Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now
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The new Marella sailings have been announced(Image: PR HANDOUT)
It’s time to leave the kids behind and relive two iconic decades in music aboard the ‘Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s’ themed voyage.
Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now.
Now in its sixth year, the Electric Sunsets concept celebrates two of the most influential decades in pop culture, bringing guests an immersive experience packed with nostalgia, entertainment, and star-studded performances. The headline acts for the 2027 voyage will be announced early next year, with organisers promising a line-up of top artists from both eras.
While this year’s acts will be different, last year the star-studded lineup featured Irish pop group B*Witched, UK R&B pop group The Honeyz, the iconic DJ SASH! and Ibiza in Symphony – a 10-piece orchestra.
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The three-night sailing aboard Marella Discovery will depart Palma on Wednesday, 28 April 2027, calling at Valencia and Ibiza before returning to Palma on Saturday, 1 May 2027. Guests can expect themed parties, live performances, and 80s vs 90s-inspired events across the ship.
Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of our 2027 themed cruise. The battle of 80s vs 90s music remains one of our most anticipated experiences, appealing to both loyal guests and newcomers. Customer feedback shows these eras bring back real nostalgia — and the chance to see top stars perform onboard makes it even more special.”
For those looking to extend their getaway, a limited number of cruise-and-stay packages will be available, featuring hotels in Majorca such as Alua Soul Mallorca Resort, Astoria Playa Hotel, and Hotel Son Matias Beach.
As with all Marella Cruises sailings, the trip is all-inclusive, covering flights, transfers, tips, and service charges. Prices for Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s start from £799 per person, available to book from Thursday, 30 October 2025.
If you’re a cruise fanatic, then it’s not just the cruise ship and destinations that will likely peak your interest. The real cruise nerds enjoy ticking off different ports across the world.
Recent research from the travel experts at AllClear Travel Insurance has highlighted the world’s top 10 most beautiful cruise ports, examining factors such as how quickly they capture passengers’ attention with their incredible views.
A MAJOR cruise line has revealed it will be launching a 124-day voyage around the world in 2028.
The Epic World Explorer will be one of P&O Cruises longest-ever world voyages.
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The 124-day voyage will head to over 30 destinations including Tokyo in Japan (pictured)Credit: GettyOther key stops are San Francisco in America (pictured)Credit: GettyAnd passengers can also enjoy some sun in Cape Verde (pictured)Credit: Getty
The cruise line’s Arcadia ship will set off from Southampton on January 6, 2028 and finish back in Southampton on May 10, 2028.
The 124-night cruise – which is exclusively for adults – will focus on the Far East with stops in South Korea and Thailand.
It will also call into Japan for the first time since 2019, with a new overnight stop in Tokyo with calls to Kagoshima and Nagasaki.
In fact, there are over 30 destinations on the voyage.
Prices for the cruise start from £11,199 per person.
On board the ship, which features an Art Deco domed roof and can accommodate up to 2,094 guests and 866 members of crew, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two swimming pools.
Included in the price of the cruise, guests get access to the Palladium, which is a three-tiered theatre that hosts live entertainment.
Shows include Magic Moments – it tells the story of Burt Bacharach’s life and music.
Or you could watch magic show, Unbelievable.
Also included is the Screening Room, which is a 30-seat cinema that shows the latest blockbusters.
For a bit of gambling, passengers can head to the Monte Carlo Casino with classic table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker.
Fancy some late night entertainment? Then there’s The Globe – a circular bar with live music, game shows and ballroom and Latin dance events.
Passengers don’t need to worry about missing the pub either, as they can enjoy The Rising Sun with interiors just like a British country pub.
There are cosy booths, a jukebox, darts, karaoke and even live sports screenings.
For travellers wanting to stay fit during their voyage, there are plenty of opportunities to do this.
In addition to a fully-equipped gym, there is also a sports court on board where passengers can play football, basketball, tennis or cricket.
There are even complimentary fitness classes too.
Onboard Arcadia, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two poolsCredit: Alamy
If treating yourself is more your thing, then there is The OasisSpa and Salon, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room.
Guests can also grab a number of treatments like haircuts, massages and facials.
