– Partnership includes travel perks and nutritious treats for pets –
Bella + Duke and Caledonian Sleeper have joined forces to offer pets onboard the paw-fect travel experience to make their journey as smooth as possible, with a tasty complimentary treat as they set off on their overnight trip.
The iconic overnight sleeper train serves over 40+ destinations between London and Scotland, and, sees over 2000 pets use the service every year and from this month will be well stocked with Bella+Duke all-natural and grain-free venison dog bites.
In addition to providing treats onboard, Bella + Duke and Caledonian Sleeper are offering customers exclusive discounts including 10% off travel and savings for being a Bella + Duke subscription customer. This exclusive partnership offer is just part of the newly launched offering from Bella + Duke as they go all in to support well-being from nose to tail with exclusive products and services.
The partnership comes just in time for Christmas, one of Caledonian Sleeper’s busiest travel times, with dates filling up fast. Those travelling with pets from London Euston station will today (10 December 2024) enjoy a tasty treat from a Caledonian Sleeper staff member before making their journey up north.
James Sturrock, CEO at Bella + Duke, said; “Our pets have become an integral part of our everyday lives. We don’t just want to take care of them when we’re at home, we want them to join us on special occasions and adventures too.
“With the Caledonian Sleeper welcoming pets onboard, we’re delighted that pet owners can bring their four-legged friends along with them and can enjoy a tasty Bella + Duke treat during the ride.
“Caledonian Sleeper is one of the many fantastic partnerships we’ve been able to build as part of our newly launched offering for pet owners, letting customers and passengers get more out of having a furry friend with you every step of the journey.”
Kathryn Darbandi, Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said;“As a pet friendly travel operator we are delighted to partner with Bella+Duke, a fantastic Scottish, fresh pet food brand with the health and well-being of pets at the heart of what they do.
“Caledonian Sleeper prides itself in delivering the very best guest experience and that includes our four-legged friends.”
Tickets for the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train service, between London and Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow and Inverness, can be booked here. With exclusive Bella + Duke offers available to redeem here.
Gas distribution network SGN is continuing its gas network upgrade project in the Lanark Road and Craiglockhart areas of Edinburgh.
Engineers are replacing old metal gas mains and services with new plastic pipes. This essential work will ensure homes and businesses in the local area continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.
From tomorrow (Monday 21 October), SGN will begin its second phase of the project by installing temporary three way traffic lights at Lanark Road’s junction with Craiglockhart Avenue. The lights will be manually controlled during peak times to help traffic flow.
This phase is expected to last approximately three weeks and cause significant disruption to traffic. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow more time for journeys, especially during peak travel times.
SGN Project Manager Craig Brown said: “This particular location has experienced multiple gas leaks in recent years and by upgrading our pipes now, we can prevent future emergency work which will lead to more disruption overall.
“We’d like to thank local residents, businesses and motorists for your ongoing patience and support during this critical work.”
Time is running out to enter Caledonian Sleeper’s photography competition aimed at encouraging everyone – from onboard guests to photography enthusiasts – to capture views of the most scenic locations on the overnight train’s iconic route from Scotland to London.
Running until 31st October, the first-place prize includes a return journey in an en-suite Club Room onboard the Caledonian Sleeper with dinner plus a £500 Amazon voucher to use on photography equipment. Second place will receive a £250 Amazon voucher, while third prize is a £100 Amazon voucher.
Images will be judged by a panel from Caledonian Sleeper, including Kathryn Darbandi, Managing Director, and professional photographer Tony Marsh.
Kathryn Darbandi, Managing Director of Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We’ve been blown away so far by the calibre of submissions we have received.
“Caledonian Sleeper calls at more than 40 stations between Scotland and London, so there’s plenty of vibrant and historic beauty spots along the way to spark creativity.
“We’re looking forwarded to judging the final batch of submissions when the competition closes at the end of October.”
To submit your entry into Caledonian Sleeper’s photography competition, visit:
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has teamed up with airline Jet2.com for its new 2025 fly-cruise programme.
