Three for Tuesday: cruises in the sun for friends

So just why are cruises so ideal for a group of friends? Bars, restaurants, spas, pools, clubs and you’re laughing. It’s a good time waiting to happen.

So consider raising the possibility of a group of friends going on a cruise next time they come in. Always look out for themes too. It’s a great way to secure those group bookings.

Following on from the publication of Cruise Adviser’s Ex-UK 2015 guide, each week we will be running our Three for Tuesday feature, which gives you a trio of cruise options to choose from. This week it’s ex-UK trips for friends who want to head somewhere warm.

Cruise Adviser’s River guide is out now. To request a copy email: info@cruise-adviser.com or click here to read the digital version. Our family guide is out in May.

Canaries

Line: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Departure port: Newcastle
Departure date: September 20, 2015
Destination: Islands of Portugal and Canary Islands
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Boudicca
Price: £2,229


Off with a group of friends and fancy somewhere in the sun? You will struggle to find better value than this on a holiday this long – especially when you take into account the fact that your transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment is all included. This 16-night sailing leaves Newcastle in mid-September and heads south, with four days of relaxing at sea before reaching the Azores in Portugal. Calls from there include Madeira, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Lisbon.

Portugal

Line: Windstar Cruises
Departure port: Dover
Departure date: September 1, 2015
Destination: Portugal
Duration: Ten nights
Ship: Star Legend
Price: £2,980


This food and wine-themed cruise is perfect for those travelling with their foodie friends. Ever wanted to have red wine in Bordeaux? Port in Porto? Then get onboard. Departing from Dover in late summer, the sailing offers daily wine tasting, informative lecture programmes and some of Europe’s best seafood. All onboard the former Seabourn vessel, which has recently joined the Windstar fleet.

Bermuda

Line: Celebrity Cruises
Departure port: Southampton
Departure date: November 1, 2015
Destination: Broadway & Beaches
Duration: 15 nights
Ship: Celebrity Eclipse
Price: £2,038


Combining a transatlantic crossing with an overnight stay in New York and then another overnight stay in Bermuda, this is the perfect cruise for those groups of pals who have always wanted to see a show on Broadway, but are probably pining for a hot beach come November. The only difficult question will be deciding on what you see in the Big Apple.