Author: Maddie Taylor
Complimentary Flights & Transfers for our France & Spain Collection
We are pleased to be offering guests complimentary return flights (and transfers) to Palma from a selection of UK airports for the first 3 voyages sailing in May 2022 aboard Golden Horizon, the world’s largest & newest square-rigged sailing vessel. Offer valid until 31st January 2022.
Also Included – Complimentary Horizon Beer & Wine Collection… Worth Up To £287pp
Voyages In Offer:
Northern Mediterranean Secrets
Hidden Gems of the Northern Med
Irresistible Islands and Rivieras
7 Night Voyage Prices From £1,799pp
Includes all meals & soft drinks. £100 deposit – limited time only.
Terms & Conditions: Exclusive to UK guests. Does not include luggage. Flights up to the value of £100pp. Only valid for new bookings. Combinable with Current Offer of Free Horizon Beer & Wine Collection. Valid until 31st Jan. No Cash Alternative. Subject to availability
Call 0808 239 9289 to book.
We are pleased to have launched the full programme and prices for the Mediterranean debut of the world’s largest tall ship, Golden Horizon. Beginning in Palma on 1 May 2022, there are 23 voyages on offer across the region, spanning Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey. The inaugural Med season concludes with the 14 night Canaries to the Caribbean Voyage, arriving into Barbados for the start of winter 2022/2023 and yet another debut for the ship.
Five new collections are showcased for summer 2022: The Spain & France Collection, The Italian Collection, The Croatian Collection, The Greek Collection and the Passage to Caribbean Voyages. Prices start from only £1,799pp for seven and eight night itineraries. Extra incentives are on offer to get clients booked by 15 December, with the 10% Early Bird discount available until then.
Golden Horizon’s inaugural sailing in the region will be a seven-night round trip from Palma, with the Balearic capital becoming the base for three voyages in May. She will then operate round trips from Civitavecchia (Rome) from end May to early July, Split in July until mid August, and Piraeus from August to October. Golden Horizon will then reposition through Palma and Santa Cruz, before heading out to the Caribbean.
Voyages on offer include:
- Riviera Delights: from learning about French fine wines and visits to Antibes and St Tropez, to experiencing the timeless glamour of Portofino and Florence, this eight night trip takes in all the delights of the region. Runs 22 May-30 May 2022, from Palma to Rome and costs from £2049pp.
- Venice and the Wonders of Croatia & Slovenia: this round trip to Split takes in the glorious waterways of Dubrovnik, Piran (one of the Meds most preserved Old Towns), Venice, and Ravenna. Discover off the beaten track places such as Pula, where you can see one of the world’s most complete Roman amphitheatres and Šibenik, the gateway to two national parks: inland Krka and Kornati, a breathtaking cluster of islands and islets. Runs 21-31 July and costs from £2,549pp.
- Greece & Turkey’s Ancient Wonders: explore the quaint port town of Naxos, filled with whitewashed cubed houses and beautiful Venetian buildings. And discover Kalymnos in style, with Golden Horizon the only ship scheduled to visit this island in 2022, a place renowned for its Greek sponge diving. The visit from Kusadasi, takes guests to uncover the ancient history of Ephesus, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Runs 2-9 September and again 23-30 September, round trip from Athens and costs from £1,799pp.
With a capacity of only 272 guests, the ship will take advantage of her size by visiting some of the smaller and lesser-known ports across the Med, including Sanary Sur Mer in France, Calvi in Corsica, Ponza Island in Italy and Korcula in Croatia. These will be complemented with compelling offerings across various other well-known destinations and islands, from Sardinia, St Tropez and Santorini to Havr, Venice and Kusadasi (and beyond).
Commenting on the Med launch, CEO Tradewind Voyages, Alan McGrory said: “After a tumultuous past year for the travel industry, we are thrilled to be back on track and able to confirm an exciting schedule for summer 2022. We thank everyone for their continued support for our start up and cannot wait to host more of you and your clients on board.”
