Review: Normandy and the Channel Islands cruise

A Bank Holiday cruise to Normandy and the islands in the English Channel is what awaited 17 Oddfellows members as they made their way to Southampton from all corners of the country in August.

Day one

Passengers were greeted by hosts and fellow members, Wendy and Paul from Ipswich Oddfellows, who were on hand to guide and advise where necessary throughout the trip.

“The ship left Southampton late afternoon with just enough daylight to wave to Isle of Wight members as we sailed by,” said Wendy.

Bury St Edmunds members Jacky and Tony with cruise mascot Lenny the lemur

Instead of taking in the scenic beauty of the Channel Islands due to poor visibility, members took advantage of the many on-board activities which included talks, games, quizzes and, of course, eating some delicious food.

Throughout the day the seas remained calm as they sailed towards the Scilly Isles.

Day two

Luckily, the sun made an appearance the next morning as the ship approached St Mary’s, the Isles of Scilly's largest island. “It was a beautiful sight,” Wendy recalled.

She added: “Passengers were ferried off the ship by local boats. Some of the members took organised excursions, others explored independently.

St Mary's (Scilly Isles)

“Most striking was the array of succulents growing in gardens and hedgerows. Roadside stalls sold a variety of local goodies, including bulbs and vegetables.”

Later that evening the group got together and was treated to a private drinks party which was the ideal time to get to know one another.

Days three and four

Poor weather conditions in Guernsey meant a last minute change of plan for day three, with the ship docking in Honfleur, France, earlier than expected. Passengers made the most of their extra time in the quaint town, exploring until the late hours of the evening.

Boats moored in Honfleur harbour

The fourth and final day saw the sunshine return and with it increased temperatures. Some took a trip to the Normandy beaches, giving rise to some emotional moments. Others decided to explore Bayeux and its magnificent famous tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings, while the rest decide to stay put and explore Honfleur some more.

Tremendous fun, thank you! Jane, Oddfellows member from Dorset

Wendy said: “We had a great time. The cruise was over all too soon and we said fond farewells before disembarking at Southampton.”

Members from Huddersfield, Pauline and Tony, also had a brilliant trip, saying: “The food was scrumptious, and the waiters were lovely as expected. The fabulous entertainment team is the best we've seen. We were very happy with our cabin, and the ship in general.”

Jane, a member from Dorset, concurred. She said had “tremendous fun” over the four days.

Sunset in Honfleur

More on Oddfellows Travel

With Oddfellows Travel group holidays, you can travel in confidence and in great company. All our group holidays are hosted by an Oddfellows member, and we only work with experienced travel partners that we trust. They must be ABTA, ATOL or ABTOT-protected.

Like the sound of this trip? Take a look at what we have planned for 2025.

If you have any questions about our group holidays or offers, call Emma Gorst, our Oddfellows Travel coordinator, on 0161 214 4634, or email travel@oddfellows.co.uk.