Cruise Lines Recognise War History

This year marks 100 years since the start of World War I and 70 years since the D-Day landings and, in commemoration, a number of cruise lines have created a wide selection of special itineraries and excursions.

The waterways and seas of Europe provide a unique, tranquil way to reflect on these times and an opportunity to visit the iconic locations that were the setting for some of the 20th Century’s most significant events.

A selection of specially designed cruise itineraries and excursions for 2014 have just reached our Inbox, and the details are as follows:

Azamara Club Cruises – 11 night ‘Memories of WWII’ fly/cruise
This 11-night cruise aboard Azamara Journey departs from Lisbon and calls at St. Peter Port (Guernsey), Cherbourg (D-Day Landing Beaches), Honfleur, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, Dover and Amsterdam before arriving into Hamburg. Guests can also enjoy ‘The North of France WWII experience’ excursion, taking in a visit to the national cemetery of Notre-Dame de Lorette and nearby museum.  

More info: visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages – range of itineraries visiting historic areas & D-Day landings
Cruise options stopping at the ports of Ghent, Zeebrugge, Antwerp in Belgium and Honfleur in France allow guests to visit key places in World War One history, including Ypres, where the main conflict took place, and the Menin Gate. There is also a special Anniversary Cruise departing from Bristol on June 1 to commemorate the D-Day landings, taking in Normandy, Honfleur, Guernsey and Cherbourg.

More info: visit www.cruiseandmaritime.tv

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – 7-night cruise to commemorate D-Day 70th anniversary
Join the Braemar for its commemorative cruise visiting Zeebrugge – Tyne Cot Cemetery and In Flanders Fields Museum; Portsmouth – stopping at Southsea seafront and the D-Day Museum; before moving on to Cherbourg and Le Havre, France, where guests can visit the Allied landing areas on the ‘Day of Remembrance’ on June 6. Dunkirk is the last port of call, where guests can visit the Battle of Dunkirk Museum. Fred. Olsen is also proud to welcome nostalgic British ‘Big Band’ The New Squadronaires on board, as well as Tony Harris, Official Ambassador for the Help for Heroes charity and inspirational speaker.  

More info: visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

Swan Hellenic – new D-Day 70th Anniversary Cruise
Cross the Channel aboard the Minerva to Dunkirk, where guests will visit the Dunkirk beaches and museum. The cruise also takes in Ypres – to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum and Tyne Cot Cemetery, Caen – for the Gold and Sword beaches and Arromanches D-Day Museum, and Cherbourg – to visit the American Utah and Omaha beaches and St Mere Eglise, one of the first towns to be liberated. On June 6, the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, Minerva will cruise off the Normandy Beaches and hold a Service of Remembrance.

More info: visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Titan Travel – new Centenary Remembrance Tour, ‘Corners of a Foreign Field’
Expert guides take guests to the WWI Battlefields, memorials, landmarks and museums of Flanders, Artois and the Somme. Guests will visit iconic landmarks such as Vimy Ridge and Hell Fire Corner, and the preserved trenches in Newfoundland Park, as well as the memorial to The Last Fighting Tommy.

More info: visit www.titantravel.co.uk

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, 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.

Swan Hellenic’s Caribbean Lure

Here's a great opportunity to enjoy a couple of distinctive cruises with Swan Hellenic, with their special Saver Fares and NO single supplement this year.

First, they are offering a 17-day "From the Caribbean to the Canaries" cruise, departing March 29, with the chance to explore historic plantation houses in Barbados, breathtaking views of the famous volcanic Pitons in St Lucia before discovering the little visited Iles des Saintes group of islands in Guadeloupe. Other highlights of this voyage include the stunning Fort de France, Martinique, the Cape Verde Islands and the volcanic island of Tenerife. Prices start from £3,800pp for a balcony cabin and £1,999 for an inside cabin if booked by  February 28.

