By
Alice Chambers |
Now that travel restrictions are easing and vaccination rates are rising, people are eagerly returning to cruise holidays.
UK-based small-ship operator English Holiday Cruises, for example, has seen high volumes of bookings for its 2022 cruises to destinations along the River Severn and the Cotswolds, in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. It expects all cruises to be sold out by the end of Spring.
The independent company operates hotel boat Edward Elgar, which has capacity for 22 passengers in 11 cabins. She is the largest inland waterways hotel boat in England, and only just capable of fitting into the locks on the River Severn.
“English Holiday Cruises offers an experience like no other in the area, to stay aboard and cruise down the county’s largest river, the River Severn, and nearby Gloucester to Sharpness Canal,” says Jay Clements, managing director of English Holiday Cruises. “Guests can stay for as little as two nights, or for up to a whole week to enjoy the full experience of the picturesque rivers of the Severn Vale.
“Cruisers can enjoy the views on the stress-free waters of the River Severn. When the sun is shining, the views of the southern Cotswolds from the top deck are breathtaking.”
English Holiday Cruises provides a five-night ‘Cruise to the Views’ itinerary, allowing guests to travel to destinations such as Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Upton-upon-Severn and Worcester. Alternatively, guests can choose a three-night ‘Historical Canal Cruise’ on the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, which offers views of the Cotswolds escarpment, upper Severn estuary and Forest of Dean.
“Guests will enjoy guided tours of Berkeley Castle to learn about the unique heritage of this place, and the ‘Purton Hulks’ graveyard , where 80 barge wrecks have been scuppered to shore up the canal embankment,” says Clements.