The ship has a number of pool areas as well – one of which has a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment.
When it comes to food onboard the ship, travellers will never be short of choice.
At breakfast, The Belvedere offers a casual dining spot with an all-day buffet.
For a lighter lunch or fast food, there is the Neptune Grill which serves hot dogs and classic fish and chips.
Alternatively, you could grab some small plates at the Meridian Restaurant.
Steak lovers should then check out Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill.
One spot even looks like a traditional British pub with cosy interiorsCredit: pocruises.com
For a special treat, once a week on sea days the Arcadia serves typically British afternoon tea with cute sandwiches, sweet treats, warm scones and unlimited tea at the Meridian Restaurant.
The speciality restaurants onboard the ship are Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill, which serves a number of steaks and fresh seafood dishes and Sindhu, which combines Indian and British cuisine.
There are five types of cabins on board including inside, sea view, deluxe balcony, mini suite and suite.
The most basic cabin, which is inside, is simply inside with a comfy bed, tea and coffee making facilities and White Company toiletries.
There of course is also a TV with free movies and TV shows on.
There are five different types of cabin onboard the ship, which will set sail at the beginning of 2028Credit: pocruises.com
Sea view cabins then have the added benefit of a window or port hole.
In the deluxe balcony cabins, guests can enjoy a sea breeze in their own private outdoor space.
Mini suites then have an additional lounging area and at the top end, suites have a dedicated butler service as well as spacious accommodation and a large bathroom.
Guests in suites can also enjoy breakfast each day in an exclusive restaurant.
And at the end of your 124-day cruise, if you want to take home a souvenir to loved ones there are plenty of shops on board including jewellery, cosmetics, perfume, clothes and art and collectibles stores.
The sailing has been announced as part of P&O Cruises’ new winter 2027 and spring 2028 programme, which also includes a 75-night Grand Tour of South America.
The Marinette is the final vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla still heading towards Gaza after Israel intercepted nearly 40 others. The Polish-flagged boat is expected to be stopped within hours.
Mediterranean Sea – Everyone gathered on the top deck of a Global Sumud Flotilla vessel loaded with humanitarian supplies for Gaza and volunteers determined to deliver it.
Security protocols in case of an emergency were reviewed and put into action: life vests, head counts and designated muster points.
They were training for scenarios that could occur on any vessel – fire, someone falling overboard, collision.
But this training was different because there was another scenario.
The volunteers were instructed on how to raise their hands in the event that Israeli soldiers intercepted the vessel, boarded it and detained them. The focus is on acting in a nonviolent way, in accordance with their mission.
The flotilla was approaching the “yellow zone” after it departed from Sicily, Italy – the zone in international waters between Italy and Cyprus where Israeli attacks are possible – and it was time to practise how to act if an attack occurred.
‘Old propaganda strategy’
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently described the humanitarian flotilla, which is sailing to break the Israeli siege on the people of Gaza, as a “jihadi flotilla” and claimed it has ties to Hamas.
The so-called “Flotilla to Gaza” is openly backed by jihadi Hamas.
In Hamas’s own words: “We call for mobilizing all means to support the Global Steadfastness Flotilla heading to Gaza.”
This is not humanitarian. This is a jihadist initiative serving the terror group’s agenda. pic.twitter.com/vciWdnTswC
Earlier this month, as the flotilla set sail from Spain, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he wanted to declare the humanitarian activists “terrorists” and detain them accordingly.
Flotilla steering committee member Saif Abukeshek, speaking to journalists online on Saturday, said such allegations are “psychological warfare” and added: “The propaganda is an old strategy.”
In the training, a coordinator tells the gathered group: “We have to decide collectively whether we will react or whether someone should intervene if soldiers begin to beat one of us.”
The question was met with silence but could not be avoided. Holding a bullhorn, the coordinator took the initiative.
“If I am dragged or beaten, I don’t want any of you to react or tell the soldiers to stop. Please respect my decision.”
The bullhorn was passed around. One by one, the volunteers repeated the words. By the third volunteer, the phrase had been reduced to two words: “the same”. All the volunteers echoed it.
The strategy was conceived to prevent further violence. Any reaction – even asking Israeli soldiers to stop – could provoke them to more violence.
