Taj Mahal is the finest of all the architectural wonders on Aegean Odyssey's 2015 cruises to India

Taj Mahal: the epitome of wonder and an extravagant declaration of love

• This is our final guest blog post by Zoe Bromley-Fox, Land Programmes Manager of cruise line Voyages to Antiquity. The line’s one ship, Aegean Odyssey, returns to south-east Asia this winter for the first time since the winter of 2012-13. Zoe looks forward to the forthcoming visit by recalling highlights of the journey two years ago.

When thinking about the key attractions of our upcoming Asia season, our classic introduction to India’s Golden Triangle cannot go unmentioned. In 2015 the tour will feature an extra day, making it a 5 day adventure to the sights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur either before or after your cruise. You’ll have the chance to explore both Old and New Delhi, the highlight undoubtedly being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar – a masterpiece of Islamic architecture at over 236 feet tall. The theme of fascinating, architectural wonders continues throughout the tour as you visit the 17th Century Amber Fort in Jaipur, then Fatehpur Sikri – an architectural blend of Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim heritage, and of course the epitome of wonder and extravagant declaration of love – the Taj Mahal.

I’ll be off shortly on my final inspection trip to make sure everything runs smoothly in the New Year when we visit the region again – and I must say I can’t wait to see these wonders again!

More details of Aegean Odyssey’s cruises visiting India in 2015 on Voyages to Antiquity's website. Which is also where you can read Zoe’s blog in full, together with her pick of the top excursions in south-east Asia.

Many thanks to Zoe for her contributions over the past five days. For any readers who wondered that's her on the right, in the picture below, with two colleagues.

Zoe Bromley-Fox (right) and colleagues in Indonesia

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Crystal Highlight Best Of Asia By Land

When it comes to destination-focused cruising, here at World of Cruising we like to think we have our finger firmly on the pulse. And it seems several cruise lines share our passion for destinations, judging by this latest idea for Far East touring from Crystal Cruises.

From February through April, Crystal is offering its largest collection of Overland Adventures in Asia. A total of 15 one- and two-night optional, mid-cruise journeys will take guests far from the ports of Yangon, Shanghai, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Xiamen and Chan May for in-depth, intimate explorations of renowned sites, history, culture and nature.

All Overland Adventures include air, shuttle and/or boat transport to and from ports; meals, featuring traditional fare such as Peking Duck or a Myanmar-style royal dinner and show; and luxury accommodations such as Bangkok’s Peninsula, Siem Reap’s Sokha Hotel and Myanmar’s Aureum Palace Hotel.

Next winter, spring and autumn, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sail through China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and India on 31 five- to 29-night itineraries, including shorter Crystal Getaways and extended combination cruises. Cruise only fares for the 2014 Asia itineraries start from £1,070 per person if booked by January 3. Asian Overland Adventures fares start from $869 per person, double occupancy.

More info: 020 7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.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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Noble Caledonia's Indian Adventure

Here's a new offer that has just arrived in the World of Cruising Inbox that we really like the sound of - join Noble Caledonia as they venture along India’s most holy river on two journeys, allowing guests to discover the true spirit of the country. No river in the world plays a more important cultural, economic or social role in the lives of more people than the Ganges. The spiritual heart of Hinduism, the river is strewn with cities, pilgrimage sites, mountains and forests. Any river journey allows the traveller to slowly absorb the sights and everyday life that is just not possible by any other means of travel, and this is particularly true of the Ganges; its banks offer a colourful, ever-changing scene and a fascinating glimpse of India, from the enchanting rural landscapes to the bustling towns and cities. Anyone who travels regularly to India will tell you moving around on land can be frustratingly slow. But this journey aboard the newly built RV Rajmahal alleviates much of this stress as so much of what can be seen and done can be approached from the banks of the river. Romantic notions and modern travel are often a difficult marriage, but a Ganges journey is one of the few trips that can still inspire and be a genuinely moving experience, whether guests are watching a torrent of pilgrims and holy men wading into the river; reflecting on the history of the Raj and its ever present monuments; or simply observing fishermen and locals going about their business in their tiny boats. Priced from £4,995 per person for 17 nights; book by May 31 and save £500pp. For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's river cruise specialists.

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Celebrate India Day With Voyages of Discovery

Celebrate India’s independence on India Day (January 26) and book a cruise to Asia from a bargain £2,019 per person with Voyages of Discovery.