Golden Horizon’s design is based on France II, a legendary square-rigged tall ship built in 1913, and is inspired by Tea Clippers and Cape Horners. Boasting five bars, impressive spa facilities, three pools, a spectacular dining room with central skylight for top-notch dining and a high staff-to-guest ratio means that first-class service is guaranteed for everyone travelling with Tradewind Voyages. Its 140 cabins all offer ocean views. The philosophy is to be powered by nature whenever possible and the intent is to sail, without using propulsion, for around 70% of each season.
For further queries on Tradewind Voyages please call Guest Services on 01473 932060 or visit https://www.tradewindvoyages.com/the-mediterranean-collection/ for full list of voyages.
We regrets to inform guests that the inaugural Caribbean season planned for winter 2021 will no longer take place. With concerns regarding the ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience, that have been heavily impacted by continuing external factors, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the 17 planned voyages between December and April. Guest concerns about accessibility to certain islands and resistance to travelling in bubbles which is a key part of the brand experience has brought the company to this conclusion.
Alan McGrory, CEO commented: “As a company, the passion and vision has been to deliver an exceptional guest experience, however with the current culmination of ongoing travel restrictions in place for the winter season does not allow us to deliver the exceptional customer experience which the brand stands for. Our commitment is always to deliver an outstanding experience for our guests. With so many variables at play for us this winter, we have made the tough decision to cancel these Caribbean voyages. Instead, we plan to focus all our efforts in delivering our European 2022 summer season and return to the Caribbean for our winter season in 2022. We thank everyone who has supported us on this journey so far and those that have experienced Golden Horizon, know that travellers aboard this spectacular ship deserve nothing but the best. “
Tradewind Voyages has reconfirmed that the world’s largest tall ship, Golden Horizon, will be based in the Mediterranean from May-October 2022, and reposition to the Caribbean for winter 2022 season.
Three new collections, Western Mediterranean, Central Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean (including Greece and Turkey) have been confirmed for the Mediterranean summer season 2022, which will begin in Palma in May and end in Piraeus (Athens) next October. The extensive programme will offer 22 different voyages and include visits to Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey.
Pre-Registration Now Open For The Mediterranean Collection!
Our Mediterranean Collection for voyages between April – October 2022 goes on sale in a few weeks time.
The extensive programme will offer 22 different voyages and include visits to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey.
Should you wish to be the first to hear about our new Mediterranean Voyages and arrange a call with one of our sales team, please register on the link below.
Pre-registration closes at midday on Monday 18th October 2021.
England’s ‘Freedom Day’ on 19 July 2021 coincided with the inaugural voyage of Golden Horizon along the south coast of England. Maddie Taylor, Tradewind Voyage’s Marketing Manager, joined other guests onboard as our magnificent tall ship sailed out of Dover.
It was an emotional moment when Golden Horizon sailed out of Dover on ‘The Inaugural Voyage’. The tug boats motored beside us in a grand farewell as The Ocean’s Journey (a piece of music composed especially for Tradewind Voyages) bellowed over the tannoy with gusto. The sails hoisted, catching gently in the breeze on one of the hottest days of the year so far.
For many of our guests, it felt like a defining moment of freedom. After 16 months of lockdowns, limited hugs and missing family and friends, worries seemed to be carried away on the ocean’s currents.
Holidays and life as we know it are slowly returning and the excitement of going on an adventure had a few sobbing on the expansive deck as the sun cast its light on the waves left in the ship’s wake. Other guests were beaming with happiness as they sipped Champagne and took it all in. Sailing away from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover was one of those monumental experiences you won’t forget in a hurry.
The route was a round-trip from Dover, taking in both Cowes and Plymouth en route. One couple we spoke to had just bought a flat in Poole and, while sitting on their balcony, had seen Golden Horizon sail past on a preliminary voyage. They knew they had to be on board this incredible replica of the 1913-built France II and a few days later, after some Googling and booking, they were standing on deck for The Inaugural Voyage.