One volunteer summed it up: “If you react or speak up while being beaten, you will not only put your own safety at risk but also that of the others – and you will break the will of the group.”
Another told Al Jazeera: “We know why we are here and the risks we have taken.”
Volunteers receive first aid training as they sail towards Gaza. Every vessel has a medic or trained first aid responder. On September 16, 2025 [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Mental and physical pressures
The delays and challenges the flotilla has faced have taken a toll on its organisers and volunteers alike.
Drone attacks while at port in Tunisia, technical difficulties faced by boats ill-suited to the high seas and the general difficulties inherent in organising an underfunded civilian initiative to sail to Gaza have put pressure on everyone.
Every person on board also has to do a night watch, scanning the skies all night for more drone attacks while their companions rest.
When asked what keeps them going, each of them cites the urge to act to help the people of Gaza, who are suffering bombardments, starvation and loss as Israel wages war on them.
They know they are sailing into risky waters because Israel has intercepted all past flotillas, even killing 10 people on board the Mavi Marmara a decade ago.
The boats had set out for Sicily from Tunisia on Tuesday with a reduced number of people on board after hard decisions were made.
There were more people wanting to be on a flotilla boat than there was capacity on the vessels, especially as some boats failed technical inspections – the organisers worrying about their ability to cope with the unpredictable nature of the Mediterranean.
Final goodbyes in the port of Bizerte, where some of the volunteers were reshuffled to new ships or were not continuing the mission on board [File: Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Lists were read in Bizerte, Tunisia. Crews were reshuffled among the boats, and tears flowed as volunteers who had forged strong emotional ties said their goodbyes.
Their part on board the mission was over for now, but their support for the flotilla bound for Gaza would continue on land.
Some talked to the coordinators to try to get their spots back. Others waited with their colleagues on the boats, helping out until they had to return to a hotel to await their flights back home.
“Please put this [Palestinian] flag somewhere on the boat. It has been in my friend’s window for years,” said Marcin, a Polish volunteer living in Norway who was among those cut from the crew list.
Eventually, everyone boarded their assigned ships and met their crews. All hands were on deck to clean and prepare the vessels for the next leg of the journey to Italy. Some of the volunteers have sailing experience, and others with no previous sailing experience learned quickly to help out.
After a few days in Italy, the boats have set out again, sailing through the yellow zone, getting ever closer to the red zone, where the danger multiplies 100 nautical miles (185km) from the Gaza shore.
And the drills continue.
Volunteers talk at the end of the day on board a Flotilla vessel, life vests prepared for any maritime emergency, attack or interception. On September 18, 2025 [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera] (Restricted Use)
The film saga has many fans, who’ve previously lauded the series on IMDb.
One person titled their 10/10 review: “One of the all time great seafaring adventures!”
The user added: “It ranks up there with the original Mutiny on the Bounty,The Sea Hawk and Master And Commander as one of the greatest of its kind.”
Another person said in their 10/10 review: “This is one of the most realistic historical dramas out there.
“Everything in Hornblower is played to perfection, from the sets (fantastic, towering ships) to the costumes to the cast. The actors are all so believable in their roles that it’s hard to pull yourself out of that world. I had only flicked onto it by accident on TV, but I couldn’t pull myself away.”
Robert Lindsay starred in the historical films (Image: ITV)
A third described the drama as a “True Swashbuckling Adventure” and added: “A great cast and the sight of the beautiful sailing vessels in full rigging — I’d forgotten how much I love them.”
Someone else commented: “Storytelling at its best!” and elaborated: “The first in the Horatio Hornblower series, this installment is absolutely stunning. After watching this, you will find yourself longing for more. There is enough action, drama, and humor to satisfy just about anyone [sic].”
Yet another person hailed the show as “top notch entertainment” and said: “I viewed this show with some trepidation, as the name Hornblower to me (as with many others) is synonymous with Gregory Peck.
“But this is a different Hornblower and the magic is very much the same – fancy uniforms, good guys and bad guys, lots of sailing ships and lot of blood and thunder. What more can one ask for?”
The film series focuses on the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars(Image: ITV)
Hornblower was a series of historical films led by Hollywood star Ioan Gruffudd and was based on the three of the 10 novels written by C. S. Forester.
