THURROCK-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages is reporting a surge of interest in cruise bookings as people's minds turn towards holidays and the post-coronavirus world.

The company's Marketing Director, Mike Hall said: "Sales of CMV cruises for 2021 are encouraging. Our new flagship Amy Johnson has created huge interest within the travel industry and with the public. We are heading for almost 50 per cent of the cabins on board Amy Johnson already booked, with three of the outstanding itineraries close to being wait list only."

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) say that following Government changes to the lockdown restrictions, there is now a steady increase in bookings for next year. Mr Hall added: "It is clear that people want to plan and have something to look forward to. Our latest extended offer will allow people more time to secure their cruising holiday for next year at the best price."

CMV is extending their BOGOF (Buy one, get one free) offer on their summer 2021 cruise programme, fares must be booked before 31 July 2020 to take advantage of this extended offer. Examples include a 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise on board Magellan from £569pp, an 11-night British Isles cruise on board Marco Polo from £899pp and a 22-night Arctic exploration voyage on board new flagship Amy Johnson from £1,779pp.

In 2021 Magellan sails from Newcastle 2 May to the Norwegian fjords on a 7-night cruise. Cruising via Dundee she calls in Bergen, Olden, sails through the Nordfjord and Hardangerfjord with a visit to the pretty fjord village of Eidfjord. Fares are available from £569pp.

Amy Johnson departs 7 August from London Tilbury on a 22-night expedition voyage to the Arctic calling at multiple locations in Iceland and Greenland. With six different stops in Greenland, the world's largest island, there is plenty to see and do. An overnight stop in Ilulissat provides the opportunity for whale-watching and, conditions permitting, seeing unusual icebergs. These are just some of the natural wonders on offer. Fares are available from £1779pp.

The fares quoted are based on two people sharing a twin inner cabin and include full board cuisine, afternoon teas and late-night snacks, Captain's Cocktail Party, complimentary tea & coffee 6am to midnight, big show entertainment, cabarets and classical interludes, daytime activities and leisure facilities, guest speaker and arts & crafts, porterage of luggage, port to cabin and port taxes.

Enquiries and booking can be made at CMV's website or by calling 0844 998 3877.