It’s easy to see why the ship stood out among the yachts and cruisers gracefully sailing past Poole. Golden Horizon is the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, an ode to the charm, adventure and romance of history’s tea clippers and Cape Horners.
The captain welcomed the guests onboard, telling us how the ship is a destination in itself and, whenever the wind allowed, the sails would guide us to our next port of call. He enthused about the ship, encouraging guests to ask questions and chat to him under the billowing sails.
Being one of the first guests felt like a privilege and the camaraderie onboard was palpable, with everyone chatting over drinks, in corridors, on deck and at dinner. The average age onboard was around 60, with teens heading to the spa for a facial or a go in the ice room and hammam, while some older guests relaxed with a coffee in the elegant library.
Stepping into the spectacular dining room, we gazed up at the curved wrought-iron balconies sweeping towards a stunning central skylight and took our seats among the maritime art hanging from wood-paneled walls. The friendly, masked staff went about the tables pouring wine into sparkling glasses and served delicious fine-dining dishes in front of hungry guests. Masks were worn by guests for embarkation and disembarkation, but it was optional while onboard. In the elegant dining room, you not only got a taste of the very finest cuisine, but a taste of normality, too. The room was abuzz with an upbeat atmosphere, with laughter accompanying the delicious local dishes, each with a healthy twist.
After dinner, guests dispersed to different bars, many choosing Horizon Bar to make the most of the sunset. On course for Cowes, the musical duo took to the stage and the dance floor filled with people jiving and twisting, all keen to celebrate the occasion in style.
After being lulled to sleep by the gentle movement of the ocean, guests woke to an early morning yoga session or a not-so-early breakfast in the dining room. On deck, guests played quoits and relaxed around the pools, many signing up for a Dive Taster session in the Dive Pool. There were insightful speakers, too, including David Graham who gave a talk about Cowes and Plymouth before a merry whisky tasting session in Debeljak’s Bar.
The amazing weather allowed us to drop Marina in Plymouth and offer paddle boarding from the back of the ship, with the stunning Plymouth Sound as our backdrop. Changing guidance by the Cruise Authorities were all part of the course. A shore excursion on the Isle of Wight was replaced with a racy rib ride in Cowes harbour; but everyone took the voyage in their stride. Guests seemed keen to get to know each other and a real conviviality was felt onboard, especially during the quiz night which sparked some healthy, fun competition.
As guests headed for bed each night, they found gifts in their cabin to mark the occasion. A commemorative plate one night, beautiful cognac glasses the next. On the last night, the captain threw a cocktail party and thanked the guests for being part of the Inaugural Voyage, a very special sailing with an equally special group of guests.
In the final few hours, as we sailed back towards Dover, people said goodbye to new friends and requested the song ‘An Ocean’s Journey’ to remember the voyage when they got home. To my delight, many said they couldn’t wait to book one of our worldwide adventures and would soon be back onboard the stunning Golden Horizon.
Enter our hashtag competition to win a £5000 Voyage Voucher for a Winter 2021 – Summer 2022 Voyage
During her inaugural season, Golden Horizon will be sailing around the UK and Europe, visiting iconic and remote locations, some which cannot be reached by larger cruise vessels. We invite you to capture your ‘Golden Memory’ and take a picture of Golden Horizon if you spot her sailing or at anchor during her inaugural season.
To enter our #SeeGolden competition, please post your photo you took of Golden Horizon on social media, using the hashtag #SeeGolden in the caption, and follow our Facebook page to be automatically entered into the prizedraw.
