Avalon's New World Options

Following the success of its European river cruise programme in the UK market, Avalon Waterways has launched a range of worldwide river and ocean itineraries to include the Mississippi, the Nile and the Galapagos. Offering the same high standards of service, cuisine and luxurious onboard facilities as the European cruises, the new cruises will be bookable from the UK and packaged with return flights, a private home pick-up service and overseas airport transfers. 

The newly featured Mississippi cruises, the 13-day ‘Music City to the Big Easy’ (from £3,699pp) and 12-day ‘Mississippi in the Fall’ (from £3,429pp) are available on the American Queen, a classic style paddle-wheel steamboat capturing the essence of the 19^th century and offering a luxurious and stylish experience. With traditional plush décor, the ship offers spacious outside staterooms, modern facilities, a choice of dining options, regular showboat style entertainment in the Grand Saloon and inclusive shore excursions. The ‘Music City to the Big Easy’ itinerary includes 2 nights in Nashville and 1 night in Memphis with guided sightseeing before cruising the Mississippi with visits to Helena, Vicksburg, Natchez, St Francisville, Baton Rouge, Housmas House and New Orleans. 

Launching a range of three different itineraries on the Nile with departures available from January to December, Avalon now features the 5-star MS Mayfair, one of the newest vessels on the river. The ship offers a range of facilities including pool and jacuzzi, spa with steam & sauna, fitness centre, mezzanine lounge and nightclub. The itineraries include the 9-day ‘Highlights of Egypt’ (from £2,519pp); the 12-day ‘Pyramids, Lake Nasser & Nile Highlights’ featuring a four-night Lake Nasser cruise on MS Kasr Ibrim (from £3,529 pp) and 13-day ‘Egypt & the Nile in Depth’ with optional Lake Nasser cruise extension (from £3,053pp). All itineraries are combined with overnight stays in Cairo with guided city sightseeing. 

To meet demand for cruising in the Galapagos Islands, two new itineraries have been launched to sail aboard the Santa Cruz ship featured with first class facilities and 43 staterooms. The itineraries include the 11-day ‘Ecuador & the Galapagos’ (£3,965pp) with 2 nights in Quito, 2 nights on the Baltra Island as well as 4 nights cruising the Galapagos National Park before returning for an overnight stay in Quito. Also on sale is the 16-day ‘Discover the Galapagos & Peru’ (from £5,249pp), including visits to Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, and 4 nights cruising Galapagos National Park. Both itineraries can be extended with a three-night Amazon stay.

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

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Sanctuary Retreats Pioneer 10-Night Nile Cruises

Sanctuary Retreats is delighted to announce the successful completion of the first long cruise down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan for 15 years on board the Sanctuary Sun Boat III, which departed Cairo on August 19 and finished in Aswan ten days later.

For the past 15 years, cruise ships have been unable to sail from Cairo to Aswan. However, this  route has now been re-opened by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and, with their support alongside the Egyptian Government and the Floating River Association, Sanctuary Retreats is the first company to have completed this spectacular journey offering an unprecedented selection of Egypt’s ancient wonders over 10 nights.

Dates for 10 night cruises in 2013 are April 6 and 20 on Sanctuary Sun Boat III, May 24 and July 2 on Sanctuary Sun Boat IV and May 10 and September 10 on board Sanctuary Nile Adventurer. All Sanctuary Retreats boats offer the very best in intimate and luxurious Nile cruising.

With 18 cabins, Sun Boat III is a smaller than average 5-star boat in 1930s colonial style with unique personalised service. The boutique Sun Boat IV has 40 luxury cabins and is furnished in a contemporary style with an art deco influence, while the elegant Nile Adventurer has just 32 beautifully designed cabins offering a relaxed cruising experience.

Prices start from $3,440 per person for the 10-night cruises on a full board basis with all sightseeing, entrance fees and guidance from world class Egyptologists included. Flights and transfers not included.

Early Booking Offer

All new bookings for the 10-night cruise made before January 31 can take advantage of a complimentary private transfer on arrival, complimentary re-cruise check-in with one additional night half board on board prior to the departure and an upgrade to an upper category deck, subject to availability.

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

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Luxury On The Nile And Amazon

After 15 years of part-closure, the Egyptian Government has announced that they are opening up the great Nile from Cairo to Aswan. This iconic 600-mile journey was one of Bales Worldwide’s most popular holidays prior to closure and the company is thrilled to announce plans recommencing this luxury voyage again, aboard its exclusive Dahabiyya sailboats, from this October. 

