By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is to offer four new ex-UK cruises from Portsmouth International Port onboard Astoria in autumn 2018.
Astoria will sail her first nine-night roundtrip from Portsmouth to the Norwegian fjords on 16 September, which will be followed by a 13-night itinerary to the Baltics and St Petersburg in Russia on 25 September. In October, the ship will also offer a nine-night cruise on Europe’s rivers and canals and a 14-night voyage to Northern Europe so guests can see the Northern Lights.
“This is a new initiative for CMV and provides exciting opportunities for those in the South of England to enjoy the traditional British cruise experience that CMV is known for,” said Chris Coates, commercial director at CMV. “Astoria is a truly classic ocean liner that has been beautifully restored for her 550 passengers. We are delighted that, on the back of very favourable guest feedback, Astoria will be undertaking these extra sailings in 2018.”
CMV is the latest cruise operator to make Portsmouth International Port a key part of its 2018 schedule. Saga Cruises has also committed to making 15 calls next year.
“This really is a case of our wonderful facilities and location selling themselves. We were delighted to meet representatives from CMV earlier this year and show them how Portsmouth International Port could make its new UK-based cruises even more special for passengers,” said Mike Sellers, port director at Portsmouth International Port. “We’ve built a reputation in recent years for offering bespoke services to cruise operators with small and medium-sized luxury ships. Astoria will feel right at home here, and her passengers will have the best start and end to their holidays as they cruise past the iconic Spinnaker Tower, Old Portsmouth and the Historic Dockyard.”