Beat the post-lockdown blues with a UK cruise
With the weather getting warmer many of us are hankering after a long-awaited first post-lockdown holiday.
But with the government roadmap for foreign travel still uncertain, and quarantine costs and £120 return covid tests per person proving just too expensive for the majority of us, people aren’t reaching for their suitcases just yet.
Marella however are offering more than a chink of light through the clouds with their brand-new itineraries sailing UK shores this summer. Marella Explorer will set sail from Southampton on UK itineraries from June 25, sailing to new ports of call including, Belfast, Dublin and Liverpool.
Marella Explorer 2, the cruise line’s adult-only ship, will also offer UK sailings from Newcastle from Saturday 10 July, with even more UK ports of call. Newcastle sailings will go on sale by the end of April. All itineraries will have excursions for guests to make the most of their time ashore.
‘Sail the South Coast’ is a great taster and for those new to cruising with a three-night itinerary from Southampton, visiting Dover for Canterbury Cathedral and Portland for the beautiful Abbotsbury Swannery and Gardens. Cruisers looking for a longer break can experience the new ‘Sail the Irish Sea’ from August. From Southampton it will visit Liverpool, Dublin and Cobh in the Republic of Ireland. Scottish itineraries include ‘British Sights and Seas’ which will visit the stunning views of Invergordon, the historic town of Kirkwall, Leith and a visit to Edinburgh Castle before heading to Newcastle and then back down to Southampton. A Taste of the West Coast will also see Marella Explorer sail to Greenock, Belfast and Holyhead before finishing the itinerary in Portland.
What will I need to do to travel?
Anyone aged 18 years and older will need to have had both COVID-19 jabs at least seven days before travelling. All 2-18-year-olds will be asked to have a lateral flow test. All guests must also provide proof of a negative lateral flow test before boarding the ships at the start of the cruise. You can obtain free test kits direct from the government here
Cruisers can still enjoy the luxury Champneys spa, a wide range of dining experiences, fitness classes, and award winning entertainment.A three-night sailing begins from under £450pp with all-inclusive board basis as standard. For more details visit Marella
