Cruising Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

In your sixties on a Rhine river cruise

14th January 202614th January 2026 funtime65

You look at the world differently from a double-decker booze bus when you’re a teen than from when you’re in your sixties on a Rhine river cruise.

With, of course, the behaviour codes laxer on the TopDeck bus to the Oktoberfest in Munich with a travelling party of Aussies and Kiwis than on the five-star MS Riviera Resplendence.

Let’s just say that we can’t imagine our Irish buddies Cassidy Travel allowing you to tip your bladder onto the thoroughfare in the way our crew did on the German autobahn.

It is, some 40 years since I first dipped my toe into solo travelling, going it alone after my Uni buddies had failed to raise the money for our group trip to Munich.

And I decided to jump in on my own, only to find that the bus was full of Aussies and Kiwis and I was the outlier.

Which meant that I was the novelty and made a busload of new friends, rattling on a bus and looking at the cruisers on the Rhine.

Some of whom dropped in on us for a weekend later that year… and stayed six months!

Rhine of your life

So now we’re in less of a rush to get there and happier just to go with the flow then what better way to travel than on the Riviera Rhine Cruise to Switzerland.

Where Solo Travellers can enjoy a stress-free, sociable way to experience some of Europe’s most beautiful regions without single supplements or the pressure of travelling independently.

You’ll board the brand new five-star MS Riviera Resplendence, launching in July.

On a seven-night river cruise promising solo guests a fully organised itinerary along the Rhine.

And you’ll get to enjoy historic towns and cities such as Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer and Lucerne.

With scenic highlights such as the Rhine Gorge, the Black Forest and a mountain rail journey into the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland.

Solo run

Guests will enjoy the comfort of sole occupancy cabins, expertly planned excursions.

And the support of tour managers hand-selected for their ability to connect solo travellers.

Days are spent taking in the scenery while evenings offer the option to socialise over dinner.

Or to simply enjoy live on-board entertainment including a violin soloist and folk music performances.

You’ll travel from October 31-November 7.

The full package

The Solo Rhine Cruise Package includes:

Exclusive price for Cassidy Travel customers
Free drinks package
7 nights on board a five-star ship
Return flights & transfers
10 included experiences
Full board *except one lunch if choosing the full day excursion
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Expert Tour Managers looking after you throughout
All additional taxes
Checked luggage
Free Wi-Fi

Prices from €2,899pp with a deposit of €300 (Exclusive Cassidy Travel price!)

Caribbean, Countries, Cruising

MSC are giving us a Sunbrella

13th January 202613th January 2026 funtime65

Rihanna was right, when the sun shine we shine together, and because they’ll always be our friends MSC are giving us a Sunbrella.

To help us through January.

Because despite what we see in MSC’s alter ego on TV sometimes we cruise through the rains like we did in the Norwegian fjords.

And after the hurricane comes the rainbow… here, help me stay on track and stop veering off here into Katy Perry.

Going on an adventure: The Good Ship Murder

Now MSC have alighted on the very thing for the January Blues which as their survey shows is a thing.

With half (51%) of those Irish asked saying that they’re craving winter sun to lift their mood, new research has revealed.

And one in five (16%) choosing to sit outside in the bitter cold simply because it’s sunny.

And one in ten (10%) even going as far as sunbathing in their winter clothes.

While two in five (44%) turn to Vitamin D supplements and a third (33%) book a flight somewhere brighter.

Way to glow

All of which MSC have taken on board by creating the Sunbrella which incorporates SAD lamp technology.

Allowing people to stay dry while enjoying a warm glow and serotonin lift.

You’ll never stop the rain: By complaining

Because if you’re low mood won’t shift, irritable, lethargic and have difficulty concentrating.

Then you’re more than likely to be suffering from symptoms of SAD.

Now we won’t name and shame what MSC has tagged as the Irish cities… Sligo, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork.

Caribbean dream

Only to say that the most popular destination for seafarers if money was no object is our old favourite, the Caribbean.

And MSC has the answer for that too with a lead offer around the West Indies.

With prices starting from just €331pp to the Caribbean on March 2 aboard MSC Seaside.

