Reader Holidays - Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights Cruise from Stroud News and Journal
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Reader Holidays - Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights Cruise from Stroud News and Journal
Departing March 2015
From £1819.00
*Price shown: 16 Mar 2015 - MWO
A once-in-a-lifetime cruise
Opportunities to experience the unforgettable phenomenon of a total eclipse of the sun, search the skies for the fabled Aurora Borealis, and visit the extraordinary Land of Fire and Ice will ensure that this very special voyage on board Marco Polo will sell out years ahead of departure. Book your place today.
Discover Life on board Marco Polo
There's far more to life on board Marco Polo than we could possibly fit on one page. Click here to find out more about her fantastic facilities and welcoming atmosphere.
What The Price Includes
- 11 nights' accommodation in your choice of cabin
- Full-board arrangements including full breakfast, luncheon, dinner, afternoon tea and midnight snacks
- On-board entertainment as arranged
- Calls at ports as detailed in the itinerary
- The services of a friendly, professional crew and cruise staff
- Port charges and taxes
Single and upgrade cabins are available for a supplement
Ship Information
In an age of vast, impersonal, floating hotels, 22,000-tonne Marco Polo, her profile marking her out as the epitome of sea-going elegance, is a beautiful ocean-liner in the classic tradition. Offering high levels of comfort, sumptuous dining and a genuinely warm welcome from the crew, Marco Polo will offer everything you'd expect of such a high-class vessel.
Deck-plans
Click here to display the deck-plans for this cruise.
Cruise Information
The greatest pleasure of a cruise holiday is the knowledge that as each day dawns, there'll be a new adventure to enjoy, a new experience to savour.
Ports of call
- Day One - Depart Tilbury, UK 1700hrs
- Day Three - Kirkwall, Orkney
- Day Four - Torshavn, Faroe Isles
- Day Five - Solar Eclipse Viewing
- Day Seven and Eight - Reykjavik, Iceland
- Day 10 - Invergordon, Scotland
- Day 12 - Arrive Tilbury, UK 0800hrs
N.B. All days not listed are spent at sea enjoying the excellent facilities aboard Marco Polo. Please see the Full Itinerary for details.
Full Itinerary
Day One
The holiday begins as you journey to Tilbury, ready to embark and sail this evening.
Day Two
Today is spent cruising at sea, off the rugged east coast of Scotland.
Day Three
Today Marco Polo docks in Kirkwall, capital of Orkney. See magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, originally at the sea's edge but now in the town centre, and stroll the town's meandering streets.Shore excursions here will include highlights of the island, where history, archaeology, crafts and wildlife all play their part. The World Heritage site at Skara Brae, a 5000-year-old village, should not be missed, nor the standing stones at Stenness and the fabled Ring of Brodgar.
Day Four
Torshavn, tiny capital of the remote Danish Faroe Islands, is Marco Polo's destination today. The islands are a birdwatchers' Paradise in the heart of the Gulf Stream, and their inhabitants live surrounded by natural beauty. Discover Torshavn's confusion of lanes and narrow passages, black-tarred houses with turf roofs and modern centre, or join an excursion to another part of the islands, perhaps crossing the famous 'Bridge across the Atlantic', which connects the main island of Streymoy with smaller Eysturoy.
Day Five
The highlight of your cruise is sure to be today's chance to view the unforgettable phenomenon of a total eclipse of the sun. Marco Polo will hold position at 64 degrees 25' 56" North; 6 degrees 38' 32" West to wait for the moment, shortly after 9.45am, when the skies will darken as the sun disappears in one of the most extraordinary experiences known to man.Following the eclipse, the scientific background to which will be explained by on-board lecturers, Marco Polo will continue north. And as she sails you'll have the ever-increasing chance of adding the sight of the Aurora Borealis, the mystical Northern Lights, to the list of celestial wonders you've seen.
Day Six
Enjoy all the amenities of Marco Polo as she cruises north.
Days Seven and Eight
Very early this morning Marco Polo docks in Reykjavik. Sitting on a promontory jutting into the crystal clear waters of Faxafloi Bay, and framed by majestic Mt Ejsa, the city's brightly painted wooden buildings stand in sharp contrast to the stunning beauty of its setting. Step ashore and soak up the atmosphere of this friendly and colourful city and to make the most of your overnight stay here.Take the lift to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja Church for a panoramic view, visit the fascinating Arbaer Folk and Saga museums, or experience the natural power of geothermal energy at the famous Blue Lagoon Pool and the original Geysir, after which all others are named.
Day Nine
Marco Polo heads for home, sailing back through waters teeming with aquatic life.
Day 10
This morning Marco Polo sails into Cromarty Firth on Scotland's rugged East Coast, tying up in Invergordon, one of Britain's greatest natural harbours, and gateway to the Highlands. Step ashore to explore, or take an excursion, perhaps to Inverness, with famous Loch Ness beyond. Whisky connoisseurs might make a pilgrimage to celebrated Ord Distillery.
Day 11
Your final day is spent at sea, reliving the wonderful memories as Marco Polo sails south.
Day 12
Marco Polo arrives back in Tilbury, at the end of a very special voyage.
The following hotels are offered with this holiday (subject to availability and supplementary pricing)
MV Marco Polo
In an age of vast, impersonal, floating hotels, 22,000-tonne Marco Polo, her profile marking her out as the epitome of sea-going elegance, is a beautiful ocean-liner in the classic tradition. Offering high levels of comfort, sumptuous dining and a genuinely warm welcome from the crew, Marco Polo will offer everything you'd expect of such a high-class vessel.
Further Hotel Information »Introduction
In an age of vast, impersonal, floating hotels, 22,000-tonne Marco Polo, her profile marking her out as the epitome of sea-going elegance, is a beautiful ocean-liner in the classic tradition. Offering high levels of comfort, sumptuous dining and a genuinely warm welcome from the crew, Marco Polo will offer everything you'd expect of such a high-class vessel.
Hide Hotel Information »