Boutique Cruising with Saga

Hiya, I’ve just had the most incredible overnight experience aboard the Ultramarine, Quark Expeditions' luxury expedition ship and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. But first of all who are Quark Expeditions? In short, they have been ‘Polar Obsessed since 1991’ this pioneering company were the first to take commercial passengers to the North Pole and since then have been offering immersive expeditions to the Artic and Antarctic. And if travelling to some of the most remote corner of the world is on your bucket list then this company is for you. Whether it’s cruising past icebergs, spotting wildlife such as polar bears, and penguins or experience cultures up close then Quark can take you on this trip. When you book with Quark Expeditions, you're not just getting a cruise—you're getting a unique experience. Their team of experts, from naturalists to expedition leaders, are passionate about teaching you all about the regions you’re exploring. There’s something magical about having the chance to learn from people who have dedicated their lives to exploring the world’s most remote places. And if you want to explore the wildest parts of the world in a luxury, comfort and Style then Quark Expeditions have that covered.

For the longest time, South Africa has been on my bucket list. After hearing stories from my mum about her visit there when she was 18, I knew that one day I needed to go and explore it for myself. Fast forward to a few months ago when Helen received a phone call from Premier Holidays offering me a place on their South Africa Fam trip... safe to say there were tears of joy from myself and Helen. September quickly rolled around and there I was heading down to London Heathrow to meet Nicky (Premier Holidays) and the rest of the group and what an incredible group we had.

I flew out from Leeds Bradford on Thursday 5th October to Porto and stayed at the HF Tuela Porto, which was near the pick up points for the conference. The hotel was only 15 minutes walk away from the outskirts of the bustling centre, the sun was shining so I set off to explore for a few hours. After I’d spent some time wandering around and enjoying a chilled glass of Vinho Verde, the local wine, I sat by the river side and had a bite to eat. Watching the trams pass me by with the sun setting over the Douro river, I reminded myself of how lucky I am to be able to experience beautiful places.

This year my Husband Nick turned 60, and as part of his birthday celebrations we went to one of our favourite places, Kassiopi in Corfu. We have visited Kassiopi a few times now and we couldn’t wait to get back, visit some amazing places and of course see one of my best friends Lucy and her family, she has lived there for 17 years! Over our 3 week stay, more than 40 of our closet friends and families joined us – and they all had the same opinion- they loved this place – Kassiopi and Corfu.

We like to make life as easy as possible on travel day so often we book a hotel the night before. We stayed at Ryland Farmhouse, about 5 miles from Manchester Airport which was perfectly adequate for the night and had the full English breakfast it was one of the best I’ve ever had!

Last November, after years of wishing, hoping, and planning…

In June we set off on our lovely family adventure (4 year old Peony & 8 month Carter) to Mallorca.

Sitting at the airport with a pizza and coffee waiting to come home is always a bittersweet moment for me, this time it seems particularly difficult…