So if you’re feeling the January Blues then we suggest you stick it out to the end and look forward to a Spring lift.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

Going on an adventure with MSC on our minds

28th December 202528th December 2025 funtime65

And we’re back, Jack, Kate and the Good Ship Murder gang going on an adventure with MSC on our minds.

The British Channel 5 cruisedunnit is the perfect vehicle to promote our ship pals’ destination.

With the Christmas special dropping in on Alicante and behind the cloisters of St Ignatius Chapel.

Where Sister Tomasina has had an ‘apparition’ which has turned the Spanish town into a pilgrimage.

All of which asks for us to suspend our beliefs.

Mind you, in superstitious, religious Spain fact and fiction can meld and Alicante does have its own myth.

La Peregrina, or Pilgrimage of Santa Faz, which attracts thousands every year, on the second Thursday after Maundy Thursday.

Oui, we Cannes

Peregrinos walk eight kilometres from from the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas in the historic cente to the Monastery of Santa Faz.

Where the cloth bearing the image of Christ’s face is preserved.

And that’s a mystery that retired tec/cruise crooner Jack and his wingwoman Kate the captain-in-waiting could surely solve.

Of course their Alicante adventure is a window for us to check out MSC’s packages.

The Good Ship wends its way to the French Riviera and glitzy Cannes where inevitably the credits roll on a film star.

Hamam’s the word

And then up the Bosphorus into Istanbul where a wellness guru gets it and the finger of suspicion points to a disgruntled patient.

Now if only they had just gone onshore to the Cagaloglu Hamam.

Where everyone from Florence Nightingale to John Travolta have soothed their weary bones and souls.

Jack of all trades: The Good Ship Murder

We’re promised Crete, Cape Verde, Valletta, Ibiza, and Ancona in the coming weeks,

Giving us all a virtual top up on our tans from the comfort of our own homes.

And prompting us to dip our foot in the sea, although, of course, we already have and can recommend the fjords with MSC.

Med up our minds

Answer to our prayers: La Sagrada Familia

We know you better though and that you need your sunny cruise, so we’re passing on to you

Guests travelling from Dublin can fly to Barcelona and enjoy a seven-night cruise on board MSC Grandiosa from €1,199 on October 29.

With ports of call including Cannes, Genoa, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Palma De Mallorca.

With the offer valid on new bookings made up to April 7.

Countries, Cruising, Ships, South America

Rio by the Sea-oh with Swan Hellenic

18th November 202518th November 2025 funtime65

The hospitality manager on our first cruise told us their favourite trip was Brazil which is why we’re alighting on Rio by the Sea-oh with Swan Hellenic.

One of the 36 voyages on offer as part of the Black Friday Expedition Collection sale, ranging from six to 20 nights.

The offer comes with a$1,000 onboard credit per cabin and savings reaching up to £2,600 per stateroom.

Clients can choose from journeys across Antarctica and the Arctic, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

For departures spanning March 5 to July 29 with bookings to be made between November 17 and December 2 to avail of the offer.

With offer inclusive fares starting at £2,695pp.

Braziliant cruising

Among the standout sailings is the six-night Salvadore Rio voyage departing November 25. Soul, Samba and Sea Journey to Heart of Brazil.

From £2,835pp, your Braziliant cruise, our pals at Swan Hellenic tell us that it is an unforgettable journey.

Starting in Salvador de Bahia, a city rich in Afro-Brazilian culture, and culminating in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro.

They encourage us to explore the historic Pelourinho in Salvador and take in the colonial architecture.

While Itacaré buzzes to the rhythms of local capoeira dancers (no, us neither but we’re here to learn).

Trancoso is known for its boho-chic setting, with its iconic quadrado surrounded by lush rainforest.

Dip you toe in

The Abrolhos Archipelago throbs with marine life and breathtaking biodiversity.

While you can dive in too to the clear waters of its natural pools.

And snorkel, or simply enjoy the ship’s observation decks.

And because you know that you like to spend your nights partying.

Then you’ll be lapping up in Buzios and Rio, savouring caipirinha cocktails and the carnival vibe.

