Golden Horizon, UK and Ireland
5
Stunning, exhilarating, amazing - the experience of standing beneath the unfurled sails of the Golden Horizon, all lit up at night as the ship silently glides through the water. A wholly different experience to any other cruise we've taken, and we've been on a few. Covid restrictions and bad weather (August in England!) put paid to some ports of call on the trip along the south coast of England and out to the Scillies, but it didn't really matter. Our cabin was comfortable if compact, and whilst entertainment was limited, we had good company, plus a duo who inspired us all to get up and dance on deck, and a pianist on the baby grand suspended over the 3-story atrium whose classical abilities were good, if a little intrusive at times. The design of the ship is incredible, with so much packed into its 8000 ton size, and it was surprisingly stable, with little or no movement. The food was excellent, although it could have been a little warmer, but we put that down to the fact that the crew had had very little opportunity to sail with the ship as full as it was, its itinerary being shot to pieces in its maiden season here in the UK by events beyond its control. We didn't get an opportunity to use the marina at the back, with its paddle boards and other water sport equipment, though guests took the opportunity to try scuba equipment in the dive pool at the rear of the ship. The swimming pool was a good size, its base being glass and forming the ceiling of the atrium, so that dappled sunlight filled the inner areas of the ship. There were plenty of comfortable reclining seats on deck for relaxation too. This ship, the largest sailing ship in the world at this time, left us in awe and clearly the captain and crew were proud to be a part of her. We felt privileged to have sailed on her and are hopeful that some day we shall get another chance to travel with her again.