The Majestic Line Team Up With Best Scottish Tours

Cruising in the highlands of Scotland has become big business in recent years, and here is news of a new tie-up between two specialist operators in the area that should make it even better (and better value) in future.

The Majestic Line have just announced a new collaboration with Best Scottish Tours to provide a wonderful land and sea experience of Argyll and the Hebrides this Autumn.

This new 10-day 'Castles and Clans of Mull and Glencoe' tour will provide a unique insight into Scotland's incredible Clan history, with a 6-day cruise on The Majestic Line, visiting iconic castles such as Duart Castle, seat of the Clan Maclean, and Castle Stalker, ancient stronghold of the Stewart Clan. 

This will be followed by a 4-day land tour provided by Best Scottish Tours visiting, for instance, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle on Skye and Scotland's most famous castle, Eilean Donan, in the West Highlands. The cruise departs from Oban on October 11 and 18.

More info: call 07748 360 148 or visit www.themajesticline.co.uk. 

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Majestic's New Wildlife Partnership

Innovative small-ship cruise company The Majestic Line,has confirmed their partnership with one of the country’s top wildlife guides, providing an exciting land tour on their new 2014 Hebridean cruise, named ‘Around Mull: Wildlife Explorer’.

The new voyage is aimed at guests keen to discover the many extraordinary diverse and rare species that make this island one of the premier hotspots for wildlife in the UK. The company’s crew of four have sailed these sheltered waters for many years and have first-hand experience of spotting incredible wildlife throughout the cruising season, including basking sharks, porpoises, Minke whales, otters, white-tailed and golden eagles.  

Guests can soak up an abundance of wildlife in comfort and style aboard Majestic's pair of mini cruise ships, enjoying exceptional hospitality against a stunning backdrop of mountains, remote white sandy beaches, and ancient castles.

More info: call 07748 360 148 or visit www.themajesticline.co.uk. 

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Enjoy That Highland Spirit With Majestic

Small-ship cruising has become BIG cruise business in recent years, and we are always keen to highlight the latest ideas and offers here at World of Cruising.

And, if the Highlands of Scotland appeal to you, here is a chance to celebrate the birth of Spring on the West Coast with three new tempting special deals from the award-winning Majestic Line.

Three different 6-night itineraries are on offer at a 10% discount exploring the idyllic Argyll and Hebridean landscape, rich in history, wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Majestic’s cruising season opens on April 5 with a grand one-way 6-night tour of Argyll and the Hebrides, sailing from the magnificent Firth of Clyde around the dramatic Mull of Kintyre to the Islands of the Hebrides, and stopping over at Gigha, Jura and other remote island anchorages en route to Oban.

The month of April has consistently been one of Majestic best cruising months, with high levels of sunshine, longer days and a landscape reborn with abundant springtime flora and fauna, an inviting prospect for guests looking for a special maritime adventure.   

Visitors can savour the scenery and exceptional hospitality onboard the company’s stylishly restored wooden fishing vessels, with a gourmet menu rich in local speciality produce and an experienced crew who have sailed these waters for many years.

More info: call 01369 707951 or visit www.themajesticline.co.uk. 

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Three Cruise Lines, Three Round-Britain Cruises!

Here's a great trio of alternatives for the increasingly popular round-Britain cruises that many lines are now offering. They obviously all come with the benefit of no flights involved, and take in some fabulous parts of the United Kingdom. Here's what they say...

Voyages of Discovery

Departing from Portsmouth, discover the history, heritage and tradition of the British Isles. Around the shores of this island nation, discover stunning landscapes that inspired celebrated artists, and those that played starring roles in stirring epics. Set foot in atmospheric castles that hosted legendary figures, and stately homes where literary heroes penned immortal words. Turn the pages on Britain’s Royal story peopled by famous monarchs, and through great abbeys and cherished cathedrals trace the power of the church.

The 14-day National Treasures of the British Isles departs May 4 and costs from £1,939 per person. 

More info: call 0844 334 8389 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.