Or you can save up to £200pp on the "Scandinavian Spring" 12-day cruise, departing April 28. This voyage explores Scandinavia in full bloom in partnership with Royal Horticultural Society Holidays, taking in beautiful gardens in Frederiksborg, Gothenburg and Bergen. Taking in the quaint canals and cobbled streets of historic Gothenburg, Minerva then cruises through the beautiful Southern Archipelago before sailing into the heart of the vibrant city of Oslo and exploring smaller fjords such as Akrafjord. Prices start from £1,980pp for an inside cabin. Solo travellers can also benefit from a 0% Single Supplement on standard outside cabins if booked by February 28.

Prices include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and selected shore excursions.

More info: call 0844 417 1939 or visit www.swanhellenic.com.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, 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.

Portsmouth Prepares For Record Year

We have been consistently tracking the amazing growth of ex-UK cruises in recent years and this looks like being a continued trend in 2014. And, to confirm it, the latest news from the port of Portsmouth suggests they are already looking at a bumper year before the cruise season has really got under way.

According to their latest figures, the number of ships coming to Portsmouth for “port of call” stops will rise by 28% in the coming year compared to 2013. Last year, 14 cruise ships arrived for day visits while this year's number will be 18. The rise is in addition to a large number of companies that will start and finish their itineraries in Portsmouth.

The growth in the number of visiting ships comes as the Waterfront City establishes itself as a major UK tourist destination. The recently opened Mary Rose Museum has been a great hit with visitors, alongside the ever popular HMS Victory and HMS Warrior in the Historic Dockyard. Seventy years ago, the docks were the focus of preparations for the D-Day landings, and this year many ships are visiting with this anniversary in mind. 

During the first week of June, there will be eight cruise ships coming and going from Portsmouth, the majority making the crossing to the Normandy Beaches. Among them will be Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, a new visitor to the port, and Cruise & Maritime’s Marco Polo. Customers will visit the D-Day Museum and see other key sights relating to the invasion that started on June 6, 1944. Swan Hellenic will also be starting and ending its special D-Day cruise in Portsmouth. 

Captain Rupert Taylor, Portsmouth International Port Harbour Master said: ”Just three years ago we had six tourist calls, now we have 18. This increase is great news for Portsmouth. Each liner loaded with tourists means a boost for the local economy, starting with jobs at the Port. As passengers make their way through our award-winning terminal, others feel the benefit too. Taxi and transport companies, tourist attractions, restaurants and shops can all take advantage of this rise in visitors. 

Among many new visitors this year will be MS Serenissima, a classic small luxury ship with a unique Swedish country house style interior. On a larger scale, the 900-berth Greek cruise ship Louis Aura is also booked to call. Le Boréal, the beautiful mega-yacht operated by Compagnie du Ponant, will glide into Portsmouth Harbour in early June, along with German ship Amadea.

More info: visit www.portsmouth-port.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on 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.

Swan's New Ex-UK Options

The growth of cruises from UK ports has been a major part of the overall rise in popularity of cruising in Britain, and the good news for those who prefer not to fly is that there are even more of these options ahead in 2014.

 

Swan Hellenic are a notable company to feature this type of voyaging, and their unique little Minerva has two fascinating new cruises from historic Portsmouth to highlight this week.

 

Explore the gardens of Scandinavia at springtime with Swan's ‘A Scandinavian Spring.' After a daytime transit of the Kiel Canal, Minerva sails through the Baltic Sea to explore historic Gothenburg and the friendly city of Oslo before enjoying the panoramic views of Norway’s spectacular fjords. Prices for this 12-day cruise start from £1,775 per person and guests will be joined by a range of inspiring Guest Speakers, including Sir Richard Dales, former ambassador to Norway. The cruise departs on April 28.

The second choice is 'An Icelandic Summer,' which also takes in St Kilda, the most remote part of the British Isles, as well as the rugged, volcanic scenery of Iceland. This voyage offers fascinating wildlife and dramatic scenery, along with invigorating hikes and a full day Golden circle excursion, where guests have the opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs and discover the rugged scenery of the isolated Faroe Islands. Prices for this 16-day cruise start from £2,485 per person and it sails on June 16.

More info: visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 488 1048.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Andes & Caribbean With Swan Hellenic

               

Destination specialists Swan Hellenic are offering a fabulous chance to explore the Caribbean AND the Andean mountains in one extended voyage in the New Year.