Between October and November 2025, Fred. Olsen’s smaller ship Balmoral will play host on a range of Mediterranean sailings, with Jet2.com to operate chartered flights from London Stansted and Manchester.
With cruises ranging from seven to 12-nights, guests will have opportunities to take in the charming cliff-top towns of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi, the beautiful Bay of Kotor and the enchanting Greek islands. Ashore, they can discover the origins of Flamenco dancing, sip Jerez sherry, wander the Dalmatian markets and witness Krka Waterfall.
Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Services at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are really excited about this new partnership with Jet2.com for Balmoral’s 2025 Mediterranean fly-cruise programme.
“They are renowned for their customer service, and as such will complement the high standard of service that our guests come to expect from us. This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests, before they even step foot aboard one of our ships.
“A fly-cruise is perfect for guests who want to maximise their time ashore, by reducing the time in sailing from the UK. Plus, guests can tailor their holiday by booking onto consecutive fly-cruises for those looking to enjoy a longer autumnal break in the sunshine.”
Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruise fare includes economy flights and transfers to and from the ship, a luggage allowance of 22kg, plus 10kg of hand luggage.
Balmoral will be operating six fly-cruise sailings in the Mediterranean in 2025, as follows:
Balmoral’s 10-night L2524 ‘Spanish Colours and Cultures’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 17th September 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
Experience Ibiza’s renowned sunset from the decks of Balmoral Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisines, such as tapas and Jerez sherry Visit the iconic landmark of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral Itinerary: Southampton, UK – La Coruna, Spain – Cadiz, Spain – Ibiza, Spain – Cruising by Benirras Beach at sunset, Ibiza, Spain – Barcelona Spain – Valencia, Spain (overnight port) For more details: Visit L2524 ‘Spanish Colours and Cultures’
Balmoral’s 10-night L2525 ‘Colourful Cliffside Towns of the Amalfi Coast’ cruise, departing from Valencia, Spain, on 27th September 2025. Prices start from £1,799 per person.
Marvel at beautiful Cinque Terre, Bonifacio and the Amalfi Coast Experience ‘la dolce vita’, Italy’s culture of enjoying life’s pleasures Savour limoncello, scialatielli pasta and Italian pizza Itinerary: Valencia, Spain (overnight port) – Cruising by Benirras Beach at sunset, Ibiza, Spain – Mahon, Menorca, Spain – Propriano, Corsica, France – La Spezia, Italy – Salerno, Italy – Cruising Amalfi Coast and Capri, Italy – Naples, Italy – Sorrento Italy, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (overnight port) For more details: Visit L2525 ‘Colourful Cliffside Towns of the Amalfi Coast’
Balmoral’s 10-night L2526 ‘Bays, Mountains and Islands of the Dalmatian Coast’ cruise, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy, on 7th October 2025. Prices start from £1,799 per person.
Experience the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast from Balmoral Visit Lake Bled, Lokrum Island and Krka Waterfalls Immerse yourself in authentic Croatian culture Itinerary: Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (overnight port) – Cruising by Stromboli, Italy – Cruising the Strait of Messina, Italy – Cruising Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor Montenegro – Koper, Slovenia – Cruising St Anthony Channel, Croatia – Sibenik, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising by Mount Biokovo, Makarska Riviera, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia (overnight port) For more details: Visit L2526 ‘Bays, Mountains and Islands of the Dalmatian Coast’
Balmoral’s eight-night L2527 ‘Greek Island Odyssey’ cruise, departing from Dubrovnik, Croatia, on 17th October 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
Explore the idyllic island of Santorini and Zakynthos’ coastline Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine and watch traditional dancing Visit the renowned ruins of the Acropolis in Athens Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Croatia (overnight port) – Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece – Cruising Zakynthos coastline, Greece – Kalamata, Greece – Piraeus (for Athens), Greece – Thira, Santorini, Greece – Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece – Rhodes, Greece (overnight port) For more details: Visit L2527 ‘Greek Island Odyssey’
Balmoral’s 12-night L2528 ‘Discovering Turkish Treasures’ cruise, departing from Rhodes, Greece, on 25th October 2025. Prices start from £1,999 per person.
