Golden Horizon, UK and Ireland
5
A 5 mast tall ship, magnificent to see, glorious to sail on when the sails billowed overhead.
We joined Golden Horizon in Harwich for a 10 night cruise along the south coast of England to the Scilly isles and back. We arrived at the appointed time , had the obligatory PCR test administered by friendly nhs staff from a mobile laboratory, then were welcomed aboard. It felt almost surreal after so long a lock down, and to arrive just as delicious afternoon tea was being served ,a welcoming touch. We checked in and were told our original cabin was unavailable, and were shown to a delightful alternative on Gallery deck, close to the restaurant and entertainment deck. The bed was comfortable, with 2 large portholes looking out over the waves , storage was ample for a cruise, the bathroom well lit, with efficient shower, quality toiletries and plenty of towels.
Unpacking was soon accomplished, and we set off to explore this amazing, beautiful ship. The deck was our destination, a fabulous sight with 5 towering masts, neatly furled sails along the spars, miles of ropes coiled ready for when the sails would be deployed, a proper ship’s wheel, a welcoming deck bar and lots of comfortable steamer chairs for relaxing.
We sipped our welcome drink and waited for sail away, hardly able to believe that we were finally going to be cruising after so long a wait. The majority of fellow guests were in a similar age bracket, and all so excited to be finally onboard.
The ship quietly left port on time, and under engine power, accompanied by many small vessels amazed to see this beautiful giant in their midst. At each port visited , many smaller craft came alongside, followed the ship, waving and tooting. We waved back feeling like visiting royalty. Unseen hands adjusted ropes, but sails were not unfurled going against the prevailing winds. An officer kindly took the time to show us the sail operating console from where fine adjusting of sails could take place, and a couple of days later we were able to visit the bridge where the complexities of operating the sails on the 5 masts could be supervised.
Dining on Golden Horizon was a wonderful experience, true fine dining, with well chosen menus, delicious dishes offered, beautifully prepared and presented, accompanied by an excellent daily selection of quality wines. We asked to meet the executive chef, to thank him for the excellent dining , and discovered that he’d previously worked for a very high end cruise line. The dining room was delightful, laid out over two decks linked by curving . stairs. We chose to dine mostly on the upper level and found service really excellent. All meals were served , by a team of busy, friendly , helpful waiters who remembered personal preferences. It was a joy to be dining in this way again, but especially in the mock Victorian splendour of the lovely dining room. After dinner entertainment was low key, with a Russian concert pianist and a friendly duo alternating throughout the evening.
We chose not to go ashore as we so enjoyed being on the ship , relaxing with a book and watching the world and the ocean go by. When it got a little chilly, the deck bar staff brought out huge fluffy warm blankets and offered hot chocolates or cappuccinos. The comfortable ship’s library had ample choices, so guests could read to their hearts content. The tiny shop sold souvenir items, sundries and some rather expensive silk scarves.
If ever we have the opportunity to sail again on this ship, possibly in the Mediterranean, we will certainly repeat this wonderful experience. After over 300 cruises, over several decades, we would rate Golden Horizon among our top ten .