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BOOK IT: Spirit of Chartwell will sail seven and nine-night itineraries on the 'RXUR LQ H ZHHN ORQJ $ 5R\DO 9R\DJH LWLQHUDU\ OHDGV LQ DW e LQFOXGLQJ ठLJKWV DQG 7LWDQ 7UDYHOV 9,3 KRPH SLFN XS VHUYLFH titanagents.co.uk


expert ask the


TESTED


TRIED &


Spirit of Chartwell


Belying its elegant retro style, Spirit of Chartwell was built in 2000 as a Thames cruiser. Due to its compact size, there’s no lift, so clients with mobility issues might have difficulty accessing the 14 lower cabins reached by winding stairs – in which case recommend the ship’s suite, a lovely spot that’s conveniently tucked behind the bar. Cabins are on the small side, but there’s plenty of clever, if covert, storage space (it wasn’t until the third day I realised the seat came off the dressing table stool and you could stow things inside). However, the bathrooms are surprisingly spacious, with luxury touches including robes and slippers.


Meals are convivial affairs with open seating, and with so few passengers, firm friendships were forged by the end of the week. Crew members are friendly and accommodating, and the captain welcomes guests on to the bridge with service that’s fit for a queen.


“Travellers can feel like royalty as they sail along the beautiful Douro Valley on Spirit of Chartwell, the ship that carried the Queen along the Thames during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It’s a majestic way to sail between coastal Porto and the Spanish border, giving travellers the chance to visit plenty of picturesque towns, monasteries and palaces en route. Each experience on board the famous ship is enhanced with wine tastings, folk shows, cooking demonstrations and informative talks, providing unforgettable holiday moments for all on board.”


Robert Stapley,


senior product manager, Titan Travel


travelweekly.co.uk/cruise


November 2019 19


PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK; PEETER VIISIMAA


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