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Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Scotsman
I discovered the magic of cruising Northern Europe and you will too
Marion Ainge is transported to the magic of of Bruges, Normandy, Amsterdam and Scilly Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Will someone hold my lollipop? Our walking tour group sniggered, not unkindly, at this question as our Belgian excursion guide handed over his flag post and offloaded his backpack to search for some maps. I'm on an Ambassador cruise and after docking at Zeebrugge, we're now in Bruges. It's around 26 degrees and guide Peter is going at some pace. We grab a gulp of water when we can and jog to catch up after taking a photo. The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. | Marion Ainge The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. White swans glide beneath the sacred, three-arched, stone Beguinage Bridge which leads to a place of silence, formerly populated by the pious, female Beguines and now a convent. From the Boniface bridge, we see half- timbered houses and the Church of Our Lady, reflected in the water. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this 'Venice of the North', a network of canals, central to the trade and industry for centuries, threads through the magical Medieval city. | Marion Ainge Our Liverpool sailing is ideal for those based in the north of the UK. Embarkation is seamless. Additional passengers embark in Belfast making an Ambition sailing of almost full capacity. Both Ambassador's Ambition, which accommodates up to 1200 guests, and sister ship Ambience offer a traditional cruising experience in the small ship category and it's easy to get around. My home for nine nights is a 'suite' treat. The Junior Suite comprises a spacious, deep balcony, walk-in wardrobe (great for all my shoes!) with shelves and basket storage, sitting area, welcome bottle of wine and bubbly, mini-fridge, bathroom with double shower and comfortable bed. The average age is 60-70 with younger cruisers and many in their 80s and 90s. Solos have regular meet ups. The ever- smiling, helpful crew members are at the ready to help in any way they can. Repeat cruisers are delighted when, as is often, crew members remember their names. It's a happy ship. Ambition Junior Suite | Marion Ainge In the Buckingham and Holyrood restaurants, solo tables are provided and food is of an excellent standard with plenty of variety and choice. The buffet-style Borough Market offers a more casual dining style. In speciality restaurant, Saffron, the fragrant flavours of Indian cuisine are divine. The semi al-fresco Lupino's presents a pleasing mezze of Mediterranean dishes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Buckingham Restaurant Ambition | Marion Ainge On the sun deck, there are two pools and at the Green Sea Spa, which offers the ultimate in relaxation therapy, my Reviving Facial leaves my skin refreshed and glowing. On sea days, there's plenty to do with fitness classes, yoga, games, cards, table tennis, quizzes, a library and much more. In the bars, entertainment includes cabaret, game shows and karaoke. The Palladium tiered theatre's entertainment includes guest lectures and showcases such as excerpts from West End shows. From Normandy's Honfleur, I join the excursion to Giverny, just 50 miles north west of Paris and the former home and captivating gardens of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet, which attract around 700,000 visitors per season. The walls display his paintings, including the famous 'Water Lilies'. I jostle for a place on the blue, fragrant wisteria-draped bridge to view the water lilies on the pond and photo- bomb the picture-book scene. Then, as I wander the colour-splashed five acres tended by 15 gardeners, huge, open yellow tulips, hot pink peonies and royal purple iris beg admiration. Monet's house and garden, Giverny | Ambassador In Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, with a population of around 950,000 and 1.4m cycles, there are more bikes than people! Our canal boat drifts past colourful houseboats, historic, narrow, multi-storey. gabled buildings and bridges. Special residents, a colony of stray cats are fed, watered and cared for in four of these houseboats. If you fancy a coffee in the city, just be aware that a 'Coffee Shop' sign might not be what you think. These are licensed to sell and serve soft drugs such as cannabis and marijuana. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marion Ainge | Marion Ainge A tender takes us to my favourite destination of the cruise. St Mary's, the largest of the the Isles of Scilly, is a mini-paradise of natural beauty and tranquillity. Hugh Town boasts three, soft, golden-sanded beaches, glittering, clear waters, tiny back streets with flower-filled gardens, artisan shops plus a few hotels/B&Bs and inns. Covering little more than 2.5 square miles with a population of just 1800, on the day of our visit, the tiny town comes alive. Thousands of spectators and rowers flock to St Mary's for the finals of the World Pilot Gig Championship. St Mary's, Isles of Scilly | Marion Ainge In the Palladium Magic of the Musicals' show, the talented cast convey the energy and spirit of Africa in the Lion King. The vocal power, passion and intensity they put into the excerpt from Les Miserables, 'Can you hear the people sing?' is exceptional. As they take their bow, I hope the young cast can hear the people cheer! Factfile: Delights of Western France & Spain Explorer May 9, 2026: 14 nights from Liverpool. Price from £1,129 based on two sharing
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Scotsman
I discovered the magic of cruising Northern Europe and you will too
