Sail with Virgin Voyages’ Brand-new Valiant Lady from Portsmouth in 2022

New and adult-only, Virgin Voyages is a ground-breaking contemporary cruise line by the world-famous brand. With the luxurious feel of sleek yachts, Virgin Voyages’ vessels are essentially boutique hotels at sea, with convivial spaces designed by some of the most fashionable names in contemporary interiors, along with thrilling entertainment with festival-like line-ups in consultation with groundbreaking producers, directors, choreographers and artists.

Virgin’s onboard dining features menus by a Michelin-starred chef collective and ditches buffets and pre-set dining times in favour of made-to-order food and leisurely brunches from 20+ unique eateries – all included. Choose from steakhouses, a Korean barbecue, an international food market and even a cooking lab, and expect vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options in every venue. Also included are ‘Basic Bevvies’ such as still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and drip coffee.

As well as indulgence, Virgin Voyages maintain a focus on wellbeing, relaxation and rejuvenation through cutting-edge facilities including an Aquatic Club, a Build & Balance gym and yoga studio, outdoor boxing and HIIT sessions, an alfresco jogging track and curated hikes at ports. Completing the picture are a pampering spa complete with a mudroom, and juice bars serving protein boosters and other pick-me-ups.

There’s a whole array of cabins to suit all travellers, from VIP Rock Star Quarters and even Mega Rock Start Quarters with exclusive benefits through Sea Terraces with alfresco hammocks to Sea Views with duo window seats and posh but cosy Insiders or Social Insiders for couples or four friends respectively.

Look out for the following exciting sailings aboard Virgin’s Valiant Lady from Portsmouth in spring 2022. 

Long Weekender in Zeebrugge - departures in March and April 2022

Sailing from the UK for three nights aboard Valiant Lady on her debut out of Portsmouth, you’ll head to the Belgian port and seaside resort of Zeebrugge for an overnight stay. Docked from 9am Saturday to noon on Sunday, you’ll have time to explore Zeebrugge itself and adjoining Bruges with its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings, or to take a day-trip to Ghent with its boat trips along the meandering Lys, to Ypres with its World War I history or even to the fascinating Belgian capital Brussels.

Coast the Canary Islands, Spain & Portugal - departures in March and April 2022

With stops in Spain and late nights and overnights in the Canary Islands and Portugal, this 11-night cruise invites you to see the sun rise in Lisbon. Indeed, you get a full day and a half to soak up the sights and attractions of the Portuguese capital with its famous restaurants, bars and nightlife. Other brilliant stops include Funchal in Madeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Late nights in Portugal and Spain - departure in May 2022

This 12-night one-way sailing to Barcelona allows you to explore picturesque ports and cities throughout the Med. Including a late-night stay in Palma de Mallorca and overnights in both Málaga and Lisbon, it offers more time to explore your destinations than the vast majority of cruises. Your stop in Málaga gives you plenty of time to explore its Renaissance cathedrals and discover its up-and-coming artists and restaurateurs, but with almost two days here, there’s also plenty of scope to head to the world-famous palace and fortress of the Alhambra in Granada.

For more information or to book, contact me today.

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with Fred. Olsen

22 July 2024

Step aboard a journey that promises to captivate your soul and awaken your adventurous spirit. Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruises in the Mediterranean invite you to embark on smaller, more intimate ships designed to navigate the hidden gems of this enchanting region. Picture yourself exploring the sun-kissed islands of Dalmatia, where history and natural beauty intertwine, or marvelling at the vibrant, colour-drenched clifftop towns that adorn the Amalfi Coast.

Try something new this year with these destination dupes

15 July 2024

Tired of the usual tourist traps? Looking for a unique adventure that not everyone will have been to? You're in the right place. Welcome to our second guide on destination dupes—unexpected places that offer the same allure as popular spots but without the huge crowds. Perfect for adventure travellers and luxury seekers alike, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences in beautiful, less-talked-about locales.

Discover the cultural highlights of Europe with Riviera Travel

15 July 2024

Imagine stepping back in time to an era of grand voyages, where the joy of travel was found in the act of exploring, learning, and immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. Riviera Travel's European Grand Tours offer you the chance to relive that golden age of travel on luxurious 9 to 13-day adventures. If you're a lover of art, culture, and history, these tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll cherish forever.