The drama followed the fictional title character Horatio Hornblower, a Royal Naval officer during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
The films ran on ITV from 1998 to 2003, and there were eight in total.
Other cast members included Robert Lindsay, Paul McGann, Paul Copley, Sean Gilder, and Jamie Bamber.
The historical TV films have been praised by audiences (Image: ITV)
There were also some other big names who made appearances, including Denis Lawson, Ian McNeice, Samuel West, Cherie Lunghi, and Greg Wise.
Prior to the ITV films, there were other adaptations of Forester’s novels, with Hollywood star Gregory Peck taking on the character in the 1951 movie Captain Horatio Hornblower.
While David Buck starred in an American TV series as the character in 1963 and Michael Redgrave appeared in a radio adaptation in the 1950s
Patricia Wooding gets lost roaming the world’s biggest cruise ship, the Star of the Seas, on the first passenger voyage of a vast ship with a 250,000 gross tonnage
Star of the Seas is vast(Image: @PhillyPolice/X)
The world’s biggest and newest cruise ship has set sail on her debut passenger voyage – and already she’s a legend in her own launch-time.
Star of the Seas, a 250,000 gross tonnage floating metropolis built at a cost of £1.6billion, has all you need for the ultimate family holiday crammed on 20 fun-filled decks.
This giant, ocean-going resort simply blows all rival cruise ships out of the water. The Royal Caribbean ship is so huge and packed with so many attractions that at one stage I actually forgot that I was at sea.
In fact, after four days on board I had hardly begun to experience all this supership has to offer.
There are 40 restaurants and bars to suit all tastes, seven swimming pools, shops, theatres, a casino, ice rink, live bands and nightclubs. There’s even a ship’s dog – Sailor – to comfort any of the 5,600 passengers who are missing their own pets while at sea.
The ship has 20 crammed decks(Image: Patricia Wooding)
Patricia struggled to get round everything on offer(Image: Patricia Wooding)
Jewel in the crown is Thrill Island, a theme park on the top deck which boasts six record-breaking waterslides.
The biggest is not for the faint-hearted but a must for the adventurous.
It’s part skywalk and part ride 154ft above the ocean.
Adrenaline-seekers have to navigate a suspended walkway and experience a controlled freefall before gliding down a zipline to the deck below. It is meant to test the bravery of the thrill-seeker – and it certainly does that. There’s no need to leave the ship if you fancy a bit of surfing, either. Flow-rider is a wave machine which allows you to go “boogie boarding” and simulate real Surfing USA. Incredibly, 30,000 gallons of water a minute rush under the rider at 30mph creating a 5ft foot wave. Watch out for the height restrictions of 4ft 10in for stand-up surfing or 4ft 4in for boogie boarding.
If you’d rather chill than thrill, head to the adults-only area at the rear of the ship – or the aft as we rookie seafarers call it. There you can relax in the suspended infinity pool and enjoy vast ocean views with a cocktail in hand while grooving to the beat of an Ibiza-style DJ. There’s also a shady bar nearby and a terrace with whirlpools.
Don’t worry about dashing to the bar for a refill. The efficient waiters attend to your needs and keep glasses well topped up.
There’s also a three-deck area for holidaymakers to kick back at four pools, including the Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea.
Guests can enjoy live bands while they sip tropical cocktails from the swim-up bar called The Swim and Tonic. If you’re travelling with a young family, head for Surfside. It’s THE place to stay and play all day, however old the children are.
Younger kids and toddlers will have great fun at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. There are plenty of lifeguards, constantly on full alert, so no reason to worry about their safety.
There’s a multi-level playground called Playscape, which includes a rock climbing wall, with safety harnesses provided. Just like Star of the Seas they can take cruising to another level.
There’s bags of entertainment for the kids and sporty types, including a spectacular mini golf course and a sports court offering five-a-side football and basketball on the top deck.
Royal Caribbean recently opened a private island(Image: PR HANDOUT)
You don’t need to worry about the ball going overboard, either, as it’s entirely covered by netting.
There’s so much to do on board that you will forget you’re at sea. This was a surprise to me, as someone who suffers travel sickness on a park boating lake.