Swan's "Discover the Wonders of the Andes & Atacama" 25-day cruise departs on January 5, taking passengers through the Caribbean and along the Panama Canal to explore the highlights of Ecuador, Peru and Chile. 

Along the way, guests will get to admire the best Pre Columbian and Incan gold and pottery artefacts in Lima’s fine museums; discover the Santa Catalina Convent in the Peruvian ‘White City’ of Arequipa; and savour the fine wines of Chile’s Casablanca Valley. New Saver Fares start from £3,685 per person for an inside cabin and £4,735 for an outside cabin. With limited availability, early booker can now take advantage of fantastic savings of up to £1,015 per person.

Alternatively, the "Caribbean to the Canaries" journey is a 17-day cruise departing on March 29. Passengers will be able to step back in time to explore an historic Plantation House in Barbados; admire the natural beauty of the towering Pitons on the lush, volcanic island of St Lucia; and explore the undiscovered Iles des Saintes. The final port of call on this fascinating itinerary is the volcanic island of Tenerife, where the lava fields of Mount Teide await discovery. As part of an Autumn Sale, prices for this cruise start from £1,734 per person for an inside cabin and £2,256 for an outside cabin if booked by November 11.

Prices for both cruises include return flights to/from the UK, gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and selected shore excursions. 

 

More info: visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 488 1048.

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 the 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.

The Wide World of Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic's latest brochure introduces seven new itineraries that encompass a range of exciting destinations, including the Far East, India, Israel and the Black Sea, as well as an inaugural cruise to Japan. To celebrate the launch, Swan is offering an early booking offer of a 5% discount plus up to £200 onboard bar credit per cabin when you book by October 21. Passengers looking to book a cruise on existing itineraries can take advantage of a newly launched autumn sale, offering some fantastic new low fares across all categories of cabin on cruises departing throughout 2014.

The 15-day Black Sea Empires cruise takes guests on a historical journey that commemorates 100 years since ANZAC forces landed at Gallipoli. Reflect on poignant reminders of this 1915 campaign as you call at significant ports of call along the way, such as Canakkale, site of a historic battle between Turkish soldiers and Allied Forces. The experience will be further enhanced with fascinating talks on military history by expert Guest Speakers, who will be accompanying the cruise. Other highlights include the Ukrainian city of Odessa, founded by Catherine the Great, and the UNESCO town of Nessebur, famed for its cobbled streets and Byzantine churches. Early booking offer prices for this cruise, departing on April 27, 2015, start at £2,541 per person.

Also new for 2015, The Islands of East Asia cruise reveals a fusion of cultures and takes in the Philippine Archipelago as well as Borneo, Bali, Java, Indonesia and Singapore. See the orang-utans of Borneo (above), sail out of the bustling Hong Kong harbour, discover diverse Indonesian cultures and tribes and visit the Buddhist Temple complex of Borobudur - one of the greatest sights of Southeast Asia. Early booking offer prices for this 22-day cruise, departing on January 24, 2015, start from £4,095.

The 15-day cruise to India and the Malabar Coast explores the diverse land and townscapes of the region, taking in the finest highlights along the way. From the exotic charm of Kerala to the peaceful backwaters of Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin, this inspiring cruise offers a rare insight into Indian rural life. Other highlights include the Pinnawala Elephants of Sri Lanka, the remarkable cave temples and rock carvings of the god Shiva on Mumbai’s Elephanta Island and the impressive Grand Mosque in Muscat. Early booking prices for this cruise, departing on March 15, 2015, start from £2,613.
 

Discover holy lands as you sail from the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal and into the Eastern Mediterranean on the 15-day Holy Lands itinerary. Explore the Nabatean city of Petra the ‘rose-red city half as old as time’. Half-built, half-carved into the rock and surrounded by mountains, see for yourself why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Middle East’s most impressive sites. Other highlights include Jerusalem’s sacred Golden Dome of the Rock, Giza’s Great Pyramids and the magnificent Roman city of Ephesus, once a religious centre during early Christianity and where St Paul used to preach. Early booking prices for this voyage, departing April 13, 2015, start from £2,275.

Prices for all cruises include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and a programme of tailor-made shore excursions, worth up to £650 per person.

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

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.