And having taken in the charms of Swan Hellenic in rather different shores, off Leith, Edinburgh’s port, we long for warmer Brazilian climes.

Countries, Cruising

It’s Panama that and my little Princess

15th November 202515th November 2025 funtime65

And how travel on the seas has changed in the last 50 years it’s Panama that and my little Princess.

Long before she came to reign over all of us The Scary One loves to remind us that she sailed the world.

Crossed the Equator, partied with Neptune, the King of the Oceans.

And crossed the Panama Canal.

All on the way back from Australia to England on a working ship with her parents.

The very programme from those halcyon days emerged as we continued clearing The Major’s endless library.

In the pages of the little Princess’s early atlas of the world.

Fifty years of cruising

The programme, of course, is a time capsule of 1974.

With the evening movie on board the western True Grit.

John Wayne apart it appears that what we all enjoyed then we still do today.

Keep fit, deck games, the pool, and, of course, cocktails.

This night’s was Brandy Alexander.

And music, the Fairskys.

And parties, with Neptune heralding the 1974 fare with the promise of Neophites.

The Princess reign

Where once Sitmar took ex-pats back to Britain from Australia our favourite pleasure cruisers Princess have stepped in.

And they have only dropped us details of their September 2027 through April 2028 season programme.

With 22 departures on five ships.

Including Caribbean Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, Emerald Princess and the new Star Princess.

And nine itineraries with cruises sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Or ocean-to-ocean between Los Angeles or Vancouver on the west coast.

And Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral on the east coast.

Tick off your countries

There are 21 destinations in nine countries.

Including seven UNESCrld Heritage sites such as the Port Fortress of Cartagena.

And The Archaeological Site and Historic District of Panama (from Puerto Amador).

While there are more ashore late-night stays including Cartagena, Aruba and Puerto Amador.

Because we all know that Neptune gains his strength from his queen.

And every queen starts off life as a Princess.

We found a sample 12-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean round trip from Fort Lauderdale from $935.

Taking in Aruba, Cartagena, Panama Canal Partial Transit New Locks, Colon, Panama, Limon, Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.

MEET YOU ON THE SEAS

Cruising, Ships

Eat like a Princess, the world’s best culinary cruise ship

24th October 202524th October 2025 funtime65

And it is always your goal, to ensure she will eat like a Royal Princess, the mission statement of the world’s best culinary ship.

Now Herself loves a good cruise and drops everything when the ship is in dock.

Or we’re asked to give a new cruise the once-over.

Cruiseheads are often maligned as the newly-wed, overfed and nearly dead which our ship pals take in good part.

Of course, anybody who takes to the seas on these floating hotels will soon park those stereotypes.

When they come face to face with the dining and drinking and entertainment and leisure options.

Eat to the beat

So what goes into the pot to make Royal Princess the World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship in the World Culinary Awards.

Well, we’ll just sit back and let our cruise chums to do the heavy lifting…

Crown Grill, the line’s signature steakhouse features premium aged beef and fresh seafood prepared to order.

The rich wood décor and classically elegant setting is surrounded by an open kitchen.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria showcases a refreshed menu inspired by Frescobaldi, Italy’s legendary Tuscan winemakers.

Once per cruise, the restaurant will host a Grand Tuscan Dinner for a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Lovely bubbly

The Chef’s Table Lumière is a culinary journey with champagne, hors d’oeuvres.

And a multi-course dinner created and hosted by the ship’s executive chef.

Guests can sit back and lap it all up at The Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar.

Where Medallion Man and Woman can enjoy an array of ocean treasures including sashimi, and sushi rolls.

The topper

Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner, featuring chef-curated, multicourse meals paired with selections from the Napa Valley winery Caymus Vineyards.

And the topper is Alfredo’s Pizzeria, voted Best Pizza at Sea.

Serving hand-crafted individual pizzas by 13-time world pizza champion chef Tony Gemignani.

In an open-kitchen setting, paired with beer and wine by the glass.

Up the West Coast

This winter, Royal Princess will sail roundtrip from LA.

