Ships 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, 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.

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.

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.

Countries, Europe, Ships

A bridge over Sicilian waters

11th August 202511th August 2025 funtime65

And as no uomo is an island, our Italiani amici are following the modern fashion of linking land, with a bridge over Sicilian waters.

All of which €13.5bn public project money will connect Sicily to Italy 2 miles across the Messina Strait.

The ambition to join Italy and Sicily has been a long-held target.

With the government first proposing the scheme in 1971.

And revising it in 2022 following multiple cancellations on the grounds of hard lira/euro.

With the project to erect the world’s longest single-span bridge starting next May and slated for completion in 2032.

No Ponte

Ferry good: Reggio Calabria to Sicily takes 35 minutes.

Whatever has changed, and cynics might say it’s a politicians’ protection racket, it looks like this time it will go ahead.

And proponents will point to better access for Sicilians to Il Bel Paese, the Beautiful Country, and increased trade with them spitting out 120,000 jobs in the pipeline.

While the romantics will plead that the watery divide is what gives Sicily its very island identity and the bridge will remove that and alter the environment irrevocably.

Mamma mia: Mariolina. Picture: AlJazeera

Only the Sicilians aren’t as easily persuaded with 10,000 out protesting at the weekend waving their ‘No Ponte’ or ‘No Bridge’ placards.

With Mamma Mariolina De Francesco, a 75-year-old resident of Messina whose house lies near the site of one of the bridge’s 399m-tall land towers particularly animated.

Bridge too far: The protests. Picture: AlJazeera

Saying: ‘They could offer me three times the value of my house, but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters is the landscape. They must not touch the Strait of Messina.’

The Sea and the Skye

Now all this is familiar territory for those of us who live on a rock.

With Scotland engineering out Jacobean romance bridging Skye and the mainland.

Because had Bonnie Prince Charlie been fleeing Hanoverian forces in 1746 it would have been a very different escape.

In the boot of a car crossing the bridge rather than dressed up as Flora MacDonald’s maidservant.

On a bonnie boat like a bird on a wing over the sea to Skye.

Jutting out

Now don’t quiz us on this but Copenhagen sticks out for many reasons but specifically because its biggest city and the country’s capital is on an island, Zealand, off the mainland, Jutland.

So that its citizens, such as Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid had to swim to get anywhere.

All before the 5-mile Oresund Bridge between Zealand and Sweden came along in the year 2000… and blame the Millennium for many of these projects.

Channel your frustrations

And for those of us of a certain age, and the rest who followed the news reel, one of the great engineering vanities, celebrated at the end of the century, was the Channel Tunnel.

All when the English and French, for a brief time, got on with each other in 1994.

And there was great hoopla made of an English workman and a French counterpart meeting at the point where the 31 mile tunnel joined.

Of course modernists will tell you that this has made travel to the continent and for Europeans wanting to get to this island all the easier.

Which may be tree but it is a soulless journey and not without its delays… and you will of course miss that glorious sight of the White Cliffs of Dover.

There’s a black hole over the tunnel entrance to France.. Vera Lynn would turn in her grave.

Naw, give us our ferries, or even better party cruises going around in circles in the Med, a bit like Brexit really.

And if there’s a lesson in there somewhere, you’re welcome.

And a salutary piece of advice for the Italians and Sicilians (and if you’ve ever met any then you’ll know they are very different) about building a bridge over Sicilian waters.

Africa, Countries, Cruising, Culture, Ships

Travel Department Egypt bargain we Sphinx

8th February 20258th February 2025 funtime65

And with Daddy’s Little Girl en route already our eyes lit up at a Travel Department Egypt bargain we Sphinx will suit you too.

You’ll see the pyramids along the Nile of course on this 12-day special with seven cruising.

On the luxurious 4* Star MS Radamis II.

And enjoy a twin city/resort visit by taking in bustling Cairo and Hurghada on the Red Sea.

Giza look

Your holiday begins in the Egyptian capital.

And be treated to a full day city tour with a Travel Department guide, a visit to the Egyptian Museum and a trip to the Khan El Khalili bazaar.

And this being Egypt where cats are worshipped then we imagine that they’ll have the run of the stalls just like in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx is next on you itinerary.

Before you embark on a relaxing river cruise down the Nile.

With a range of excursions along the way.

Including the Temple of Horus, the Valley of Kings, the High Dam and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

And wrap it all up with a three-night stay in Hurghada.

All 40km of it stretching along the Red Sea coast.

And a word to the wise to all you men, shave your top lip before you snorkel or your nostrils will get blocked.

Nile high club

Now with our old TD friends from Dublin kindly extending their New Year you’ll want to get on this.

With flights from €2,829pps.

And full board basis on cruise and B&B/half board in hotels.

Now we’ll hear all about it when DLG gets back… she’ll toot and come in.

And maybe give ourselves a New Year sale treat.