Terms & Conditions:
Hashtag: #SeeGolden Entrants: Competition open to UK and Non-UK Residents. Requirements for valid entry: Photo must include Golden Horizon, and tag @TradewindVoyages. Entrant must also be following Tradewind Voyages on the social media account they used to post their photo hashtag entry. Start Date: 15th June June 2021. End Date: 14th October 2021 Prize: £5000 voyage credit for a Winter 2021 – Summer 2022 Voyage (1st Nov 2021 – 31st October 2022), Applies to basic voyage price in double or single cabin, excludes shore excursions, spa treatments and additional alcoholic drinks. Subject to availability. Not combinable with other offers. Not transferable. No cash equivalent. Ends 14th October 2021. Covid-19 Book with Confidence Policy Applies to Booking. Judges decision is final. Winner: The winning photo will be chosen at random by the Tradewind Voyages marketing team following the competition end date. The winner will be notified through their social media account within a week of the competition end date. Competition Contact: Sharna Bunting, Marketing & Distribution Assistant: sharna.bunting@tradewindvoyages.com).
It’s not often you get to be part of a special moment in history so, this July, why not take the opportunity to be on the inaugural sailing of Golden Horizon, the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel.
We’ll sail from Harwich in Essex, where the Royal Hospital School Band will give Golden Horizon a triumphant send-off while you sip Champagne up on deck.
Our staff will treat you to canapés and a special dinner, created by Head Chef Derek Allen and his team, and the Sail Away Party will be in full swing to celebrate the occasion. When the evening comes to a close, we’ll ensure you remember this historic event with a Tradewind Voyages inaugural plate, one of many special gifts we have planned for you during the voyage.
An elegant near-replica of the 1913-built ship, France II, Golden Horizon retains all the charm and grandeur of sailing on a historic tall ship – but with 21st century facilities, an ocean view from every cabin, a sustainable ethos and ‘eat well, be well’ dining philosophy.
To appreciate the full beauty of the ship and the service on board, we’ll host a special brunch in the main Dining Room with live music and spend the whole day at sea, so you can enjoy time by the pool, enjoy a treatment in the spa or relax in the library with a good book.
Tradewind Voyages’ philosophy is to power Golden Horizon by the billowing sails as much as possible, and you can learn more about our beautiful ship at the Captain’s lecture and a chat with the directors at our evening cocktail party.
Arriving in bustling Whitby, Yorkshire, take time to discover this busy commercial fishing port and the town’s restaurants and cafes, brimming with great seafood. Traditional fish and chips rarely gets better than in Whitby . Tour the ruined 7th-century Whitby Abbey before heading along the coast to quaint Robin Hood’s Bay, or head inland and hike through the North York Moors National Park.
Our next stop is Newcastle, an enthralling city with an industrial past that today has a thriving art scene in its small galleries and a choice of brilliant restaurants. From here, you might head into the small, attractive town of Corbridge to shop in its boutiques and visit the ruined Roman town that sits on Hadrian’s Wall – the frontier of the Roman Empire in then Brittania.
At Berwick-upon-Tweed, right by the Scottish border, you could scale the ruins of its castle or enjoy some beach time on the nearby sandy swathes. Back onboard, you’ll be officially welcomed to Scotland with the sounds of bagpipes. We’ll host a ‘Welcome to Scotland’ cocktail party where you can try Haggis canapés, try whisky samplers and choose from our featured cocktails. During the Scottish celebration dinner, watch the piper parade on the top level of our stunning dining room atrium and we’ll put on a special menu to give you a flavour of the destination.
We’ll end our voyage in Leith – the gateway to Edinburgh. Make time to visit the castle and medieval Royal Mile, and don’t miss out on a taste of classic Scottish neeps and tatties in one of the old fashioned pubs.
This will be an exciting seacation, a well-deserved holiday after the year we’ve all had! So, if you’ve got a sense of adventure and a passion for the sea, join us on our unforgettable and inaugural maritime adventure.
To discuss or book this voyage please call 01473 932060 or visit https://tradewindvoyages-ts.opendestinations.com/BookingSiteUI/PackageSearch.
Golden Horizon’s spectacular marina will be the focal point for environmentally friendly watersports that enhance our green credentials, in line with the sustainability philosophy we pledge to follow.
Golden Horizon, the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, will offer voyages with unique sustainability credentials when it sails east from September 2021. Aiming to use wind power for 70% of each season, we feel it is imperative to maintain our philosophy of protecting the environment in all operations both onboard and ashore.