Some of only a handful of boats allowed to make this timeless journey, Dahabiyyas are fully inclusive and cater for just 12 passengers. Each sailing is accompanied by an Egyptologist, making it the ultimate way to discover Egypt’s rich cultural heritage whilst passing through the breathtaking views, dreamy vistas and riverside towns.

During the journey, guests can explore the lesser known sites of Middle Egypt, such as the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan, Tell el-Amarna and Abydos, a must for those who are fascinated by the history of Egypt. However, the greatest highlight of all may just be rediscovering the River Nile aboard one of Bales’ luxurious and traditional sailboats.

Bales has been arranging luxury tours to Egypt for over 50 years and will start these unique and exciting cruises in the cooler months of autumn after the new 600-mile itineraries have been finalised and to celebrate the company’s 65^th Anniversary.

Or try a luxury Amazon cruise from £3,595pp:

Bales Worldwide are also offering a nine-day Amazon experience, including a four-night cruise on the M/V Aria of Aqua Expeditions and three nights in Lima. 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 select departure dates from July to December 2012. 

For more information, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury river-cruise experts.

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Big Savings on Nile With Bales

Cruising along the River Nile is still one of travel's great experiences, and, in 2012, there are more ways than ever to give it a try. Check out what the folks from Bales Worldwide have to say about it in their latest press release:


The Nostalgic Nile - Luxor-Aswan

Recapturing the golden age of 19th century cruising, these exclusive journeys sail the waterways between Luxor and Aswan aboard beautifully crafted dahabiyyas, elegant wooden sailing ships that afford the chance to experience the Nile without the usual crowds. With expert guides, small groups and 7 nights aboard to fully appreciate the classic landscapes, this exceptional and best-selling itinerary offers antiquity and ambience in equal measure.

The Nostalgic Nile from £1,545, saving up to £800pp

This 8-day itinerary, with scheduled flights and accommodation on The Amber, a traditional dahabiyya, 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 river cruise. 

Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis (including seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners). Price includes all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change. Prices are based on an April 21 departure date.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury river-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd, or call on 0800 008 6677.

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New for 2012/13 With Bales Worldwide

Bales Worldwide has launched its new 2012 Escorted Small Groups and Tailor Made Holidays programme for 2012/13. The new brochure covers 40 countries (with an additional 10 included online) throughout Asia, Africa, the Far East, Latin America, Egypt and Arabia, India, Canada, Alaska and Australasia. There are a few countries making a welcome return, as well as an increased offering in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Morocco and throughout Africa.
River cruises are offered on the Nile (several options), Yangtze, Ganges, Mekong, inland Borneo and the Galapagos Islands.
And, book before 30 September and you can save £100pp

For more information, visit www.balesworldwide.com  or The Cruise Line.

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Low-Carbon Cruising, Anyone?

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Sailing ships have a lot less impact on the environment. So, for minimum impact, why not try a low-carbon sailing cruise? Also, with their shallower drafts, these smaller cruise ships can drop anchor off tiny islands and communities unvisited by the larger vessels, thus bringing low impact tourism and economic benefits to the smaller communities.

There are hundreds of unique options, everything from riverboat cruising down the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia to whale-watching vessels off Iceland. If you get that Columbus feeling, you can even take part in trans-ocean voyages or sail down the Nile on Bales’ six- cabin Edwardian yachts (left).

Bales’ four dahabiyyas are beautifully crafted 19th century-style river sailboats that revive the elegant days when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers cruised the Nile. Fitted out in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches, they have six individually designed cabins, thus producing very low impact on the environment and very few carbon emissions.

Bales Worldwide offers luxury holidays to more than 50 countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, Ecuador & Galapagos, India, Jordan, Peru and Tanzania.

For more information on Bales Worldwide, visit http://www.balesworldwide.com/ or for more on Nile cruising, contact adventure cruise specialist the Cruise Line Ltd.

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Cruising The Nile

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Egypt has always had a fascination for the traveller. Cruising down the Nile also inspired Agatha Christie to write one her most famous novels involving Hercule Poirot.

Now, with the The Cruise Line, you can experience the kind of luxury and comfort yesteryear's travellers enjoyed.

Relax on board the MS Grand Preziosa and enjoy the exciting sights and breathtaking views from the expansive sun deck along Egypt’s landmark river. Back in the lounge bar, you can still enjoy the views – with panoramic windows looking across the Nile’s banks. Decorated in luxurious style throughout, with modern furnishings, this is one of the region's premier vessels.