Passengers on board the 17-day "Tales of India & Arabia" voyage will be able to visit the birthplace of Ghandi in Porbandar and explore the UNESCO listed Elephanta Caves near to the colourful city of Mumbai before sailing to Sri Lanka.

Tales of India & Arabia departs from Dubai (UAE, overnight), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Porbandar, Mumbai (overnight), Marmagao, Cochin (overnight), Tuticorin and Colombo (Sri Lanka, overnight).

Price is based on a December 3 UK departure and includes return flights from a major UK airport, all overseas transfers, all on board gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board.

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

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Around The World With Silversea

Leading luxury cruise operator Silversea has announced  it will start 2014 - its 20^th anniversary year - with an exceptional voyage. The special 113-day 2014 World Cruise will encompass 54 ports in 29 countries, with 12 overnights and eight late departures.

Setting sail from Los Angeles on  January 6, the 382-guest Silver Whisper will circumnavigate the entire globe. Heading first into the Pacific, the ship calls at Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand before a two-day call at Sydney. The three days in Hong Kong and two days in Shanghai that follow will allow an extensive array of Overland Adventures, and a myriad of half and full-day excursions.

Guests will then spend a month exploring Asia calling at Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia before arriving at one of the world’s most intriguing and enigmatic destinations, Myanmar. Silver Whisper will remain at dock in Yangon for three days to allow ample time to discover the colonial architecture of Burma’s largest city, monumental Shwedagon Pagoda, and unforgettable Bagan with its 2,200 temples and pagodas. The antiquities and urban contrasts of India, Oman, Jordan and Egypt are then followed by twin calls in the Holy Land.

The global journey concludes with a sweep of former capitals of empire, notably Istanbul, Athens and Rome and the delights of Messina, Sorrento and Monte Carlo. An overnight in Barcelona will bring the World Cruise to an artistic conclusion.

Options are also available to extend the journey, by adding a pre-cruise Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles (17 days), or extend from Barcelona to Lisbon (7 days) or Southampton (16 days).

Full World Cruise guests will enjoy a number of added benefits, including a gala Bon Voyage evening at the Montage Beverly Hills (or similar), baggage valet service, inclusive air (or air credit), generous onboard spending credits, exclusive shoreside events, such as an overnight visit to Angkor Wat, with dinner in the shadows of Bayon Temple, and a delightful array of surprises.

Prices start from £33,650 per person, based on double occupancy for the 113-day cruise.

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

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Asia Cruising From Just £59 Per Day

The bargain fare offers continue to come in thick and fast this month. Here's another, that offers a grand Asia voyage from just £59 per person, per day:

Join Voyages of Discovery’s MV Discovery for a 17-day 'Tales of India and Arabia' cruise from £999 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Discover the fusion of religion and culture in Mumbai, visit the birthplace of Ghandhi ‘The Father of the Nation’ in Porbandar and follow the Frankincense Trail.

The price includes return flights from London, transfers and the 17-day voyage departing from Mumbai (overnight) and calling at Porbandar, Muscat (Oman, overnight), Salalah (Oman), Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), Aqaba (Jordan) and the final port of Safaga (Egypt, overnight). Based on a March 19 departure. Price includes all meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

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

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Voyages of Discovery's New Cruise "From Ceylon To Siam"

Encounter all the magic and mystery of Asia onboard a brand new itinerary, From Ceylon to Siam, the latest addition to Voyages of Discovery’s winter cruise programme.

The new voyage showcases the best of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia and, from just £1,349 per person, guests will have the chance to explore South-East Asia’s most stunning natural wonders and cosmopolitan city streets. Voyages of Discovery even go to the trouble of organising guest visas upon arrival, a privilege independent travellers will be envious of. But you'll have to be quick - the cruise departs on December 2!

The price includes return flights from the UK and a 17-day voyage departing from Columbo (Sri Lanka), overnight, and calling at Yangon (Myanmar; for a 2-night stay), Phuket (Thailand), Penang (Malaysia) and Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) before arriving at Laem Chabang (Bangkok, Thailand); meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

Follow this link to find out more at luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Azamara's Asia And Middle East

Join Azamara Club Cruises’  Azamara Quest for a 14-night Spice Route fly/cruise from just £2,141.00 per person (based on two people sharing an ocean view stateroom).

This excellent price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a 12-night cruise departing Mumbai (India) and calling at Goa (India), Cochin (India), Madra (India) and Phuket (Thailand) before arriving into Singapore for the return flight; all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on a December 10 departure.

