Join us for a holiday with a difference as our seaside hotel transforms into a luxury cruise liner for a five-day land-based cruise to remember! Hosted by the charming Brunswick Hotel, you can expect the warm welcome, great service, exciting food, and enticing entertainment of a European cruise ship, all whilst ‘docked’ in delightful Shanklin. Each day is set in a different country as themed decorations and props, along with ‘local’ cuisine and unique entertainment, provide the essence and spirit of each destination. You are welcome to join the locals with a themed outfit or accessory if you wish! And of course, our excursions by coach are also included to take in the best of the local area.
Day 1 Arrive at Port - We travel to Portsmouth and our ferry to Fishbourne (on a real ship!), arriving at M.V. Brunswick late afternoon. Board the ‘ship at port’ with a glass of fizz whilst the crew take care of your luggage. After settling in, re-join the group for a delicious dinner whilst the crew make their introduction, before the exciting ‘on deck’ musical entertainment gets you dancing as we set sail for Spain!
Day 2 Spain - Breakfast is served with an additional Spanish flair, before we take a tour around the western side of the Island, taking in Isle of Wight Pearl and Godshill, one of the prettiest and most photographed villages on the island, before heading back to ‘Spanish’ Shanklin. Enjoy a Spanish themed dinner and entertainment, before we set sail for our next port of call – Italy!
Day 3 Italy - Wake up in sunny “Italy”! Our excursion today is a morning visit to Carisbrooke Castle, The castle’s most famous resident was Charles I, who was imprisoned here after his Civil War defeat. Later, Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s daughter, made Carisbrooke Castle her summer home. Admire the award-winning Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden, inspired by the princess. We have exclusive access to the Castle, well house, chapel, guardhouse & drum towers. The Carisbrooke Castle Museum Trust will be opening the Museum especially for our visit, along with the tearoom opening for drinks and light bites. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon, to prepare for a traditional Italian celebration! Italian food and cabaret entertainment will be aplenty, plus lots of party spirit. Please note: There is sloped access to the castle and steps/uneven surfaces within.
Day 4 Greece - Enjoy of touch of Greek style at breakfast before we travel back in time. From Havenstreet Station we take a scenic ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The locomotives and carriages have been lovingly restored to pristine condition and the station houses a shop, café and museum. We return with time to explore Shanklin. Tonight, we enjoy a Greek themed dinner and entertainment.
Day 5 Cast the home anchor - After a final full English breakfast we disembark the good ship Brunswick and make our way to the delightful Wildheart Animal Sanctuary where all manner of beasts, particularly big cats, are lovingly cared for, having been rescued from all around the world. After lunch we head home by ferry from Fishbourne.
‘M.V. Brunswick’, our land-based cruise ship, is located just above the Shankin Esplanade and offers a friendly and relaxing stay with gardens overlooking the Channel. The hotel has indoor heated pool and sauna, games room and well stocked bar with a comfortable lounge for our evening entertainment. There is no lift, but several ground floor rooms with walk in shower are available on request. Each ‘cabin’ in this ‘vessel’ has TV, WiFi, hairdryer, ironing facilities and hospitality tray.
