Silversea's 385 destinations for 2016

The 2016 schedule for Silversea's five ocean-going cruise ships will encompass 385 destinations on 177 voyages. Among 19 new ports are Summerside, Prince Edward Island (Canada); Rockland, Maine (U.S.A.); Le Marin, Martinique; Shimizu, Japan; Rijeka and Rab Island, Croatia; Bremerhaven, Germany; Ullapool, Scotland; and Kalmar, Sweden. Other classic fleet highlights include:

Venetian World Cruise: Departing Fort Lauderdale on the 5 January, this 115-day sailing will visit 51 destinations in 31 countries. It will follow a westward path through the Panama Canal to South America and the Pacific. Guests will explore Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, Tahiti, and Bora Bora before sailing to New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. 

Circle South America: Silver Spirit departs on the 15 January on a 66-day roundtrip Grand Voyage from Fort Lauderdale. Highlights include a crossing of the Panama Canal, two days cruising Chile's majestic fjords, a three-day stopover in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, plus multi-day calls in Buenos Aires and Callao (gateway to Lima and Machu Picchu).

South Africa:  Silver Cloud (above) offers a trio of 10-day voyages showcasing South Africa's east coast with convenient roundtrip departures from Cape Town in February. The sailings (1603 - 1605) include calls in Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, Maputo, and an overnight stay in Richards Bay.

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It's Whisky Galore With Hurtigruten!

Whiskey Galore was a classic Ealing comedy film hit back in 1949, starring Basil Radford and Joan Greenwood, but specialist Norwegian operator Hurtigruten might have their own real-life version of the idea this summer.

Their expedition ship MS Fram is currently loaded with two barrels of 21- and 25-year-old single malt whisky, which it is transporting from one end of the world to the other - a process that is said to refine the noble Scottish drop even further. After crossing the Antarctic Circle, the ship will head north to Greenland and Spitsbergen, with en-route stops scheduled in Scotland, where the whisky was first produced.

The topic ‘Whisky and its origin’ is also covered in two voyages on-board Fram in April and May. Both start in the Norwegian city of Bergen with the 12-day “British Isles in the Spring” (sailing April 24) journey covering Scotland, Ireland and England, while “The Viking Route” (May 13) lasts 13 days, and visits Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

Both journeys are accompanied by Scottish lecturer and whisky expert Bernard McGee, who will share his knowledge of single malt scotch whisky and arrange some tastings during the voyage.

Prices for ‘The Viking Route voyage start from £2,474 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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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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European Waterways New Brochure

Luxury hotel barge operator European Waterways has launched its 2013 Brochure – and accompanying UK price insert – featuring cruises along the magical canals, rivers and lakes of Europe, aboard a fleet of hotel barges, ranging in size from 6 to 20 guests.

Since 1974, European Waterways has been providing high-quality barging cruises on its fully-crewed ‘floating hotels’ to a discerning clientele wishing to enjoy wonderful scenery, stimulating history and local culture and, of course, fine cuisine and wines.

New highlights introduced in the 2013 programme are: 

• Cruises along the picturesque Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace-Lorraine aboard the newest addition to the fleet, the 12-passenger Panache.
• A new feature on the evocative French region of Champagne, offering cruises aboard three hotel barges at various times of the year.
• Longer Waterway Journeys, or ‘voyages of exploration’ of varying duration through several countries.

Traditionally 6-night cruises, operating from March to October, these relaxing holidays in France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, England, Scotland and Ireland, include: accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins; all gourmet meals on board; selected domaine and château wines; open bar; daily escorted shore excursions; local transfers; and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

With the fully-crewed luxury vessels accommodating between 6 and 20 guests, clients can choose to either charter a whole boat with family and friends or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two passengers and includes Captain, Chef, Tour Guide and Hostesses, ensuring an extremely high level of service.

Also on offer is a range of themed charter cruises, which can be organised for special interest parties, featuring activities such as golf, walking and wine appreciation.

Prices for 6-night cruises in 2013, based on double occupancy, lead in at £2,250 per person aboard hotel barge Scottish Highlander in the Scottish Highlands, based on double occupancy in an en suite cabin; or at £14,400 for 6 passengers aboard Nymphea in the Loire Valley, on a whole boat charter basis.

For more on river-cruising, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, and, for more information, go to  www.gobarging.com. 

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More Ireland and UK In 2013 For Silversea

Silversea have a wide raft of new calls in Ireland and the British Isles on offer in 2012 and 2013, including the quaint Irish ports Foynes and Killibegs, historic Liverpool, the Welsh duo of St. David’s and Skomer Island, and the Isle of Mull, Holy Isle, Brodick and the Isle of Arran in Scotland.

Silver Whisper departs on an 11-day round-trip voyage from Southampton on May 13 and will call at Foynes, a tiny town steeped in aviation history (the first commercial flight from the US to Europe landed here in 1939) and Killibegs, a rural fishing town from where passengers can set off for the nearby Donegal Town and Castle and the stunning, isolated landscape of the Bluestack Mountains. Fares are from £3,899 per person.

Then, when Silver Whisper  returns to Europe in 2013, her May 16 twelve-day voyage from Southampton to Copenhagen will pay an inaugural visit to Liverpool, a city that revels in a glorious past as a mercantile hub and gateway to the New World and which today is renowned for its thriving culture and heritage, as well as Ireland and Scotland. Fares are from £4,499 per person.

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

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Fred Olsen's Irish Touch

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is setting itself up as the real Irish cruise expert in the next year or so as they offer a series of tempting voyages that feature The Emerald Isle, including sailings from Belfast in 2013.