Explore a multitude of renowned European landmarks Embrace local Turkish traditions, and enjoy the fragrant local tea Delve into the winding streets of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul Itinerary: Rhodes, Greece (overnight port) – Bodrum, Turkey – Kusadasi, Turkey – Istanbul, Turkey – Valletta, Malta – Malaga, Spain (overnight port) For more details: Visit L2528 ‘Discovering Turkish Treasures’
Balmoral’s seven-night L2529 ‘Mountain Landscapes of Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar’ cruise, departing from Malaga, Spain, on 6th November 2025. Prices start from £1,099 per person.
Explore the mountainous landscapes of Iberia Experience flamenco dance and soulful fado music Embrace cuisines such as gazpacho, sardines and pasteis de nata Itinerary: Malaga, Spain (overnight port) – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruise Mouth of River Tagus, Belem Tower and Discovery Monument, Portugal – Cruising by the Monument of the Discoveries, Portugal – Cruising by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal (overnight stay) – Southampton, UK
Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 215 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
Football fans planning a trip to Germany for the Euros have been warned about major driving laws and regulations.
Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the eight crucial driving differences in Germany, so Brits avoid being caught out on the road trip of a lifetime.
Over 2.7 million tickets will be available to the fans of participating teams and the general public, and it is estimated 800,000 British fans could head across the channel for the competition.
Fans planning to hire a vehicle to make the most of their trip have been warned to research the local driving laws and motoring etiquette.
Motorists risk penalties such as large fines, penalty points and even driving bans for breaking the law while in Germany.
Drivers need to be aware of the higher driving age, they must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to drive there legally.
Greg Wilson, CEO and motoring insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Excitement is building amongst football fans, with an estimated 800,000 Brits planning to travel overseas to watch the tournament.
“There will be venues over ten of the main regions of Germany, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg. Many fans will likely want to travel across the country to experience the tournament in the different cities and will be looking to hire a car to make the most of the trip.
“The tournament will be an incredible experience for football fans worldwide, but anyone choosing to drive while in Germany must be aware of the wide range of driving differences.
“Roads across Germany have varying speed limits and a high volume of speed cameras, so it’s crucial to stick to the speed limit and approach unfamiliar aspects with caution because travelling just 1km over the limit could result in a fine.
“Other important motoring rules to understand with the Euros commencing include the strict drink-drive limit which bans anyone under 21 driving with any alcohol in their system.”
Quotezone.co.uk’s six laws you must know before driving in Germany:
1.Driving on the correct side of the road
In Germany, drivers must remain on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left, a tricky change for Brits, especially if they’ve driven over in their own right-hand drive vehicle.
2.Road signs
German maximum speed limit signs are identical to those in the UK, the only difference being the limits are given in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. In extreme cases, ignoring road signs can lead to imprisonment. German roads also have a minimum speed limit – marked by blue round signs with the minimum speed displayed in white font.
3.Legal driving age
The legal driving age in Germany is slightly older than the UK at 18. Drivers need to check their itinerary beforehand as many countries have a different minimum driving age. In Germany, visitors must also be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive. It’s also sensible to check the age and requirements of hiring a car per country as there are variations in the restrictions.
4.Honking your horn
In Germany, drivers can only honk their horns if they or someone else is in immediate danger. Unnecessary or incorrect use of a horn can result in a fine, so visitors must avoid beeping their horns to celebrate football wins.
5.Be aware of speed limits
The German traffic code has strict regulations and high fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit, and they have plenty of speed cameras to monitor the roads. As a general rule of thumb, Germany has a speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas and 100 km/h outside built-up areas which is 31 and 62 mph respectively.