Or maybe you'd prefer to try the luxurious 5-star 'Alexander the Great', a new concept on the Nile based on elegance and style. Facilities on board include the Red Fiesta restaurant situated on the third deck, with large panoramic windows overlooking the river and offering a variety of international cuisine from buffet breakfasts and lunches to a la carte dinners. The barbeque on the pool deck is also a great place to enjoy traditional oriental food and music under the stars. There is a bar and lounge located on the fourth deck, which provides another ideal meeting place. The sun deck is provided with a shaded area and loungers to relax and enjoy the views of the Nile, with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus a bar offering drinks and light snacks.

For more information, visit the The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Titan Escorted River Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Titan HiTours, the escorted tours specialist, has unveiled its first brochure totally dedicated to escorted river cruises. This constitutes the company's widest ever choice of escorted river cruises and features an enticing range of upmarket options on some of the world's grandest and most scenic waterways, including the Nile, the Danube and the mighty Yangtze, as well as 10 brand new itineraries.

Every Titan holiday is guaranteed to offer great value for money, and the company's river cruise selection is no exception. Prices include flights, meals, a fantastic array of shore-based excursions and even door-to-door transfers from customers' own homes to their nearest airport.

This VIP Home Departure Service is available for all passengers living in mainland England, Scotland and Wales (plus Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), meaning that Titan guests can enjoy complete convenience and peace of mind no matter where they live in the United Kingdom. In addition, early-booking discounts are available on several cruises, providing even better value for money for those reserving their holidays in good time.

The Escorted River Cruises brochure features holiday options as far afield as Canada, China, Russia and Egypt, the Volga, Nile, Yangtze and St Lawrence Rivers, leading in at £995 per person for the 8-day Egypt's Timeless Riches itinerary. Departures are available in all but the hottest months of the year, with the price including flights, transfers, full-board accommodation, sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary, port taxes and the VIP Home Departure Service.

For more details, look up http://www.titanhitours.co.uk/

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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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River Tosca back on the River Nile

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Over the last several years, Uniworld River Cruises have seen a growing interest in Egypt, a glorious destination. As a company, they felt the need to provide travellers with a Nile River cruise that would incorporate the same high standards as their riverboats in Europe. As a result, Uniworld originally commissioned the River Tosca with the goal that it would be one of the most luxurious ships to sail the Nile.

However, when it became apparent the Tosca did not meet Uniworld standards, the company made the difficult decision to dry-dock the ship for seven weeks. The main deficiencies were: the quality of workmanship with the floors in the staterooms, main stairwell, and corridors - damaged and scratched during installation; the mosaic tiles in the restaurant; the paint and woodwork in the staterooms; and the choice of fabrics in the staterooms.

Dry-docking the ship - in the height of the season in Egypt - was a very difficult and humbling decision for the company. It was the right decision to make, however, both for the long term success of Uniworld in Egypt and, most importantly, for their customers. The Tosca resumed sailing the Nile last March, with all the floors in the staterooms, corridors, stairwells and restaurant having been replaced.

The 84-passenger ship now has new wall coverings in the staterooms and the furniture has been reupholstered with tones more appropriate to the destination. The staterooms are spectacular, both in size (a minimum of 300sq ft) and decor. With the Tosca resuming its Nile sailings, the Uniworld team eagerly awaits guests’ feedback.

Uniworld features elegant, boutique hotel-style cruise ships designed for the experienced traveller, with an average capacity of 134 guests, expertly planned itineraries and shore excursions, world-class cuisine and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff with a ratio of one staff member to every three guests. The company offers over 500 departures on 35 itineraries sailing on 9 rivers in 16 countries throughout Europe, Egypt, and China.

For more information, visit http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/

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Sailing with the Pharaohs

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Cruising in style and luxury with the ambience of a bygone age is a delight to be experienced as much as possible. The late 19th century aristocracy of Europe would partake 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. Now Bales Worldwide have recreated those halcyon days with their best-selling itinerary.

Travelling with a small select group, you can witness the ancient treasures of Egypt up close and in a manner thought lost forever by discerning travellers. Avoiding the crowds you have the advantage of an expert guide on hand to enlighten you along the way.

Completing the entire journey between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) by boat also provides the opportunity to truly relax, with 7 nights onboard to fully appreciate this classic journey. The cruise will operate either from Luxor to Aswan or in the reverse direction. You will be booked on one of the 4 exclusive Dahabiyyas to Bales: Amber, Musk, Nesma and Zahra. All the Dahabiyyas are identical with the exception of the décor.

The company also offers luxury holidays to more than 50 countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, Ecuador & the Galapagos islands, India, Jordan, Peru and Tanzania. These can be a select journey where you have local guides or a tailor-made holiday of your making.

You can find out more at http://www.balesworldwide.com/

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