Beat the January blues with a Virgin cruise

Seven-night Dubai and the Emirates cruise on MSC Orchestra from £859pp

Virgin Holidays Cruises offers a seven night  Emirates on MSC Orchestra from Dubai calling at Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Fakkan, Muscat and Khasab. Price is per person based on two adults travelling, sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and transfers. Based on 2 January departure.

14-night Orlando stay and Caribbean cruise on Carnival Sunshine from £899pp

Virgin Holidays Cruises offers seven nights at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando on a room only basis, before joining Carnival Sunshine for seven nights from Port Canaveral, calling at Cozumel, Mahogany Bay and Costa Maya. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick and car hire.  Based on 24 January departure.

13-night New York stay and Eastern Caribbean cruise on Quantum of the Seas from £1,699pp

Virgin Holidays Cruises offers three nights at the Hotel Beacon in New York on a room-only basis, before joining Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, for 10 nights from Cape Liberty, calling at San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Bassetterre and Philipsburg. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow (including free Little Red connections) and transfers.  Based on 20 January departure on.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

Virgin Holidays Cruises' luxury holidays

Virgin Holidays Cruises customers can now start their dream cruise in style with FREE chauffer driven transfers to the airport.  The deal is available during October on cruises with Carnival Cruise Line. The service can be taken any time from 1 October 2014 to 31 December 2015.

Top Carnival offers…

11 nights Orlando Stay and Caribbean Cruise from £949pp

Three nights at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista on a room only basis, before joining Carnival Liberty for eight nights from Port Canaveral, Nassau, St Maarten, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk and Port Canaveral. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick.  Based on 12 November departure.

10 nights New Orleans Stay and Caribbean Cruise from £1,399pp

Three nights at the Hotel Monteleone on a room only basis, before joining Carnival Dream for seven nights from New Orleans, Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan, Belize, Cozumel and New Orleans. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and transfers.  Based on 19 February 2015 departure.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

Zegrahm's Grand Rainforests & Reefs Expedition

Adventure-cruise specialists Zegrahm Expeditions have unveiled their grand 15-day Rain Forests & Reefs expedition, departing February 7. At the crossroads of two continents, this expedition reveals the wonders of five countries, including Belize, Honduras, Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama and is ideally timed during the centennial year of the Panama Canal.

A particular highlight in Panama will be the opportunity for travellers to not only complete a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, but also be treated to a VIP tour of the $5billion Canal expansion project that began a decade ago and is scheduled to be completed in 2015. Travellers will go behind the scenes at the Expansion Observation Center near the Gatun Locks on the Caribbean Sea and see the four billion cubic meters of structural concrete that is being poured into the ditches that comprise the new set of locks from a vantage point rarely visited by the public, plus they will have the opportunity to meet with one of the authorities currently working on the project.

Additional highlights of Zegrahm’s time in Central America include searching for Central America’s incredible diversity of wildlife during Zodiac cruises and nature walks—over 750 species of birds have been recorded in Costa Rica alone; meeting the Kuna Indians of San Blas and the Emberá Indians of the Darién who proudly preserve their cultural heritage; experiencing world-class snorkeling from Belize’s Half Moon Caye to one of the world’s largest marine parks in Coiba, Panama; and stepping ashore on seldom-visited Isla de Providencia, Colombia, where its long history includes tales of colonisation, conquest, and buried treasure.

This expedition is aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Island Sky and is priced from $11,980 per person. 

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

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.

100 Days To Voyager

To celebrate 100 days to go until the launch of Voyages of Discovery’s new ship, MV Voyager, guests booking an outside cabin on any winter 2012/13 cruise on board will receive £100 credit per cabin on all bookings made by September 30.

Voyages of Discovery announced just last month that the final refurbishment work on the 540-passenger ship will be carried out in Portland Port in the UK by Northern Ireland-based international contracting company, Mivan, before setting sail on its maiden voyage on December 4.

The celebratory £100 onboard credit offer is available on all winter itineraries on the company's new vessel, including:

• Voyage to the Caribbean – 18-day cruise departing December 4 from £999 per person. Departs from Portsmouth before calling at La Coruna (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), St. Kitts (Basseterre/Nevis), Antigua (British West Indies), Martinique (French West Indies) and Barbados (overnight). 

• A Tapestry of Central America – 21-day cruise sailing January 4 from £2,839 per person. Departs from Montego Bay (Jamaica, overnight) before calling at Progreso (Mexico), Belize City (Belize), Puerto Cortes (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Cartagena (Colombia), San Blas Islands (Panama), Balboa (Panama) and Manta (Ecuador). 

• Natural Wonders of Latin America – 22-day cruise departing February 5 from £3,049 per person. Departs from Valparaiso (Chile, overnight) before calling at Puerto Montt (Chile), Puerto Chacabuco (Chile), Punta Arenas (Chile), Ushuaia (Argentina), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Puerto Madryn (Argentina) and Buenos Aires (overnight).

Key additions to Voyager during the refurbishment include the introduction of an explorer theme across the whole ship, a new piano bar – Scott’s Lounge - a new speciality restaurant, a ‘look-out’ lounge and an al fresco dining terrace with all-weather awning. The ship will offer a choice of 270 cabins, 87% of which are outside and 30 of which have balconies.

NB: Price for all cruises includes return flights to a London airport and overseas transfers (where applicable), talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all on board gratuities and all relevant port and airport taxes/fees. Onboard credit offer is available on outside cabin bookings only.

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

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.

Australia Tops For Zegrahm's Adventure Cruisers

Zegrahm Expeditions, a leader in adventure travel for the past 20 years, is excited to announce the findings of a recent survey of adventure travellers. When asked to share regions of most interest, 63 per cent of survey participants listed Australia, making the island-continent the top adventure travel destination for 2013.

