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Link: Ocean Cruises Link: British Isles in Full Bloom Cruise

Christmas & New Year Sunshine Cruise

Ship: MV Van Gogh
Duration: 15 days
From only: £999
Departure port: Falmouth, UK
Departing: 21 December 2008
Tour Code: 8XNF
Itinerary Tab:

Christmas & New Year Sunshine Cruise

Get away from the British weather and celebrate Christmas and New Year while cruising around Portugal, Gibraltar, Madeira, North Africa and the sunny Canary Islands. Celebrate in style with a traditional five-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings on Christmas Day, before enjoying Madeira's world-famous firework display on New Year’s Eve.

Itinerary

Day Date(s) Port / location Arrival Departure
1 21 Dec 08 Falmouth, UK - 1700
Embark your vessel ready for your world voyage.
2 22 Dec 08 Cruising at sea - -
 
3 23 Dec 08 Vigo, Spain 0700 1200
After disembarking in Vigo join our optional excursions.
4 24 Dec 08 Gibraltar 2230 -
Enjoy time at leisure to explore Gibraltar.
5 25 Dec 08, Christmas Day Gibraltar - 1900
Enjoy Christmas in Gibraltar.
6 26 Dec 08, Boxing Day Casablanca, Morocco 0800 2200
After docking in Casablanca, join our optional excursions.
7 27 Dec 08 Cruising at sea - -
 
8 28 Dec 08 Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands 0800 1300
On arrival in Arrecife, enjoy a range of optional excursions.
9 29 Dec 08 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 0800 0300
Enjoy time at leisure to explore Las Palmas, why not take advantage of our optional excursions.
10 30 Dec 08 Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands 0800 1800
Visit Santa Cruz and make the most of our optional excursions.
11 31 Dec 08, New Year’s Eve Funchal, Madeira 1200 0100
Cruise to Funchal. Perhaps you’d like to join one of our optional excursions.
12 - 14 1 (New Year’s Day) 2/3 Jan 09 Cruising at sea - -
 
15 4 Jan 09 Falmouth, UK 0800 -
Disembark your vessel for the return journey home.
Included Tab:
  • Visits to a selection of excellent ports of call
  • Live West End-style entertainment
  • All cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
  • Full board: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night snacks while on board
  • Complimentary coaching from selected pick-up points or free car parking at port
  • Cruising direct from England
  • All port and passenger taxes
  • The full services of the ship’s friendly, English-speaking crew and team of Travelscope staff
Excursions Tab:

Excursions

A taste of things to come, our sample ‘Going Ashore’ excursions highlight the most popular things to do on this cruise. Final confirmation and booking details will be posted to you approximately eight weeks prior to departure. The excursions shown below are for guidance only; prices and content are subject to change.

Port: Vigo

Santiago de Compostela

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder
Tour duration approx: 5 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £33
On board price: £35
Child price: £17

We will drive north through verdant scenery to arrive at Santiago. The magnificent cathedral here is the resting place of St. James. You will see some of the most beautiful buildings and squares including the Palace of Raxoi, which now houses the Town Hall and the great Royal Hospital. After the visit, refreshments of coffee, tea and biscuits will be served.

Bayona

Tour duration approx: 3 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £22
On board price: £24
Child price: £12

From the port you will drive up to El Castro for panoramic views over the city, bay and estuary. Then on to the seaside medieval town of Bayona La Real, which was the first European town to receive news of the discovery of America in 1493. Enjoy a walk through the town and some refreshments before heading back to Vigo along the coastal road.



Port: Casablanca

City tour & Grand Hassan II Mosque

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder
Tour duration approx: 4.15 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £32
On board price: £34
Child price: £25

On this tour we will see fascinating Grand Hassan II Mosque. After this visit we leave the city for a panoramic tour of the seaside area, before stopping at a beach hotel where we will be offered some refreshments. We then visit the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes. Finally we stop at the busy United Nations Square, where there will be a short time for shopping before returning.

Port: Arrecife, Lanzarote

Fire Mountain

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder
Tour duration approx: 4 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £23
On board price: £25
Child price: £15

From Arrecife, we head towards the Timanfaya National Park, in whose interior a volcano range rises which is now fondly known as Fire Mountain. Departing Fire Mountain, we head to the pretty village of Yaiza where refreshments of wine and tapas will be served in a local restaurant, and we will have opportunity to purchase souvenirs from the extensive shop.

Jameos del Agua

Tour duration approx: 4 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £23
On board price: £25
Child price: £15

Travel to the volcanic caves of Jameos del Agua. Enter through the ‘Jameo Chico’ to explore inside. Climb to the big ‘Jameo’, and go through volcanic terraces into an open-air area where a swimming pool has been designed to fit into the environment. The flora perfectly blends with the prominent volcanic rocks seen. From here we ascend a zigzag staircase to terraces where there’s a magnificent view of the caves.



