​India may be off most people’s travel itineraries right now, but thanks to the launch of new products from Tea India, you can still enjoy the authentic flavours of this great country.
 
The Regional Single-Estate Tea Range consists of four new blends of regional teas sourced from some of the most established tea growers in India. The Regional Single-Estate Tea Range sits alongside Tea India’s popular range of authentic Chai Teas and is the natural next step in offering consumers a broad range of authentically Indian tea blends.

Nilgiri
Deliciously dark and aromatic Nilgiri is grown high in the Nilgiri Hills, in the southernmost part of India. Sourced from the Craigmore Tea Garden nestled at an elevation of 5,500 feet, the mix of soil and climate provide the perfect conditions for growing some of the world’s finest teas.
 
Darjeeling
Deliciously delicate and citrusy. Known as the champagne of teas, Darjeeling is grown on the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. Sourced from the Badamtam tea garden, only small amounts of this medium bodied, highly aromatic tea is grown each year.
 
Assam
A deliciously malty and strong, single estate, Assam tea is sourced from the Margherita tea gardens -
located in the low lying plains of the Brahmaputra River delta. Being grown at low levels gives Assam tea its full-bodied, malty taste and a lovely deep coloured liquor.
 
Kashmiri Kahwa
Deliciously aromatic green tea with cinnamon and rose petals. Delicious Kashmiri Kahwa is a traditional drink from the Kashmir region of India. Kahwa means ‘sweetened tea’ and is an exotic blend of Indian green tea, infused with herbs and spices.
 
Tea India’s Regional Single Estate Tea Range is available at http://www.teaindia.co.uk and will be stocked in Ocado from May 2021, as well as in independent food stores across the U.K.

At times, conventional accommodation can be nothing more than a place to sleep, but it can also be an experience in and of itself. When an ordinary hotel isn't thrilling enough, resorts and rental companies are coming up with increasingly bizarre alternatives to satisfy our demand for exotic places to stay. If you're looking for a no-frills overnight stay, this is probably not for you, but if you want to add a bit of weirdness and wonder to your journey, here are our picks for unusual hotels in the UK.

Coombe Abbey, Coventry
Coombe Abbey's accommodation appears to be a traditional country manor in some respects, but it is actually a restored 12th-century Cistercian abbey. The elegant structure is the centrepiece of 500 acres of lushly landscaped land near Coventry, and the interior decor is equally magnificent, with period details and antique furniture. Typically, the property specialises in themed activities such as murder mysteries, ghost tours, and mediaeval banquets – for updates, visit the dedicated events page.

Every room has stunning views of the courtyard, lawns, or tree-lined drive. Each room also has satellite TV and tea and coffee making facilities.  Guests can dine at the hotel's elegant à la carte restaurant. The Garden Bar serves afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream, and there is a changing Sunday lunch menu.
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Every weekend, Coombe Abbey hosts a splendid mediaeval banquet. The hotel is known for its themed parties, which range from murder mysteries to ghost tours.

The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
The Witchery by the Castle has a variety of extravagant suites, each with its own distinctive features. Big oak beds and 4-posters, velvet-lined walls, and flamboyant red and gold décor are among the gothic touches in the lavishly decorated suites. Separate dining areas and spacious bathrooms with free-standing silver baths are available.

The Witchery's nine suites are all unique, but walk-in dressing rooms, love seats, and tapestries set the tone. Some rooms have views of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, while others look down into Princes Street or over to the old town. Each morning, an indulgent breakfast hamper will be served in the room, or guests can opt for a cooked breakfast served in the restaurant at no extra charge.
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The Witchery's seductive glamour has piqued the interest of The Times, The Telegraph, and Condé Nast Traveller, and its suites have been enjoyed by a slew of celebrity guests. The lavish restaurant serves delightful Scottish cuisine in idyllic surroundings.

Burgh Island Hotel, Devon
A hotel on its own island sounds like a spy film setup but staying here seems like you have been invited to a private oligarch's home for an evening high tea. Linked to the mainland by a  sandy beach at low tide, the Burgh Island Hotel can only be accessed at high tide by its unique sea tractor, which is  similar to an open train carriage hydraulically elevated over large wheels.