Swan Hellenic

Travel from Portsmouth to Edinburgh, Scotland’s dynamic capital, and explore this historic city. Visit Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Hopetoun, Scotland’s finest stately home. Sail to the Caithness port of Scrabster to stand on the most northerly point of mainland Britain at Dunnet Head overlooking the Pentland Firth. Follow Bonnie Prince Charlie as he escaped over the sea to Skye and visit Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, built on a rock in an idyllic loch-side setting. Enjoy inspirational scenic cruising as Minerva cruises off the west coast of Scotland, passing islands, glens and bays – including the tiny island of Staffa – en route to Oban, and then on to Liverpool.

This 15-day Treasures of the British Isles cruise departs July 1 and costs from £2,470 per person. 

More info: call 0844 488 0716 or visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Hebridean Island Cruises

A voyage into the unknown - join Hebridean Princess on the annual ‘Surprise’ cruise where the Captain will decide the itinerary. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Scotland’s west coast and Hebridean islands as the Captain decides on the itinerary day by day. While the itinerary is unknown, the level of comfort and service on board  is assured. The cruise departs from Oban with only 50 guests, fine food and wine with spacious, elegant well-appointed cabins

The 7-night An Island Surprise voyage departs April 1 and costs from £2,660 per person. 
More Info: call 01756 704 700 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk.

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Majestic's October Bonus

Specialist Scottish waterways cruise company The Majestic Line has a series of special offers for a late-autumn voyage in their unique 12-passenger vessels.

With remaining departures on October 12 and 19, Majestic are featuring a special 10 per cent discount on both cruises.

The Heritage and Wildlife of Mull & Glencoe 6-night cruise visits dramatic Duart Castle, home of the Clan MacLean, and the pretty town of Tobermory on Mull before navigating the magnificent sea lochs of Loch Sunart and Loch Linnhe, cruising past picturesque Castle Stalker on the way to Glencoe.

Guests can then see the engineering wonder of Neptune’s staircase on our Loch Ness & the Caledonian Canal 6-night cruise leading to Loch Ness, with its ancient Castle Urquart shrouded in myth and legend. The area is full of romance and mystery, with amazing scenery. This cruise is one-way, following the entire Caledonian Canal between Oban on the west coast and Inverness on the East.

2014 cruises now available at this year's prices for a limited time only

Majestic's 2014 calendar of nine unique cruises is now available on the website, currently at this season's prices. Unfortunately, they will soon be putting prices up due to their own increased costs but not yet! Book your 2014 cruise now and benefit from this year's prices.

For more info and bookings, see Majestic's website at www.themajesticline.co.uk. More more adventure-cruise ideas, be sure to follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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A Classical Cruise Of The Hebrides

Guests joining Hebridean Island Cruises’ music-themed cruise, A Classical Cruise of the Hebrides, will be able to enjoy two exclusive performances from artists at the celebrated Mendelssohn on Mull festival, whilst on the voyage.

The luxury cruise line is one of  the  sponsors for the annual classical music event, which celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year. Young violin soloist Colin Scobie will be performing Mendelssohn’s Hebridean Overture for passengers inside Fingal’s Cave, which provided the original inspiration for the piece. Guests will also be able to enjoy a special concert by a string quartet from the festival after the ship has called at Duart Castle.

A Classical Cruise of the Hebrides starts from £5,090 per person (based on two sharing an outside cabin), departing from Oban on July 2 and calling at Jura and Port Ellen, Staffa and Ulva, Tobermory, Muck and Ardnamurchan, Fort William and Craignure before returning to Oban. 

The price includes transport between Glasgow and the ship or free car parking, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. All 2013 Hebridean Island Cruises bookings also come with the added benefit of free single trip travel insurance. Terms and conditions apply – see website or brochure for details.

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

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Check Out Voyages Of Discovery In 2013

Discovery-led cruise line Voyages of Discovery has launched new ‘Saver Fares’ with savings of up to £250 per person on selected itineraries. Theyare ideal for customers looking for a great deal and are available on nine cruises within the Summer and Winter 2013-14 programmes. Saver Fares are limited in availability so guests are encouraged to book early to secure the best fare.