Marion Ainge is transported to the magic of of Bruges, Normandy, Amsterdam and Scilly Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Will someone hold my lollipop? Our walking tour group sniggered, not unkindly, at this question as our Belgian excursion guide handed over his flag post and offloaded his backpack to search for some maps. I'm on an Ambassador cruise and after docking at Zeebrugge, we're now in Bruges. It's around 26 degrees and guide Peter is going at some pace. We grab a gulp of water when we can and jog to catch up after taking a photo. The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. | Marion Ainge The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. White swans glide beneath the sacred, three-arched, stone Beguinage Bridge which leads to a place of silence, formerly populated by the pious, female Beguines and now a convent. From the Boniface bridge, we see half- timbered houses and the Church of Our Lady, reflected in the water. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this 'Venice of the North', a network of canals, central to the trade and industry for centuries, threads through the magical Medieval city. | Marion Ainge Our Liverpool sailing is ideal for those based in the north of the UK. Embarkation is seamless. Additional passengers embark in Belfast making an Ambition sailing of almost full capacity. Both Ambassador's Ambition, which accommodates up to 1200 guests, and sister ship Ambience offer a traditional cruising experience in the small ship category and it's easy to get around. My home for nine nights is a 'suite' treat. The Junior Suite comprises a spacious, deep balcony, walk-in wardrobe (great for all my shoes!) with shelves and basket storage, sitting area, welcome bottle of wine and bubbly, mini-fridge, bathroom with double shower and comfortable bed. The average age is 60-70 with younger cruisers and many in their 80s and 90s. Solos have regular meet ups. The ever- smiling, helpful crew members are at the ready to help in any way they can. Repeat cruisers are delighted when, as is often, crew members remember their names. It's a happy ship. Ambition Junior Suite | Marion Ainge In the Buckingham and Holyrood restaurants, solo tables are provided and food is of an excellent standard with plenty of variety and choice. The buffet-style Borough Market offers a more casual dining style. In speciality restaurant, Saffron, the fragrant flavours of Indian cuisine are divine. The semi al-fresco Lupino's presents a pleasing mezze of Mediterranean dishes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Buckingham Restaurant Ambition | Marion Ainge On the sun deck, there are two pools and at the Green Sea Spa, which offers the ultimate in relaxation therapy, my Reviving Facial leaves my skin refreshed and glowing. On sea days, there's plenty to do with fitness classes, yoga, games, cards, table tennis, quizzes, a library and much more. In the bars, entertainment includes cabaret, game shows and karaoke. The Palladium tiered theatre's entertainment includes guest lectures and showcases such as excerpts from West End shows. From Normandy's Honfleur, I join the excursion to Giverny, just 50 miles north west of Paris and the former home and captivating gardens of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet, which attract around 700,000 visitors per season. The walls display his paintings, including the famous 'Water Lilies'. I jostle for a place on the blue, fragrant wisteria-draped bridge to view the water lilies on the pond and photo- bomb the picture-book scene. Then, as I wander the colour-splashed five acres tended by 15 gardeners, huge, open yellow tulips, hot pink peonies and royal purple iris beg admiration. Monet's house and garden, Giverny | Ambassador In Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, with a population of around 950,000 and 1.4m cycles, there are more bikes than people! Our canal boat drifts past colourful houseboats, historic, narrow, multi-storey. gabled buildings and bridges. Special residents, a colony of stray cats are fed, watered and cared for in four of these houseboats. If you fancy a coffee in the city, just be aware that a 'Coffee Shop' sign might not be what you think. These are licensed to sell and serve soft drugs such as cannabis and marijuana. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marion Ainge | Marion Ainge A tender takes us to my favourite destination of the cruise. St Mary's, the largest of the the Isles of Scilly, is a mini-paradise of natural beauty and tranquillity. Hugh Town boasts three, soft, golden-sanded beaches, glittering, clear waters, tiny back streets with flower-filled gardens, artisan shops plus a few hotels/B&Bs and inns. Covering little more than 2.5 square miles with a population of just 1800, on the day of our visit, the tiny town comes alive. Thousands of spectators and rowers flock to St Mary's for the finals of the World Pilot Gig Championship. St Mary's, Isles of Scilly | Marion Ainge In the Palladium Magic of the Musicals' show, the talented cast convey the energy and spirit of Africa in the Lion King. The vocal power, passion and intensity they put into the excerpt from Les Miserables, 'Can you hear the people sing?' is exceptional. As they take their bow, I hope the young cast can hear the people cheer! Factfile:
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 85, Discharged After Being Hospitalized for a Cold
Queen Margrethe of Denmark was discharged from the hospital on May 10 after being admitted days before for observation after contracting a cold The 85-year-old former Queen of Denmark has returned to her residence at Fredensborg Palace, according to the Danish Royal House The Queen's most recent public appearance ahead of the hospitalization was a May 4 peace service at the Church of Our Lady in CopenhagenQueen Margrethe of Denmark was discharged from the hospital on the morning of Saturday, May 10, after being admitted days before as a precaution for a cold. The Danish Royal House announced the recovery of the former Queen of Denmark, 85, over the weekend. 