A Historical Odyssey With Voyages of Discovery & Swan Hellenic

History enthusiasts and fans of the British Museum’s celebrated ‘Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum’ exhibition (running until September 29) can see the real ruins for themselves this year with Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic.  

Join Voyages of Discovery’s 15-day Mediterranean Medley cruise on September 12 to the Italian port of Castellammare di Stabia, where passengers can enjoy a guided tour of the ruined cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii on foot, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Prices start from £1,399 per person (Saver Fare, based on two sharing an inside cabin).  

The voyage departs from Marseille and calls at Nice, Livorno, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Castellammare di Stabia, Messina, Brindisi, Ancona, Venice, Sibenik, Hvar and Dubrovnik (overnight). NB: The ‘Herculaneum and Pompeii’ excursion is subject to a supplementary charge of £75 per person.

Alternatively, join Swan Hellenic’s 14-day cruise, Through the Pillars of Hercules, on November 5. As well as visiting Pompeii, passengers will be able to listen to special guest lectures from Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, a renowned expert in archaeology. Other highlights of the cruise include a full day visit to the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada and a chance to explore Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Prices start from £1,395 per person (Saver Fare, based on two sharing an inside cabin).  

The voyage departs from Naples (with an overnight stay), and calls at Catania, Palermo, La Goulette, Malaga, Cadiz, Funchal and Tenerife (overnight). 

Prices for both cruises include return flights, all overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board. Cabin numbers will not be allocated at the time of booking. 

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

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.

Swan Hellenic's Norwegian Lure

Join Swan Hellenic on their June voyage to Oslo and the Fjords with a special late price from just £995 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Passengers can experience Minerva’s maiden call to Førde to explore the Black Friday Museum, dedicated to one of the fiercest air battles of World War II or visit the 90-metre-high Huldrefossen waterfall.

The 16-day cruise departs from Portsmouth and calls at Olso, Haugesund, Ulvik, Flåm, Førde, Åndalsnes, Olden and Bergen (above), as well as Aaaolborg in Denmark,  before returning to Portsmouth (UK). 

Price is based on a June 5 departure and includes relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. A supplement for some shore excursions may apply. Cabin numbers may not be allocated at time of booking.

No single supplements are also available on selected cabin grades for solo travellers on this cruise.

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

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.

Big Savings With Voyages of Discovery & Swan Hellenic

Here's a great offer today for those looking ahead to next year - and beyond. Save up to 10% AND receive up to £200 onboard credit with selected 2014/2015 cruises when you book with Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery by the end of the month.

 

Join Swan Hellenic in its diamond anniversary year and visit South America, India and the Mediterranean. Ancient history fans can join the 15-day Pyramids & Petra cruise, where passengers can experience transits of both the Corinth and the Suez Canals, before exploring the Greek/Turkish city of Nicosia (Cyprus) - the only divided city in the world. Prices start from £2,165 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin, inclusive of the early booking discount), based on an October 22, 2014, departure.

Those looking for some guaranteed winter sun can join Voyages of Discovery’s East Africa and Indian Ocean Gems cruise to discover remote white sandy beaches in Mauritius, exotic wildlife in Madagascar – the oldest island in the world – and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Zanzibar. Price starts from £2,474 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), based on a December 18, 2014, departure.

All prices include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board. Cabin numbers will not be allocated at the time of booking. Bookings must be made before May 31, 2013, to qualify for early booking offers.

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

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.

Swan's New Saver Fare Offers

Swan Hellenic have introduced a new round of their Saver Fares for 2013, meaning savings of up to £300 per person on a selection of cruises to Norway, Turkey, Greece and Italy.

Guests can take advantage of Saver Fares on the 16-day Oslo and Fjords cruise, available from £2,395 per person (based on two sharing). Highlights of the cruise include a stunning Briksdal Glacier walk, a tour of Oslo city and a trip on the Flåm Railway through narrow valleys and up the Myrasdalsberg Mountain, offering spectacular views of Kjosfossen Fall. Price is based on a June 5 departure.