6.Drinking limits
Like most countries drunk driving is a traffic violation and will be seen as a criminal offence. However in Germany, the general limit for motorists is 0.5 % but drivers under 21 or with a new licence are not allowed any alcohol. Fines go from €500 to €1500.**
Quotezone.co.uk helps travellers find savings using travel insurance comparison, covering all sorts of travel insurance quotes such as European travel and backpacker travel insurance
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are today (3 June 2024) delighted to announce the launch of a new fully integrated bus and tram app.
The new app allows customers to plan their journeys in advance with reliable timetable information and real-time departure boards for each stop across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The platform was designed in partnership with technology company UrbanThings and Lothian’s in-house Commercial and Digital teams.
Users are able to plan all aspects of their journey in advance with newly developed integrated ticketing and planning features. Customers also have the option to purchase and gift tickets to friends and family for travel across the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams networks.
Customers can travel around Edinburgh with the option to view real-time service updates on their chosen bus or tram stop, meaning users can plan and adapt to changes to the network while on the move.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Lothian said: “With over 2 million customer journeys per week, we are pleased to introduce our new bus and tram app which will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors to Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Bringing together journey planning and ticketing in one place will support seamless, integrated travel across both our bus and tram network with advanced accessibility features providing a more inclusive service for all of our customers.
“The introduction of the new digital platform marks an exciting time for our business and we look forward to continuing to work with the team at UrbanThings to further develop and enhance our overall customer experience.”
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, commented: “The launch of the new app marks another major step forward for the city’s integrated travel network, making it easier than ever for local residents and visitors alike to take full advantage of its excellent public transport options.
“Our multi-model tickets are already popular, and this new platform is set to encourage even more people to discover the benefits of both trams and buses.”
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great news that Lothian and Edinburgh Trams will have this fully integrated bus and tram app for residents and visitors to the city. Promoting and encouraging use of public transport, along with active travel, is a key priority for the Council.
“Edinburgh Trams is exceeding all expectations and the 2 million weekly passengers carried by Lothian Buses clearly demonstrates the continued growth of public transport in Edinburgh. The development of this new app is a really positive step forward and shows the benefits that an integrated transport system can bring.”
Adam Toone, CEO at UrbanThings, says: “We are really delighted to introduce the new bus and tram app. Our primary goal remains to empower passengers with a seamless platform while promoting the use of shared transport.
“With features such as convenient smartcard registration, mobile ticketing, and live journey planning, we are confident that this app will significantly enhance the travel experience in Edinburgh.”
Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for ‘Lothian Buses/Edinburgh Trams.’
JetBlue flights from New York to Edinburgh taking off
Daily non-stop seasonal service from New York to Edinburgh introduces the airline’s award winning Mint® and Core product offerings to its fifth transatlantic market
To celebrate launch, limited roundtrip fares starting at £399 and $499 in Core and £1999 and $2999 in Mint Available
JetBlue has expanded its transatlantic offerings with new, non-stop flights to Edinburgh taking off from New York.
Daily summer-seasonal service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) will operate through September 30, 2024, bringing JetBlue’s signature low-fares and great service to the United Kingdom’s second most popular tourism destination.
This new service, only the second direct offering from New York’s JFK to Edinburgh, provides much needed competition for customers travelling in and out of New York.
“JetBlue has redefined transatlantic travel by introducing low fares and great service in markets dominated by high fare legacy carriers,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue.
“We look forward to connecting Scotland and the Northeast this summer with our award winning Mint and core service that will bring this signature JetBlue experience to Edinburgh.”
John Lamont, UK Government Minister for Scotland said: “Our relationship with the US is a special one. We welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Scotland and the wider UK from North America every year and it’s also our top export market. This new direct JetBlue route from Edinburgh to New York City will really help strengthen links between our two great countries.
“Just last month, I walked down Sixth Avenue with other representatives from the UK Government as part of the annual Tartan Day celebrations in Manhattan, promoting our most important exports – whisky, energy and financial services, and our rich culture.
