Special guests and celebrities

In a career spanning over 50 years, John Craven OBE has established himself as one of the nation’s most respected and recognised faces in broadcasting. As one of the BBC’s longest standing presenters, John was the host and editor of the hugely popular Newsround. He has presented episodes of BBC's Countryfile since 1989 and continues to do so. John was awarded an OBE in the Millennium Honours for services to broadcasting.

John will join a Q&A and give an on-board talk.

Jennie Bond appears regularly on a wide range of television and radio programmes – from light entertainment to documentaries. As the BBC's Royal Correspondent during 14 of the most turbulent years the monarchy has endured, Jennie was at the heart of events that made headlines around the world: from the fairy-tale marriages to the adultery, the divorces, and the deaths. Since then, she has presented the popular shows: ‘Cash in the Attic’, ‘Rip Off Britain’ and ’Great British Menu’. Jennie will give an on-board talk and Q&A during this Canary Island cruise.

Television horticulturalist and journalist, Anne Swithinbank’s fascination with plants and nature began at a young age and led her to study for her Kew Diploma in Horticulture. For over 25 years she has been a regular panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, and continues to write for Amateur Gardening, Grow Your Own, Candis and Gardeners’ World magazines.

Fred Dinenage is one of Britain’s longest-serving television presenters – sixty years non-stop – and he’s still at it, with Evil Killers on Sky Crime and a new BBC radio show. Fred’s credits include ‘HOW?’, ‘World of Sport’, ‘Gambit’, and more.

Fred has interviewed numerous important figures, including several prime ministers. He wrote the official autobiography of the Kray twins, has won a handful of television awards and was awarded an MBE for charitable work and services to broadcasting.

Hunter Davies OBE is a prolific author with over 100 books to his name, including the only authorised biography of the Beatles.

He joined the staff of The Sunday Times in 1960 and has had many positions with them, including Editor of the Colour Mag. For over 20 years he has written a column in the Sunday Times Money section.

He also has a column in the New Statesman about football. And, of course, writes a popular Love in Old Age column in Saga magazine where he reveals all about Miranda, the new love in his life…

Enjoy two on-board talks and a Q&A with Hunter during your cruise.

Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport and pioneering female fighter pilot Mandy Hickson, will share inspirational stories on board.

Mandy has over 30 years experience within aviation. She joined the Royal Air Force in 1994 and flew the Tornado GR4 on the front line, including patrolling the ‘No Fly’ zone over Iraq. Since leaving the RAF she retrained as a facilitator and coach in human performance factors.

Charlie is one of Britain’s best known and best loved gardeners, specialising in water features. She trained for four years as an amenity horticulturalist in Winchester and Somerset and spent a year of her training at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Charlie first came to the nation’s attention on BBC1’s ‘Ground Force’. Charlie has presented numerous programmes, such as ‘River Walks’, ‘Garden Invaders’ and ‘Charlie’s Gardening Neighbours’, and is in her seventh year of filming ‘Garden Rescue’, for BBC. Charlie also dabbles in acting, and has played Celia in ‘Calendar Girls’ and the Fairy Godmother in the panto at Theatre Royal Windsor.

Enjoy on-board exercise classes and talks from inspirational television celebrity and fitness guru Derrick Errol Evans MBE, aka Mr Motivator.

Jamaican-born Derrick rose to fame in 1993 through appearances on breakfast television show GMTV, where he performed live fitness sessions and offered advice to viewers. Derrick is renowned for his unique and colourful attire.

On board you can look forward to a patisserie demo, chocolate making classes and a chocolate-themed afternoon tea. Master chocolatier and Bake Off Crème de la Crème winner Mark Tilling will be on board to show you some tricks of the trade.

Enjoy crafting classes on board with Julie Peasgood and the ‘Supercrafters’ with projects that could include mosaics, book bouquets, frames and jewellery.

Julie has a multi-faceted career as an actress in three of UK’s top soaps: Emmerdale, Brookside and Hollyoaks, and is also a TV presenter, award-winning author, and events host.

Having survived abduction by the Khmer Rouge, Chris Moon and has never let a horrific landmine accident stop him from achieving his goals. He has completed arduous marathons over deserts and mountains, and now inspires with his personal stories of courage and going beyond what you might think is possible in your life.