Cruise captain reveals his unexpected dream destination isn't as far as you might think

Cruise holidays have been on hold in recent months as the coronavirus pandemic swept the nation. With travel slowly restarting across the world, and cruise line setting out plans to resume, ocean-loving Britons may be seeking a little bit of holiday inspiration.

The good news is, it seems you do not need to journey too far to experience breathtaking routes and awe-inspiring travel.

James Griffiths, senior captain of the world’s first six-star luxury discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse, revealed his dream destination is a lot closer to home than you might expect.

Though he has explored remote destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic circle during his 20 years in the industry, there’s one journey he has always dreamed of taking.

“I have sailed to the majority of places it is possible to take a cruise ship at this point, but I have often thought that the UK is underserved as a cruise destination – we have so many interesting ports and things to see,” he told Express.co.uk.

READ MORE: Cruise: Captain reveals how a holiday turned into a career

Along the way, cruisers will have the chance to stop off at a number of diverse locations nestled amid the craggy islands.

Port days include Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Portree, Tobermory and Iona.

The ship will then voyage on to the Isle of Man before hitting Belfast and finally concluding in Dublin.

Across 12 days cruisers can expect to encounter pristine beaches and some of the regions’ most fascinating wildlife, including an array of seabirds in their natural surroundings.

Eager holidaymakers can book their space on this particular voyage now.

Sailings are set to take place in August 2021, promising some of the best weather the regions have to offer.

It’s this kind of unique route that James sometimes takes cruisers by surprise.

“The cruise industry is incredibly diverse, it encompasses everything from a budget three-day vacation out of Florida to an ultra-luxury three-week trip to the most remote places on Earth,” he explained.

“I have heard some people say that ‘cruising is not for them’, but I really do believe there is a cruise ship and a destination out there for almost everyone – whether that is a European river cruise or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to the other side of the globe.”

It is opening cruisers eyes up to the possibilities and potential that an ocean exploration offers that keeps James fulfilled in his career to this day.

“Seeing corners of the world few people ever have is a privilege,” he said. “I’m always excited to play a part in helping to introduce our guests to new sights, experiences and possibilities,” he said.

source: express.co.uk