Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes joins Saga Pearl II cruise in search of the Northern Lights

Sir Ranulph Fiennes will be joining Saga Pearl II in search of the Northern Lights when she sails from Southampton on March 4, 2015.

Saga Pearl II will dock for two nights in Alta during this Norway nights and the Northern Lights cruise. Here, when heavy snow falls and temperatures drop to sub-zero, the clear dark skies become the arena for the dazzling displays.

Guests will take an early dinner on board the ship, attend a lecture to learn the best location for viewing the Northern Lights that evening, and travel to the selected viewing point.

Although the Northern Lights are expected to be the cruise highlight, further ports of call also offer some exciting tours in Bergen, Tromso,  Andalsnes, Flam, Alesund and Leknes. New excursions include the Vossbanen steam railway in Bergen and a musk ox safari or a twilight moose safari in Andalsnes.

16 nights from £3,299 departing 4 March, 2015. Price includes VIP travel service, all meals and entertainment, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee, free wifi, all gratuities, porterage, shuttle bus to town centres from the port of call, and travel insurance and cancellation cover.

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Take an ‘Arctic Adventure & Exploration’ on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

 

The Arctic is one of the most magnificent and hard-to-reach regions in the world. In fact the latest edition of World of Cruising has a feature on it.  In 2015, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to experience this unspoiled destination on a 27-night ‘Arctic Adventure & Exploration’ voyage. Departing from Newcastle on 2^nd August 2015, this cruise, on smaller, more intimate Boudicca, will allow guests to cross the Arctic Circle, witness the majestic fjords of Norway, take in the peaks and pinnacles of Iceland and Greenland, and maybe spot some of the world’s most elusive wildlife – Whales, Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Huskies and possibly even a  Polar Bear.

This intrepid ‘Arctic Adventure & Exploration’ cruise will call first at the bustling city of Ålesund, which is shaped like a fish hook and home to the largest and most beautiful cod fishing fleet in Norway.

Boudicca will then glide onwards to Trondheim, a unique city in Norway, offering modern amenities, with the cosy appeal of small-town friendliness.

Next, guests will need to find themselves a great position out on deck ready for some fantastic scenic cruising. Passing Rørvik, Torghatten, Seven Sisters Mountain Range – where Boudicca will ‘Cross the Arctic Circle’ – The Black Glacier and Lødingen, there will be ample opportunity to take some stunning photographs.  

Prices for this amazing ‘Arctic Adventure & Exploration’ cruise start from just £2,699 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.  

More info:  0800 0355 242   www.fredolsencruises.com 

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New Incentives From Royal Caribbean

It's definitely 'Cruise Offer' season as we approach the New Year, and you can expect a welter of special incentives and new offers in the coming days and weeks. 

Really quick off the mark are Royal Caribbean, who are offering a great family holiday exploring the best of Norway while enjoying FREE parking and up to £200 off per stateroom on their Independence of the Seas next May.

The eight-night ex-UK cruise now costs from just £699 per person (based on two  sharing an interior stateroom) and departs from Southampton on May 17, calling at Skjolden, Flam, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton The price includes all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees and the offer is valid until February 28.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

It is the FINAL DAY of our special New Subscription offer for all new readers of World of Cruising magazine. If you subscribe before the end of the day, you will receive 50% off the normal one-year price AND be entered in a prize draw to WIN a cruise! See all the details on this link.

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Want An A-fjordable Cruise? See These Two!

Inspired by our forthcoming feature on Norway in the new-look January edition of World of Cruising, here are two great offers for cruises to the region next May, one from Royal Caribbean and the other from Celebrity Cruises. Both are well worth considering...

Explore the Fjords with Royal Caribbean

Head to Norway and discover amazing scenery and local culture on board Independence of the Seas on an eight-night cruise from just £669 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The price is based on a May 17 sailing and includes an eight-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Skjolden, Flam, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

 Enjoy Norway extras with Celebrity

Explore the Norwegian fjords while enjoying any TWO of the following special offers: a complimentary drinks package, worth up to $1,400; up to $300 onboard credit; and/or fully-paid gratuities. These bonuses come with Celebrity Eclipse on an eight-night Norway voyage from just £1,199 per person (based on two sharing an ocean view stateroom). The price is based on a May 2 departure and includes the eight-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Bergen, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment onboard; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Three More Of A Kind!