After one day at sea, I actually had to pinch myself to remember I was not on land. There wasn’t even a gentle movement. I sat through a performance of Back to the Future, the Musical, performed with a full cast and 16-piece band in a 1,400-seat theatre and left thinking I was actually in the West End. But it’s not the only show in this ocean-going town. Torque, a spectacular featuring champion swimmers and divers packed them in at the AquaTheater to see the aquabatics involving a 55ft waterfall and two 60ft diving platforms.
There are thrills and spills on ice with a huge skating cast, including Olympians, in the show Sol. Stars of this show were extreme skaters, former roller skaters who switched to the ice. There’s even a version of the TV Show The Price is Right where you can win a car.
The ultimate family room was an incredible sight with a kiddie slide, video games, personal access to decks and Jacuzzi and stairs which look like and play like piano keys!
Fitness, yoga, sunrise moments, balloon rides and pickleball – you name it – are part of the entertainment. There’s music for almost every taste, including a resident DJ, karaoke, jazz club, duelling pianos, and a harpist, plus a stand-up comedy theatre. You can shop till you drop with lots of high end boutiques – but don’t go overboard.
Even arriving for breakfast is fun as a pair of dancers greet you, reminding you in song to wash your hands at the row of basins at the restaurant entrance.
The ship has a 250,000 gross tonnage(Image: @PhillyPolice/X)
Star, sister ship to Icon of the Seas, hit the ocean waves this month to deliver seven-night Caribbean adventures with stops at its top-rated private island in the Bahamas.
Sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida, we stopped at Perfect Day at CocoCay, bought by Royal Caribbean in 1988 and turned into a dream resort. My first glimpse of the tropical paradise was when I drew back the cabin curtains at 7am to see the island glistening like a jewel in the ocean. It contains miles of white, sandy beaches and attractions you’ll find in the world’s top resorts. After breakfast on board, we headed down the gangway and were greeted by staff ready to whisk us about by mini electric train.
Most of it is free – including food, drink and sun loungers – for passengers who pull up for the day. There’s water slides, balloon rides and lots of nature to discover.
But it was pure magic simply to relax on the silver sands of Hideaway Bay, sip a complimentary cocktail and take in the view. We visited Coco Beach Club which boasts a magnificent swimming pool, bars and wooden cabanas which were available for private hire. While bathing in clear, shallow water we came across a 4ft lemon shark. No need to panic, as the lifeguard assured us, as they are not considered dangerous to humans.
Still, it set the heart pounding to see such a magnificent creature swimming so close in barely three feet of water. The great thing about visiting this island is that it’s a home from home for cruisers.
Just flash your passenger identity card and you get complimentary food, drinks, towels and sunbeds, so you can leave your cash and credit cards in the safe in the cabin. Even the free wi-fi you get on board works on the island and is part of your package.
I sampled a Bahama Mama cocktail, enjoyed a refreshing dip in the sparking, turquoise water and felt relaxed with a capital R.
At 4.30, we made our way back aboard the ship to take a shower and freshen up for dinner and the evening of lavish entertainment.
As I finished getting ready, I glanced out of the cabin window to see we were setting sail again and waved goodbye to the magic island.
It truly had been a Perfect Day. But with so much still to see and do on board Star, the adventure was only just beginning…
GET ON BOARD
Royal Caribbean offers a seven-night round trip on Star of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, on November 2 and calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St Maarten. From £1,321pp, flights extra. royalcaribbean.com/gbr
Situated on an inlet of Chichester harbour, this picturesque village is considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant ‘chocolate box villages’ in the country
Holy Trinity Church in Bosham is considered the oldest place of known worship in West Sussex(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
England’s ‘chocolate box villages‘ are some of the country’s most distinct and charming elements. Though each village is slightly different, they are all typically defined by thatched cottages, cobblestone streets, quaint pubs and a tranquil atmosphere.
The term ‘chocolate box village’ refers to the picturesque cottages that used to front the classic Cadbury boxes. While there are plenty of these beautiful villages across the country, a new round-up has named a seaside town in West Sussex amongst the best.
