cruise & Maritime Voyages now boast a fleet of small & mid-sized ships that offer a traditional British cruise experience with attentive service, fantastic value and an array of quality guest speakers and craft programmes on most sailings. Specialising in no fly cruises from a range of UK ports, you’ll find Cruise & Maritime Voyages offer an affordable and intimate cruise experience.

You won’t find water slides, racing tracks and endless facilities on these ships but you will find other like minded cruisers, personable service, good value and access to smaller ports that large ships cannot access easily. Please get in contact and let me find you the perfect smaller ship experience, it will be my pleasure.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0330 041 7419