“This flight route will make it easier for visitors from the U.S. to come and see for themselves what a uniquely attractive destination we have here, while also easing travel for Scottish visitors wanting to explore the Big Apple and beyond.”
“I’m delighted to see JetBlue’s new Edinburgh to New York JFK flight take off, as it will help enhance Scotland’s direct connectivity to the US and strengthen important links for business connectivity, exports, and inbound tourism,” said Jim Fairlie, Connectivity Minister.
“This is the first time JetBlue has served Scotland and it demonstrates the confidence they have in the Scottish market. It also strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s case for establishing a U.S. pre-clearance border facility to help make travel more seamless and provide added benefits for Scottish businesses and visitors.
“I wish Edinburgh Airport and JetBlue every success with the new service, and I am sure it will be welcomed by travelers in both Scotland and the US.”
“We are excited to welcome JetBlue to Scotland with the launch of this new direct service. North America is our most valuable international visitor market, and we are seeing record levels of demand here, welcoming almost one million visitors last year, surpassing not only pre-pandemic levels but also other parts of the UK,” said Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland.
“We know these visitors are drawn to Scotland for a variety of reasons from our dramatic landscapes to our rich history and culture and warm people, with Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital offering a well-connected gateway for exploring the rest of the country.
“These visitors who often stay longer and spend more, are hugely important to Scotland’s tourism industry and wider economy supporting businesses, jobs and communities and why making it as easy as possible for people to visit here with direct access is key.
“Following a difficult few years for the travel and tourism industry, we are delighted to be working with new partner JetBlue to promote this new direct service and encourage more US visitors to choose Scotland for their next holiday.”
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport. “We are excited to see another new airline and tailfin as JetBlue adds Edinburgh Airport to its fast-growing European network.
“Transatlantic travel from Edinburgh has been a real success story and adding more capacity to New York opens up another route for passengers to travel to and from Scotland and the USA, bringing our two countries even closer together.
“It’s always great to see a new airline make its home in Edinburgh and we are really looking forward to welcoming JetBlue’s passengers and our new colleagues to Scotland’s capital.”
Schedule between New York (JFK) and Edinburgh (EDI)
Daily seasonal service starting May 22 (Eastbound) & May 23 (Westbound)(through September 30, 2024)*all times local
JFK-EDI Flight #73
EDI-JFK Flight #72
9:12 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. (+1)
12:30 p.m. – 3:06 p.m.
Flights to Edinburgh will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321neo with Mint aircraft with 16 redesigned Mint Suite® seats, 144 core seats and Airbus’ Enhanced Cabin with XL Bins. The A321neo with Mint features an average 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency and up to 500 nautical miles in additional range.
The JetBlue Experience
JetBlue, currently the sixth largest airline in the U.S., is known for its unique, customer-focused model that offers great service at an attractive fare. With this new destination, JetBlue is once again disrupting transatlantic service with an elevated experience specially designed for its Airbus A321neo with Mint aircraft.
The airline’s Mint premium experience offers customers fully lie-flat private suites and a custom-designed seat cushion developed by innovative mattress company Tuft & Needle. In addition to countless intuitive design touches, every customer will feel at home in the air with the stylish and reusable Mint amenity kits designed by Caraa, containing popular wellness products from New York-based brands Dr. Dennis Gross and Plus Ultra, and sleep amenities by Tuft & Needle.
Mint customers enjoy delicious, restaurant-style small plates curated by Delicious Hospitality Group’s (DHG) popular New York City restaurants Legacy Records, Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones. Their inventive culinary style and hospitality expertise brings the best inflight dining experience to Mint tray tables.
JetBlue’s industry-leading core experience offers a new level of service to customers who want an elevated inflight experience at an attractive fare with the most legroom in coach1 as well as innovative, fresh meals by NYC-based culinary partner DIG and a free selection of brand-name snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine and liquor.