Offering a series of California Coast and Mexico itineraries.

Followed by Alaska voyages in summer 2026.

Where guests can enjoy breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and fresh local flavours from The Great Land.

Countries, Cruising, Music, Ships, UK

Inflatable in the Eighties

19th October 202519th October 2025 funtime65

It’s inflatable in the Eighties as we go cruising again around Britain, as we did back then, so Relax and read on.

Ambassador Ambition are only offering a Sixty-something’s dream trip, a Back to the 80s Mini Cruise.

Southern comforts

Billed as a nostalgic two-night voyage for less than £10/monthpp or £259pp.

And departing next November 11, you’ll sail from Bristol to London Tilbury.

With the options of £170pp full board or £295pp all-inclusive.

Of course, this being the Eighties you’ll wanna dance (in your Air Jordans) with somebody who loves you.

And Ambassador Ambition’s DJs have all the anthems we rocked the floor to back then.

Dress to thrill

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Eighties-themed party without the opportunity to stick on those leg warmers and leotards.

And there will be plenty of that either on the dance floor.

Or through those energetic on-board workout classes.

Ambassador promise engaging quizzes for you.

And just a tip, just say Jacko, Madonna or Tom Cruise if you’re not sure.

Vogue like Madonna

Or dress like them if you want to win the fancy dress competition.

Although you’re bound to bump into those icons so maybe a Boy George or Cyndi Lauper instead then.

Now, this wouldn’t be our first rodeo off the south coast, having rocked it in the English Channel.

So we’d be looking out for.

And would know what to expect from Ambassador’s spectacular themed cabaret shows and lunches.

While we’re always open to new experiences and would obviously be front of the queue.

For the Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade and Captain’s Cocktail Party.

And at the end of it all, you’ll be sent home with a ‘Back to the ‘80s’ cruise badge & decade-themed booklet.

Countries, Deals, Ships, UK

Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween

5th October 20255th October 2025 funtime65

And as we build for Halloween… let’s go Lego and Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween.

Bringing visitors across the Irish Sea.

With the culture and mores which we’ve all adopted in Britain in our calendar of festivities and celebrations.

Such as Samhain which the Brits and Yanks have repackaged as Halloween and claimed as their own.

Scaring up a treat

Now, of course, we’re all for cross-fertilisation especially when it adds to the enjoyment.

Which our friends at Lego have always done.

And where Irish Ferries are giving us a fresh incentive this Autumn to join in.

As part of their 10% savings on your theme park package break if you book before October 13.

Now we all have our favourites with some parks feeling like they’ve been around since the first Halloween.

Although they never feel old and are always freshening things up.

Particularly around Halloween, one of the biggest dates in the calendar.

On a theme

Thrill seekers can look forward to the return of award-winning Scarefest at Alton Towers,

While we’ve also been alerted to a fang-tastic Halloween at Chessington World of Adventures, HOWL’O’WEEN!

Both of which look frighteningly good and we’d encourage you to check out.

Gruff break: Gruffalo trail in Chessington

Still, we know that those of us who live in the earthly world are a little more limited in our mobility.

So we’re focusing on one theme park from our old stomping ground.

Brick or treat party

My own Scary One’s back yard of Berkshire in the south of England.

And Legoland Windsor which back in our time was a Safari Park.

But which is now the realm of our favourite blockheads.

And which will naturally be throwing a Brick or Treat party.

Cut us in

Best seat in the house: Legoland attractions

And so you can get your Legoland Windsor package at a cut-price €636, down from €706.

You’ll be treated to a return cruise ferry journey.

Stay for two nights at the Novotel Reading Centre

And enjoy a day at the theme park.

All for two adults and two children up to the age of 11.

Countries, Cruising

Plain sailing with the McConaugheys as godparents

4th October 20254th October 2025 funtime65

And, of course, I’d never have swapped my own but wouldn’t it be plain sailing with the McConaugheys as godparents?

Which is exactly what Princess Cruises are offering us.

Our old sailing buddies have only brought the Hollywood superstar and his glamorous business partner and wife on board.