Alternatively, sail on the 21-day Above the Arctic Circle cruise, available from £2,895 per (based on two sharing). Highlights include a unique opportunity to spend four days in remote Spitsbergen with its immense glaciers, magnificent fjords and remote communities, as well as a visit to the UNESCO Vega Archipelago, realm of the eider duck and hikes on Tjorndal, Torghatten and Mount Fløien. Price is based on a July 4 departure.

Cabins will not be allocated at time of booking and Saver Fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. This applies only to new bookings made by March 31 on selected 2013 cruises only. Saving of £300 per person applies to category D Balcony Suite. All prices include relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. A supplement for some excursions may apply. Fares also include return flights from the UK (where applicable).

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

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.

Swan Hellenic Go Arty On Dutch Rivers

Join Swan Hellenic for a Dutch river cruise this summer and discover the culture and art of the iconic cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp and Rotterdam, from £2,250 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin). 

Ideal for art enthusiasts, passengers on board the "Golden Age of the Dutch Waterways" cruise can visit the world famous Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and the house of Peter Paul Rubens, the most famous of all the Antwerp painters, as well as the Frans Hals Museum.

The voyage takes place on board luxury river vessel Royal Crown, which is reminiscent of the golden age of cruising and takes just 79 guests in elegant surroundings and the highest standards of personal service. The cruise sails from Amsterdam on July 6 and calls at Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Antwerp (overnight), Middleburg and Rotterdam (overnight) before returning to Amsterdam for another overnight stay.

Prices includes return flights and relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by an eminent Guest Speaker, meals and entertainment on-board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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.

Sample The Middle East With Swan Hellenic

Here's a great offer to sample the Middle East AND save money in the process - book a "By Sea to Petra" cruise with Swan Hellenic and save up to £300 per person. The 15-day cruise follows the ancient trading routes of the Arabian seas, along the coasts of Arabia and Africa, ending in Aqaba for an inclusive full-day excursion at the Nabataean city of Petra (above) – one of the most impressive sites of the region.

The voyage costs from £1,495 per person (Saver Fare based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Muscat (Oman, overnight), calling at Salalah (Oman, overnight), Massawa (Eritrea, overnight), Safaga (Egypt), Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) and Aqaba (Jordan, overnight). The price is based on a March 13 UK departure.

Saver Fares with reductions of up to £300 per person are also available on the following cruises: To Sri Lankan Shores, Palaces and Gardens, Oslo and the Fjords and Above the Arctic Circle. Cabins will not be allocated at time of booking and Saver Fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Prices include flights, relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

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

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.

Swan Hellenic’s Big Saver Fares For 2013

Book with Swan Hellenic before the December 31 and save up to £300 per person with their special Saver Fares on selected cruises to a variety of worldwide destinations with, including Sri Lanka, Jordan, Italy, Norway and remote Spitsbergen.

The 15-day To Sri Lanka Shores cruise (Feb 13), available from £1,850 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), highlights the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the remote Andaman Islands and the UNESCO heritage site of Galle in Sri Lanka. The itinerary departs from Singapore and calls at Port Klang (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Langkawi (Malaysia), Port Blair (Andaman Islands), Chennai (India), Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), Galle and Colombo (Sri Lanka).

The 15-day Above the Arctic Circle cruise (complete with Polar Bear - above!), available from £2,895 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin, sailing July 4), includes a fascinating call to Spitsbergen, where four unforgettable days will reveal immense glaciers, magnificent fjords and isolated communities. The itinerary departs from Portsmouth and calls at Florø, Bodø, Tromsø, Spitsbergen, Leknes, the Lofoten Islands, Brønnøysund and Bergen before returning to Portsmouth.

Offers are also available on the following cruises: By Sea to Petra, Palaces & Gardens and Oslo & the Fjords.

Cabins will not be allocated at time of booking and Saver Fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Applies to bookings made by December 31 on selected 2013 cruises only. Prices include relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees (a supplement for some shore excursions may apply).  

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

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.

Explore The East With Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic have a wonderful 15-day Middle East cruise option this November on their boutique ship Minerva.

Highlights include ancient Egyptian temples on the banks of the River Nile and French colonial architecture in Djibouti. Guests can delve into the maze of souks in Muscat (Oman) - a treasure trove of silver and gold, coffee pots, frankincense and textiles - and, from the port town of Khasab (Oman), visit traditional Bedouin villages before travelling onto the diverse city of Dubai and the historic Bastakiya district.

