Seabourn unveils Ann Cleeves-inspired UK shore excursions
Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn Cruise Line has launched a new series of UK shore excursions created in partnership with crime writer Ann Cleeves OBE.
The programme will debut on selected sailings in 2026 and 2027, timed to coincide with Cleeves’ guest appearance on the May 30, 2026 Scottish Isles and Iceland Intrigue voyage, where she will host onboard workshops and interactive mystery sessions.
Developed with local operators across Orkney, Shetland and northeast England, the excursions immerse guests in the landscapes and communities that inspired the author’s bestselling Vera and Shetland stories.
Highlights include The Killing Stones tour in Kirkwall, featuring sites such as the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe; a Shetland filming locations experience in Lerwick following the trail of DI Jimmy Perez; and a Newcastle itinerary revisiting key Vera crime scenes across North Shields, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
Cleeves said: “My characters and plots all grow out of the landscape, and it’s very special to talk about books in the places that inspired them.”
Seabourn says the curated experiences are designed to deepen destination immersion for literary-minded guests.
Star Clippers adds 27 new Mediterranean ports
Tall-ship cruise specialist Star Clippers has unveiled 27 new ports of call across seven countries for its summer 2027 Mediterranean programme, which is the largest expansion in the line’s history.
New destinations span Greece, Turkey, Spain, France and Croatia, plus a brand-new country for the brand: Albania. Highlights include Astypalea, Chania and Parga in Greece; Çeşme and Fethiye in Turkey; Barcelona and Peñíscola in Spain; Menton; Trogir and Korčula; and Sarandë.
The programme also sees the return of ports such as Symi and Kastellorizo after a hiatus, reflecting demand for more distinctive small-port experiences.
Newly titled itineraries include Authentic Adriatic aboard Royal Clipper (priced from £2,179pp) and Eternal Cyclades on Star Flyer (priced from £1,957pp).
The April–November 2027 season will also feature popular sailings including Amalfi Coast voyages and the line’s Yachtsman’s Paradise itinerary.
No single supplement on Lord of the Glens in October
Luxury small-ship operator Hebridean Island Cruises is offering no single supplement on three October 2026 departures aboard Lord of the Glens, alongside a complimentary drinks package worth £120 per person.
The offer applies to the first five cabins booked on each sailing and represents a significant saving, with the line’s usual single supplement ranging from 60% to 100% depending on cabin category.
Two six-night Voyage Through the Heart of Scotland departures (October 11 and 23) will operate from Oban to Inverness, sailing scenic sea lochs and the Caledonian Canal. Calls include Tobermory, Craignure, Corpach, Banavie and Fort Augustus, with cruising through Loch Linnhe, the Sound of Mull, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. Prices lead in from £2,300pp.
A further six-night Caledonian and Great Glen Explorer Cruise departs Inverness on October 17 (from £3,100pp), featuring a transit of the Caledonian Canal and a visit to the famed Glenfinnan Viaduct, alongside calls at Fort Augustus, Banavie, Corpach, Tobermory, Craignure and Iona.
Fares include all meals, excursions, port taxes, transfers between Oban and Inverness, plus the complimentary drinks package covering house wines, beers and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.
The 50-guest Lord of the Glens offers a manor house-style experience with polished wood interiors, teak decks and personalised service. Hebridean Island Cruises has operated luxury small-ship sailings in Scotland for more than 35 years.
