News

The world’s oceans may be our playground but, as seafaring folk, we always treat them with respect. There has been much in the news over the last 12 months about the dangers of plastics finding their way into the seas and Sir David Attenborough has made enormous impact in getting people to reduce single-use plastic from the environment. We not only welcome this, we have been looking at our own use of plastics to investigate ways we can respond and help ameliorate the problem.

As such we are extremely proud to announce that we have been recognised as the best cruise line for Responsible & Sustainable Tourism at the Tourism Awards 2019 ceremony, held in Athens. The awards are held under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), aiming to promote excellence and innovation in the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure industries.

As such we are extremely proud to announce that we have been recognised as the best cruise line for Responsible & Sustainable Tourism at the Tourism Awards 2019 ceremony, held in Athens. The awards are held under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), aiming to promote excellence and innovation in the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure industries.

In general Variety Cruises put great effort into enhancing our environmental initiatives and running a responsible and sustainable cruising fleet by adhering as much as possible to environmentally-friendly business practices. We are currently focused on eliminating single-use plastic – with items including straws, stirrers, cups, lids, bottled water and items wrapped in plastic – across the fleet. Variety’s first ship to have become completely single-use plastic was the M/S Panorama II since it began operating in Indonesia early this year.

The goal is to completely eliminate single-use plastics on board all vessels in phases within 2019. For more information on Variety Cruises’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives,

If sustainability matters to you why not choose to cruise with a small-ship specialist that puts the environment at the heart of its culture, call  or e-mail  to book or for more information.

Anchors aweigh,

Suzie Seaworthy

*Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays is the UK General Sales Agent for Variety Cruises.

As a tour operator of long-standing Seafarer has always held an ATOL licence. However, we are delighted to inform you that Seafarer has also recently become a member of ABTA and that henceforth all Seafarer holidays will be ABTA bonded.

Announcing the arrangement today Seafarer Managing Director Chris Lorenzo commented:‘In these slightly uncertain and unusual times, and in light of recent airline news, we want our customers to be able to book their holidays in complete confidence that they are totally protected and that, in the unlikely event something untoward happens, they will be safe, secure and looked after.’Financial protection under the ABTA scheme covers all holidays booked with Seafarer offered on www.seafarercruises.com and www.seafarersailing.co.uk

We currently have five brilliant Cruise Savings and deals for Summer 2019.

Choose the one that most interests you then click through for the full itinerary. Be it in Europe, Asia or the Indian Ocean, we have a special deal to suit you.

We’ve just made a cruise in the Seychelles a whole lot easier to afford. Basically we’ve taken our seven night Seychelles cruises, added a two night land stay, and included the flights, transfers, port taxes, all meals and three excursions in one single deeply discounted price for two people. We’ve also got a great deal if you’re travelling alone – see below

The good ship M/V Pegasus is one of those slightly quirky vessels. We admit that she doesn’t exactly look like the mythical winged horse, but that’s because she has been designed with two hulls to draw less water and be able to cruise through these shallow island seas. We do however promise you that she won’t take you too close to the sun! In fact, the weather in the islands is pretty stable with temperatures that hover between 28°C and 32°C year-round.

For those who don’t like it too hot June is the ideal month to visit. It’s also the best month for prices based on a 40% cruise discount for two sharing a cabin. Hotel-wise we offer a range of properties at varying prices. Our all-inclusive price is based on a two-night stay pre or post cruise, but we can organise longer if you like.

Our best prices for two travelling and sharing a cabin and hotel room on this all-inclusive* basis are:

• MAY from £5,199
• JUNE from £4,994

If you’re travelling alone the deals are:

• MAY from £3,099
• JUNE from £2,978

Anchors aweigh,
Suzie Seaworthy

Every once in a blue moon a deal comes along that is so good it almost beggars belief. This is it – a BOGOF deal on a Vietnam 7-night coastal cruise that comes in at under £1,600 per person including cruise, shore excursions port taxes, flights and transfers, on a sleek and stylish mega yacht.

Hey this is Vietnam! One of the hottest must-visit destinations on the planet. Elephants, Cham architecture, wonderful people with a really warm welcome, a chance to see so much more by ship than you would on a road trip, we’re talking big Buddhas baby.

Amazingly it’s cheaper than a week island hopping in Greece!

You need to be able to sail fairly last minute but at these prices we reckon it’s well worth dropping everything, packing your bag and jetting off. There are two, separate, 7 night itineraries – the North Vietnam coast and the South Vietnam coast – which combine to make a comprehensive 14 night cruise (certain dates only). Alternatively you can add a hotel stay to the package from just £119pp.

As you’ll appreciate with departure dates just around the corner these deals can’t last long. You’ll need to book them before close of business on February 28th.

SUZIE SEAWORTHY’S CRUISING PEOPLE’S VOTE

One of the first things you learn as a sailor is that you don’t get far with no wind in your sails trying to run head-on into a spring tide. Seems like that’s the last thing you learn as a Prime Minister. My cat Mrs. Nelson’s got more chance of purring into the ear of that Michel Barnstormer and talking him into doing the Hokey Cokey, turning around and changing course.

