Not only to look but to see, not only to learn but to understand, not merely to enjoy but to be moved, enlightened, thrilled: that is what we plan for participants on these cruises. They are designed for people with intellectual curiosity and an interest in history and the arts, and who want to travel in comfort and in congenial company.
Martin Randall Travel does not levy surcharges to cover higher fuel or currency costs. This applies to everything: small-group tours, Mediterranean cruises and all-inclusive music festivals.
We have been planning for entry into deep-sea cruising for years, developing ideas, looking for the right (small) ship and preparing for the commitment that such a project involves. The response to the launch of the inaugural cruises in 2008 was extremely encouraging. In 2009, there are five cruises, two of which are new itineraries; please contact us to check availability.
While we are making many changes to the established model of ‘discovery’ cruising in matters of detail and emphasis, we cannot claim that the project is particularly innovatory. Voyages with some degree of pedagogical intent have been plying the Mediterranean for the best part of a century.
We do feel, however, that we are reviving a tradition rather than continuing one. During the last decade or two there has been a process of diluting or downgrading the content of cultural cruising. Nothing wrong with that necessarily – the appeal became wider and more people experienced the attractions of such cruises.
But it is our belief, based on our twenty-year experience of organising cultural tours and music festivals, that there is room for cruises which offer a little more challenge and stringency. And those who join these cruises, self-selected by common interests and endorsement of our ethos, should find themselves in a harmonious and stimulating gathering.
To this alluring (to some) mix we are bringing skills in organising tours and events on land which are second to none. While we are delighted with MS Columbus and Le Diamant, these cruises are more shore than ship.
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