Port: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Tejeda

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder
Tour duration approx: 8 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £33
On board price: £35
Child price: £17

Visit Tejeda, the highest point of the island. Here, lunch including wine and coffee will be served at the nearby parador. From its terrace you can see the two remarkable volcanic rocks, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentaiga, and the snowy peak of Mount Teide. After lunch, descend to the mountain village of Teror. After a stop for photographs, visiting a banana plantation before joining the coastal road back to Las Palmas.

Bandama & Angostura

Tour duration approx: 4 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £18
On board price: £20
Child price: £15

Begin with drive to the old part of Las Palmas, known as Vegueta, where we can view the mainly Gothic Cathedral of Las Palmas from the outside. Continue to Bandama peak and crater; an extinct volcano. Continuing our journey we enter the lush Angostura Valley, where citrus fruits, figs and other sub-tropical fruits are grown. After refreshments in the Caves of Artiles we then head back to Las Palmas.

Port: Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Mount Teide

Tour duration approx: 7.5 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £36
On board price: £38
Child price: £18

Drive through Santa Cruz, continuing to the Esperanza Forest along the mountain range. Continue to Mirador Los Roques, where splendid views of the peak of Mount Teide can be enjoyed. We descend through Orotava Valley before stopping for a panoramic view of the town of La Orotava. Lunch with wine (included in the price) will be taken at a leading restaurant, and afterwards we proceed to Puerto de la Cruz.

Loro Parque

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder
Tour duration approx: 7 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £32
On board price: £34
Child price: £16

Pass La Laguna and cross one of the finest wine growing areas on the island to reach Tacoronte and then El Sauzal on the western coast. We arrive Puerto de la Cruz, where we find the tropical paradise of Loro Parque. You can visit the Gambian Market and Thai Village where you may purchase exotic souvenirs. There are restaurants and snack bars where you may purchase a selection of refreshments.



Port: Funchal, Madeira

Toboggan ride

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder
Tour duration approx: 4 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £24
On board price: £26
Child price: £15

Drive through Funchal to Pico de Barcelos, where a stop is made to enjoy the spectacular views over the town, the bay and the surrounding hills. Continue through Sao Roque towards Monte. Then transfer to basket sledges for the ride to Livramento. On arrival at Livramento, rejoin the coaches and return to Funchal, where we will stop at an embroidery factory and be invited to sample the famous Madeira wine.

Eiro de Serrado & Pico dos Barcelos

Tour duration approx: 3 hours
Pre-booked price, per person: £16
On board price: £18
Child price: £10

We will drive to Pico dos Barcelos, from where can enjoy views over the city, bay and surrounding hills. We then continue into the Socorridos Ravine. The road ends at Eira da Serrado and a short walk will take us to the summit of Pico do Serrado. A stop will be made at the Madeira Wine Cellars, where we will be invited to taste some of the fine Madeira wine.


Ports Tab:

Vigo, Spain

The attractive seaport of Vigo is situated on the shores of Vigo Bay, a spectacular Galician fjord extending 18 miles inland into picturesque country.

Gibraltar

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder

Wholly British and almost always bathed in sunshine, Gibraltar is an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year. On Christmas Eve we’ve even arranged a special carol service on board, while on Christmas day there will be a Christmas Service and a visit from Santa Claus.
Please note: all shops are closed in Gibraltar on Christmas Day.

Casablanca, Morocco

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder

Casablanca is a legendary Moroccan city offering a cosmopolitan combination of ancient and modern. Enjoy a truly exotic Boxing Day: browse the vibrant bazaars; explore the labyrinth of white-washed stone alleyways along the Old Medina, head to the beachfront promenade, or admire the unique Hassan II Mosque.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

On to the dazzling Canary Islands capital, Arrecife. Perhaps visit the local beach, or the salt water lagoon surrounded by fishermen’s houses. An optional tour to Timanfaya National Park gives you the perfect opportunity to experience a live volcano.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder

Deserts, beaches, mountains and valleys: welcome to Gran Canaria. Our port of call here is Las Palmas, a town of great historical and cultural interest, with highlights including the Cathedral Santa Ana and the Museo Canario. Las Palmas is also within easy reach of the famous Playa del Inglés beach.

Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Largest of the seven sun-kissed Canary Islands, the beautiful volcanic isle of Tenerife is blessed with a dry, warm climate all year round and boasts richly varied scenery ranging from lush greenery to rugged mountains. Here we offer an optional excursion to the island's huge volcano, Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain.

