Costa Cruises
www.costacruises.co.uk 0845 351 0552
Inspired by music, the colourful interiors of the Costa Pacifica characterise the lively atmosphere onboard. The Pacifica sails from Dover to Savona in Italy for a nine-night cruise calling at Guernsey, Vigo, Lisbon, Valencia, Barcelona and Monte Carlo. On board there is a Grand Prix Simulator, a spectacular outer deck with glass roof and night cinema, and a theatre with exceptional sound quality. For relaxation, there is the Samsara Spa. From £689 per person.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0845 430 0274
Britain’s newest cruise line, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, has two small ships, Marco Polo and Ocean Countess that sail from six different British ports. Both ships deal in sterling on board and the ships are geared for British clients seeking a ‘home from home’ style of leisurely cruising but with friendly and attentive service — there is one crew member to every two passengers.
The 800-passenger Marco Polo has built up a strong following with its Mediterranean cruises to Spain, the Balearic Islands, Portugal and Morocco. In 2009 she was voted the best cruise ship on www.cruise.co.uk. Marco Polo operates exclusively for adult passengers from her home port of Tilbury on the Thames, just ten minutes from the M25.
Following a £3 million refurbishment programme, the 800-passenger Ocean Countess (originally the impressive Cunard Countess) joined the fleet in April. She operates year round sailings from six British ports, plus Dublin in Ireland. The ship has a new main restaurant but has retained all the original deck space and sun terraces that were specially built for cruising in the Caribbean. In late September she will sail from Plymouth for the Mediterranean. Prices from £1,398 per person.
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