Current Saver Fare itineraries include:

• The 10-day Heritage of the British Isles cruise from £949 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), which works out at less than £95 per person per day. The voyage departs from Portsmouth on June 2 and calls at Holyhead, Belfast, Oban and Port of Tyne.
• The 18-day Indian, Arabian and African Contrasts cruise from £1,149 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), or less than £64 per person, per day. Departing from Mumbai (overnight) on March 21, it calls at Porbandar, Muscat (overnight) and Safaga (overnight).
• The 14-day Springtime European Voyager cruise from £849 per person (again, based on two sharing an inside cabin), or less than £61 per person, per day. Departing from Civitavecchia (Rome), it calls at San Remo (Italy), Valencia (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Leixoes (Portugal). Price is based on a 21 April 2014 UK departure.

Offers are also available on the following itineraries: Celtic Treasures, Mediterranean Medley, Adriatic, Aegean and Corinth Canal, In the Footsteps of St Paul, Windows on the Ancient World and East to Myanmar and the Orient.

Saver Fares include return flights from the UK on fly-cruises, all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board the ship. 

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

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Atlantic Island Odyssey With Noble Caldedonia

Noble Caledonia is featuring two magnificent British Isles cruises next summer, offering the chance for a unique view of some of the most isolated islands - and rare coastlines - in Europe.

The Exploration of the Shetland, Faroe and Hebridean Islands aboard the Corinithian sails on July 24 and is a chance to see nature in the raw. This expedition cruise will appeal to those who prefer their islands deserted, but with abundant bird and wildlife. Journey along rugged coastlines and onceinhabited islands aboard the 100-passenger vessel, venturing far north to the Outer Hebrides, Faroes, Orkneys and Shetlands and with Zodiacs  to land on remote beaches and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife.

Itinerary: Leith, Stromness, Fair Isle, Mousa, Lerwick, Foula, Torshavn, Mykines, Suduroy, North Rona, St Kilda, Barra Islands and Oban. Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £3,200 for a Cat E Suite. Suites for sole use start from £5,100. Price includes 10 nights aboard Corinthian on full board, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.

Or try Summer in the Isles, a coastal cruise of Scotland, Ireland and England from Oban to Poole aboard Corinthian sailing on August 3-12. This journey will take guests along the edges of the United Kingdom and Ireland and offers a portrait of life in the islands. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some of our most beautiful places, meet some interesting inhabitants as far afield as the Northern Isles to the Isles of Scilly, and learn more about both the past and present of Britain and Ireland. Whether you are an avid gardener, birdwatcher, amateur historian or simply enjoy sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting places in the world, this trip has it all.

Itinerary: Oban, Canna & Sky, Lunga & Iona, Jura & Gigha, Portrush & Rathlin, Dublin, Lundy Island, Isles of Scilly, Guernsey & Herm and Poole. Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £2,850 for a Cat E Suite. Suites for sole use start from £4430. Price includes 9 nights aboard Corinthian on full board, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.

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

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Try 'Wild Scotland' With Aurora

Expedition cruise company Aurora Expeditions has launched its new 2013 ‘Wild Scotland’ voyage with a 10% Earlybird offer. Going from coast to coast, the voyage will explore the heritage and wildlife of the beautiful Scottish Isles as few see them.

Carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, Aurora's ship Polar Pioneer will depart from the picturesque town of Oban on the west coast and end in Aberdeen on the east. The 11-day voyage departs June 23, 2013.

Following in the footsteps of our Celtic and Viking forefathers, the historic and wildlife themed voyage will blaze a trail across Scotland’s beautiful coastline including the Highlands, western islands, Outer Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Aberdeen. Exploration from Polar Pioneer will be carried out using the fleet of Zodiacs for landings ashore.

Aurora's Scottish historian Carol Knott will regale passengers with fascinating stories and provide enriching lectures to unlock the mysteries of this ancient coastline, which includes Neolithic sites scarcely altered in 5,000 years. The cruise will visit remote crofting communities and iconic castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans. A naturalist will also be among the team of expedition experts, all of whom provide fascinating talks to help interpret the day’s sightings. Kayaking is available on this voyage.

All passengers will also receive a complimentary 12-month membership to the National Trust of Australia (NSW), including entry into over 300 properties in the UK.

For more information on adventure-style cruising, please follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK’s expedition cruise specialists.

(NB: Picture Graham Morgan)

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Sample An Orkney Summer

Join Hebridean Island Cruises' small luxury cruise ship Hebridean Princess this summer and discover the charm of Orkney's Nordic heritage in sumptuous style from just £5,550 per person.