It's another three-for-the-price-of-one in today's Special Offer category, with each of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises featuring some great deals, for the short-term only.

Take your pick from:

Family fun in the Fjords with Royal Caribbean

Get active next summer by exploring the Norwegian mountains as well as scaling the onboard rock-climbing wall, enjoying a round of golf and hitting the basketball court on Adventure of the Seas on a week-long Norway cruise (above) from £749 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom).

The price includes the seven-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 23 and calling at Kristiansand, Alesund, Flam and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; plus all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

Discover Scandinavia & Eastern Europe with Celebrity

Join Celebrity Cruises and explore the beauty of the Baltic's most renowned capital cities on board Celebrity Eclipse on a 14-night cruise from only £1,421 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom).

This price includes meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, while the voyage departs from Southampton on June 7 and calls at Copenhagen on an overnight stay, Stockholm, Tallinn St. Petersburg on an overnight stay, Klaipeda (Lithuania) and Gdansk (for Gdynia in Poland) before returning to Southampton.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

Italian festivities with Azamara

Guests will be treated to a private “Festival Piedigrotta” at the Agrumeto Gardens in Sorrento, with singers, actors and musicians bringing old Naples to life as part of the Azamazing Evenings event on Azamara Quest's 11-night Mediterranean Easter fly/cruise from £2,735 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The event is included in the cruise price.

The price also includes flights from London Heathrow, transfers and selected standard spirits, wines and international beers; complimentary bottled water; soft drinks; speciality teas and coffees; housekeeping and dining gratuities; the bespoke AzAmazing Evenings event; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. It departs from Nice on April 11 and calls at Civitavecchia (for Rome), Sorrento, Siracusa, Valletta, Trapani and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa) before returning to Nice for the flight home.

More info: call 0844 493 4016 or visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk.

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Three Voyages, Three Lines, Three Delights!

Here's a great three-way offer to tickle the tastebuds of most cruisers - something from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, each one with a separate offer - and tempting extras - to make your next booking a winning one. here's what they say... 

 

Family fun in the Med with Royal Caribbean

 

Families can catch up on the latest movies at the outdoor cinema screen, tuck into yummy treats at the cupcake cupboard or scale the rock-climbing wall onboard Adventure of the Seas (above) on a 15-night Central Mediterranean cruise-only from £1,149 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The price includes a 15-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 8 and calling at Cadiz, Barcelona, Villefranche (for Nice and Monte Carlo), Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Cagliari on Sardinia, Gibraltar and Lisbon before returning to Southampton, plus meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

 

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk. 

 

Discover the Norwegian Fjords with Celebrity

 

Explore the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords and the idyllic surrounding towns and villages on board Celebrity Eclipse on an eight-night cruise from just £845 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The price includes an eight-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 2 and calling at Bergen, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; plus meals, entertainment and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

 

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.
 

Tribal dancing, stunning gardens and local delicacies with Azamara

 

Step back in time at the Wirikuta botanical desert garden in Mexico and enjoy an exclusive evening complete with local coffee, beer and wine followed by a procession of indigenous dancers as part of the Azamazing Evenings event onboard Azamara Quest on a 14-night Route of the Americas fly/cruise from £3,749 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The event is included in the cruise price, as well as flights from London Heathrow and transfers; selected standard spirits, wines and international beers; complimentary bottled water and soft drinks; speciality teas and coffees; all meals and dining gratuities; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. The 14-night voyage departs from Los Angeles on february 18 and calls at Cabo San Lucas, Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo (for Ixtapa), Huatulco, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala) and San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua) before arriving into Caldera (Costa Rica) for the flight home.

 

More info: call 0844 493 4016 or visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk.

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Chase The Northern Lights With Saga

Saga Cruises is offering a fabulous opportunity to experience the Northern Lights in Norway this winter, aboard their chic Saga Sapphire. Here's what they say...

Choose from a February or March sailing through Norway’s shimmering fjords and snow-covered landscapes before crossing the Arctic Circle to Alta, the Town of the Northern Lights, for a chance to observe this celestial phenomenon.