Bosham is a small coastal village on one of the small inlets of Chichester harbour. It was inhabited by the Romans and so perfectly combines historical significance with natural beauty. This after news that an abandoned UK Butlin’s site is now seaside town’s ‘hell hole’ hotel.
Bosham is well-known for its beautiful village setting and its sailing community(Image: Getty Images/500px Plus)
Chichester harbour is renowned for its photogenic nature as a sanctuary for migrating wildfowl, shellduck, and many more and so Bosham is an ideal location to explore the area. From Bosham you are also within convenient distance to West Wittering and East Wittering beaches, as well as Selsey.
Adding to the natural wonder of the area, Bosham is home to historic architectural gems and a peaceful atmosphere that has seen it named one of the country’s most beautiful chocolate box villages.
In a ranking of these honorary villages by Independent Cottages, Bosham in West Sussex came in sixth place. The ranking was based on several key factors, including the number of historic buildings in each village, the oldest recorded age of the village (a measure of the depth of its history), its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and its prevalence in internet searches and TikTok.
Bosham was recorded as having 73 listed buildings and its suggested age according to the publication is 731AD. The village is also a designated AONB and received modest internet interest because of the Bosham Inn.
The Bosham Inn is a former vicarage that has been painstakingly restored. Not only is this country pub set against a beautiful natural landscape, but it offers a range of delightful cask ales, wines and seasonal dishes for visitors to enjoy.
Be mindful of the high tide at Bosham Quay(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Another important fixture that reflects Bosham’s impressive history is the Holy Trinity Church: a Grade I listed church and the oldest place of known worship in West Sussex . It is located at the foot of the South Downs National Park.
In addition to being known as a chocolate box village, Bosham is a prime sailing hub. Visitors are likely to see many boats and yachts moored at the harbour and the dinghy sailing taking place.
At Bosham Quay you can take in the people, the boats, and the natural wildlife at leisure. The only catch? When the tide comes in, it usually floods the road immediately next to the harbour so take care with where you park.
Our yacht was in its element. With sunshine gleaming off the chestnut spars and a north-northeasterly fattening the sails, Windsong ripped across the mere, cocked at a jaunty angle, kicking up waves of joy. It was like a wild horse galloping through surf, ebullient, powerful and graceful. Only this “wild horse” was under the control of skipper Els Robinson and, to a far, far lesser extent, me. When the cry of “Come about!” came about, my jobs were to trim the jib (the small triangular sail at the front, I’d just learned) and not get hit by the boom. Oh, and to enjoy the ride.
I’d come to the Norfolk Broads to join a women’s Wellbeing on the Water weekend. I grew up on the Broads. In fact, I grew up just across the fields from Upton Dyke, where Eastwood Whelpton sailing holidays is based. But I never sailed. I didn’t know anyone who did, so it never crossed my mind that I could.
“Our ethos is to make sailing accessible to everyone,” explained Suzy Strowger, the company’s office manager. “Sailing has been perceived elitist, and has been largely male dominated. Our women’s weekends are about making sailing affordable and accessible to a demographic that’s under-represented at the moment.”
Sailing is more than moving a boat, Suzy added: “It’s a wellbeing activity that can particularly benefit women.” She sees women with full-time caring roles or high-pressure jobs come along, looking to support their health and manage stress.
The weekend certainly got off to a stress-free start, as we met each other over prosecco and cake in the boatyard. There were 15 of us: some solos, some in pairs, mostly 45-plus, ranging in ability from competent to rusty to total beginner, and here for different reasons.
For Katharine, it was about “having a new experience and getting away from life in general”. Jo was on her third Eastwood Whelpton trip: “I just enjoy the peace of getting out on the water.” Helen was drawn to the idea “because too often men take the helm – and there’s something special about adventuring with other women, isn’t there?”
The writer learning the ropes: ‘I took a turn at the helm, concentrating on not steering into the banks, boathouses or other yachts.’ Photograph: Sarah Baxter
There clearly is. Women-only travel – particularly active travel – is on the rise, and companies are cottoning on. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s 2024 Industry Outlook report, of the companies taking steps to diversify their target markets, 38% are targeting women; “women over 50 travelling solo” was flagged as a specific trend. Also, more larger tour operators are now offering women-only departures while specialist companies are seeing increased demand: for example, when WalkingWomen launched in 2021, it offered 31 female-only small-group hiking holidays; this year its programme features more than 70.