For more information, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Winter Adventures in the Indian Ocean

Zegrahm's Winter Getaways are a great option for adventure-cruise enthusiasts, especially in the intimate comfort of the recently refurbished 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. In addition to a bevy of complimentary amenities such as a variety of daily activity options; all gratuities, accommodations, and meals; and transfers on group arrival and departures dates, Odyssey’s shallow draft and fleet of Zodiacs allow guests to land on pristine atolls and uninhabited islands where many of the big ships simply can’t go.

First on the roster is India for a 15-day sojourn skirting the subcontinent’s southern shores. In addition to experiencing the fascinating city of Mumbai, the colonial European charm of Goa, Kochi’s maze of islands and waterways via houseboat, the Southern India by Sea programme spends two full days in Sri Lanka. The highlights of the island (once lauded by Marco Polo as the “finest island of its size”) include a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the World Heritage Sites of Kandy’s Buddhist Temple of the Tooth and the seaside fortress of Galle.

Next up is the India & the Maldives with Sri Lanka & Lakshadweeps, the perfect union of culture and natural history. Zegrahm cover all the highlights of Southern India and Sri Lanka, then make their way to the unspoiled islands of the Lakshadweeps and Maldives. The visits to these two archipelagos will be spent discovering the region’s underwater riches with daily snorkel, dive and glass-bottom boat excursions. And, since many families enjoy travelling together over the holidays, the company is happy to offer special group savings on this voyage: groups of four or more receive 10% off the brochure rate and groups of eight or more receive 15% off!

The New Year brings two amazing voyages focused on the Seychelles. First, from January 13-27, travellers on the Ultimate Seychelles expedition will enjoy daily adventures above and below the water. Whether it be hiking among the endemic coco-de-mar palms on Praslin Island, admiring Aldabra Atoll’s giant Indian Ocean tortoises, photographing the pink granite boulders of La Digue or snorkelling and diving among 150 coral species and 850 species of rainbow-hued fish, this voyage is sure to make guests forget winter exists elsewhere in the world.

Finally, the new Classic Seychelles offers the very best of these Indian Ocean islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Aldabra Atoll, plus the Comoros Islands and Tanzania. After spending days snorkelling, diving, bird-watching and beach-combing in the Seychelles, Odyssey heads to the volcanic islands of the Comoros, with an interesting mélange of Arabic and French architecture nestled among the islands' stunning natural beauty. The voyage concludes with explorations in magical Zanzibar, the “Spice Island”, where guests can wander the labyrinth of alleyways, filled with treasures of the East that established its fame: cloves, cinnamon and vanilla.

But, while winter may seem light years away, guests are advised to book soon to secure their cabin of choice. Then, instead of menu planning for Christmas or buying new snow shovels, they can start day-dreaming about glistening temple complexes and secluded, sugar-sand beaches!

For more info, visit www.zeco.com or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Sri Lanka First Time Visit

By guest blogger Steve Newman

In 2011, Zegrahm Expeditions will visit the country of Sri Lanka for the first time in its 20-year history. Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon, Sri Lanka has long been on the path of major sea routes and today is an emerging adventure travel destination.

Graced by lush tropical forests, white-sand beaches, and rich biodiversity, it’s no wonder it was once lauded by Marco Polo as the “finest island of its size.” In addition to Sri Lanka’s unspoiled natural beauty, the country has a fascinating cultural history over 3,000-years old, which is also one of the longest documented histories in the world, and is one of the few remaining centres of the Buddhist religion and culture in South Asia.

The Bay of Bengal & the Andaman Sea (Jan17-Feb 6, 2011) and India and the Maldives with Sri Lanka & Lakshadweeps (Dec 17, 2011-Jan 3, 2012) voyages explore three World Heritage Sites during the two days spent in Sri Lanka.

Visits include 1,000-year-old Polonnaruwa (and nearby Minneriya-Giritale National Park, which is home to bears, crocodiles, leopards and its most famed resident, wild elephants!); the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka; and the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the tooth of Bhudda encased in gold caskets. These expeditions both overnight in the quaint village of Habarna.

Travellers aboard Splendors of India with Sri Lanka (Feb 1-17, 2011) and Southern India by Sea with Sri Lanka (Dec 7-21, 2011) enjoy a full-day exploration of Galle, including its Dutch colonial era fort—a World Heritage Site—Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum and Poorvarama Temple.

