Introduction to Iberian Delights Cruise

Join Citiescapes for this 5 night NO FLY Cruise and you can discover a selection of great destinations across Ireland, Spain and France. Set sail from Dublin onboard Oceana or Azura, both operated by P&O Cruises, and cruise south, to your first port, Cobh.

From Cobh, one of Europe’s largest natural harbours, you can spend a day exploring Cork. The bustling city centre is home to fascinating shops and markets and traditional Irish music can be heard drifting out of the many pubs. The town of Blarney, with its famous Blarney Stone lies just six miles inland.

Heading south you make your approach to Spain. Nestled on its northern coast is Bilbao, a city now well-known because of the spectacular Guggenheim modern art gallery.

Wander along the winding alleys of Casco Viejo and visit the gothic Cathedral de Santiago. Following the coast north to France, your next call is the maritime city of Brest. As well as boasting a naval museum and a massive Oceanopolis, it is also your gateway to the ruggedly scenic province of Brittany. After a day here, you begins your journey back to Southampton.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin, Ireland:

Oceana & Azura, operated by P&O cruises, your home for the next 5 nights, welcome you in Dublin Port. You are free to board in the afternoon and enjoy the delights to be found onboard, before you commence your journey in the evening, as she sails out of Dublin Bay, en route to Cork, your first port of call.

Day 2: Cork, Ireland:

Cork  is Irelands second largest city.

Here you can visit St Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork City Museum and the 19th Century Cork Jail. Dont miss your opportunity to visit Blarney Castle, a short ride away, to kiss the Blarney Stone! Alternatively you can remain onboard to enjoy the delightful facilities available.

Day 3: Cruising, Atlantic Ocean:

Spend the day cruising south, away from Ireland and on to the Iberian peninsula today. Take some time to enjoy the many activities available onboard.

Day 4: Bilbao, Spain:

The Basque city and cruise port of Bilbao in northern Spain has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe following the opening of the imaginatively-designed Guggenheim modern art gallery, which is an architectural work of avant garde art in its own right.

Until then, Bilbao was very much a working city but it has always boasted a lively old town dating from the 14th century. Through the winding alleyways of the Casco Viejo you can stop to sample tapas at the many exceptional local bars and restaurants.

Other sights include the arcaded Plaza Nueva and the Gothic Cathedral de Santiago. One of Spain’s most important art collections is housed across the city at the Museo de Bellas Artes. This features works dating from the 12th century through to contemporary art by Cezanne, Gauguin and Francis Bacon.

Day 5: Brest, France:

Set in one of Europe’s finest natural harbours, France’s main naval port Brest is steeped in maritime history and is also a gateway into the ruggedly scenic and proudly Celtic province of Brittany. The maritime museum is inside the city’s Motte Tanguy Castle and Tower, which perches on a headland overlooking the beautiful harbour.

In keeping with its nautical traditions, Brest is also home to Oceanopolis, a massive new attraction dedicated to the sea and its many forms of marine life.  It is quite easy to lose track of time and spend a whole day getting up close and personal with every species of fish imaginable in the 42 aquariums highlighting Polar, Tropical and Temperate oceans.

The city centre is just across from the cruise dock and there you will find streets with evocative names like La Fayette and Bougainville and an array of shops, bars, restaurants, theatres and museums.

Day 6: Southampton, England:

You arrive in Southampton early in the morning, with disembarkation beginning after breakfast. You will be met on the dock by our driver for your private transfer to Pembroke for the 14.45 sailing from Pembroke to Rosslare.  Club class seating is provided onboard Isle of Inismore.

Price inclusions

• 5 nights accommodation onboard Oceana or Azura based on 2 sharing an inside cabin
• Full Board basis
• £25 onboard spend per person (£50 on August 30 departure)
• All onboard entertainment
• Private transfer from Southampton to Pembroke
• Ferry crossing from Pembroke to Rosslare
• Club Class seating onboard the ferry
• Taxes and charges of €55

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit of 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €25 (conditions apply)
• Outside cabin supplement from €110 (Aug) €230 (Sep) per person
• Single supplement for inside cabin €840 (Aug) €891 (Sep)
• Drinks onboard not included.
• Prices are correct at time of going to press,  supplements may apply depending on availability of negotiated fares.

