As gale force winds batter the country and the idea of getting out of bed to face torrential downpours and frost bitten fingers begins to turn that smile into a frown, Cruise1st.co.uk is offering sun worshippers the chance to bag some bargain 2015 sun on Royal Caribbean's brand new super ship Anthem of the Seas.

So whether it's wandering the ancient streets of Rome, dining al fresco in Barcelona or port tasting in Portugal, Cruise1st.co.uk has a range of no-fly Mediterranean cruise deals that will be sure to turn that frown upside down. 

Under £1,000

Eight night cruise with Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas: France and Spain Maiden Voyage – from £999 per person including a free stateroom upgrade

Departing 22 April 2015, board Anthem of the Seas in Southampton for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the super ship embarks on its maiden voyage around the Med.  The first port of call is Vigo, Spain where visitors can enjoy exploring the city's history. The Castro Fortress built in 1665 makes for an informative day out, alternatively guests can wander the markets, home to some of the best seafood in Spain, as well as the aptly named 'Oyster Street' where visitors can keep hunger at bay as they snack on the fresh seafood delicacy.  Other ports of call include Gijon, where visitors can indulge in a cider or two brewed from one the 250 varieties of apple in the region or visit the nearby town of Avilés home to the stunning Castle of Gauzón.  Guests will also have the opportunity to spend the day in Bilbao, Spain where they can journey to the summit of the Artxanda Mountain on the Artxand Funicular railway or simply enjoy the long sand beaches and plentiful authentic tapas on offer. Anthem of the Seas will then call at Le Harve in France before returning to port in Southampton.

Price is based on two sharing a stateroom on a full board basis. Price includes free upgrade to a balcony stateroom (subject to availability), free car parking at Southampton port and a deposit of just £75.

Under £1,600

16 night cruise with Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas: Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal – from £1,599 per person

Departing 6 May 2015, guests will embark Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas for a 16 night cruise around the Med. The itinerary's ports of call include Gibraltar, Barcelona and Villefranche, before Anthem of the Seas docks in Rome. One of the most historic cities in the world, culture vultures will be in their element with The Colosseum and The Trevi Fountain at their disposal. Guests will then set sail towards La Spezia in Italy where they can enjoy taking in the scenery along the coastal path that links La Spezia to its four neighbouring villages. Anthem of the Seas will then continue on to Marseilles in France and the Spanish cities of Malaga to catch some rays on the picturesque beaches and Cadiz. The cruise ship will make its penultimate stop in Lisbon, Portugal before returning to port in Southampton. 

Price is based on two sharing an interior stateroom on a full board basis.

13 night cruise with Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas: Canaries Cruise – from £1,549 per person

Departing Southampton on 11 October 2015, guests will board Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas for a 13 night Canaries Cruise to enjoy some late summer sun. Ports of call include Vigo, Spain; Funchal, Portugal and Tenerife, before calling at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria where guests will have a whole host of activities to choose from including trying their hand at some water sports, taking in the traditional architecture of the region whilst sipping a refreshing cocktail in the Pilar Nuevo or Santo Dominogo Plazas complete with cobbled streets and stone fountains. Alternatively visitors can head to one of the four shopping centres to find that perfect 'I am going out to dinner' outfit. Anthem of the Seas will then continue on to Lanzarote and Lisbon before a final call at Bilbao in Spain and heading back to Southampton.

Price is based on two sharing an interior stateroom on a full board basis.

For more information or to book visit www.cruise1st.co.uk or call 0800 953 4963.

-Ends-

Media contact:

For more information please contact Steele Paulich or Lauren Mayle at cruise1st@brightergroup.com or call 020 7326 9880. 

Notes to editors:

One of the UK's leading cruise deal experts, Cruise1st.co.uk specialises in Mediterranean, Caribbean and worldwide cruises and works with the biggest names in the industry including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises. The company also offers specialist cruises including river cruises.

With access to the best rates on the market, the company's priority is to deliver the best cruise deals and Cruise1st.co.uk is able to tailor-make any cruise and can create add-on tours with worldwide experiences ranging from a Big Five safari in South Africa, a visit to the Terracotta Army in China and a tour of the vineyards of Australia's Blue Mountains.

For more information please visit www.cruise1st.co.uk or call 0800 953 4963.