After all this is a Travel Department Egypt bargain we Sphinx.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

No Flim-Flam follow the fjords up to the Arctic

1st February 2025 funtime65

And when you imagine what’s over the Arctic then you think… no Flim-Flam follow the fjords up to the Arctic.

Not that we’d change anything about our MSC cruise in Norway.

Well, maybe the fog that descended on the day trippers on the Flam railway.

And the only way to do that is to stay on the right side of the Norse gods.

Circle with Celebrity

Of course not even the great Norwegian railways can carry you as high as the Arctic.

So to get in among the ice you’ll need to cruise there.

But while it’ll be a slow boat to the Circle you’ll have to get your skates on to avail of the Celebrity Cruises 2025 offer.

With bonus savings of up to €600 per room that ends February 3.

You’ll spend 12 days on Celebrity Apex from €2,189pp on July 5.

Departing Southampton and easing yourself into your cruise with a day at sea.

Jazzing it up

Your first port of call will be Haugesund where each summer they jazz things up with a music spectacular and a film festival.

Which will get you in the mood for Flam,

Where you can rumble 2,800ft up the wilds of Norway.

Or kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord.

Now it’s as well to have all the deities on your side and you’ll get that opportunity on Olden.

Visiting Olden Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of the original stave church dating back to the 14th century.

Northern Lights and Midnight Suns

You’ll spend a day at sea to get to its capital Tromso.

Prime location for Northern Lights spotters and cable car vistas.

Nicknamed ‘The Paris of the North’ Tromso has an enviable culinary scene.

And we’re advised to have a pint at Mack’s Ølhallen, one of the world’s northernmost breweries.

While for culture vultures Tromso is well-served.

With the Arctic Cathedral and its stained-glass window, the Tromsø Cathedral; the Polaria and Perspective museums.

Gateway to the Arctic

By Day 8 the anticipation will be up and you’ll be transfixed when you see Honningsvag on the island of Magerøya.

Tagged the Gateway to the Arctic Circle the fishing town was rebuilt after World War II.

And it is one of the best places to experience the ‘midnight sun.’

Turning round you’ll head to Molde, ‘the town of roses’.

And hike up to the Varden Viewpoint.

And take in the scenery of the Molde Panorama and 22 snow-capped mountains and sparkling fjords.

Take to the Pulpit

Stavanger will be your last stop-off before heading back to England.

So it’s good to know you’re not overdoing it on the hike.

To Pulpit Rock, the cliff rising over 1800ft above the sea, with views of the Lysefjord and the surrounding lush terrain.

Of course, you’ll be well-served on a Celebrity cruise but there’s a further cornucopia of options on land.

Including outstanding fish and mussels, with French American, Japanese, and Indian influences found throughout the city.

Now your final day will be your last chance to unwind with the R&R on board.

Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa and taste the delicacies or brush up on your putting (where else?)

Before arriving back on English terra firma.

And tell your friends and family not to Flim-Flam follow the fjords up to the Arctic.

America, Canada, Countries, Cruising, Ships

A deal for Greenland

19th January 202519th January 2025 funtime65

It’s the kind of offer The Donald himself would be celebrating… a deal for Greenland.

And Oceania Cruises are pitching an Iceland, Greenland and Canada in the Fall 20-night package with savings of up to 20%.

You’ll fly from London Heathrow to the Icelandic capital Reyjkavik on August 25 and make your way on the cruise ship Insignia to the fishing village of Husavik for whale-watching.

Skjalfandi Bay boasts minke, humpback and blue whales and white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Before heading for The Donald’s next real estate acquisition.

Green with envy

All the human life in Greenland is in the south in Qaqortoq (and you’re welcome for that Scrabble word).

Qaqortoq is known for its stunning fjord views and colourful buildings.

You’ll visit the Greenland National Museum and see the famous Stone & Man sculptures throughout the area.

You can also take a boat trip around the nearby islands and hike up the Sermitsiaq mountain.

Or enjoy the vibrant local culture and delicious Greenlandic cuisine.

Old Canada and New England

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

Now you’ll go back in time for the Canadian leg of your odyssey to Saint John, New Brunswick, the country’s oldest city.

Known for its rich maritime history, highlights include the Reversing Falls, historic architecture and the Saint John City Market.

The Oceania Cruise bills itself as Iceland, Greenland and Canada but you’ll also get to enjoy the charms of New England too.

And visit Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts and President Trump’s home city New York where you’ll fly back to London.

Ship ahoy

Your Ocean View cabin will come in at £5,799pp, down from £7,519.

And we’re advised to book by 8pm on January 26 to receive a free case of wine.

Now a bit about the ship… and Insignia is midsize with an elegant yet contemporary atmosphere.

With all the features you would expect… baristas, Grand Bar, bridge, card room, boutique, casino, shuffleboard, fitness center and track and putting greens.

There’s a Grand Dining Room, library, lounge, dining experiences and pool.

A spa terrace, steam room, styling salon and sun deck.

Not that our friend The Donald would ever need any toning up.

It all adds up to a deal for Greenland and we should all jump on board.

MEET YOU ON THE SEAS