The Best Fly and Cruise Holidays

Some of the world’s most stunning landscapes are best viewed from the ocean. Start your luxurious cruise holiday by flying right into a top destination, and spending a few days sightseeing before joining your ship.

New York City

It’s impossible not to love New York City. Its broad sidewalks lead you to a plethora of world-class museums, celebrity-studded restaurants and sensational sights that never fail to surprise and delight visitors. For something offbeat, take a stroll in the newest park, the High Line – a reclaimed raised subway line that cuts through the Meatpacking District for a unique experience. In lower Manhattan, look out upon the shining beacon of the Statue of Liberty, a reminder that this port city has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Many cruise ships come and leave from here. The three popular routes from New York are:

• Canada: Norwegian and Carnival cruises offer itineraries where you can sample the unspoilt Nova Scotia coastlines and beyond.

• The Bahamas: The Bahamas are made for cruising. The powder-soft sand, swaying palm trees and turquoise waters mean only one thing – you’re in paradise. Disney and Norwegian cruises offer holidays with a stopover at their respective private islands.

• Transatlantic: the only cruise ship that runs the timeless New York to Southampton route is the magnificent Queen Mary 2 where guests are treated like royalty.

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Barcelona

Neatly framed by the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona is a vibrant metropolis with eye-popping architecture. It’s a city of Antoni Gaudí. His work is dotted all over town, and his masterpiece, the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, is truly astonishing. Then there is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), which contains an exemplary collection of Gothic buildings dating from Catalonia’s Golden Age, interspersed with Roman ruins, delightful squares and numerous bars and restaurants.

This city of great beauty can be admired from different viewpoints, from hilltops, cable cars, funiculars, cathedral spires and cruise ships. A firm favourite cruise route is the Western Mediterranean, sailing to the glamorous French Riviera and picture-perfect Italian Riviera. A great alternative is to island-hop the four paradisaical Balearic Islands nearby.

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Malta

The Maltese archipelago, situated almost at the centre of the Mediterranean, includes the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. These islands are best described as one open-air museum. Delve into the island’s mysterious prehistoric temples, retrace the footsteps of St Paul, and see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom. If history doesn’t fascinate you, the local wine Gellewza certainly will.

For a truly unforgettable experience, fly to Malta and cruise the sun-kissed Eastern Mediterranean. P&O offers a number of 7-night or 14-night routes from Malta, stopping over some of most glorious destinations on earth – Greece, Croatia, and Italy. Indulge yourself blissfully, because you have earned it. 

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