 

Sailings are during the Solar Maximum, a time when it is more likely to encounter an intense display of the Aurora Borealis. For those re-visiting Norway, Saga’s many optional excursions ensure passengers can further explore this beautiful country. From a seaplane ride to an igloo hotel stay, there will always be something new to experience
 

In Awe of the Northern Lights – February 24

Ride on a sledge pulled by reindeer or set off on a snowmobile across the tundra on this 15-night adventure where you can trek through the snow in search of the magical Northern Lights.
 

Saga Sapphire will sail from Southampton to Bergen, where passengers can stroll along the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf before passing through the beautiful Romsdalfjord to reach Andalsnes. From here, view the impressive Trollveggen, or 'Troll Wall', which at 6,000ft is Europe's highest vertical cliff face.
 

Next, cross the Arctic Circle and arrive in Tromso for a tour the city, including a visit to the Polar Museum and distinctive Arctic Cathedral. Sail on to Alta for a two-and-a-half day stay to maximise the chance of seeing the Lights. Return via Narvik to Southampton on March 11.

Prices from £2,770 per person.
 

Magic of the Northern Lights – March 11

Spend the day in Bergen or take a seaplane over Mount Floyen. Classical music enthusiasts can also indulge in a visit to Troldhaugen, former home of composer Edvard Grieg.
 

Next stop is Åndalsnes, gateway to the rugged wilderness of the Romsdalfjord, which typifies Norway’s striking natural beauty. Cross the Arctic Circle on this 16-night cruise and spend two of the nights in Alta, where an expert guide will lead an expedition in search of the Northern Lights. Sail on to Tromsø and take a cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for views of the city, forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

Choose one of four excursions in Narvik, the ice-free port with a fascinating industrial heritage, before sailing on to Ålesund to view its unusual art nouveau architecture. Flam is the last port of call before returning to Southampton. It is one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords and the Flåm Railway is not to be missed, passing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Prices from £2,951pp.

Both cruises include VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, all meals and entertainment, entertainment, 24-hour room service, travel insurance and cancellation cover. 

 

More info: call free on 0800 051 3355 or visit www.saga.co.uk/cruises.
 

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Royal Caribbean's Cool Summer Cruise

For hot springs, cool culture and stunning views, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas is featuring a fabulous 13-night Iceland & Norway cruise this summer, with prices from only £969 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom), with the bonus of wine while you dine and free soft drinks for kids. 

The price includes the full 13-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 30 and calling at Reykjavik and Akureyri (Iceland), then Trondheim, Alesund, Molde, Olden and Stavanger (Norway) before returning to Southampton. It also includes all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Offer valid until October 21.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Fred. Olsen Adds Third Solar Eclipse Cruise

Following huge demand for its recently-launched Total Solar Eclipse cruises in 2015 - with both voyages on Boudicca and Black Watch already fully booked - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has added a third opportunity to witness this rare solar phenomenon on board Braemar.

The new cruise (M1505) will depart from Dover on March 11 for 13 nights and will be positioned off the coast of the Faroe Islands on March 20, 2015, when the longest duration of ‘totality’ of 2 minutes 47 seconds – the best opportunity to view the full solar eclipse – occurs. During its voyage, the cruise will also visit Ålesund (Norway), Leknes (Lofoten Islands, Tromsø (Norway) and Runavik (Faroes), before returning to Dover. 

Prices for this ex-UK cruise start from £1,699 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin Grade ‘I’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. Guests can also upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £29 per person per night.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Take In An Eclipse With Fred Olsen

A total solar eclipse is one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles in the world - and one of the most difficult to view. It occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, entirely obscuring the Sun and blocking all direct sunlight, turning daylight into  darkness. A sensational full eclipse is due in March 2015, and the great news for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fans is that its 880-guest cruise ship Boudicca will be at the precise co-ordinates at this time to allow guests one of the best chances of viewing it from anywhere on the planet. The 15-night ‘Solar Eclipse Cruise’ departs on March 9, 2015, and is now on sale.  

The voyage departs from Southampton and calls at several attractive Norwegian ports: pretty Art Nouveau Ǻlesund, Tromsø, inside the Arctic Circle, sometimes described as ‘The Paris of the Arctic’; Alta (Finnmark), home for centuries to the Sami people and their herds of reindeer; and Leknes, in the remote and beautiful Lofoten Islands.