Take Braemar's nine-night voyage from Dover on May 22, for example. The first port of call is vibrant Dublin, the welcoming city with its famous ‘craic’ where guests can delight in the beautiful Book of Kells in Trinity College, indulge in a tour of the Guinness Brewery or enjoy superb shopping, sightseeing, or fine food and wine in the many excellent bars, restaurants and cafés. The ship stays overnight, giving more time to explore and allowing guests the extra pleasure of an evening visit to take in some of the great live entertainment.

The next visit is to Belfast, a port with which the cruise line enjoys long associations as another part of the Fred. Olsen group, Fred. Olsen Energy, owns the famous Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the Titanic was built 100 years ago. Guests here can visit the recently opened ‘Titanic Belfast' exhibition, which tells the whole story of the fateful ship in film, video and archive material. An alternative excursion is a visit to the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway, which never fails to delight visitors.

Fred. Olsen is also pleased to be offering cruises from Belfast starting in 2013. On leaving the port, Braemar heads north, travelling right up to the Orkney Islands, where she visits beautiful Kirkwall. The town has a Scandinavian feel and, in fact, the name ‘Kirkwall’ comes from the Norse for ‘Church Bay’, referring to the 11th Century Church of St Olaf. The most northerly port on this cruise, Kirkwall is the largest settlement and administrative centre of the islands. It is an amazing, haunting place, with over 5,000 years of history and a wealth of wildlife, where you will feel you are in another world.

Braemar also has a final call at Invergordon, a town long associated with the Navy and home to a fine golf course. She then journeys south, returning to Dover. Prices for this cruise start from just £399 per person with a Latesaver deal. This is based on two adults sharing twin-bedded accommodation, and includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. The cabin grade will be confirmed on embarkation. An added attraction on this cruise is a theme of ‘Houses & Gardens’ through the onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. This is hosted by the expert gardening writer, John Negus (pictured, above).

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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The Majestic Line New Brochure 2012

The Majestic Line's new brochure is now available for its 2012 cruises with a choice of 12 itineraries exploring the beautiful coast of Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland. The specialist Scottish cruise company provides a unique small boat cruise experience with only 11 passengers aboard its traditional wooden vessels, the Glen Tarsan and Glen Massan.

The Majestic Line is becoming increasingly popular and 2012 is filling up fast; 30 of its 60 cruising weeks are already booked out for 2012 and many others have low availability. The cruise itineraries explore the wonderful islands, tranquil sea lochs and spectacular coastlines of Argyll, a beautiful but remote area which is difficult to access by land, whereas the cruises provide a perfect vantage point from the sea.

The company provides two double cabins for single occupancy on all its cruises at no additional cost. There are still opportunities for single traveller bookings for 2012.

See more at www.themajesticline.co.uk or contact specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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A Majestic Tie-Up With The Cowal Games

Specialist Scottish cruise company The Majestic Line continually looks to develop new experiences for its guests, particularly with 60 per cent of them repeat customers. With the Cowal Highland Gathering on its doorstep, linking up seemed a great opportunity for an exclusive cruise on board Majestic's boutique vessel the Glen Massan, sailing out of Holy Loch.

Guests will experience some of the best of what Scotland has to offer: a two-day visit to the fabulous spectacle of the biggest Highland Games in the world followed by an idyllic 5-day cruise to the Kyles of Bute and the Isle of Arran.

The “Cowal Games, Arran and Kyles of Bute” voyage is a 6-night cruise from Holy Loch from August 26-September 1.

The cruise begins with dinner on board followed by taking part in a traditional Ceilidh in Dunoon on the Friday night. The Saturday is a full day at the Games, culminating in the famous March Past, the landmark ceremony which is unique to Cowal - the march past and salute to the Chieftain of the Games by 3,000 pipes and drums. After dinner on board, guests will be taken to view the Cowal Games Fireworks Finale.

On the Sunday, the Glen Massan sets off to explore the Kyles of Bute and Arran with visits to Rothesay Castle and the amazing Mount Stuart House and Gardens. During the rest of the cruise, there will be opportunities to go ashore to explore the colourful villages of East Loch Tarbert, Tighnabruaich, anchor in beautiful remote sea lochs such as Loch Riddon and cruise stunning Loch Fyne to Inveraray. The Isle of Arran provides trips to Lochranza and the distillery there as well as visiting Brodick Castle and local producers of cheeses, beers and aromatics.

For more info, visit www.themajesticline.co.uk or the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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In the Wake of the Vikings

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Scotland and adventure travel may seem like an unexpected pairing. Yet, Zegrahm Expeditions combines Scotland with the unspoiled islands of the Faroes and the volcanic wonders of Iceland for a 14-day expedition from July 13-26, 2011, aboard Clipper Odyssey that is sure to transform your view of Northern Europe from well-trodden to well-off-the-beaten-path.

Travelling in the wake of true expeditionary travellers — the Vikings — be amazed by the dramatic scenery that sets the stage for Zegrahm's expert team of lecturers to bring the region's natural history and culture to life. Voyage highlights include:

• Tour (and taste!) Scotland's best-known industry: whisky
  
• Storm the beach (via Zodiac) at Dunrobin and explore this 13th-century castle and its Versailles-inspired gardens
  
• Sail past seabird colonies perched on cliffs along the region's dramatic fjords
  
• Take a cliff-side hike and enjoy stunning views while learning about the volcanic geology below your feet
  
• Visit picturesque coastal villages still steeped in Viking tradition
  
• Embark on a thrilling snowmobile ride across Europe's largest glacier
  

For further information about Zegrahm Expeditions’ cruises, visit http://www.zeco.com/ or call the adbenture cruise specialists at The Cruise Line on 0800 008 6677.

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