This article was written for Silversurfers, which is now part of Rest Less.
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There’s always something exciting about booking a last-minute holiday – that spontaneous decision that quenches your thirst for travelling the world.
And a last-minute cruise is often the best way to visit multiple destinations, at short notice, without the need to pack and unpack multiple times.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure to northern Norway in Search of the magical Northern Lights, exploring the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, or experiencing the lesser-known Portuguese Islands of the Azores, Fred. Olsen’s carefully curated itineraries have something for everyone, so much so that they have received Good Housekeeping’s Reader Recommended accreditation!
Below you’ll find our top five picks for a last minute sailing.
In Search of the Northern Lights
There’s something magical about seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the skies above the snow covered mountains of Norway. Minimal light pollution makes the natural light display even more impressive! But there’s so much more to do in a trip to Norway in Winter. You could choose to go on a Husky Sled ride, spend time with a local Sami community or journey through the stunning Romsdalen Valley on the Rauma Railway.
A cruise in Search of the Northern Lights starts from just £1,099pp for 10-night’s full board accommodation with sailings from Newcastle this March.
The Norwegian Fjords
Nordfjord fjord
Voted one of the places to visit for first-time cruises, the Norwegian Fjords are a breathtaking collection of waterways flanked with mountains, valleys and waterfalls. This April you could visit quintessential fjord towns of Eidfjord and Skjolden as well as spending hours on deck watching the ever-changing scenery unfold before you as your ship sails the glassy waters of the fjords. And the best part – spring is when the waterfalls are at their most mighty and spectacular!
Starting from just £999pp for a nine-night sailing from Southampton, including full board accommodation, this really is a great deal for both new-to-cruise and experienced cruisers alike.
Easter in the Azores
Azores
The Azores are an archipelago of nine Portuguese Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. Although less visited than more popular island groups such as the Canaries, the Azores have a lot to offer travel enthusiasts. The diverse landscapes are filled with flora and fauna which transform through the seasons. On Sao Miguel island you can visit the mysterious Sete Cidades crater lakes, one in a shade of brilliant blue and the other in jade green. The Azores are also a great place to spot Whales and Dolphins.
This Easter, sail from Southampton and spend 14-nights exploring the Azores, as well as the Portuguese Garden Island of Madeira for just £1,299pp including full board accommodation. That’s just £93 per person, per night. What’s more, wildlife charity ORCA will be on board to help you spot local marine wildlife.
Europe in Spring
Amsterdam
There’s something particularly uplifting about spring – the weather gets warmer, the nights get longer and the landscapes become filled with colour. And no more so than the Netherlands where by April, the Tulip season is in full bloom.
Sailing on the 24th April, this 7-night sailing of Europe’s River Cities offer the opportunity to visit the Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam where the Tulips will be at their most colourful. You’ll also benefit from an overnight stay in Antwerp, a city famed for it’s Diamonds and Belgian Chocolate!
Prices start from just £899pp for 7-nights sailing from Southampton and include full board accommodation.
A ‘staycation’ cruise
You don’t have to travel far to experience beautiful scenery and picturesque towns. This short bank holiday cruise to the South Coast of Britain will enable you to explore the pretty Cornish seaside town of Falmouth, as well as the more hard to reach island of St Mary’s in the Scilly Isles.
Sailing from Southampton on the 1st May, spend 5-days aboard Balmoral with full board accommodation for just £549pp
Why book now
With so much already included in the cost of your cruises, there has never been a better time to book. However, to make the price even more appealing we are offering all Silversurfer readers an extra £100 per booking off when using the code EXTRA100.