Boudicca then spends a day at sea on March 20, en route to the Faroe Islands and is positioned at the best-suggested co-ordinates – 64.26.3N, 6.39.0W – for guests to make the most of viewing the extraordinary total eclipse from the ship. The final port of call is Runavik on the Faroes, before Boudicca returns to Southampton

Prices for this fascinating ex-UK cruise start from £1,699 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin Grade ‘I’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. There is an additional bonus of up to £250 free onboard spending credit per cabin, making this cruise unbeatable value for money. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's cruise-agent specialists.

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Chasing The Northern Lights

A winter cruise to Norway, in search of the amazing Northern Lights is one of the most exciting itineraries in the world, and 2013 is predicted to be one of the best for many years to view the majestic Aurora Borealis. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has offered three winter voyages to Norway for its 2012/13 season, and the last of these – a 14-night cruise aboard Boudicca, departing from Portsmouth on March 13 – still has some availability.

The itinerary for this ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ departure is ideally suited to a cruise line with a strong Norwegian heritage, and calls first at Ålesund, the pretty Norwegian town famous for its Art Nouveau-style buildings and national Art Nouveau Centre, or ‘Jugendstilsenteret’. Next is Tromsø, far up into the Arctic Circle, where Boudicca will stay for two nights, giving guests the maximum chance of seeing the Lights. From here, guests can also choose to take Fred. Olsen’s ‘Chase for the Northern Lights’ tour and, so far this year, they have been lucky enough to witness Nature’s greatest light show from Tromsø several times.

Boudicca then calls at Alta (Finnmark, Norway), the most northerly port on this cruise. From Alta, guests can travel to Hammerfest, thought to be the most northerly town in the world. On the return voyage, the ship visits Kristiansund, with its picturesque old town and quaint wooden buildings, complete with a unique Klippfish – or ‘dried cod’ – Museum, before sailing back to Portsmouth.

Prices for this very special cruise start from £1,299 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, with an ‘Anchor Fare’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Holland America's No-Fly Fjord Special

Plus, upgrade to an ocean view room from £599 and receive free parking!

Holland America Line is offering a seven-night luxury no-fly Norwegian Fjords cruise from just £499 per person this summer. Departing from Dover on May 4, this price includes seven nights’ full board accommodation on MS Ryndam in an inside stateroom, with ocean view staterooms  available from £599, including free parking in Dover. 

This round trip takes in some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery and fascinating ports. From Dover, sail to the maritime town of Bergen, before heading to Flåm, deep in the heart of Aurlandsfjord. From there, visit Ålesund and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago, before continuing to the hiking paradise of Eidfjord and cruising through the scenic Hardangerfjord.

Whilst at sea, guests can take advantage of the Culinary Arts Centre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Ryndam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges and being pampered at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

This offer is based on two sharing an inside stateroom on Holland America’s 'Norse Legends' cruise, departing Dover on May 4. 

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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‘Sail & Save’ With Holland America

Holland America Line has launched a special ‘Sail and Save’ offer for bookings made by the end of January, meaning now is the time for savvy travellers to snap up their 2013 cruise holiday. The premium cruise line is offering week-long Mediterranean cruises from just £549pp cruise-only and ex-UK cruises from £599pp.

Plus, there are -

• Reduced cruise fares for third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom with two full-fare adults.
• Savings on combined back-to-back itineraries, known as ‘Collector’s Voyages.’
• Free car parking for customers in an ocean-view stateroom or above sailing from Dover.
• A worry-free deposit, allowing changes to ships, sailing dates, promotion codes and staterooms up to 90 days prior to departure or the final payment due date.

Great value cruises for 2013 include:

Mediterranean Glamour from £549pp

This seven-night cruise on Ryndam departs from Barcelona on April 16, calling at Monte Carlo, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Palermo in Sicily and La Goulette (Tunis) before returning to Barcelona. Ocean view rooms are available from just £549 cruise-only, and third and fourth guests start from just £199 per adult. Fly/cruise fares start from £741 per person, including scheduled flights from London and transfers.

Norwegian Fjords from £599pp

For those wanting to avoid the airports, this seven-night cruise on Ryndam departs from Dover on May 4, calling at Bergen, Flam, Alesund and Eidfjord before cruising Hardangerfjord and then returning to Dover.