Accommodation details

Oceana – August 30 departure

Lively and glamorous, Oceana is a cruise liner that’s full of personality. Her impressive atrium, adorned with palm trees, creates that holiday feeling as soon as you step on board. With deck bars, pools and many balcony Staterooms, she is the perfect cruise ship for sunny climates.

First time cruisers will love the atmosphere of this ship. As will those looking for a spontaneous and sociable style of cruise holiday. Laugh. Relax. Enjoy. Oceana’s wide range of entertainment and facilities appeal to all ages. You can play tennis in her sports court – housed in her funnel. Unwind in her whirlpool spas. Try your luck in the casino. And dance the night away in Le Club.

Dining on Oceana offers great variety and flexibility. From fine five course meals in the main restaurants, to freshly grilled dishes under the stars there is something for every occasion.

Highlights:

• 12 places to drink
• Cafe Jardin (Marco Pierre White restaurant)
• Ocean view gym
• Sports court housed in her funnel
• Monto Carlo casino
• Golf simulator
• Le Club – late night venue
• Freedom Dining
• Open deck restaurant
• 530 seat theatre
• Tate Talks by Tate Modern
• 4 pools
• Family facilities
• Spa

Azura – September 23 departure

P&O Cruises’ superliner Azura blends all the much-loved P&O Cruises traditions with exciting modern luxuries and innovations. Her atmosphere is stylish, sophisticated and serene. And every element of life on board is delivered with a meticulous attention to detail. You can enjoy glamorous formal occasions as well as delightful spontaneous ones. Every day is different – a new chapter in your holiday story.

Azura is a ship designed to offer you the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. And The Retreat – her exclusive outdoor spa terrace, is the place to experience this at its best. Alfresco massages and wonderful views are just two of the delights you can savour.

Her dining experiences are truly exceptional. Behind every one of her restaurants you’ll find passion, flair and expertise. Michelin-star chef Atul Kochhar’s venue Sindhu, serves dishes blending India’s homeland spices with familiar British tastes and textures. Whilst The Glass House is a wine connoisseurs dream – a place for sipping vintages selected by expert Olly Smith – as you dine on succulent seafood and grill menus. For entertainment there is dancing in the Atrium; music in Manhattan; drinks in Brodie’s; and mesmerising shows, of two very different kinds, in The Planet Bar and The Playhouse. There is also SeaScreen. Suspended above her Aqua Pool, it delivers a rather special cinematic experience, day and night.

Highlights:

• Sindhu, fine Indian-style restaurant created by Atul Kochhar
• The Glass House – with wines selected by Olly Smith
• The Retreat – exclusive outdoor spa terrace
• SeaScreen – alfresco cinema
• The fleet’s first Single Staterooms
• 3 deck atrium with dance floor
• 12 places to drink
• Planet Bar – with plasma screen showing the world’s most striking natural and man-made wonders
• Two tier, 800 seat theatre
• Oasis Spa & Thermal Suite with couples and balcony treatment rooms
• Ocean view gym
• 3 main pools

Dates and Prices

Oceana – August 30 2010

Date	Cabin	Price
30 Aug 2010	Inside	€1,399
30 Aug 2010	Outside (Obstructed)	€1,569
30 Aug 2010	Outside	€1,629
30 Aug 2010	Balcony	€1,759
30 Aug 2010	Inside Single	€2,290

Azura – 23 September 2010

Date	Cabin	Price
23 Sep 2010	Inside	€1,489
23 Sep 2010	Outside (Obstructed)	€1,599
23 Sep 2010	Outside	€1,749
23 Sep 2010	Balcony	€1,779
23 Sep 2010	Deluxe Balcony	€2,229
23 Sep 2010	Inside Single	€2,329