Three for Tuesday: cultural cruises for friends

Group bookings are big business for travel agents. Some of the best in the business will say how they have pitched up at garden centres, Women’s Institutes and all manner of clubs and societies, with the intention of getting a big ticket sale.

Take a look at our suggestions below and search out a cruise that would be perfect for a group of friends who have a shared interest.

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 after something cultural.

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.

British Isles

Line: Voyages of Discovery
Departure port: Portsmouth
Departure date: May 1, 2015
Destination: British Isles with the National Trust
Duration: 12 days
Ship: Voyager
Price: From £1,990

Have a group of friends that have an interest in stately homes, castles and cathedrals? They could do much worse than this Voyages of Discovery cruise in partnership with the National Trust. Guest speakers will include naval expert Steve Ragnall and National Trust executive Catherine Leonard. Excursions will include various National Trust sites around the country, from Falmouth to Rosyth, across the 12-day itinerary.

Denmark

Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruise
Departure port: Southampton
Departure date: June 6, 2015
Destination: Copenhagen
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Seven Seas Voyager
Price: From £4,399

The key to having a good time when travelling with a group of friends is being willing to occasionally go with what the majority wants to do. You can cut that easy-going streak right out with Regent though. The most inclusive cruise line at sea, Regent even puts shore excursions into the cost of the cruise. So, there will be no resentment if a certain somebody makes everyone go on that ‘expensive’ shore excursion – it’s all included in the price.

The Open

Line: Azamara Club Cruises
Departure port: Southampton
Departure date: July 4, 2015
Destination: The Open
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Azamara Quest
Price: From £6,190

Leaving Southampton in the peak of summer, this is the perfect cruise for golf lovers. The itinerary takes in seven of the world’s most renowned courses and includes an option to have two days at The Open, visiting St Andrews. For those who want to see more of the British Isles, this is also an idyllic journey, with a host of castles, gardens, pubs and distilleries dotted along the ten late night or overnight stays.