With the Princesses: On our cruise ships

As godparents, as is cruise tradition, for their new Star Princess vessel.

To follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.

And boy are they big shoes for Matthew and his missus to fill.

Hot shots

Now party animals Matt and Camila will bring their own zest to the job.

That zest being their Pantalones Organic Tequila.

Proud Texan that Matthew is it’s little surprise that he slipped that in in his acceptance of the role.

‘With Princess, it’s not just a vacation,’ he said.

‘It’s time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories.

‘This ship’s got that spirit built right in, and we’re proud to be part of her story from the beginning.’

Tequila a week cruising

All on board: Star Princess

And that means Princess serving signature cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila.

Including the guest favourite 24K Gold Margarita.

Their tequila is also part of Princess’ Love Line Premium Liquors collection.

And that includes a selection of curated wines and spirits, offering both spirited selections and non-alcoholic* creations.

Bubbly Malala

Of course no two godparents are the same and while Matthew and Camilla may be all about the shots and cocktails.

Our own cruise godparent Malala Yousafzai was no less bubbly but without the hard stuff.

When she pulled the lever on the Celebrity Edge launch cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

Although we made up for it, Alesha Dixon, Mark Wright and a host of invited guests on board, with our own party.

United Stats

Now some background on Star.

It’s a 177,800-tonne, 4,300-guest sister to the award-winning Sun Princess.

And it features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings.

And, of course, luxurious accommodations across a wide range of categories.

Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection.

An elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club.

It boasts a tranquil, adults-only pool deck.

With more than 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests can enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms.

To the ents degree

Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space.

The Princess Arena, the most technologically advanced theatre yet.

And The Piazza, the centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping ocean vistas.

Starting today, October, Star Princess will debut in the Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona.

Before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale on November 7.

Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska season.

While 2025-, 2026- and 2027-Star Princess voyages are now available for booking.

America, Caribbean, Cruising, Deals, Ships

Cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go

8th September 20258th September 2025 funtime65

Yes, on land or sea we’re always thinking of our next trip but the industry sets aside a period every year to highlight its offers, and we’re going to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

The Irish online travel providers, as usual. are ahead of their time with Cruise Week next week, Monday, 15 September to Sunday 21 September.

With fantastic MSC Cruises full fly and cruise packages.

Including return flights from Dublin with checked-in bag, transfers, entertainment gratuities and meals onboard.

Caribbean cruising

For many their first port of entry to cruising is Florida and the Caribbean.

And that’s where we’ll start with a fly/cruise from Dublin to Orlando and the Caribbean.

On board MSC Grandiosa for €1,129pp from January-March.

You’ll get four nights in an Orlando hotel with plenty of time to catch up on our Disney and Universal pals.

And then a seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral and headed for Nassau, Bahamas.

Where we’ve sailed to but like Aaron in the Bible didn’t get to set foot in the Promised Land.

It’s then onto San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and back to Port Canaveral.

The offer is based on 2+2 (aged 2-17 sharing).

And a bite of the Big Apple

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

Now if you still fancy the Bahamas but think well it’s just down the coast from New York then Click&Go have you covered here too.

They’re offering a fly/cruise on board Meraviglia based on €1,399pp from this October-April.

It includes an overnight hotel stay in New York and a seven-night cruise.

Departing New York for Port Canaveral and then onto Nassau.

And also taking in the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve before it’s back to the Big Apple.

Miami nice

Even closer, of course, is Miami and you can set off from there on board the brand new World America.

Based on €1,549pp with travel from October 2025 – March 2026.

Your trip includes one night Miami hotel stay and the 7-night cruise.

And you’ll get to take in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico (areeba, areeba) and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The bumper 14-nighter

Or the bumper 14-nighter.

Fly out to Orlando before stepping on board the Seashore for €1,599pp with travel from October 2025 – January 2026.

Including seven nights Miami hotel, plenty of time to sample the nightlife, beaches and architecture.

Even if you are prone to go around in circles, like this blogger.

And then the seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral for Nassau.

And on to Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral.

So a good way to start your Monday with our pointer to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.