With the recently launched platform, Blueprint by JetBlue™, customers in both core and Mint enjoy a personalized inflight experience through AVANT seatback touchscreens, featuring new ways to watch, save and discover a robust selection of inflight entertainment, including exclusive content from JetBlue’s streaming partner, Peacock. All customers also stay connected throughout the flight with fast, free and unlimited high-speed Fly-Fi2 for a multi-screen experience–just like they enjoy at home.
Book better with JetBlue
To celebrate the launch of new service to Edinburgh, seats are on sale today with low fares for U.S.-originating travelers starting at $499 round-trip for the airline’s awardwinning core experience and starting at $2,999 for JetBlue’s premium Mint experience. Scotland-originating travelers can enjoy special introductory round-trip fares starting at £399 for core and £1,999 for Mint available on jetblue.com3
Customers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed to find our lowest fares and enjoy additional benefits including access to all of JetBlue’s fare options, as well as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available through other third parties; the ability to earn 2x TrueBlue points and participate in Points Pooling; seamless seat selections and upgrades to Even More® Space; 24/7 direct access to JetBlue’s customer service channels; and more.
About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue, known for its low fares and great service, carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visitjetblue.com.
1) Based on baseline seat pitch of transatlantic aircraft
2) Fly-Fi® is available on all JetBlue-operated flights. Coverage area may vary by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment:https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us
3) New York (JFK) to Edinburgh (EDI) requires round-trip purchase & 3-night minimum stay. Book by 5/24. Travel 5/28/2024 – 7/31/2024. 3-day advance purchase required. Terms apply.
February has the lowest average flight delay time, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport offering the best punctuality for that month
July has the longest average delays, but Southend Airport has the shortest delays during this month
London City Airport offers the lowest average delay times overall
Based on new research, February is officially the best month to fly to avoid long delay times, when there was an average delay of only 10 minutes during 2023.[1] Meanwhile, July had average delays of 24 minutes in the study, making it the least punctual month for air travel.
Go.Compare analysed 2023 flight travel data for 25 UK airports to reveal the best time of year for reduced flight delays. It also analysed which airports offer the fewest delays for each month.
Winter emerged as the best season to travel, with February, November, and January topping the list for the lowest average delay times. Liverpool John Lennon, Southend, and East Midlands International Airport were the most reliable during these months, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.[2]
Best time of year for reduced flight delays:
Rank
Month
Average delay (mins)
% Cancelled flights
Airport with the fewest delays
Average delay (mins)
1
February
10
2%
Liverpool (John Lennon)
6
2
November
12
1%
Southend
8
3
January
13
2%
East Midlands International
9
4
April
15
1%
Southend
6
5
May
17
2%
London City
12
6
October
18
2%
East Midlands International
11
7
September
20
2%
Belfast City (George Best)
13
8
December
20
2%
London City
15
9
March
22
2%
Southampton
11
10
June
22
2%
Exeter
14
11
August
23
3%
Teesside International
14
12
July
24
2%
Southend
13
August and July proved to be the least reliable months for timely travel, with average delay times below 25 minutes. But if flyers do decide to travel during the summer months, Teesside International and Southend are the most reliable, offering average delays of only 14 and 13 minutes respectively.
Overall, out of all the airports explored, London City was crowned the most punctual over the whole of 2023, with the average flight delay time lasting only 13 minutes.
Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert for Go.Compare, said: “It’s clear that the off-peak months are better for flight punctuality. The summer months are incredibly popular among passengers. This, along with unpredictable summer weather, means that airports are more likely to suffer from delays.
“But our figures also show that some airports are more punctual than others. If you can, try to fly from an airport which sees fewer delays to minimise your chances of encountering setbacks.
“Making sure that you’re equipped to deal with unexpected delays is key. From organising travel insurance to knowing who to contact in the event of a delay, being proactive can ease the stress of unexpected disruptions so you can enjoy a smoother journey overall.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled its brand new cruise programme for 2025/26, featuring a host of specially-timed sailings where guests can embrace the local way of life, seek out native wildlife and witness spectacular natural wonders.