Iberian Collector’s Voyage from £1,599pp

This 22-night Mediterranean voyage on Eurodam has a superb itinerary, departing from Civitavecchia on April 29 and calling at Kerkira (Corfu), Katakolon (Greece), Thira (Santorini), Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey and then overnighting at Piraeus (for Athens). The ship then continues to Messina, Naples, Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz (Seville), Lisbon, Vigo, St Peter Port (Guernsey) and Zeebrugge (Brussels) before disembarking in Copenhagen. Third and fourth guests start from £466 per adult and £266 per child.

Jewels of the Baltic from £1,199pp

Discover more of Europe on a 14-night cruise on Ryndam, departing from Dover on May 18 and calling at Copenhagen, Warnemunde (Berlin) and Tallinn before overnighting in St Petersburg. The ship then continues to Helsinki before overnighting in Stockholm. It then cruises the Stockholm Archipelago and calls at Visby in Sweden before returning to Dover. Ocean view rooms are available from just £1,399 per person and include free parking at Dover. 

All prices include accommodation, all meals, snacks, teas, coffee and water (subject to availability).

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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Celebrity's Norwegian Voyaging

Marvel at the famous mountains in Molde, historical architecture in Bergen and cosmopolitan Stavanger on board Celebrity Cruises’ beautiful Celebrity Eclipse (above) with an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise from just £639 per person in 2013. 

With the benefits of round-trip sailing from Southampton (i.e. with no flights involved), this wonderful voyage sails from the south coast and and calls at Molde, Alesund, Flam, Bergen and Stavanger before returning home. Also included are all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

The price is based on a May 3 departure and on two people sharing a balcony stateroom.

To book, follow this link to the Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Northern Delights With Royal Caribbean

Discover Norway’s dynamic family appeal with its dramatic landscapes, active lifestyle and diverse culture onboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas in 2013 from only £699 per person.

With the benefit of no flights and sailing from a UK port, Royal Caribbean's eight-night voyages go round-trip from Southampton on the south coast and feature the very best of Norway's scenic attractions.

Prices include the full eight-night cruise, which calls at Flåm, Skjolden, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

The price is based on a May 18 departure and on two people sharing an inside stateroom. 

For all cruise details, be sure to check with the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Famous Explorer Aboard Fred Olsen's Arctic Voyage

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Balmoral will have a very special guest lecturer aboard the 16-night ‘Arctic Mountains, Fjords & Polar Bears’ cruise, which departs Southampton on July 26 - Sue Stockdale, the first British woman to ski to the North Pole, who will be aboard as part of the Vistas enrichment programme.

After leaving Southampton, the cruise calls first at Ǻlesund in Norway. This pretty town was destroyed by fire in 1904 and completely rebuilt in Art Nouveau style and is one of the most picturesque places in the country. After this call, Balmoral heads north into the Arctic Circle. She calls at Tromsø, surrounded by snow-capped peaks even in summer, then on up to Honningsvǻg for the North Cape – the very ‘top of Europe’. 

The next two ports are even further north. Longyearbyen, Svalbard, enjoys daylight around-the-clock in the summer months. The town has 1,600 inhabitants and reindeer can be seen roaming the streets. Originally a mining town, it has a museum dedicated to its mining and whaling history. Next port, Ny Alesund, is the most northerly permanent settlement in the world and is home to a scientific research centre.

Balmoral then begins her journey south, visiting Kristiansund, famous for its Klippfish (dried cod) Museum, and, finally, the pretty fjord land village of Olden, before returning to Southampton.

Prices for this memorable voyage start from £1,879 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in Vistas activity.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's cruising specialists.

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Fred Olsen Chase Northern Lights Again In 2013

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has added a new Norwegian itinerary in 2013, giving guests more opportunities to seek the amazing experience of seeing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.

The exciting 14-night voyage is aboard Boudicca and departs from Portsmouth on March 13, 2013, following the success of a similar voyage earlier this year.

The new itinerary, ideally suited to a cruise line with a strong Norwegian heritage, calls first at Ålesund, the pretty Norwegian town famous for its Art Nouveau-style buildings and national Art Nouveau Centre. Alesund is also close to Runde Island, home to one of the largest colonies of puffins in the world (above).

