Cruising Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

VIVA the Danube’s Iron Gates

8th June 20268th June 2026 funtime65

They sound like something out of Game of Thrones but VIVA the Danube’s Iron Gates are all too real and more dramatic than anything in George RR Martin’s world.

The Iron Gates, for those who are not too familiar with the great river gateway of central Europe, are the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

An 83-mile route, with the last barrier, the Kazan (Great Boiler) gorge being the narrowest and most breathtaking at just 15om just beyond the Romanian city of Orsova.

The side of the gorge in Romania constitutes the Iron Gates Natural Park, and the Serbian Đerdap National Park.

And what’s more Lepenski Vir in Serbia in the gorge and on the banks of the Danube is mooted as being the oldest planned settlement in Europe at 13,000 years ago.

Long before we’d hazard those Starks and their dragons were around.

Move aside Winterfell

Now all this will naturally pull in any of us who have enjoyed the charms of the Danube.

And even more so with VIVA Cruises tempting us with a gentle amble through its waters.

The 11-night ‘The Danube’s Iron Gates’, sailing on VIVA TWO departs Passau on September 6.

With ports of call including Bratislava, Belgrade, Donji Milanovac, Novi Sad and an overnight in Ilok.

Then on to Aljmas, Budapest, Hainburg and Vienna, Dürnstein; and Melk.

Many of those stop-offs sounding like they’ve come straight out of Winterfell.

With prices starting from €2950, the campaign comprises a free cabin upgrade and onboard credit.

VIVA the river

In addition, a reduced single supplement of 20 per cent is available for applicable solo bookings.

The offer is valid on 65 river cruises departing in 2026, with prices listed for Emerald deck cabins.

And if you can’t extend to 11 nights on VIVA TWO then there is a seven-night Danube from Vienna, sailing on VIVA MOMENTS from €1795pp.

Or a seven-night Whispers of the Rhone, sailing on VIVA VOYAGE, departing Lyons and flowing through France, from €1695pp.

While there’s a seven-night Waterways of the North, sailing on VIVA ONE through the Low Countries from €1795pp.

Guests will receive €25pp onboard spending money on cruises of up to six nights.

And €50pp for voyages of more than seven nights in duration.

The credit can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments and in onboard retails shops.Cabin upgrades will be applied to the next higher cabin category.

Countries, Cruising

Slides rule on the MSC Asia

5th June 20265th June 2026 funtime65

Water, water, everywhere, even on board where the slides rule on the MSC Asia.

Our cruise chums at MSC are rolling out their flagship in six months.

And have taken the opportunity to unveil six standout attractions.

The ship will be officially named on 28 November 2026 in Le Havre, France.

Before launching seven-night Med itineraries from Barcelona on December 4.

A real Cliffhanger

Prom ball: MSC World Asia, World Promenade

They kick us off with the Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride soaring 50 metres above the sea and a European first.

Before propelling us into The Spiral @ Tree of Life, the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 metres spanning 11 decks.

All inspired by the iconic trees of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

They’re rightly proud too of their Twin Racer and U Drop waterslides.

While they’ll show us the ropes before putting us through their two-level 6,210sqft Adventure Trail high ropes course.

Spanning 6,210 square feet and featuring Sky Rails similar to a zip line

And for boy and girl racers

Winning formula: MSC Euribia, MSC Formula Racer

For those boy and girl racers, there’s the MSC Formula Racer simulator.

And for gamers, the MSC Luna Park Arena, an interactive digital venue that’s a first for any MSC ship.

Beyond the thrills, guests can explore more than 40 bars and restaurants, seven pools, 13 hot tubs.

And the line’s widest range of MSC Yacht Club suites yet.

Med for cruise fans

All of which you can enjoy on a sample seven-nighter, setting sail on January 24.

And enjoying the charms of Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille.

All from £709/€819pp.

And what about the ship being called Asia?

And these itineraries, which start from December 4, being around Europe?

Well, we’re told, that it’s to celebrate the beauty of the world’s continents and oceans and reflecting its global nature. which we can testify to.

MSC World Asia will feature subtle design elements inspired by Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes.

And it will combine returning guest favourites with innovative new concepts.

All designed to elevate entertainment, dining and relaxation.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

Ya dancer Kristina’s Strictly for MSC passengers

24th April 2026 funtime65

And good news for those who like to kick up their heels on a cruise… ya dancer Kristina’s Strictly for MSC passengers.

The fact is that dancing has always been a key part of cruise life.

Long before clubbing became a thing… and yes, I feel a Kinks song coming on.

Anyone for tangoes: With Judy Murray in Portugal

Not, of course, to downgrade the chance to dance with the likes of Alesha Dixon on a Celebrity Cruises launch in the Bahamas.

But ballroom will never go out of style.

And now because of the popularity of Strictly Come Dancing who isn’t lining up for any opportunity to dance with a Strictly star?

With sometimes the chance coming on of all places a tennis court in Portugal with the powerhouse that is Judy Murray.

Tango with Kristina

Of course the opportunity to smash it with the tennis coach cha-cha champion doesn’t present itself to everyone.

But MSC does.

And Kristina Rihanoff will show you how to move it, move it, move it.

She will be holding dance classes on board.

So go easy on the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, food stations and drink packages.

And even use the ship’s gym facilities.

Because the Strictly professional will turn beginners (that’ll be me) into confident movers.

Tales from the ballroom

And, of course, ballroom dancing is open to guests of all ages.

Kristina will also regale passengers with the stories behind her dance career and life in the spotlight.

And you’ll get the chance to ask her your own questions.

And, of course, meet and greet the great woman for that obligatory photo opportunity.

So you can lead friends and family at home a merry dance about your new-found dancing ability.

From ball to balls

Clinched it: Kristina and Ben in training

Not that Kristina will be the only Strictly star on board.

With England Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen washing up on board with old team-mates Neil Back and Ben Kay.

Now Ben just happens to be Kristina’s partner away from the dance floor too.

And she will no doubt me making sure that he doesn’t go overboard on rugby rowdiness with his old sporting pals.

And that all the stories the try-scoring trio share with passengers are from the distant past.

They’ll also be holding rugby training for adults and kids.

Cash in on your cruise

So whether it’s a ball, or balls, there’s something for everyone on MSC as we know from foxtrotting around the fjords.

MSC cruise come in at from £1,279pp for a 12-night sailing on MSC Virtuosa to the Canary Islands.

Departing from Southampton on August 8.

With ports of call including Vigo, Funchal, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Arrecife De Lanzarote and Cadiz.

And those Spaniards certainly know a thing or two about dancing.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

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.