FRESH from his New Year Hootenanny, Later legend Jools Holland is to play Cunard cruise ship concerts on a spring sailing to Spain and Italy.

The former Squeeze star, now best known for his Later with Jools Holland TV showcases, will join guests on Queen Victoria’s voyage from Southampton on May 4.

During the eight-night cruise, which sails to Civitavecchia – the port commonly chosen for excursions to Rome – Jools will play two shows in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre.

Ports of call on the itinerary include Cadiz (for trips to Seville); Malaga (for Granada) and Palma de Mallorca. It’s cruise reference V513 online and in the brochure. 

Jools isn’t the only star sailing with Cunard this year. Britain’s best-selling jazz artist and Radio 2 presenter Jamie Cullum will also play gigs on Queen Victoria in the spring.

He’s be performing on a 13-night round trip Atlantic Islands voyage departing Southampton on April 21, calling in at Madeira, Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Cadiz.

That one’s cruise reference V512 if you’re interested. 

Cunard President Katie McAlister, says: “We take pride in curating unique and unforgettable experiences, and we can’t wait to welcome Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum.”

For Cunard itineraries, set sail to www.cunard.com