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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A Hebridean New Year

Not everyone thinks of the UK when it comes to cruising, but it is increasingly the case there are a wide variety of cruise options both in and around the British Isles and Ireland. It is a great way to see a lot of the country in real comfort and style, and there are now several dozen opportunities to give it a try.

 

However, one of the 'little secrets' of the cruise world is that there is a deluxe niche operation based in and around the west coast of Scotland that has been in business since 1989 and is really worth seeking out. We have featured Hebridean Island Cruises several times in World of Cruising itself and it is pretty clear that if the boutique-style of the Hebridean Princess is good enough for Her Majesty the Queen, it ought to be high on most people's wish list!

 

With that in mind, here are three typical Hebridean Island options in March, which we think are well worth highlighting, especially as they have special fares available for those booking in advance, a Hebridean New Year, if you like.

 

Take your pick from:

 

Treasures of the Clyde: 6-night cruise, departing March 5; prices start from £2,040 per person for an outside cabin. Enjoy the contrasts of the new season from the comfort and luxury of the Hebridean Princess with this new itinerary that takes in the diverse landscapes of the Scottish Islands, from grand castles to remote island retreats. 

Footloose to the Lochs and Isles: this seven-night cruise departs March 18, with prices starting from £3,430 per person for an inside cabin. Dust off those walking boots for the first Footloose walking cruise of the season with this new itinerary that introduces new walking routes alongside old favourites. 

Jewels of the Western Seaboard: a seven-night cruise, departing March 25, with prices starting from £2,260 per person for an inside cabin. Take in picture postcard villages, breathtaking lochs and wild glens with this journey of discovery around the western coast and Inner Hebrides.

More info: call 01756 704 700 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 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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Majestic Line's New Wildlife Explorer

Exclusive Scottish small-ship cruise company The Majestic Line is to launch a new, dedicated ‘Wildlife Explorer’ cruise for 2014. 

This new 6-night cruise is aimed at guests keen to see at first hand the rich variety of animal, bird and marine life that thrives on the pristine Hebridean coastline in the Highlands of Scotland.

The new ‘Around Mull: Wildlife Explorer’ cruise will tour the unspoiled natural beauty of the Isles of Mull, Iona and Treshnish. Anchorages include Loch Spelve on Mull, well-known for its playful otters and white-tailed eagles, where guests can enjoy walking through an ancient oak forest, or exploring on the magical island of Iona, famed for its holy Abbey and white sandy beaches, where the elusive corncrake is often seen and heard. Guests can take a trip by boat tender into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa to see at first hand the incredible rock formations and wildlife there as well as exploring Lunga Island to spot colourful puffin colonies.

This new cruise also features an additional full day land tour of Mull to discover more about the island’s wild inhabitants, flora and fauna. Trips to dramatic Duart Castle, ancient seat of the Clan Maclean with its turbulent history and spectacular setting, and Tobermory, Mull’s vibrant and colourful main town, will ensure guests also experience the wonderful heritage of this very special area of Scotland. The price of a 6-night cruise in 2014 is from £1,880 per person.

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

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Alsace, Scotland & Italy With European Waterways

In need of an autumn tonic? Ready to look at a luxury hotel barge holiday? Well, European Waterways have three perfect ideas with you in mind! Just take a look at this little selection of late autumn offers from Europe's leader in small, deluxe river-cruising.

Harvesting the Beauty of Alsace

This autumn, the 12-passenger Panache is cruising through the historic French region of Alsace. Bordering Germany, the region features a combination of French and German cultures, with a classic landscape of rolling vineyards and winding waterways. Its medieval villages and historic citadels are tucked away between the Vosges Mountains on the west and the River Rhine to the east. During a characteristically long and warm autumn, the region’s half-timbered houses are set against an auburn countryside, complete with ripe rows of grapes just waiting to be picked and processed into wine.  

The Scottish Highlands

The magnificent Scottish Highlands are arguably the quintessential trademark of Scotland. Featuring the Grampian Mountains and Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, they are populated with medieval castles, country farm towns, and vast lakes. And passengers on European Waterways’ luxury barge The Scottish Highlander will be in “high” spirits, with spending long, peaceful days cruising the Caledonian Canal. 

Guests will take in the view on a gondola trip up Britain’s eighth highest mountain, Aonach Mor; Scottish history will be explored at the famous medieval Eilean Donan Castle featured in the movie Highlander; and more cultural magic will be unveiled at Cawdor Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. And, for some onboard entertainment, a Scottish piper will serenade passengers one evening and Captain Dan Clark will play Scottish tunes on his accordion at the farewell dinner. 

Say “Ciao” to La Bella Vita

Cruising slowly down the canals of northern Italy, one is truly living “La Bella Vita.” It means “the beautiful life” in Italian, and it is also the namesake of European Waterways’ stylish 20-passenger vessel that cruises the region. Travelling between Mantua in north central Italy and the coastal city of Venice, La Bella Vita cruises through the Po Valley and the Veneto on the canals and rivers of an ancient Roman trade route. It visits towns such as Ferrara, which boasts Medieval and Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, and the aroma of delicious local cuisine – where life in the moment really couldn’t be more “Bella.” 

La Bella Vita’s varied itinerary spans the gardens and wine cellars of the 17th century Villa Widmann-Borletti, to the colourful beach towns of the lagoon islands. Guests will tour Venice, the ancient city built on water, and the small fishing port town of Chioggia, featuring a colourful fresh fish market, among other excursions. 

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

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Late Season Discounts With Majestic Line

The Majestic Line have introduced a new 3-night “Taste of Autumn in Argyll” cruise due to popular demand as their two 6-night cruises both have sold out for October.

This can be a fabulous month to cruise in and especially this cruise, as anchorages are chosen for their autumn colours and the best opportunities for spotting wildlife such as red squirrels and deer. Guests will also have the pleasure of sampling seasonal local produce such as venison from the hills, free range pork and beef and shellfish caught locally.

The other new cruise this season that the company have introduced is an "Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll" 6-night voyage with an itinerary chosen for its beauty, tranquility, natural environment and wildlife. There is such a wide selection of stopovers that each cruise itinerary will be unique, depending on guests’ preferences and the local weather and tide conditions.

The options include many picturesque sea lochs and the Islands of Bute, Arran and Cumbrae, with interesting shore walks on offer each day. Kintyre and Ailsa Craig are also within reach but more weather dependent. “Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll” departs from Holy Loch once a month from April to September 2012 and is proving a popular choice with August and April already booked out.

Majestic are currently offering a 20% late availability discount for all remaining October cruises. We want people to treat themselves to a last-minute opportunity for an idyllic escape and some pampering before winter sets in!

For more info, visit www.themajesticline.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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