The hotel itself is a magnificent collection of domed ceilings and trappings from the 1930s evoking the era of Agatha Christie novels, as she wrote two books while staying here. Ballroom lessons, tennis court and swimming in a sea spring pool separated from the sea by a WWI sluice gate are all activities included. The rooms come with balconies with views of the Atlantic, gin and tonic for free

Hywel Sele Lodge, Snowdonia
Hywel Sele Lodge's self-catering cottage is definitely eye-catching, both in appearance and history. In the 15th century, nobleman Hywel Sele tried to assassinate his nephew, Owain Glyndr, Prince of Wales – who survived his arrow and killed Sele in revenge. The setting is a bit less macabre. The Tudor Gothic-style lodge, which sleeps up to three people, is located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, near the seaside town of Dolgellau. With its fairy-tale turret, natural stonework, and grand archway, it's quite a sight in and of itself. 

The Saw Mill, Aberdeenshire
As the name implies, this lovely camp is built on the site of the old sawmill on the Glen Dye estate. The incredible combination of peace and adventure packed into the private clearing in the woods is something that no name could possibly convey. From the big double bed of the 50s original Safari Caravan, you'll wake up to birdsong and the rippling of the old mill stream, then make your way to the Forester's Seed Store cabin, your lounge and kitchen, which is itself a lovingly restored 20s house.

You have a variety of cooking choices, ranging from the seed store's kitchen, which will satisfy even the most ardent chef, to the Big Green Egg oven or the wild challenge of the firepit. You can also choose how daring you want to be with your bathing.

If you have friends living in the estate's cottages, bumping into walkers on the trails is probably the only time you'll see another soul. If you want an escape into civilisation then visit Fettercairn Distillery for whisky tasting and tours, Balmoral Castle for history, or Knockburn Loch for water sports instruction. Whatever you do, the camp will be waiting for you when you return, with strings of festoon lights leading you between its treasures.

The Island, Cornwall
Would you interested in gettting lost and spend some time alone or with your loved once where there’s literally no one to disturb you? Well, we have just the right place for you.

The Island is a boutique luxury property nestled among the greenery on a rocky islet above Newquay's Towan Beach. A private suspension footbridge connects the house to the famous surfing beach and harbour, but the house is in its own world, complete with swaying palm trees and its own flag. There are three stylish bedrooms and pretty much everything where everyone will like to stay for a few days.  

As The Island is located in the bay and is surrounded by sand at low tide and sea at high tide, so after a wonderful day at the beach full of white sand and gorgeous sea, you can walk back up to The Island and enjoy the beautiful gardens that wrap around the your home for the next few days. 

The Rookery, London
The Rookery, on the other hand, is on the polar opposite end of the London hotel continuum, drawing inspiration for its design from Smithfield's crime-ridden history. The Bartholomew Fair was held at Smithfield Meat Market until it was shut down by police in 1855 for being a "school of vice." The hotel's dark colour schemes, carved wood throughout, red silk, and gold leaf reflect this history. The Conservatory bar has an honesty bar, and the well-stocked library is a great place to sit and read. Although there is no dedicated restaurant, but you can order baguettes, crab tortellini, and other dishes from the room service menu card.

These were the few places where you can stay for an unusual but an exciting experience. All the above-mentioned resorts are lesser-known and hence will be far from the chaos and order, also COVID-19 safe. Book your next trip to UK with best travel website Travelxp.com.

​About Travelxp
Travelxp is one of the fastest-growing travel platforms for experiential and frequent travellers. It provides travellers with a chance to watch incredible travel videos along with access to exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and exotic holiday packages. It is part of Travelxp group operates Travelxp TV, the world's leading travel channel, broadcasting in 40+ countries with a viewership of over 500 million.

​Marella Cruises will be running a number of 3-12 night UK cruises this summer which go on sale Friday 16 April.