We will steer away from offering watersports which typically use gas to power engines. Instead, guests will be able to snorkel, kayak, windsurf and paddleboard, among other sports, to enjoy the ocean. Areas around the marina will also be cordoned off for swimming.
Sea bobs, which use battery power to propel people through water, will be available and guests will also have the opportunity to go on diving trips where appropriate.
Tradewind Voyages product director Oliver Hammerer, has worked with colleagues to create something that combines elements of the best marinas on ships, while ensuring the environment is protected.
Situated at the stern of the ship, the marina folds down into the water and extends four metres out to reveal a teak decked surface.
“We want guests to have a lot of fun while following our philosophy,” said Hammerer. “I’m also on the look-out for other toys to use on the marina that people will enjoy, provided they are environmentally friendly, of course.”
The number of marina days will vary by voyage, depending on the itinerary. The ship may also make unscheduled stops to use the marina, at the discretion of the captain.
In December 2021, our Great Barrier Reef & Gold Coast voyage includes 6 sailing days in the itinerary. The Marina is likely to be a hub of activity on those days, where guests could catch a glimpse of the unique marine wildlife that the Great Barrier Reef provides a home for.
In April 2022, our Indian Ocean Paradise voyage gives guests plenty of time to enjoy the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters from the marina. With 5 scenic days of sailing from one dazzling island to another, this voyage promises plenty of Indonesian adventures above and below the water.
Safety and security will always be paramount. Tradewind Voyages will have three staff members dedicated to the marina and use of equipment will always be supervised.
Guests will only pay extra for diving, with use of all other equipment included in the price of the voyage. A dive pool, where guests can learn to dive, will be situated three decks up from the marina.
Our new Sailing Master is excited about working on Golden Horizon and brings a wealth of experience.
The world largest Tall Ship deserves a truly experienced Tall Ship Mariner to lead the Deck department and to optimise the ship’s extensive suite of sails. Whereas most cruise ships’ second in command is known as the Staff Captain, onboard the Golden Horizon, that individual is known as the Sailing Master. Splitting his time between serving onboard luxury cruise ships and teaching onboard sail training vessels, including several years as Master, Richard Cruse brings exactly the right experience to bear.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team at sea” says Richard Cruse, who is thrilled at the prospect of making maritime history onboard the beautiful Golden Horizon. “I’ve always known the calling of the sea, even from an early age, it’s just part of my makeup.”
In his new role, Cruse will head up all departments in the same way as a staff captain on another cruise ship, but additionally will be in charge of the crucial and specialist areas of sailing and seamanship. It’s these responsibilities that will make his time onboard Golden Horizon very different to that of typical larger cruise ships – which he is eagerly anticipating, “you have a lot more to think about and its quite specialist knowledge.”
After an initial UK season starting in May, Golden Horizon will head east in August on sustainable voyages around the world, with the aim to sail, without using engines, for 70% of the season.
“The itinerary has been assembled using routing charts, to make the best use of the prevailing conditions for the time of year. However the specific passage plan and sailing strategy will be down to myself and the Captain.”
Richard has spent time in Croatia getting accustomed to the ship and will get his wish to return to the sea when he goes back there in January to begin sea trials and assist with the training of some of the crew.
Despite being only 35, Richard has a good and varied amount of seafaring experience. He joined the merchant navy at 18 and has worked on large and small cruise ships as well as in sail training.
“I prefer the small ship lifestyle,” he says. “You recognise both crew and passengers and build up a rapport with them – ultimately it’s all about the people, that’s important. It also allows you to focus on more of the granular detail and do things really, really well.”
“I’ve been out to see Golden Horizon in Croatia. She is very well designed from a passenger and sailing perspective, with generous deck space and intimate areas like Debeljaks bar. The rig may not be what Jock Willis of the Cutty Sark was used to, but I think he would be pleased. It’s very efficiently and cleverly designed, making use of modern materials and engineering techniques. I believe that she is capable of a good turn of speed and high windward performance for a square rigger. Her sheer size will make for an impressive sight; the long waterline length, fine lines and clipper bow should give excellent sailing qualities.”