Travellers spend a second day in the Sri Lankan highlands visiting the Temple of the Tooth, one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world; Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which provides care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle (above); and the Botanical Gardens. On the Splendors of India voyage, travellers get the added benefit of an overnight in Kandy, the laid-back capital of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

To learn more about Zegrahm’s time in Sri Lanka and to review full itineraries for each expedition, visit http://www.zeco.com/ or call the UK's adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Bales Wordlwide new brochure.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

2011 is a milestone year for Bales Worldwide, marking 50 years since the luxury operator took its very first group tour to the Holy Land. Bales is celebrating these five decades of worldwide touring with the launch of the new Escorted Small Groups and Tailor Made Holidays Brochure for 2011/12.

The new programme covers 50 destinations throughout Asia, Africa, the Orient, Latin America, Egypt and Arabia, India and Canada & Alaska, with a dedicated online brochure for Australasia. There are a few countries making a welcome return including Sri Lanka and Myanmar, plus the programme introduces a series of new tours and suggested journeys - from an adventurous journey across Tibet, or mountain biking and trekking in Peru's Sacred Valley, to exploring China's tropical Hainan Island.

To mark the 50th anniversary of escorted touring, the new programme sees the launch of the Bales Heritage collection, giving travellers a taste of some of Bales' most iconic escorted tours from the impressive back catalogue featuring unusual and unique travel itineraries to Jordan, India and Egypt with more destinations to follow.

In addition to countless tailor-made travel ideas and suggested itineraries, there are a total of 54 escorted and small group journeys with prices starting at just £1095 for the 11-day 'Wonders of Ancient Egypt' tour, consisting of three nights in Cairo followed by a week's Nile cruise.

For more details, visit http://www.balesworldwide.com/.

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New Brochure from Swan Hellenic

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The winter 2011-2012 season brochures are going on sale now and Swan Hellenic’s latest features cruises throughout northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Black Sea, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Following particularly successful sales for Far East cruises this year, the cruise line will return to the region in late 2011 with ports of call throughout India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Indonesia and the Philippines , including a return to Yangon in Myanmar.

New ports, all accessible only by smaller ships like Swan Hellenic's Minerva, featured in the brochure across Europe, Asia and Middle East include the wildlife conservation reserve of Sir Bani Yas island in the United Arab Emirates, the Vietnamese coastal city of Qui Nhon, and the French fishing town of Port Vendres close to the Spanish border. The 320-guest ship (above) is also small enough to transit the Corinth Canal in Greece, the Kiel Canal in Germany, the Yangon River in Myanmar and the Saigon River in Vietnam.

One of the highlights is an insight into the tribes, religions and cultures of Indonesia and South East Asia, with a 22-day ‘East of Java’ cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong and ports of call that Semarang in Java, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Sandakan in Malaysia for a visit to an orangutan sanctuary, and Manila in the Philippines, before arriving in Hong Kong. Prices are from £3,345 per person for a 22-day fly-cruise in January 2012.

Brochures can also be viewed online at www.swanhellenic.com/2012brochure.

Swan Hellenic will be exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham on October 16-17. and at London's Olympia on March 26-27 2011.

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Splendours of India

By guest blogger Steve Newman

India has captivated travellers for centuries, but venturing to this cultural melting-pot can be a logistical challenge. In February and December 2011, Zegrahm Expeditions will treat travellers to over two weeks of in-depth exploration in Southern India, including a stop in Sri Lanka, via the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey (above).

Zegrahm believes the best way for travellers to immerse themselves in the countries they visit, with minimal distractions and inconveniences, is by small ship (and, having sampled their style earlier this year, I would fully endorse that view).

They are also one of the leading adventure travel companies, specialising in small-ship expedition tours and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world, and their India voyage will add another string to their considerable bow, revealing yet another array of dazzling visual wonders and cultural delights.

From Chennai (Madras), the ship visits Madurai’s Meenakshi temple, then explores fascinating Sri Lanka, where you search for wild elephants and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Along India’s west coast, visits are Cochin, Mangalore and Goa, and you end your journey in Mumbai. There is no better way to explore this diverse land than by sea, affording you the opportunity to travel from the serene villages to bustling city streets all in genuine 5-Star style.

You can beat the heat, too, as the air-conditioned Odyssey allows you to travel from port to port in the utmost comfort, bypassing long, steamy drives to get to your next destination. Soak in the coastal sights as you make your way from port to port - a view of India often unseen by most tourists - and you can also choose from several shore excursions each day, all of which are complimentary.

Learn more about the February 1-17 and December 7–21, 2011, Splendours of India departures on Zegrahm’s website at http://www.zeco.com/

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