'Her Majesty is well and is now back in her residence at Fredensborg Palace,' the court said in a statement. She was initially admitted for observation on Thursday, May 8. The former Queen's hospitalization forced her to cancel a scheduled outing on May 8, a visit to the Sankt Lukas Foundation's 125th anniversary celebration. Queen Margrethe's latest public appearance ahead of the hospitalization was at a May 4 peace service at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen to mark the 80th anniversary of Denmark's liberation. The Queen abdicated her position in January 2024 on the 52nd anniversary of her rise to the throne, becoming the first Danish royal to voluntarily do so in almost 900 years. Her eldest son, now known as King Frederik, acceded to the throne later that month, and his Australian-born wife became Queen Mary. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The Queen cited her health during a New Year's Eve 2023 speech announcing her abdication. "In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me," she said in part then. "Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation. I have decided that now is the right time." In 2023, the Queen made history as Denmark's longest-reigning monarch after decades of service. Read the original article on People
The Independent
13-02-2025
- General
- The Independent
Duke tells of ‘grief we feel in our hearts' on anniversary of Dresden bombing
The Duke of Kent has described 'the grief we feel in our hearts' at the 'terrible destruction and loss of life' in the Allied bombing of Dresden as he marked the 80th anniversary of the devastating Second World War assault. Edward, the late Queen's 89-year-old cousin and the oldest working member of the royal family, travelled to Germany on Thursday to represent the King at the solemn occasion. Around 25,000 people were killed in the firestorm and much of the historic baroque city was razed to the ground when British and American bombers launched the aerial raid three months before the end of the Second World War. The duke delivered his entire speech in German at the official commemoration event in Dresden Town Hall. He described his determination to heal the wounds of war, and hailed Britain's reconciliation with the people of Dresden in recent decades. 'We are gathered here today to commemorate the terrible destruction and loss of life 80 years ago,' the duke said. 'In addition to the grief we feel in our hearts, we also look back on 30 years of reconciliation and growing friendship between Britain and the people of Dresden. 'As patron of the Dresden Trust, this is very close to my heart. It is my firm desire to heal the wounds of war and promote peace.' He added: 'It is always a pleasure to return to this city, which now shines beautifully in its historical splendour. 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the friendship you have shown me and the members of the Dresden Trust.' The duke also took part in a moment of reflection at Frauenkirche – the Church of Our Lady – which was destroyed during the assault and later reconstructed. The church was left in ruins as a memorial to the conflict for more than half a century, representing, for some, a symbol of the aggression of the Allied forces. It was completely renovated and finally returned to its former glory in 2005 with support from the Dresden Trust. The rebuilt cross and orb which sits on top of the church's dome was a gift from the British people to Dresden. The duke, who has visited the city many times, has served as royal patron of the Dresden Trust since it was set up in 1993 to help rebuild the city and build bridges between the UK and Dresden. He has also been patron of the British German Association since 1994. The duke spoke of the new Dresden Learning Path, an interactive digital educational project to encourage students to become aware of the destruction of Dresden and the historical significance of the city in the 20th century. He will later join a human chain around the old town, where hundreds of people stand hand in hand each year to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died. The devastating two-day attack by RAF Bomber Command began on February 13 1945 and saw 4,000 tonnes of bombs dropped. It has become one of the most controversial Allied acts of the war. In previous years, the anniversary has been used by far-right groups to stage rallies in the city, which in turn has prompted anti-extremist demonstrations.
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Duke of Kent represents King in Germany on 80th anniversary of Dresden bombing
The Duke of Kent is representing the King at commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied bombing of Dresden. Edward, the late Queen's 89-year-old cousin and the oldest working member of the royal family, has travelled to Germany for the solemn ceremonies. Around 25,000 people were killed in the firestorm and much of the historic baroque city was razed to the ground when British and American bombers launched the devastating aerial raid three months before the end of the Second World War. The duke will join a human chain around the old town, where hundreds of people stand hand in hand each year to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died. He will also attend the official commemoration event in Dresden Town Hall and take part in a moment of reflection at Frauenkirche – the Church of Our Lady – which was destroyed during the assault and later reconstructed. The church was left in ruins as a memorial to the conflict for more than half a century, representing, for some, a symbol of the aggression of the Allied forces. It was completely renovated and finally returned to its former glory in 2005 with support from the Dresden Trust. The rebuilt cross and orb which sits on top of the church's dome was a gift from the British people to Dresden. The duke, who has visited the city many times, served as royal patron of the Dresden Trust since it was set up in 1993 to help rebuild the city and build bridges between the UK and Dresden. He has also been patron of the British German Association since 1994. The devastating two-day attack by RAF Bomber Command began on February 13 1945 and saw 4,000 tonnes of bombs dropped in the attack. It has become one of the most controversial Allied acts of the war. In previous years, the anniversary has been used by far-right groups to stage rallies in the city, which in turn has prompted anti-extremist demonstrations.