Next is Tromsø, far up into the Arctic Circle, where Boudicca will stay for two nights, giving guests the maximum chance of seeing the Northern Lights. From here, guests can choose to take Fred. Olsen’s ‘Chase for the Lights’ tour. This year's first-ever ‘Norway Winter’ cruise was lucky enough to see this amazing natural light show from Tromsø several times. 

Boudicca then calls at Alta (Finnmark, Norway), the most northerly port on this cruise. From Alta, guests can travel to Hammerfest, thought to be the most northerly town in the world. On the return voyage, the ship visits Kristiansund, with its picturesque old town and quaint wooden buildings, complete with a unique ‘Klippfish’ – or ‘dried cod’ – Museum, before sailing back to Portsmouth. 

Prices for this special cruise start from £1,599 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. 

For bookings, visit this link to our sponsors The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Hurtigruten's 'Taste of the Arctic'

Want to take a short voyage and sail through Norway’s beautiful Lofoten Islands next winter? How about visiting the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund with its myriad of turrets and spires all covered in snow? You can now do both on a brand new ‘Taste of the Arctic Voyage’ introduced by Hurtigruten for 2013. 

Sail from Bergen in the south along the coast and up into the Arctic Circle to Tromsø, or take the voyage in reverse. Until now, the only winter short break available was all north of the Arctic Circle from Tromsø to Kirkenes and back. Prices for the five-day ‘Taste of the Arctic Voyage’ travelling south from Tromsø to Bergen lead in at just £1080pp, including flights, on selected departures from January to March and November to December 2013.

Depending on which direction guests choose to sail, they will experience many of the highlights of a full 12-day ‘Classic Round Voyage’ from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, including the Lofoten Islands, Seven Sisters Mountains and the fascinating towns of Bergen, Tromsø, Ålesund and Trondheim. Excursions are also pre-bookable in both directions, including dog sledding, snowmobiling and a Northern Lights safari by cable car in Tromsø. 

 

For those with a keen interest in the coastal wildlife, Hurtigruten has introduced two new bird-watching excursions. Those travelling on a seven-day ‘Classic Voyage North’ or the ‘Classic Round Voyage’ from May 1 to August 31 can take an expedition to Runde Bird Island near Ålesund. This is home to Scandinavia’s largest sea bird colony, with more than 500,000 of them nesting here. Amongst them are Atlantic puffins, blacklegged kittiwakes and guillemots. Prices for the expedition to Runde Island are from £133pp. 

 

The new Birds of the Arctic excursion can be enjoyed from Vadsø for guests travelling northbound, or from Vardø for those journeying southbound, from April 15 to July 31. The Varanger region is one of the most attractive and popular bird-watching areas in the Arctic due to it being directly in the path of migrating birds. This is the only place in Europe that you are likely to spot the rare Steller’s Eider. Prices cost from £247pp for this full day excursion. 

 

For those looking for more flexibility and better value, Hurtigruten has also included more packages with flights for next year. These are available on two itineraries, the ‘Arctic Highlights Voyage’ from Tromsø to Kirkenes and back and the ‘Classic Round Voyage’. Eight new departure dates are available for the ‘Arctic Highlights’ itinerary, departing on selected dates from January to March and October to December from four regional airports in total, including Belfast, which is brand new for this year and Edinburgh, previously only featured as a flight-package departure airport for the ‘Classic Round Voyage’.  

 

Furthering Hurtigruten’s aim to bring guests closer to the Norwegian culture, new music and culinary concepts are being introduced on all ships in 2013 following a pilot scheme this year. Local delicacies will feature on the daily menu affording a real taste of the coast while guests will also be able to enjoy Norwegian music played on board.

 

For more information visit this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's premier adventure-cruise specialists.

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Departing Bergen with Hurtigruten

Starting Steve Newman's 'live' blog on the classic Norwegian coastal cruise with Hurtigruten:

Well here are departing Bergen on the MS Finnmarken, our home for the next five days. Bergen is an amazing city  and every time I come here I love it.

We shall be cruising up the Norwegian Coast on the Hurtigruten "Taxi" route, calling in at various ports with people getting on and off and cargo being loaded and unloaded.  Often called "The most beautiful cruise in the world," I can easily see why. I've done this before and am really looking forward to it again - especially if we see the Northern Lights further north!

Later today we're calling in at Alesund, a town renowned for its unique Art Nouveau architecture.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.