The new programme from Rosyth has been carefully curated to ensure guests are visiting destinations at the very best time of year with opportunities to witness spectacular waterfalls and geysers in Iceland, visit Europe’s biggest sea shanty festival and explore the enchanting islands of Arctic Norway.
To celebrate the launch, guests who book a cruise from the new 2025/26 Worldwide programme between 5th and 12th March 2024, have the chance to win up to £1,000 off a cruise of their choice. Five runners up will also win a £200 voucher to use towards a future cruise booking. *
Destinations include the Mediterranean and North Africa, the Baltic, Arctic Norway, Iceland and Greenland, the British Isles and far-flung gems in the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Australia.
Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:“This has been a phenomenal programme for our team of Journey Planners to curate, as it will see our fleet of smaller-sized ships visit all seven continents of the world.
“Guests who join us on board in 2025 and 2026 can expect to see some breathtaking scenery including eye-catching fjord mountains, dramatic coastlines, icebergs, remote islands and beautiful bays.
“They can visit captivating cities, fairytale castles and charming old towns packed with ornate and striking architecture and experience natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, stunning sunsets and flowers in bloom at the very best time to see them.
“Some of the highlights include chances to visit the beautiful Norwegian Fjords in the spring, when the waterfalls are at their strongest; to see fields of lavender and sunflowers in bloom in the French Riviera and enjoy a world cruise discovering idyllic islands and cities rich in culture.”
Guests can also look forward to a host of specially-curated activities on board, from chances to join an astronomer for stargazing on deck; to spot marine wildlife with conservation charity ORCA, or sample authentic flavours from the destinations they will visit.
Those making a booking can also take advantage of dedicated launch offers, with up to £20 per person per night to spend on board on selected five to 13-night cruises; the choice of up to £20 credit per person per night or free door-to-door transfers within up to 200 mainland miles from the port on sailings of 14 to 28 nights. There are also a series of dedicated offers for solo travellers.
Rob Mason, Head of Cruise at Capital Cruising, said:“Congratulations to the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines team as they launch an exciting new cruise programme.
“The Port of Rosyth offers the perfect regional location for people who can depart from here and cruise directly to many brilliant destinations with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“This year will be our busiest cruise season on the River Forth and we are seeing cruise holidays increase in popularity in Scotland each year.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers to our ports and we would of course encourage anyone new to cruise, to book one of the many amazing itineraries to Europe or farther afield.”
Highlights of the 2025/26 cruise programme include:
Balmoral’s 10-night L2512 ‘Scenic Scottish Isles and the West Country’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 7th June 2025. Prices start from £1,649 per person.
Enjoy scenic cruising of Scottish islands such as Fingal’s Cave
Experience the foot-tapping Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival
Visit the Gardens of Heligan or Eden Project
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising by Duncansby Stacks, Scotland – Cruising by The Needle, Scotland – Cruising by Old Man of Hoy, Scotland – Lerwick, Scotland – Cruising by the Small Isles, Scotland – Cruising by Dutchman’s Cap (Bac Mor), Scotland – Cruising by Fingal’s Cave, Scotland – St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly – Falmouth, England – Dartmouth, England – Portsmouth, England – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2512 ‘Scenic Scottish Isles and the West Country’
Balmoral’s 10-night L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime
Witness the Midnight Sun and see Torghatten
Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising by Reine, Lofoten, Norway – Leknes, Norway – Svolvær, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Vesteralen, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’
Balmoral’s 14-night L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 27th June 2025. Prices start from £2,099 per person.
Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song and Dance Festival
Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising Kiel Canal, Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark – Warnemünde, Germany – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia (overnight stay) – Klaipėda, Lithuania – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’
Balmoral’s 13-night L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 20th July 2025. Prices start from £1,899 per person.
Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
Join a tour to France’s capital and experience Parisian life
Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France – Bordeaux, France (overnight stay) – Getxo, Spain – St Malo, France – Cruising River Seine, France – Rouen, France (overnight stay) – Honfleur, France – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
