TPO European Cruise 2027
The popular People’s Orchestra(TPO) and The People’s Show Choir(TPSC) annual tour is setting sail to new heights in 2027 – with a cruise to three of the most popular European cities.
For the first time, members on the annual foreign trip will be able to perform on board, along with on the streets of stunning European destinations, including Bruges and Rotterdam. The exciting adventure will see members set sail in the summer of 2027.
It will be like nothing members have ever done before and very different from previous trips further afield to Poland and Scotland of Krakow in 2024, The Scottish Highlands in 2025 and Gdansk, set for this summer.
Members will even be able to book a plus-one, to make it more of a family holiday.
What to expect on the cruise tour
TPO Community Engagement Manager Chris Weber said: “As it’s a cruise, we need to get in early to secure cabins straight away. The ship can fit 1,500 passengers, so any members who want to come should be able to; unlike in previous years where we’ve been full and had waiting lists.
Cruise Ship Setting Sail
“It’s going to be really exciting as the trip will take us to the Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, along with beautiful Bruges in Belgium.
“One of the performances we’ll do has been agreed for on-board the ship. That will be in front of all the other cruise passengers. The ship has a main theatre that we will get to perform in, which will be a very special, unique experience.
“Similar to other city tours, there will also be outdoor performances in cities we stop at. Those will be in public so passers-by can stop and listen.”
Dates and details of the TPO and TPSC Cruise
This new five-night tour to foreign shores has just been revealed and will stop off in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Bruges. It’s with Ambassador Cruises from July 26 to 31 in 2027.
It will need to be booked directly through the link sent out to members with Cooke’s Travel if members want to take part in the performances and enjoy the full TPO and TPSC experience.
Rotterdam
Prices for the Dutch and Belgian Delights Tour start from £749 per person for a shared inside cabin and includes all transportation and food.
A small deposit of £50 will be needed to book a place, but it won’t need to be paid in full until April 2027 with payments spread over time.
The cruise tour has been organised for July during the main Summer holidays to allow more members to get involved.
There are options for members to upgrade to fit in with their budget. The cruise ship has accessible rooms available and entertainment and amenities on board to enjoy over the trip.
They include glamorous dinners on board for a chance to dress up and a bounty of food available throughout the day. The cruise also has an emphasis on discovering cultural and historic sights, food and attractions along the northern European coastline.
“Seemed too good to resist”
The European cruise came about after Chris was contacted by an organisation that specialises in these kinds of music tours for groups and it seemed too good to resist.
“We were planning to visit another city but then this other option came along and we thought it would be different and unusual,” explained Chris. “It all sounds really exciting and I can’t wait.”
“This trip will definitely be a lot of fun and we’re going to have such a good time.”
Those taking part will board the ship at The Port of Tilsbury in Essex and sail along the Thames to cross the channel. TPO coaches are set to be organised for members at hubs of Birmingham, Cheltenham and Bristol to reach the ship.
Chris added: “This truly is something exciting and different from anything we’ve done before.
“It takes us beyond the format of anything we’ve done before with members performing, travelling and staying together onboard a cruise ship as we explore various destinations.”
Bruges
Tours that members love
Members who have ventured on other annual TPO and TPSC trips have raved about how “incredible” they are for many reasons. Many have talked about giving them a chance to see countries and cities they have not visited before while others have said it gave them a chance to get to know other members better and make more friends.
The annual trips add another dimension to being part of the music charity. They allow members to explore abroad with their friendly, like-minded colleagues that they normally only see at weekly rehearsals or occasional mass concerts.
This cruise will take in the heritage city of Amsterdam. The Dutch city is famous for its beautiful canals, cafes, lively nightlife and extensive museums including the house of Anne Frank that needs to be booked in advance.
Amsterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in The Netherlands and also has a vast and fascinating history. It was once a successful and rich trading port in the 17th Century and is still a vibrant, eclectic and international city with exciting neighbourhoods to explore.
Bruges in Belgium has become a tourist favourite for its winding canals, boat trips and chocolate shops. Beauty lies around every corner from its cobbled streets and main squares to wooden beamed historic houses.
Anyone interested in going on the cruise tour should look out for the email and whatsapp message in their TPO or TPSC group chat. For more information and queries, contact Chris Weber by email at chris@thepeoplesorchestra.com.