Marella Explorer will set sail from Southampton on UK itineraries from June 25, sailing to new ports of call including, Belfast, Dublin and Liverpool. Marella Explorer 2, the cruise lines adult only ship, will also offer UK sailings from Newcastle from Saturday 10 July, with even more UK ports of call. Newcastle sailings will go on sale by the end of this month.
 
The all-inclusive sailings start at under £450 per person.
 
Anyone aged 18-years and older will be required to have had both COVID-19 jabs at least seven days before travelling. All under 18-year-olds, excluding infants under the age of two who will not be able to sail as they are exempt from testing, will be asked to have a lateral flow test. 
 
All guests must also provide proof of a negative lateral flow test before boarding the ships at the start of the cruise.   

​Royal Caribbean International has announced that new UK sailings onboard Anthem of the Seas will be departing from Southampton from 7th July 2021. Families can holiday together as the cruises, which will sail with vaccinated crew, will be available to any adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.  

​UK residents can choose from a combination of 3 to 4-night Ocean Getaways in early July and 5 to 8-night British Isles cruises, starting 15th July, that feature visits to iconic destinations across the UK such as Liverpool, Belfast and Kirkwall. Bookings start on 7 April.

 Free staterooms
 
In recognition of the tremendous efforts of the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces over the last year, Royal Caribbean will offer 999 free staterooms onboard the first Ocean Getaways to those in these professions. Free sailings can be secured by pre-registering through the Royal Caribbean International website starting 13th April 2021. Pre-registrations will be entered into a ballot to be drawn by the end of April. 
 
For more information, check out their website.

Saga has launched its Summer cruises, and guests are spoiled for choice. Three of the four cruises will be on Spirit of Discovery whilst the fourth will be the inaugural cruise of Saga’s brand new ship, Spirit of Adventure.

All Saga cruises include drinks, gratuities, internet access, insurance and speciality dining, and all cabins have balconies. Cruises also include a choice of complementary UK travel to and from the port including a private door-to-door chauffeur service up to 250 miles each way, car parking near the port, domestic flights or standard class rail or coach travel. 

Scottish Highlands and Islands departs Tilbury on June 27th, 2021 aboard Spirit of Discovery for six nights calling at Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, followed by Scrabster and Invergordon before returning to Tilbury. Sight-seeing tours of Lerwick and Invergordon are included. Prices start from £1,154 per person.
 
 Great British Isles Adventure departsTilbury on July 11th, 2021 aboard Spirit of Discovery for 14 nights, calling at Falmouth, Holyhead, Belfast, Greenock, Ullapool, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Newhaven and Newcastle and disembarking back in Tilbury. Sight-seeing tours of Belfast, Kirkwall, Edinburgh and Newcastle are included. Prices start from £3,375 per person.
 
From the Northern Isles to the Fjords departs Tilbury aboard Spirit of Discovery on July 3, 2021 or July 25, 2021 for six nights, calling at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, cruising Sognefjord in Norway, Lerwick in the Shetland Islands and Stornoway followed by Scrabster in Scotland before returning to Tilbury. Sight-seeing tours of Kirkwall and Lerwick are included. Prices start from £1,539 per person.
 
The Inaugural Cruise on Spirit of Adventure departsTilbury on July 26th for 15 nights and heading to Newcastle, Newhaven, Dundee, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Cruise St Kilda, Greenock, Belfast, Douglas, Holyhead, Bristol and Falmouth before disembarking in Dover. Sight-seeing tours of Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast and Bristol are also included. Prices from £3,458 per person.
 
In line with Government restrictions, guests will only be able to disembark at British ports. The Fjords cruising is purely scenic. All guests will require to show evidence of having received their second Covid 19 vaccination at least two weeks prior to boarding.

For more information on all Saga ocean and river cruises, click here

At this time, in a normal year, the city of Valencia would be immersed in intense activity. March is famous for the Fallas Festival. This well-known Intangible Heritage of Humanity festival fills the streets with music, flowers and wooden monuments that turn the city into a huge open-air artistic fest. But this year everything is different. Due to COVID, Fallas has had to reinvent itself. That’s why the #morefallerosthanever challenge has been created. A virtual program and a video campaign to let the fallas spirit live, while we wait to celebrate them as we used to in the past.