Funchal, Madeira

Image: Featured Holiday Placeholder

Blessed by a climate that’s almost perfect all year round, this sub-tropical paradise island is an year round holiday destination. During your time in Funchal you will welcome in 2008 in style with a special dinner and New Year’s Eve party night on board. You will also be able to admire the island’s spectacular firework display, as the sky becomes illuminated with fireworks set off from 50 points.

 

The ship Tab (GLOBAL VARIABLE):

MV Van Gogh


The Dutch-owned Van Gogh combines a friendly, intimate atmosphere with a range of excellent facilities including a seawater swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, cinema and casino. Its spacious decks offer expansive views of the ever-changing vista, while a selection of comfortable bars and lounges offer a great place to relax after a great day of sightseeing, shopping or exploring.

A well-furnished restaurant offers dinner in two convenient seatings, after which theres live entertainment in the show lounge.

Facilities:
  • Sea water swimming pool
  • Fitness room, sauna
  • Five bars
  • Restaurant
  • Lounges
  • Cinema
  • Library
  • Duty free shop
  • Nightclub
  • Show lounge
  • Photo shop
  • Hair salon
  • Doctors surgery
  • Lift to all cabin decks
  • Fully stabilised
  • Air-conditioned throughout

360 Virtual tours:

To view 360 tours of the Van Gogh's facilities please click on the links below.


Download QuickTime If you are unable to view the 360 virtual tours, please download the QuickTime player.
Cabins Tab (GLOBAL VARIABLE):

MV Van Gogh

The Van Gogh has 253 passenger cabins ranging in size and style. All are well equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, T.V., mini-safe, two music channels and cabin-to-cabin telephone.

Download QuickTime If you are unable to view the 360 virtual tours, please download the QuickTime player.

Grade 1 - Grand Suite

Cabin
Cabin

Large 2 bed outside cabin on decks 7 and 8 with living room, bedroom & bathroom. Cabin includes complimentary fruit basket, box of chocolates and bottle of bubbly, private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe, mini-bar, DVD player and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 2 - Suite

Cabin
Cabin

2 bed outside cabin on decks 7 and 8 with living room, bedroom & bathroom. Cabin includes complimentary fruit basket, box of chocolates and bottle of bubbly, private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe, mini-bar, DVD player and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 3 - Superior

Cabin
Cabin

2 bed outside cabin on deck 7 with bathroom. Cabin includes complimentary box of chocolates and bottle of bubbly private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe, mini-bar, and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 4 - Classic Plus

2 bed outside cabin on decks 7 and 8. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 5 - Classic

Cabin
Cabin

2 bed outside cabin on deck 5. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 6 - Standard

Cabin
Cabin

2 bed outside cabin on deck 4 (port-holes). Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, min-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 7 - Standard

2 berth outside cabin on decks 4 and 5. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 7 - Standard: special offer single passenger

Grade 7 cabins on decks 4 (port-holes) and 5 offer a special offer price for single passengers on most itineraries. There is also a limited supply of other cabin grades for sole occupancy, available at an additional supplement of 75% of the price of the cabin category that you choose. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

Grade 8 - Standard

2 bed inside cabin on deck 5. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 9 - Economy plus

Cabin
Cabin

2 bed inside cabin on deck 4. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

Grade 10 - Economy

2 berth inside cabin on deck 3. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

Grade 11 - Standard

3 berth inside cabin, standard 4 berth inside cabin on deck 5. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Grade 12 - Economy

3 berth inside cabin, economy 4 berth inside cabin on deck 4. Cabin includes private facilities, air conditioning, two music channels, telephone, mini-safe and colour TV.

View 360 tour

Special Note

3rd and 4th persons occupying a cabin
In addition to our designated three and four berth cabins, we have arranged for the third and fourth berths in higher grade cabins to be sold for an incredible price. If you book a twin bed outside cabin of Grade 6 or above, a third person can occupy your cabin for a great-value price(upper-berth). In a Grade 5 cabin and above, a third and a fourth person can join for the entire duration of the cruise for an excellent price! (Please note that this does not apply to Grade 4 cabins.)

Please note:

  • Inside cabins rely on artificial light
  • Outside cabins have a porthole (deck 4), window (deck 5 and above)
  • The term berth refers to an upper and lower bunk style bed
  • The upper berth is accessed via a small ladder
  • Two bedded cabins have two lower beds
  • Some two bedded cabins have additional fold-away upper berths which are not used when the cabin is occupied by two passengers
  • Third and fourth passengers sharing cabins are always accommodated in upper berths
  • All cabins are non-smoking
Route Tab: Christmas and New Year sunshine cruise from Falmouth


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