“The accommodation is very neatly arranged, and there is a subtle, tasteful elegance about the ship. It’s not about glitz and glamour – the design of the ship and the level of service will speak for themselves. The history and rich culture of the places we visit will appeal to those of an inquistive mind, whilst the quality and ambience of the ship will suit those who appreciate a more refined experience. It’s why I’m so behind Tradewind, there is a substance to it”.
Richard said Golden Horizon was ideally suited to longer ocean voyages.
“Of course, she can sail anywhere, but she really comes into her own on long ocean going voyages. It’s here that we can make use of the more stable tradewinds, really power up that rig, and where you can feel the relentless pouding of the ocean under your feet, hear the spray and smell the sea. She’s the 747 of the sailing community and she’ll do well in the right hands. There is something very special about watching the sun rise over the vast expance of ocean, with a fresh cup of coffee and the prospect of a new day.”
Richard has also been impressed by the team recruited by Tradewind Voyages.
“It’s clear that some of the industries leading talent have come together to bring this company to life. No-one knows it all and we are all experts in our own field – the success will be driven by the blending of this collective specialist knowledge. I’m really proud to be part of that.”
Tradewind Voyages Head Chef Derek Allen discusses the dishes on board Golden Horizon.
Healthy, classic dishes with a modern twist is the mouth-watering prospect for Tradewind Voyages’ customers, according to its new head chef Derek Allen.
Montreal-based Allen will be in charge of all the dishes on Golden Horizon, the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, which will offer ex-UK sailings in May before heading east on sustainable voyages around the world.
He said he was excited to be tasked with bringing the Tradewind Voyages’ dining philosophy of ‘Eat Well, Be Well’ to life.
“I’m building a nice rotation of menus, where we will offer a great variety and some local dishes, depending on where we are.
“There will be a lot of fresh produce bought from local markets and we’ll make the sauces from scratch,” he said. “We can offer healthy food that tastes fantastic and we’ll do things that are a bit different.”
An example of a classic dish with a modern twist will be Allen’s Beef Wellington with truffle puree and sauteed chanterelles.
“We’ll also make sure the dish is designed in a beautiful way!” he said.
Allen appreciates that people on holiday will occasionally want to indulge themselves and an example of one of his ‘naughty but nice’ dishes will be a white sponge-cake with blueberry mousse and white chocolate shavings.
There will be a wide choice to cater for all tastes and diets, and although Allen will have 19 chefs to assist him, he will be very much hands-on in the kitchen.
“I love to train and teach, but my passion is cooking,” he said.
Allen turns 40 in January and has a wealth of experience working for major hotel brands and cruise lines. His CV also includes a stint as chef at Six Senses, Zighy Bay resort in Oman.
Celebrity chef Marco-Pierre White was a big influence on him as the two worked together on another ship.
“He can be a bit crazy but he is just such a brilliant chef. I had total respect for him and I learnt so much working with him.”
A visit to Croatia to see Golden Horizon convinced Allen to take up the challenge of being its head chef as his next career move.
“It was like nothing I’d seen before, such a beautiful tall ship,” he said. The décor is so elegant and the dining room is spectacular. I knew this was the place where I wanted to work.”
Allen is very supportive of the Tradewind Voyages philosophy of treating everybody equally, as part of a team.
“When I first started working on a cruise ship, you might get a chef throwing an egg at you if he was unhappy with something. But those days are gone and I have a very different approach. I want any of our team to be able to ask me anything and we work together to create the best dishes for the customers.”
In his spare time, Allen likes to keep fit through weight training and running, to have the energy to work long hours as required in the job.
“When I’m working, I often don’t get to eat a meal, but I do lots of tasting to make sure the food is right and the calories can add up for me.
“So, the training helps to keep me in shape and gives me more energy to work. Passengers may well see me jogging around a port when I have the time for a break.”