Riviera Travel has announced four 7-night British Isles cruises for this year, a chance to explore the best of the British Isles from the comfort of a 158-guest luxury ship.

​Two cruises cover the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The itinerary will take in Aberdeen and Balmoral Castle, before heading to Inverness, Orkney, Oban, the Outer Hebrides and County Donegal in Ireland. Tours on offer include trips to Loch Ness, the Neolithic Ring of Brodgar henge and stone circle, and the Callanish Standing Stones.

Two other cruises focus on the Emerald Isle. The itinerary includes Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway, County Donegal and Cork. Tours on offer include Kilkenny Castle, Kylemore Abbey, a guided walking tour of Belfast with entry to the Titanic Visitor Centre, access to Trinity College, and a visit to Connemara, the largest Irish-speaking region. Guests can also take in the Slieve League Cliffs, the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, and the Cliffs of Moher.
 
The Scottish cruises depart 5 and 26 July and the Irish cruises depart 12 and 19 July. Guests can book both cruises on a back-to-back basis.

​Prices are from £1999 per passenger, two sharing, and include full board and a range of shore excursions. There is also an attractive drinks package available.
 
For more information and to book, call 01283 742 317 or go to www.rivieratravel.co.uk

​Travel may be on a back burner for now, but you can still get the flavours of Rome and Chicago with Chicago Town’s Pizzas.
 
In a nod to the latest trends, they have just released two new plant-based pizzas aimed at the vegan market.

The Vegan Tomato Stuffed Crust Takeaway Smokey Bac’n and Mushroom does what it says on the tin. This indulgent sauce-filled crust bakes for the first time in consumer’s ovens, giving it that authentic takeaway taste. It’s topped with a smoked gouda alternative and smoky vegan bacon, which is accompanied by red onions and mushrooms.

​​The Vegan Deep Dish Cheeezeburger is an iconic deep dish crust pizza with a burger sauce base, topped with vegan mince, red onions, tomatoes and gherkins, and sprinkled with lashings of mozzarella alternative, giving it an irresistible flavour. 

You don't have to be vegan to enjoy these tasty pizzas, two delicious offerings to start the New Year.

​Grandeur of the Seas will be based in Barbados, and its late evening departures will allow guests to fly out from Gatwick and Manchester to join the ship the same day, thus avoiding the extra time and expense of a pre-cruise overnight stay and associated transfers that are necessary on Florida departures. It also avoids the crowds and often lengthy delays involved in flying into popular US airports as well as the two-day sailing time to get to and from the Caribbean from Miami; guests can immediately immerse themselves in the Caribbean atmosphere. 

Ports of call for the seven and fourteen night cruises include Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, plus Trinidad and Tobago. Longer itineraries add destinations such as Aruba coupled with visits to Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, among others. The itineraries also mean that ESTAs would not be requires as there are no American ports involved. Cruises start in December 2021.
 
Go to https://www.royalcaribbean.com for more information or contact your cruise/travel agent.

The Londoner, on Macao’s famous Cotai strip, is embarking on its phased opening. It joins similar developments The Parisian and The Venetian. The Londoner showcases the best of British history and culture blended with the latest in hospitality experiences.
 
The Londoner Macao also represents the latest collaboration with Sands Resorts Macao global ambassador David Beckham. He played a central role in the promotion of the integrated resort leading up to its opening with his participation in the eye-catching campaign ‘Bringing The Best of London to Macao’.

​Guests enter The Londoner Macao through the magnificent glass-canopied Porte Cochere designed after historic Victoria Station, before arriving at the Crystal Palace, a spectacular space at the heart of the integrated resort. Visitors will also be able to admire the full-scale Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with Anteros, the Greek god of selfless love on its pinnacle.

