News

In line with UK Government advice as well as that of the authorities in our host countries, we have suspended all overseas holidays and cruises up to 30th April. We are contacting all those guests affected individually to discuss the various alternatives on offer. In most cases, we are encouraging our guests to rebook at a later date either this year or if required, also 2021, all with no cancelation penalties or change fees.

At present, whilst restrictions may subsequently be extended, all holidays operating from May 1st onwards are still scheduled to go ahead as normal. For those affected in some way, who are unable or unwilling to travel, we are allowing changes to travel dates at no cancelation penalty (subject to the airline policy where applicable) and this can include dates in 2021, or the date can be left open if required, to allow more time to decide.

If you wish to discuss your arrangements, please contact us, but given that we are currently busy with those scheduled to travel in April, please bear with us if we are slow responding.

The Seafarer office is open as usual, though the majority of staff are working from home and still able to answer calls thanks to our IT and telephone system set up.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, we wish all of you the best and look forward to better times soon.

The Seafarer team

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It’s that time of year again – the month we wrap up all of our cruises for the forthcoming 15 months or so with departure right up until March 2021.
We are featuring our biggest ever range of destinations, from the Greek isles, Croatia & Montenegro, plus Spain & Portugal in the Med, to far away places like Costa Rica & Panama, The Seychelles, Thailand & Malaysia, The Cape Verde Isles, The Rivers of West Africa plus in the Far East, Bali & The Indonesian Islands, plus the islands of French Polynesia.

As ever, Variety Cruises award winning formula of destination focussed cruises on their unique mega yachts is winning new friends. Indeed with their informal friendly atmosphere, open seating dining and typically just 30-50 guests on board, you will be cruising amongst friends.

We look forward to welcoming you on board

If you would like a hard copy to grace your coffee table simply request one here and we’ll pop it in the post. You can even ask us to send one to a friend.

Please send me a hard copy of the brochure

Seeing the problems caused to oceans and beaches by plastic bottles and other flotsam and jetsam prompted Captain Antoniou Leontios, Master of the Variety Cruises vessel Panorama II, to take the issue of cleaning-up beaches into his own hands. Currently cruising the waters of the Flores and Bali Seas in Indonesia, he decided to dedicate a few hours every week to dropping anchor in a bay, venturing ashore with some crew members and filling as many bin bags as possible with rubbish which he then stowed on board and disposed of properly at his next port of call.

According to Variety Cruises UK’s MD, Chris Lorenzo, environmental responsibility is part of the cruise line’s ethos:

‘We have already started eliminating single-use plastic from our fleet,’ he explained. ‘As for the beach clean-up program, our vessels are uniquely placed to do something practical – we only have small ships of 50-70 passengers so we can get close up to beaches and moor anywhere. Overall our philosophy is ‘small is beautiful’ and that’s not just about the size of our ships but about doing the small things that can add up to a big difference.’

Open: Mon – Fri 9:00-19:00 & Sat 9:30 – 17:00 Bank Holidays 10:00 – 16:00

If you want to get closer to the sun for summer 2020 then a cruise on a vessel called Pegasos (the Greek spelling) must be a good starting point. The fact she cruises the Seychelles year-round is another hint that you’re in for the most clement of weather – the temperature in this island paradise, often known as The Garden of Eden, ranges between 24°c and 32°c. It’s altogether lovely.

Pegasos is typical of the Variety cruises fleet – only 21 cabins and a maximum guest complement of 44 passengers. She is specially designed to handle these shallow island waters in the Indian Ocean (hence her shape) and we have just finished extensive renovations.

The 21 Pegasos cabins, and guest hallways, have been completely transformed to feature new bedding, soft fabrics, wallpaper, wood floors and carpet design. Ensuite facilities have undergone complete modernisation featuring marble and stone flooring. Overall there is a brand-new look with turquoise, blue and soft grey tones reflecting the Indian Ocean.

When it comes to public areas the Indoor Bar & Lounge and Dining area on the Upper Deck were completely renovated with new furnishings, re-upholstered furniture, soft fabrics, a new carpet design, flooring, and wooden blinds. On the sundeck we have totally transformed the bar area with new lounge furniture and a wooden bar reading “Seychelles”.

To find out more about cruising the Seychelles on our flying horse of a vessel click the button.

Seychelles Cruise

Open: Mon – Fri 9:00-19:00 & Sat 9:30 – 17:00 Bank Holidays 10:00 – 16:00

If you would like to reserve a place online, fill in your details and we will contact you as soon as possible

13 Nights from £2995 departing July 27 & August 12

It’s all in the name with this trip which will certainly live up to your expectations. Our 13 night package starts with a 5 night stay at the stunningly located Hilton Bali. On the Saturday, we transfer you to our sleek and comfortable 25 cabin sail cruiser Panorama II for an unforgettable 7 night island hopping cruise exploring a selection of the Indonesian islands. Our great value package includes flights from London and all transfers.

• Category C: £2995pp
• Category B: £3195pp
• Category A: £3375pp
• Category P: £3495pp
  —
  Single Supplement (any category cabin): £100Departs 27th July | 12th August

What is included:

Flight | Five-night Hotel Stay @ Hilton Bali | Transfers | Cruise

Open: Mon – Fri 9:00-19:00 & Sat 9:30 – 17:00 Bank Holidays 10:00 – 16:00

If you would like to reserve a place online, fill in your details and we will contact you as soon as possible

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’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

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.

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