A&K launches itineraries with newcomer Tradewind Voyages

A&K said the itineraries would allow its clients to head to “rarely visited islands” onboard Tradewind Voyages’ new ship, the Golden Horizon, which is the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world.

The 272-guest Golden Horizon is a near-replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel, and has set out a plan to use historical maritime routes. Also, during 70% of its maiden season, it will be under sail by wind power.

The new ship will debut with its ex-UK programme from May 2021, before heading east, following the winds and tracking a course around the world.

A&K is packaging up the cruises with flights and tailor-made ground experiences, giving overall peace of mind and financial protection for the whole trip, the operator said.

A&K’s combinations include a 16-night Best of Britain and Ireland trip, starting with a Scottish experience first, including a stay at Gleneagles Hotel, before setting sail for Ireland, the Isle of Man, England and the Channel Islands.

There’s also a trip starting with a two-night stay in Lisbon staying at the Four Seasons Hotel The Ritz Lisbon before setting sail for Morocco on a six-day cruise via Cadiz, Almeria and Mahon in Spain before reaching Tangier.

Further afield, A&K is offering an 18-night trip combining a safari in Tanzania and the Sanctuary Swala camp, before joining Golden Horizon and heading to Zanzibar and the Seychelles before ending the voyage with a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles on Mahe. There is also a 16-night Indonesian Beaches and Northern Australia option.

The ship will feature an enrichment and wellbeing programme, three pools, five bars, marina deck complete with waternsports, diving programmes, hair stylist and nail bar, library, lecture theatre and musical entertainment.

With a crew of 159 people, Golden Horizon boasts a high staff-to-guest ratio, and is also priding itself on its sustainable outlook, with no plastic straws or bottled water onboard, and biodegradable bathroom amenity bottles.

The Suffolk-based cruise company plans to add further new sailing ships to its fleet over the coming years, with the design process already under way.