Near the reception is main dining area The Green Room, inspired by the musicals of famous British composers, and a reference to the lounge in theatres where actors relax between performances. On display in the Green Room is theatre-related paraphernalia, and the background music is based on West End musicals. Part of the restaurant area is inspired by Victorian-era interior design and style, and features two glass cabinets containing 442 classic British bone chinaware items. Next to the Green Room is The Lounge, a vibrant art gallery-themed room inspired by London’s contemporary art scene. Meanwhile The Bar is inspired by the classic style of famous British wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. It incorporates a billiard room, balcony and outdoor terrace with topiary based on characters from Alice in Wonderland by writer Lewis Carroll.
 
The Residence serves an international buffet breakfast with signature dim sum, light refreshments including afternoon tea, all-day snacks and drinks and evening cocktails.

The Crystal Palace also stages the six-minute Changing of The Guard, a colourful display of British pageantry performed several times every day by over 20 talented artists, which will sweep visitors away to London, marking the start of their amazing journey at The Londoner Macao.
 
Coming attractions later in 2021 include the imposing Houses of Parliament facade and life-size 96-metre Elizabeth Tower (commonly known as ‘Big Ben’) featuring a replica of the famous clock face, ​which will welcome guests from far and wide with its accurate rendition of the classic bell chimes
 
Guests will also be able to enjoy London Calling , a 5.2-metre red telephone box where visitors are welcomed to The Londoner Macao by the Queen’s beloved corgi Londi. Black Cab Escape is an adventure inside an iconic London taxi with David Beckham on a fun trip around the capital’s streets, visiting the British star’s favourite spots.

​As well as a range of suites, guests will have a range of bars and restaurants. ​These include Churchill’s Table, inspired by a classic Victorian food hall. It offers an international breakfast, all-day Mediterranean lunch and dinner, themed signature afternoon tea, entertaining evening dessert and cocktail experiences and an extensive retail area, featuring Churchill’s Table’s own branded chocolate, biscuits, cakes, sweets, bakery and pastry items, jams, honey and more.

​Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is the celebrity chef’s authentic British gastropub with an attractive bar and lounge, array of draught beers, cocktails and classic British cuisine. This includes his signature beef wellington, shepherd’s pie, ale-battered fish and chips and some of the best steaks in town. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will open later in 2021.
 
For those seeking retail therapy, Shoppes at Londoner retail mall incorporates over 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques and stores, from high street to haute couture, including chic boutiques at Bond Street, Mayfair and Savile Row, and quaint stores in Soho and Covent Garden. Already well underway, Shoppes at Londoner will be completed throughout 2021.

For more information, visit www.londonermacao.com

​Air Astana, the national airline of Kazakhstan, has received a prestigious Five Star Major Airline award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). This is the third time that Air Astana has received a Five Star award from APEX
 
Using a five-star scale, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world. Passengers were also given the opportunity to provide anonymous ratings in five subcategories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and Wi-Fi. 

​APEX is one of the world’s largest international airline associations and serves to strengthen the worldwide airline industry by setting key airline standards and highlighting well-deserved recognition across the airline industry. The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ are independently certified by a professional external auditing company.

Air Astana is 49% owned by BAE Systems and its Chairman and CEO is Englishman Peter Foster, OBE. Skytrax has named it The Best Airline in Central Asia and India for the last six yeas in a row.

Commenting on this latest award, Ms. Margaret Phelan, Vice-President Inflight Services said,  ​“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award and be amongst major international airlines awarded Five Stars, the highest rated tier. Air Astana is continuously upgrading its onboard passenger experience to provide the very highest quality of service. We deeply appreciate all those passengers who gave us their vote.”

It was not that long ago that the generally-held view about the price of a cruise was that it cost double what you initially paid for it. Expensive drinks - to which 20% gratuities were added, a further £8 or so a day for more tips, plus slow and pricey internet access, all  helped to rack up the final bill, a significant deterrent to those considering a cruise.
 
Now Celebrity Cruises have addressed this major issue by introducing ‘Always Included’. From Tuesday, 17th November 2020, every Celebrity Cruises holiday will include fast Wi-Fi, drinks and tips, simplifying the holiday experience and making it so much easier for passengers to budget for a luxury holiday. 

