Orbital Travel Expands Nile Fleet

The River Nile continues to be an overlooked travel destination this year with so much focus at the moment on all the new river-cruise ships in Europe (and yesterday's announcement of super-model Twiggy as godmother to the new Emerald Waterways - see this link!), but Orbital Travel are determined to remedy that. The luxury travel specialists have just added the five-star MS Royal Esadora to their Nile cruise programme, bringing their array of offerings on the great river to five. The Royal Esadora was launched in March 2006 and completely renovated in 2009. This modern, stylish Nile cruiser also offers funky surroundings and guestrooms with contemporary spacious interiors. Facilities include a large sundeck with bar, large swimming pool and Jacuzzi. There are two restaurants on board, one being a buffet style with international cuisine, and the other being slightly smaller offering an à la carte menu. Royal Esadora has 62 cabins with foursuites with large picture windows and Juliet balconies from which to admire the unfolding scenery. Prices for a 7-night cruise lead in at £659 per person on Full Board and £719 per person on All Inclusive. The cruise includes 7 nights’ accommodation (upper/middle deck cabin), flights, transfers and 12 excursions escorted by a qualified Egyptologist. Orbital Travel also offers four other 5-star Nile cruisers, namely the MS Monica, the Domina Prestige, the HS Nile Vision and the MS Mayfair. More info: call 0333 123 7147 or visit www.orbitaltravel.co.uk. The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Enjoy A Red Sea Winter With MSC

Escape to warmer climes this winter, and embark on a seven-night cruise to the Red Sea with MSC Cruises from just £689 per person – including return flights. On board MSC Armonia, guests will be able to explore the rich history and culture of this ancient region. Be it cultural enlightenment, relaxation or adventure, all shore excursions are tailored to encourage guests to discover this beautiful region at their own pace and according to their taste.

From November 10 to March 16, the ship has a full schedule of 19 cruises, departing every Sunday from Sharm El Sheikh, with scheduled stops in Sokhna and Safaga (Egypt), Aqaba (Jordan) and Eilat (Israel).

Itinerary highlights include tours of the Dead Sea incorporating a clay bath; visits to Bedouin settlements; trips to southern Jordan’s timeless and stunning Wadi Rum valley (above) and drive and fly-tours through the wildly beautiful landscape of the Negev desert.

MSC Armonia features 777 beautifully appointed cabins. Its luxurious facilities include four restaurants - offering excellent Mediterranean and international cuisine - several bars and lounges, the incredible MSC Aurea Spa, a mini-golf course, numerous boutiques, casino, theatre, nightclub and children’s club.

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

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Sample The Middle East With Swan Hellenic

Here's a great offer to sample the Middle East AND save money in the process - book a "By Sea to Petra" cruise with Swan Hellenic and save up to £300 per person. The 15-day cruise follows the ancient trading routes of the Arabian seas, along the coasts of Arabia and Africa, ending in Aqaba for an inclusive full-day excursion at the Nabataean city of Petra (above) – one of the most impressive sites of the region.

The voyage costs from £1,495 per person (Saver Fare based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Muscat (Oman, overnight), calling at Salalah (Oman, overnight), Massawa (Eritrea, overnight), Safaga (Egypt), Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) and Aqaba (Jordan, overnight). The price is based on a March 13 UK departure.

Saver Fares with reductions of up to £300 per person are also available on the following cruises: To Sri Lankan Shores, Palaces and Gardens, Oslo and the Fjords and Above the Arctic Circle. Cabins will not be allocated at time of booking and Saver Fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Prices include flights, relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

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

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The Nostalgic Nile with Bales Worldwide

The late 19th century aristocracy of Europe would delight in cruising along the ancient splendours of the Nile Valley in their private ‘dahabiyyas,’ beautifully crafted wooden sailing vessels that presented the might of the Pharaohs from the vantage point of elegant convenience.

And Bales Worldwide have recreated those halcyon days, travelling with a small select group to witness the ancient treasures of Egypt up close and in a manner thought lost forever by discerning travellers. Avoiding the usual crowds and boats guests have the advantage of an expert guide on hand at all times. Completing the entire journey between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa), on any of the 4 exclusive Dahabiyyas, also provides the opportunity to truly relax, with 7 nights onboard to fully appreciate this classic journey.

The Nostalgic Nile - Luxor-Aswan from £1,595 (saving up to £600pp)

This 12-day itinerary includes scheduled flights and accommodation on The Amber, a traditional ‘dahabiyya’. Trip includes English-speaking guides on board who will also take care of tipping, private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, a sightseeing itinerary (including entrance fees), and exclusive ‘dahabiyya’ cruise. Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis. Price includes all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on December 14 departure date.

To book, visit www.balesworldwide.com or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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L'Oreal Paris and Costa Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

L’Oréal Paris, the truly global beauty brand synonymous with innovation, glamour, the highest quality and affordable luxury, has opened its first flagship store on the Costa Pacifica, the largest of Costa Cruises' impressive fleet.

The L’Oréal Paris store on the Pacifica is an international cosmetic shopping experience devoted to total beauty care. The new outlet is designed to meet all passengers' beauty needs and includes skin care, hair care and colour, men’s grooming, sun care and – of course – cosmetics, with an exclusive make-up corner where matte finish, flawless foundation, personal colour palette and micro-pearls are among the star attractions.

There will also be a make-up artist on hand and a special relaxation area helping passengers to enjoy the experience fully.

The partnership is the result of the L’Oréal Paris brand’s determination to enter the world of cruising and join European brand Costa, whose ships have plied the seas of the world for more than 60 years and now feature a genuine worldwide range of travel and entertainment.

The Pacifica will be operating this coming winter on 11-day cruises to Egypt, Israel, Greece and Turkey. Facilities on board include the Samsara Spa (over 6,000m²), which has conveniently located Spa cabins with direct access and a dedicated restaurant; a state-of-the-art recording studio; a Grand Prix driving simulator; a stunning central lido extending over two decks and fitted with a sliding glass roof; and the fun PlayStation World.

Find out more at www.costacruises.co.uk.

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