An all-female environment tends to encourage women to push their limits, especially when the guides are women too. On this Norfolk weekend, our group was split across a flotilla of five boats, each one helmed by a female skipper – which is far more unusual than it should be in 2025. The skippers seemed as excited about that as we were.
Jo and I were buddied up and allocated to Windsong, a traditional, 30ft (nine-metre) gaff-rigged yacht, crafted in the 1980s by a Norfolk boat builder, and an absolute beaut. It has sleek wooden insides, an ingenious pop-top and numerous drawers and cubbyholes (which Suzy had stuffed full of food). One of the first conversations Jo and I had was about who was most likely to pee in the night (she took the bed squeezed into the bow, next to the hand-pump loo; I slept in the main saloon). You have to bond quickly when living in close quarters.
Els, our skipper, was commander-in-chief of the whole fleet. Before we hauled anchor, she unrolled a map and explained the plan for the weekend. First we’d motor the short distance to Thurne and moor up for the night; we’d spend Saturday sailing to Horsey, where a windpump (a windmill used to pump water) rises from coastal marshland once known as Devil’s Country; we’d sail back on Sunday. Mixed in would be boat breakfasts, picnic lunches and pub dinners, plus a few leisurely walks, some morning yoga, and an optional sea swim.
I liked boat life immediately. We drifted down mazy channels, looked across the vastness of reeds, spotted herons, marsh harriers on the hunt, even an osprey – one of the pair that arrived at nearby Ranworth Broad this spring. It was a bit of a moving meditation, too. The speed limit never exceeds 6mph; sometimes it’s just 3mph. “Life today is so go, go, go,” Els reflected, steering us towards Thurne’s restored windmill. “We need to slow down sometimes.”
Watching Els at work was part of the joy: she was calm, intuitive, in total symbiosis with the boat. It was tempting to let her get on with it, but she was keen for us to try, but only if we wanted to.
I took a turn at the helm, concentrating on not steering into the banks, the boathouses, the other yachts or the regal black-sailed Norfolk wherry that glided by. I helped hoist the sails, lower the sails and hoist them again, learned about reefing and rudimentary knots, and assisted with bringing down the mast so we could just about scrape under Potter Heigham’s medieval bridge.
Eastwood Whelpton runs official Royal Yachting Association sailing courses, but the wellbeing weekends are quite different. According to Suzy, some women come to refresh their skills, others to read books and drink gin.
A grey heron above the reed beds of the Norfolk broads. Photograph: Geoff du Feu/Alamy
Speaking of which, after a day on the water, cheeks ruddied by sun and wind, we moored at Horsey for “anchor drams” (cocktails), then took a walk over the marsh to the dunes. Some 3,245 grey seal pups were born here last winter. On the beach itself, a lone seal popped up from the grey-green surf to say hello.
Three of us stripped to our swimmers to join it. It was chilly, choppy and frustratingly shallow, but made me realise that I never regret a sea dip. The biggest challenge was getting changed afterwards: the north wind blew away my towel and my dignity. But did it matter? We were, after all, all girls together here.
We ended up in the Nelson Head, a proper old pub; a sign inside read “We don’t have wifi – talk to each other”. Which we did, sharing stories about how life has changed (or not) for women over recent years. The ladies spoke of having mothers who thought marriage and babies were all they could achieve, and of how their own daughters think they’re boring but don’t see the barriers they’ve broken down. Johanna threw in her graduation story: she came top of her (mostly male) class at London Business School but “when the chairman gave me my certificate and shook my hand, said, ‘I love to see a smiling blonde!’”
That night, as the night before, I slept in dozes, lullabied by Windsong’s gurgles, slurps, creaks and groans. I woke early, and crept out into a chorus of blackbirds, redstarts, warblers and cuckoos. At 7.30am there would be a yoga session under a tree, but I wasn’t sure how much more relaxed it could make me. I hadn’t become a skilled sailor, but I had thoroughly enjoyed this maidens’ voyage.