“Based on the findings of our travel trends survey, we introduced a number of new itineraries to Australia and the Pacific regions for 2013,” stated Zegrahm president Jon Nicholson. “I am pleased to report that pre-reservations for these itineraries are selling exceptionally well, and overall pre-bookings are equal to or exceeding our most popular itineraries in 2012.”

The survey also revealed a number of other areas of interest for travel in 2013. Adventure travellers reported that 57 per cent would like to visit Asia and 49 per cent listed Central and South America as a top choice. In contrast, the Middle East was the area of least interest, with only 34 per cent expressing interest to visit the region (respondents were asked to check all areas of interest so percentages don’t add up to 100%.)

Featured itineraries in 2013 Include:

Rain Forests & Reefs — Belize to Costa Rica: 15-day journey departing March 8, 2013, aboard the Island Sky
Australia’s Kimberley — 15-day journey departing September 12, 2013, aboard the Caledonian Sky
Tasmania, Sub-Antarctic Islands & New Zealand —20-day journey departing November 25, 2013, aboard the Caledonian Sky
Mongolia —18-day overland adventure departing August 20, 2013
Circumnavigation of Sumatra —19-day journey departing January 2, 2013, aboard the Clipper Odyssey (above)
Vietnam & Cambodia by Sea —19-day journey departing January 27, 2013, aboard the Clipper Odyssey

In addition to the destination findings, Zegrahm learned that 20 per cent of adventure travellers usually travel solo and the company is now offering lower single rates in 2013 on all ship-based itineraries.

For booking details in the UK, be sure to check this link with the leading adventure-cruise specialists of 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.

Carnival's Free Caribbean Cabin Upgrade

Here's a neat incentive to join a sparkling Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines this year - a FREE cabin upgrade for the sailing in March.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida – just a short hop away from the thrills of Orlando - to the heavenly Western Caribbean, the voyage features visits to Cozumel, Mexico’s only Caribbean island (brimming with silver and colourful crafts) and beautiful Belize, boasting its own special brand of eco-tourism and the world’s second largest barrier reef, before cruising on to the new Mahogany Bay resort on scenic Isla Roatan, and then Costa Maya, gateway to ancient Mayan temples and white sand beaches of the Mexican mainland.

The ship involved, the spectacular 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, features some of the best resort amenities afloat, including deck after deck of spacious private balconied staterooms offering breathtaking panoramas, plus 18 bars and lounges, a duty-free shopping mall, a huge Cloud 9 health spa and gym, including a hydrotherapy pool, “Serenity” deck areas for adults only, a glittering casino, a 2,400sq ft children’s area, four swimming pools and several cascading water slides.

This 9-night Caribbean fly/cruise onboard the Dream starts from just £1,099 per person, including a free upgrade from an inside to a sea-view stateroom. This holiday departs from London on March 1 and includes scheduled flights between London and Orlando, one night pre-cruise hotel (room only) and a 7-night cruise, full board basis per person based on inside twin accommodation. 

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury 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.

Star Clippers Brings Costa Rica Expert on Board

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers has announced that it will carry a guest lecturer, German-born Steffi Adels (above), on board Star Flyer for the ship’s forthcoming 2011/2012 Costa Rica season.

During each voyage, Steffi will talk to the guests about her experiences in Costa Rica, where she worked for a year as a tour guide. She has guided and travelled in all the most beautiful and popular areas of the country, including the volcanoes, the cloud forests, the rivers and canopy trails, the rainforests and national parks, as well as being a regular visitor to neighbouring Nicaragua.

The 170-guest Star Flyer spends from November to March each winter sailing the tropical waters of Central America’s Pacific coast, visiting dramatic rainforests, sweeping beaches and secluded inlets and islands, with plentiful opportunities for spotting wildlife and birds, as well as snorkelling over the reefs and hiking the forest trails.

Star Clippers offers a seven-night Costa Rica and Nicaragua cruise from just £1,140, cruise-only, round-trip from Puerto Caldera, calling at San Juan del Sur, Playa del Coco, National Park Santa Rosa, Samara, Puerto Carrillo, National Reserve of Curu and Isla Tortuga.

For more info, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or sailing 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.

Early Booking Discount with Star Clippers

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering up to 20% off 2011 cruises in the Mediterranean for bookings made by January 31, and 2011 sailings in the Caribbean and Central America for bookings made before April 30.

Save £177 per person on a six-night Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on the 170-passenger Star Clipper, departing St Maarten on December 17 and calling at some of the smaller, more exclusive Caribbean ports inaccessible to big ships. The itinerary includes either Nevis or Saba (depending on the wind), Iles des Saintes, Falmouth Harbour in Antigua and St Barths. Now from £708 per person (was £895), including all meals and a 6-night sailing itinerary.

Save £206 per person on a seven-night Costa Rica sailing on the 170-passenger Star Flyer, departing Puerto Caldera on December 19, 2011, and exploring rainforested islands, remote bays and beautiful beaches, with plenty of chances to spot the incredibly diverse wildlife of the region. The ship calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa del Coco, Costa Rica; National Park of Santa Rosa; Samara; Puerto Carillo; National Reserve of Curu; and Isla Tortuga. Now from £824 per person (was £1030), including all meals and a 7-night sailing itinerary..

Save £168 per person on a short break, five-night Mediterranean sailing on board Star Clipper, departing Athens on October 8, 2011, and calling at the unspoilt Greek ports of Monemvasia and Pilos; Siracusa in Sicily; and Valletta, Malta. Now from £672 per person (was £840), including all meals and a 5-night sailing itinerary.

For more information, visit http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or contact the adventure cruise specialists of 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.