The nine-night 'North to Orkney' cruise sails on June 27 and explores the island's prehistoric sites, including Cape Wrath and the Castle and Garden of Mey. Special guest speaker and archaeology expert Dr Coleen Batey will also be on board to give an insight into the iconic buildings and Orkney's largest chambered tomb, Maes Howe.

The voyage departs from Oban and calls at Gairloch, Loch Eriboll, Scrabster, Kirkwall, Stronsay and Papa Westray, Westray and Stromness, Stromness, Helmsdale and Invergordon. 

Alternatively, guests on the nine-night 'Home From The North' cruise  departing July 15 can pay a visit to Orkney's legendary cathedral, St Magnus, which has dominated the Kirkwall skyline for over 875 years. Prices start from £3,700 per person.

'Home From The North' departs from Invergordon and calls at Helmsdale, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Scrabster and Loch Eriboll, Stornoway, Skye, Rum, Glenmore and Oban.

Prices include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees (based on two people sharing a castle grade cabin).

For booking details, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure specialists. 

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From Wild Scotland to the Norwegian Fjords

Try a voyage with a difference in the company of Noble Caledonia this summer, taking in the full depths of Scotland to the fjords of Norway.

The cruise begins on the west coast of Scotland in the port of Oban, with the journey north including magnificent St Kilda and calls in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, to be immersed in some of the region's mysterious ancient history.

Reaching Sunnfjord, one of Norway's most stunning areas, the voyages travels along the coast, visiting the vast swathe of fjords and chain of islands all the way up to the Lofoten group.

It is difficult to imagine a more relaxing setting than coastal Norway. Words cannot describe the awe-inspiring scenery that combines mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, valleys and truly dramatic fjords.

The immense size of the fjords and the timeless quality of scenes that have changed little in the past centuries create a unique atmosphere, especially as the journey avoids the tracks of the big cruise ships wherever possible, with many ports of call just tranquil hamlets and small communities, offering a fascinating look at their unique lifestyles.

Such a journey needs a special vessel, and the self-sufficient qualities of the MS Quest are ideal in this instance. Carrying just 50 passengers, this small, friendly ship will be able to land on remote beaches and explore shorelines prolific birdlife, with the daily schedule taking advantage of weather conditions and possible sightings to achieve as much as possible from the voyage.

For more info, visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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The Princess Royal

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Well, if it's good enough for Her Majesty the Queen to sail around the Western Isles on, then the Hebridean Princess must be highly worthwhile having a look at.

The point is, though, that a lot of people are under the illusion the waters of western Scotland are the only area the company (Hebridean Island Cruises) features but, in fact, MANY more destinations are on offer for 2011.

These include Scotland's east coast, Northern Ireland, northern France, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly. Of course, you don't have to stay on board, but be aware it's difficult not to with this lovely five-star, luxury vessel.

As well as ports of call, there is the company's excellent Footloose guided walks programme, which lets you take in some spectacular hill walking, loch and mountain trails and, of course, this wouldn't be Scotland if there wasn't a nip of malt whisky and a hearty meal waiting for you on your return.

Indeed, the inglenook fireplace and the herringbone brick-work at times enhance the Scottish appearance and you could almost be the laird settling down in your big, comfortable armchair at night. It is this ambiance of the Scottish country house and the lack of organised entertainment that makes it impossible not to relax on this vessel.

With just 50 cabins - of which 10 are dedicated for single travellers - and a crew of 38, it's no wonder Hebridean Princess has such loyal repeat business. Most of the cruises of four and ten nights depart from Oban, reaching destinations as far as St Kilda and the Shetlands.

Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully researched and planned by the company to make sure you get the best out of each port of call and its surrounding area. There is a range of privately escorted tours, often visiting places uniquely open for ships guests, and, if that doesn't appeal, why not borrow one of the ship's bicycles or arrange a fishing trip?

The elegant dining room has large windows to watch the scenery as you enjoy your meals - using the freshest local produce where possible, such as cheese from the Isle of Mull and, of course, the wonderful haggis. Whether, like me, you prefer to pour a wee dram over your haggis on the plate is entirely up to you.

But, just like the Hebridean Princess herself, I'd thoroughly recommend it.

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