Beyond THE SEA
Adapting to an ever-changing world means cruise lines are increasingly inventive with itineraries; but the Mediterranean remains our number one cruise destination, and experts predict the next 12 months will see the spectacular Turkish city of Istanbul and Israel’s Ashdod, for excursions to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, surging in popularity.
“Travel to Europe is more popular than ever – ABTA’s 2020 Travel Trends report revealed that Europe was the number one choice for British holidaymakers travelling abroad, with 84% visiting the continent in 2019,” Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, comments. “Based on demand for both river and ocean cruises in the region over the next two years, this trend is set to continue. Viking’s Iconic Western Mediterranean voyage between Barcelona and Rome is one of our most popular itineraries worldwide for UK guests.
“On an eight-day cruise guests can visit Rome, Florence, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Montpelier and Barcelona – imagine trying to fit in that many city breaks to a one-week holiday.”
“The Mediterranean is a perennial favourite because it offers so much choice,” says Chris Austin, Seabourn’s Senior Vice President of global marketing and sales. “Plus, it has many options when it comes to designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, where history and culture come alive for visitors.”
Seabourn’s Senior Marketing Manager, Carly Perkins, agrees: “It’s about the ability to combine marquee ports with tiny harbours and hidden gems in one ultra-luxury holiday.”
Most Mediterranean itineraries will also include opportunities to just soak up the sun. Busy days sightseeing are often followed by more relaxing days in beautiful sun-kissed destinations, such as the beautiful islands of Sardinia and Menorca. And returning to cities that may be more familiar,