WE NEED CAPTAIN SENSIBLE STEERING THE SHIP

The fact is that our nation has a great nautical heritage and time and again it has been seafaring folk that have pulled her out of the doo-doo when it all seemed to be going down the heads. So my heads-up on the situation is this – let cruising folk, those most level headed of Brits, decide!’ A sensible idea I’m sure you’ll agree and what could be fairer?

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

So here’s my plan. Those good folk at Seafarer World HQ (strange that it’s just off the North Circular, but needs must I suppose) have agreed to put together a completely anonymous online poll. All you have to do is cast your vote, they’ll give me the results and I’ll pop down to Chequers and tell the PM what to do about it all over an elderflower G&T or two.

IN, OUT, OR SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT

IN – if you voted today you’d vote to remain.

OUT – if you voted today you’d vote for a hard and fast Brexit, let’s stop fannying around, bite the bullet, stop talking, cut to the chase, make no bones about it and get the deed done.

SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT – this is a fluffy sort of middle category for those who think we should get out but want the feeling that they’re still in. A sort of ‘Marie Antoinette vote’ of keep your hands off our Bath Buns but let us eat your cake too. Personally, I’m very partial to a nice slice of Battenburg.

There’s one more question and that’s asking you if, knowing what you know now about the mythical tales told from the NHS Battle Bus, or for any other reason, you have changed your mind since the original plebiscite. Hokey Cokey?

Anchors aweigh,

Suzie Seaworthy

Will Brexit Affect My Holiday?

Many of our customers have already booked their yacht cruise  holiday with Seafarer for 2019, but whether you have booked or are considering booking with us, we know that many of you  have questions or concerns about the implications of Brexit for your travel plans from  March 29th 2019 when the UK is scheduled to leave the EU.

As we all know only too well from the daily bombardment with news on this topic  from the media, negotiations and the parliamentary process are still on-going and the final outcome remains unclear.

However, there have been some very clear reassurances from both the European Commission and the UK government on crucial questions around whether flights will operate, whether visas will be required and a number of other issues of concern to holidaymakers.

This short guide aims to answer these questions for you.

Questions & Answers

What happens if flights have to be cancelled in a ‘no deal’ scenario ?

The European Commission and the UK government have made clear statements that flying will continue as normal even in a ‘no deal’ scenario, with current reciprocal rights simply being extended until a replacement deal is in place.

If you feel in any way insecure about this, we strongly recommend you book the full package with us, to enjoy ATOL protection for the full flight inclusive holiday package in the event of any disruption.

What happens if my Holiday has to be cancelled ?

The situation after the  29th March will be no different to what applies today, if your holiday has to be cancelled by us for whatever reason.

In the very rare instance that we have to cancel your holiday, you will have the choice of either accepting a comparable holiday from us or accepting the cancellation and receiving a full refund plus compensation as specified in our terms and conditions of booking.

Will I need a visa to travel to EU countries after 29th March ?

The information  announced by both the EU and UK authorities is that no visas will be required at least up to the end of the planned transition period up to the end of 2020 for British citizens travelling to  EU and Schengen area counties. This includes popular Seafarer destinations like Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Will I need a new passport to Travel to the EU after 29th March ?

For British citizens, you will need at least 6 months validity on your passport on the day your holiday ends. You can check passport validity requirements and additional information on the following government website link: EU Travel passport  info.

Will the cost of my holiday increase if Sterling devalues against the Euro ?

For early bookers (before 29th March), thanks to Seafarer’s price guarantee, we will not impose any surcharges and we guarantee to honour the price confirmed to you at the time of booking. This guarantee is in addition to our best price guarantee, since on a like for like comparison, should you find the holiday cheaper elsewhere, we will beat that price. This guarantee applies to flotilla, beach club, cabin charter and learn to sail holidays operated by Seafarer. The no surcharge guarantee applies to the full package, whilst The price-match guarantee applies to the cruise only element of your booking excluding any flights or land arrangements.

Will my European Health Insurance Card still be valid in the EU after Brexit?

European Health Cards issued by the UK will no longer be valid in the event of a no-, deal Brexit and you may be refused treatment in public hospitals within the EU. However it has been specified that your card will be valid during the transition period should an agreement be ratified in time. Furthermore, it is most likely that countries like Greece, Croatia, France and Spain, will revert to the reciprocal arrangements with the UK that used to apply before EU membership.

Given this uncertainty and in line with ABTA advise, it is a requirement that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking. For more info on our recommended travel insurance click on the following link: TopSail Travel Insurance  
If you already have an annual travel insurance policy, this is usually adequate though it is worth checking your cover once you have booked.

Will roaming charges increase once we leave the EU?

At present, mobile telephone call and messaging cost, as well as data usage costs whilst travelling in the EU are the same as the UK. In a ‘no deal’ scenario, these rules will no longer apply, though it will be at the discretion of your phone service provider to decide whether to continue to honour these tariffs.  Your service provider is obliged to advise you of any tariff changes in advance.

For more information on the above and other topics like driving and car hire in the EU, you may also wish to consult the advice provided by ABTA on this link:
ABTA Brexit travel advice