Airport technology challenges, staffing shortages and delayed flights continue to cause travel chaos around the country, so a no-fly holiday could be the better bet this summer
100ml liquid rule at airports has been reinstated, costing holidaymakers 218% more when preparing for a trip
No-fly holidays can keep stress and trip costs low this summer
Summer holidays are meant to be a time for families to relax, re-connect, and recharge ahead of the next school year – but instead, recent events across the nation’s airports and the re-introduction of the 100ml liquid limit has caused families going on holiday undue stress and concern.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, 282,207 flights are due to depart the UK over June, July and August, while the European airspace organiser Eurocontrol expects 7% more traffic this summer than last year.
Families seeking to avoid the airport drama and opt for a hassle-free holiday experience should instead look to a no-fly holiday this summer – whether that be a cruise that departs from a UK port, or train or ferry journey across to the continent, there are plenty of options to avoid risking it all by choosing to fly.
The challenges of recent times at Birmingham, Manchester and Gatwick airports have meant that many families have missed out or experienced delays to their summer holidays already.
The 100ml liquid rule, which has been re-introduced for passengers travelling from all UK airports despite the fact that many airports now have new 3D scanners in operation, is seeing many families shed out a small fortune in airport shops and duty free – with travel-sized minis costing on average 218 per cent more than full sized products per bottle*. Unless your face wash, sun cream and shampoo are all under the limit and can be squeezed into one small plastic resealable bag, the only option is to leave them at home or pay the price when travelling with hand or cabin luggage.
So, rather than risking the airport chaos and paying more than the cost of the plane ticket to bring liquids, families should opt for a holiday that enables them to take as many bags as they like and avoid the airport altogether.
Bob McGowan, Head of Operations at the UK’s leading affordable quality no-fly cruise line, Ambassador Cruise Line, has compiled his top recommendations for a no-fly family holiday this summer:
- No-fly family cruise to the Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian Fjords are known to have some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and fascinating historical sites. This August, Ambassador Cruise Line will be sailing from London Tilbury to the Norwegian Fjords on a 7-day multi-generational cruise – one of only two muti-generational cruises on offer this year.Families of all ages can not only enjoy this incredible destination, but reap the benefits that a cruise holiday with Ambassador offers – amazing entertainment including West-End quality theatre shows, outstanding cuisine from an array of cultures suiting all tastes and fantastic family activities. Also featuring a Pirate Night Theme with fancy dress competition and pirate craft activities, a special magician performance from Britain’s Got Talent Winner Richard Jones, plus a Festival Deck Fest where everyone is encouraged to wear their most colourful clothes and enjoy entertainment throughout the day, it’s a hassle-free and fun holiday option this summer.Offering two adjacent cabins for a family of four onboard this cruise from just £3,064 – including the top Drinks Package for the parents and Adventurers Drinks Package for the kids, it’s a hassle-free no-fly option that could be just right. - No-fly road trip to Ireland
Pack up the car with as much luggage (and liquids!) as you can fit, pack some scrumptious snacks, turn on the satnav, play your favourite music and even bring along your furry friends for a summer road trip to remember. Ireland is celebrating 10 years of the famous Wild Atlantic Way road trip route in 2024, so this summer is the perfect time to hit this beautiful coastal road to explore its fascinating history, culture, and family-friendly activities.Ferries depart the UK from Holyhead and Liverpool, with fast ferries taking just of two hours to reach Ireland, or cruise ferries taking around four hours. - No-fly train journey to the continent
Jumping on the Eurostar to reach some of the continent’s most iconic cities including Paris (Disneyland anyone?!), Amsterdam and Brussels can be much more time-efficient versus flying. Families can book seats around a table and enjoy playing cards or board games, share a picnic lunch, or simply enjoy quality time on a smooth journey together. Children under four can travel for free, provided they sit on an adult’s lap throughout the journey. The Eurostar also has baby changing facilities when you need some private space with the little ones.Europe’s impressive train network means that the bigger cities don’t need to be the final stop – there are some incredible family-friendly destinations not far from the capital cities that offer nature, space and relaxation. - Staycation in the Scottish Highlands and Isles
Who says you need to leave the UK for a great summer holiday? The Scottish Highlands and Isles offer a stunning backdrop to a wonderful family getaway. Take the train or the car to reach the Highlands, and discover some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery, incredible beaches and nature attractions. Families will love the Highland Wildlife Park, Landmark Forest Adventure Park and Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
Why not give a no-fly holiday a go with the family this summer? To find out more and to book, visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
* Information sourced from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0xxx6g8e8po
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About Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line launched in 2021, offering the UK market authentic no-fly cruises, affordable quality and the warmest welcome at sea. Based in Purfleet, Essex, Ambassador provides adult-only experiences combined with a selection of multi-generational itineraries to multiple destinations including the Nordics, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Africa. The cruise line’s first ship, Ambience, entered the fleet in May 2022, operating from her home port of London Tilbury. From the 2023/24 season, guests have sailed onboard Ambience as well as Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition, whose maiden voyage in May 2023 heralded the launch of sailings from eight regional UK ports: London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, and Falmouth.
Ambassador’s extremely experienced management team is led by Chief Executive Officer, Christian Verhounig, and its principal shareholder is Njord Partners LLP, London. Ambassador is a member of ABTA, the UK’s leading travel trade association widely acknowledged as the mark of trust and reassurance associated with travel brands. Consumer funds are protected by means of a financial failure insurance policy managed by TMU Management Limited and underwritten by Accelerant Insurance Europe SA, who are regulated by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA 3193). The scheme is fully compliant with the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018.
For more information, visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com.
