The Bay of Biscay is not renowned for being calm at the best of times – so how about crossing it in mid-winter?
That’s what will be on offer from June 1 when sales open for the first series of winter 2010 departures to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands by Independence of the Seas.
I guess the swell will be quelled by the fact that the vessel – longer in length than three football pitches – is currently one of the biggest cruise ships afloat.
Royal Caribbean International is going where no cruise line has gone before in offering year-round European cruise departures from Southampton.
Not even Southampton-based P&O Cruises runs ships in winter from its home port other than on extended voyages to warmer climes or on world cruises of up to three months away from chilly Britain.
So Royal Caribbean is making a bold statement in its commitment to developing British cruising by deploying one of its most modern and largest ships from the UK in winter as well as summer.
Independence of the Seas will be running 11-and 18-night winter sun itineraries from Southampton covering 15 departures.
The problem as I see it is that all cruises south from the port in search of the sun involve a minimum of two days at sea – including crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay – plus two days on the return journey.
Even in mid-summer, crossings can be choppy irrespective of the size of ship and I have witnessed some pretty queasy passengers on this leg of the sailing.
On the one hand, the days at sea after leaving Southampton provide the ideal opportunity to get acclimatised with the surroundings and find your sea legs. And on a vast ship like Independence of the Seas, which is capable of carrying 4,300 passengers, it can take 48 hours at least to get a feel for all that’s available on board.
The great thing about Royal Caribbean International ships such as this and its sister ships of a similar size is that they are self-contained floating resorts crammed with every activity imaginable and more bars and restaurants than a small town.
The downside is that many of the activities are focussed on the outdoors – such as a surf simulator, rock climbing wall and mini golf. Fabulous in a sun-kissed Caribbean winter but not the kind of pursuits one would imagine being hugely conducive at the same time of year here with high seas with a gale blowing.
However, while I have my reservations about the appeal of cruising out of Southampton in the rain, sleet or snow, a ship the size of Independence of the Seas is the perfect vessel to test the water.
Because the ship is so huge, there is more than enough to keep passengers occupied inside until it reaches warmer waters.
And the prices are going to be really attractive to encourage value for money winter getaways.
Not that I’m going to be the first on the ship-board ice skating rink in the midst of a force ten gale….
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