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, said; “Today, nothing is more luxurious than when things are extra simple and extra special.  We wanted to bring that big wonderful feeling of ‘everything is taken care of’ to life for our guests.” 

Celebrity Cruises have a history of innovation in cruising. These include grass lawns on top decks 

​and, with Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, the ‘magic carpet’, an additional piece of deck that can be moved  up and down to provide anything from additional party space to a large, stable platform for boarding tenders at ports where mooring alongside is not possible.

As we move slowly back to normality, this latest move will be very​ welcome to their existing clients, as well as those looking to cruise in style without breaking the bank. 
 
For more information on all Celebrity Cruises offerings visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

Even  if you can't visit India right now, say hello to PATAKA, a ginger liqueur made from Indian Fairtrade Ginger Root and Fairtrade sugar.
 
Pataka is the Punjabi word for ‘firecracker’ and the combination of ginger root and an alcohol content of 35% (ABV) gives Pataka fiery, fresh and smooth taste.
 
It’s great as a base for winter-warmer cocktails. Here are some to try.
 
Firecracker. Pour 50ml of Pataka into a tall glass with ice and top up with ginger ale.
 
Mulled Ginger. Warm a glass of red wine in a pan, add 30ml of Pataka, a slice of orange and a stick of cinnamon.
 
East Side. Add ice to a cocktail shaker with 40ml of Pataka, 10ml of gin, 25ml of fresh line juice, 8 mint leaves and 10rml of sugar syrup. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Pataka is available from Master of Malt   Whiskey Exchange   The Drink Supermarket

​Wearing a mask has become an everyday requirement for many people so it’s great to find a mask that is comfortable, efficient and saves you money.
 
The Breath Happy mask comes in two forms. Everyday is for low density areas such as shops or outside use, and Commuter is for higher density usage. Initial kits, each containing five filters per mask, can be purchased for one, three or five people

The initial mask kit comes in three parts. First there is the main unit that fits snugly around the face and made of a comfortable soft material. Then there is a front filter holder, plus a pack of five replaceable filter pads. These can be bought separately when your initial supply runs out.
 
The Everyday filter has a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of 95% and the Commuter filter achieves 98%. Each filter can be used for seven days before being replaced. Everyday filters cost less than £1 each and Commuter filters no more than £1.25 each, less if purchased in larger quantities, a massive cost saving over disposable masks, and much more effective.
 
Because the mask moulds comfortably to the face, it doesn't need to be regularly adjusted, and  it won’t steam up your glasses!

​Ideal for shopping, work or travelling, if you are looking for a comfortable, efficient and cost-saving mask, this could be the answer.
 
For more information and to order, go to https://www.breathe-happy.com

Saga’s new ocean cruise ship, Spirit of Adventure, was handed over today in Emden, Germany, by shipbuilder Meyer Werft.
 
Spirit of Adventure is Saga’s second purpose-built boutique cruise ship, joining Spirit of Discovery which became part of the Saga Cruise fleet with much fanfare in July 2019 when she was christened by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at an elegant quayside garden party.
 
Spirit of Adventure has 554 all balcony cabins and can accommodate 999 passengers with a tonnage of 58,250 GT. She will soon set sail for the UK with her inaugural cruise now scheduled to leave on the 5th February 2021 for the Canary Islands.

​Nigel Blanks, Managing Director of Saga Cruises, said, “Though the inaugural cruise will take place a little later than we had originally planned due to the ongoing restrictions on travel, we cannot wait to welcome guests onboard and see all she has to offer. Having recently visited the ship in Germany, I can assure you, she is worth the wait!”

Over the past few months, Saga has put in place detailed new procedures for a return to cruising in a COVID world. These include reduced capacity, pre-departure testing both at home and before boarding, increased medical staff and facilities and enhancements to their state-of-the-art air conditioning, which already provides 100% fresh air throughout our ships.
 
Saga’s all-inclusive ocean cruises include door-to-door transport, balcony cabins, insurance, internet access and drinks on board.

For more information on Saga holidays, including ocean and river cruising, go to https://travel.saga.co.uk
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