Think summer’s over? Think again! Open Sea Cruises hosts a seven-night cruise around the Mediterranean Sea at the end of this month, packing in international pop stars, a party on Ibiza and loads more. Read on and book your cabin ASAP!
The itinerary
Day 1 – 29.9.2018: Your cruise begins (and ends) at the stunning Spanish city of Barcelona, one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in Europe.
Day 2 – 30.9.2018: Enjoy a whole day at sea, explore the ship and make new friends. Sweat it out at the gym, get pampered in the spa or simply relax with a cocktail by the open air pool.
Day 3 – 1.10.2018: Your first port of call is Ajaccio, the capital of the island of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Nature lovers can take a short hike through green pine forests or drive to the Fango Valley where you can experience natural waterslides and a refreshing shower under the waterfall. For a more care-free afternoon, visit the the baroque cathedral where Napoleon was baptised or simply relax on the beach at Plage Tonnara.
Day 4 – 2.10.2018: In the historic French port of Toulon, you can decide between a harbour cruise, a trip to the beach at Plage Mourillon, or a ride in the cable car to Mont Faron for outstanding panoramic views. Alternatively, visit nearby Marseille for an afternoon of shopping or breathe in the jet set air of St Tropez – see ‘The extras’ section to the right of the page for more details.
Day 5 – 3.10.2018: Another day, another beautiful port: Palamós is Catalonia’s second largest fishing port and the ideal starting point to discover Spain’s Costa Brava. Sample some of the freshly-caught fish in one of the many fantastic restaurants around the harbour or explore Platja de Castell, with its handsome castle beautifully embedded in a nature reserve. More intrepid guests can travel further afield to the Catalan city of Figueres, the hometown of the artist Salvador Dalí, where you’ll find the Dalí Museum with its surrealist architecture, or go on a sightseeing tour to the medieval city of Girona.
Day 6 – 4.10.2018: This is your first day of a two-day stop to the Balearic island of Ibiza – and just in time for the closing season too! Guests can stroll the narrow streets looking for unique souvenirs in the old town, referred to by the locals as the Dalt Villa, or sip on a refreshing mojito from one of the many stalls at famous hippie market Las Dalias. Book one of the excursions packages detailed in ‘The extras’ section on the right of the page and you’ll go on an exciting island tour or explore secluded caves on the Coves of Ibiza Tour. Come sundown, party at gay disco Club Lola’s.
Day 7 – 5.10.2018: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and visit one Ibiza’s many sunny beaches before the ship leaves – one of the more famous on the island is Punta des Cavallet, which is very popular with the gay community. Alternatively, adrenaline junkies can join the cliff diver at the Platja de Bossa and jump into the cool seawaters below.
Day 8 – 6.10.2018: The ship returns to Barcelona, but your trip does not have to stop there. A whole city awaits, so why not stay one more night and fly home on Sunday?
The entertainment
Day 1 – 29.9.2018: Your welcome night begins in style with an epic DJ set from international pop stars Icona Pop. This dynamic duo will provide your evening entertainment with their signature
electro-pop melodies laid over house beats.
Day 2 – 30.9.2018: Synth-pop boyband Kazaky take to the stage with a spectacular dance show that fuses burlesque, dance and sexy circus performances. YouTube their single Love for a good idea of what to expect.
Day 3 – 1.10.2018: Eurovision Song Contest 2012 winner Loreen is your Monday night entertainment. Expect to hear her winning track Euphoria as well as subsequent singles including Crying Out Your Name, In My Head and Statements.
Day 4 – 2.10.2018: It’s ‘Back To The 90s’ night starring one of the most iconic Eurodance pop groups to come out of the decade: The Vengaboys! Get ready for all their massive hits likes We Like To Party (The Vengabus), Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom and We’re Going To Ibiza because, well, you will be!
Day 5 – 3.10.2018: Tonight you get not one but two Eurovision legends in the form of 2018 Eurovision runner-up Eleni Foureira, who will perform her greatest hits, followed by the one and only Conchita, 2014 winner and the most famous drag queen to ever come out of Austria.
Day 6 – 4.10.2018: Having arrived in Ibiza, your evening begins with a ‘White Night’ party onboard the ship where none other than American drag icon RuPaul serves exclusive DJ set realness. The party doesn’t stop there though, because later the dancing continues onshore at one of Ibiza’s best gay clubs.
Day 7 – 5.10.2018: The final party of the cruise sees a concert by an as-yet-unnamed pop star that is guaranteed to leave you speechless.
The extras
• Extras come in the form of pre- and
post-cruise packages, organised port excursions, and beverage deals.
• Pre- and post-cruise packages can include flights and one- or two-night stays in the Axel Hotel Barcelona or Axel Hotel Ibiza.
• Port excursions are available in pre-sale only, meaning you have to book them before you board the ship. The Experience Culture and Fun package offers a trip to Marseille plus ‘Imperial Napoleon’, ‘Ibiza Island’ and ‘The Best of Costa Brava’ tours, while the Discover Cities and Nature programme includes tours of St Tropez, Ajaccio and the Coves of Ibiza, plus sightseeing in Girona.
For the full list of extras and more information, including beverage packages, visit open-sea.com/en/extras
The ship
Your ship, the Zenith, can carry up to 1,400 passengers and comes complete with three onboard restaurants plus sundeck, pool, fitness centre, spa and entertainment venues including the Broadway Show Lounge, Rainbow Nightclub and Casino del Mar. Cabins, or staterooms as they are also known, start from €777 per person.
For further information and to book your cabin, please visit open-sea.com
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