Jules Verne launches 2025/26 Cruise Collection brochure

The Cruise Collection is the second of four brochures to be released as part of Jules Verne’s new series, which includes the Worldwide Collection published in June, as well as the European Collection and Solo Collection to come. 

Debbie O’Neill, Jules Verne's MD, said, ‘Our new Cruise Collection features a fascinating variety of itineraries, designed for culturally curious travellers seeking an experience unlike those offered by commercial cruise lines. 

‘Guests can discover the breathtaking beauty of some of the world's most picturesque rivers, canals, and coastlines with our exclusive selection of holidays.

‘Our itineraries focus on small ship cruising on luxury vessels, so our guests have an intimate and unique experience that gets them closer to the hearts of destinations. From gliding on a royal steamer down the Nile and meandering down the Mekong River, to island-hopping along the Croatian coast and sailing in the Seychelles, there’s something for everyone looking for a cruise experience…’

Readers will find two brand-new Europe cruises for 2025.  

Michelangelo

The brochure includes the new five-night ‘Timeless Venice from the Water’ itinerary departing in June, July, August and October 2025 sailing on Michelangelo. The journey comprises a flexible blend of guided tours and independent discovery. Optional tours in Venice incorporate the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Elsewhere, passengers can visit a vineyard on Mazzorbo island and cruise down the Venetian Lagoon to Choggia for a road trip to historic Padua, boasting the Basilica of St. Anthony, and the largest piazza in Italy. 

Prices start at £1,655pp, including air travel and taxes, transfers, plus full board and drinks on the vessel. Return flights are from London Gatwick and there is no single supplement on July and August departures. 

Elbe Princess II

Also new for next year is the seven-night  ‘A Tale of Four Rivers’ voyage aboard the modern paddle-wheel riverboat, Elbe Princess II.

The first river is the Neckar, drifting from old-world Eberbach to Heidelberg, known for its scenic setting and photogenic castle. From here passengers go to Mannheim, where the river meets the Rhine before the vessel sails to Rüdesheim.

Elbe Princess II passes castles, romantic ruins, and the siren Lorelei statue as she traverses UNESCO World Heritage listed parts of the Rhine Valley to the fortress towers of Koblenz. The vessel then sails the Moselle to Germany’s oldest city, Trier. The final river is the Saar, sweeping round a horseshoe bend to the journey's end at Saarbrücken.

Prices start from £2,665pp and there are departures in July, August and September. The trip involves a return train ride from London St. Pancras International, which is included in the price. 

As well as train travel and taxes, the price also covers transfers, and full board and drinks on the vessel.

Fridtjof Nansen

For unique wildlife, pristine landscapes, and towering icebergs, Hurtigruten expedition vessel Fridtjof Nansen will set sail from Ushuaia to Antarctica, crossing the Drake Passage. There are departures in November 2025 and February 2026 for the 14-night trip, with return flights from London Heathrow included in the booking. Also included in the fee are: UK departure taxes, transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation and 10-night voyage, and full board on the ship. Prices start from £9,395pp. 

The tour is bookended by the tempo of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. 

Lord of the Glens

A cruise through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, traversing the Sound of Mull and four lochs while navigating the intricate waterways of the Caledonian Canal, is offered by Lord of the Glens. 

This voyage, featuring scenes of castles and lakeside villages, begins in the open sea, sailing from Inverness to Oban, a cruise in the shadow of Ben Nevis, through Neptune’s Staircase and the lochs of the Great Glen. 

The seven-night trip starts at £2,595pp and there are departures in April and October 2025. 

In addition to train travel and taxes, the price includes transfers, one-night hotel accommodation, and full board and drinks on board the ship.

All the above include the services of guides and local representatives in the price.