The Passage to Oman voyage starts from £1,705 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The cruise departs on November 21 from Safaga (Egypt, overnight) and calls at Djibouti, Salalah (Oman), Muscat (overnight), Khasab and Dubai (overnight).

Price of cruise includes return flights from the UK, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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.

Learn A New Skill At Sea With Swan Hellenic

Want to perfect your handiwork with a paintbrush, get to grips with Tai Chi or learn the art of needlework? Join Swan Hellenic’s recently refurbished ship, MV Minerva, for a 15-day Passage to Oman cruise and try your hand at a new skill.

Passengers on board the Middle Eastern cruise can make the most of the ship’s enhanced facilities during their time at sea and take part in a range of workshops and masterclasses. Tai Chi master Qu Leilei will join passengers on board to teach them the ancient art of body and mind relaxation whilst Sophie Long, who is trained in more than 30 embroidery techniques, will also be hosting fascinating needlework workshops.

The Passage to Oman cruise starts from £1,595 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Safaga (Egypt, overnight) to call at Djibouti, Salalah (Oman), Muscat (Oman, overnight), Khasab (Oman) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates, overnight). The price is based on the November 21 departure. Masterclasses on board other Swan Hellenic cruises can include painting, bridge, writing, singing and wine-tasting.

The price also includes return flights from the UK, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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.

Autumn Escape With Swan Hellenic

Escape to the Med this autumn to explore historic cities and ancient ruins onboard Swan Hellenic's recently refurbished MV Minerva.

Highlights of the 15-day 'The Mediterranean World' cruise include a visit to the ruined city of Pompeii, the chance to explore Lucca - the town of Puccini's birth – as well as trips to the famous leaning tower of Pisa and the Tunisian port of Sousse, famous for the imprints left by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs throughout its colourful history.

Renowned experts in archaeology, ornithology and Carthaginian history will be joining passengers onboard and providing lectures throughout the cruise.

The cruise starts from £1,695 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Naples (overnight stop), Livorno, Civitavecchia, Alghero (Sardinia, above), Palermo, Trapani, La Goulette, Sousse and Valletta before arriving into Piraeus (for Athens, overnight) for the flight back to the UK.

The price includes return flights from the UK, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

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

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.

Robert Powell Stars For Swan Hellenic

Award-winning television and film actor Robert Powell will be on board Swan Hellenic’s grand 'Hellenic Highlights' cruise this summer, with a special price from £1,865 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Best known for the title role in Jesus of Nazareth and, most recently, BBC’s Holby City, Robert will be entertaining passengers aboard Minerva’s 15-day cruise which sails around the Greek Islands and Turkey from August 29.

As part of the refined after dinner programme, Robert, renowned for his distinctive voice, will delight passengers with his rendition of ‘A Victorian Celebration’ – a collection of Victorian poems, stories and letters featuring Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and Thomas Hardy. In addition, he will be giving a one-man performance of ‘Silver Screen’ – a nostalgic romp through the first hundred years of cinema. Robert will also take part in a special Q & A session hosted by the Cruise Director.

The Hellenic Highlights cruise departs from Piraeus and calls at Souda Bay, Gythion, Nauplion, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Chios, Symi (all in Greece) and the Turkish ports of Fethiye and Kusadai (overnight) before arriving at Istanbul.

The price includes a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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.

Swan Hellenic's Grand Med Voyage

Join Swan Hellenic’s MV Minerva for a 29-day 'Grand Mediterranean and Adriatic' cruise from just £3,382 per person in August (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) – that’s little more than £100 per person per day.

This epic voyage explores the genuine highlights of the Mediterranean in the height of summer whilst visiting more than 20 different ports of call, including La Coruna, Valletta and Kotor, all with the benefit an ex-UK departure and the benefit of packing and unpacking only once!

The cruise sets sail from Portsmouth on August 1 and calls at St Peter Port (Guernsey), La Coruna (Spain), Oporto (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Palma (Majorca), Cagliari (Italy), Trapani (Italy), Valletta (Malta, overnight), Dubrovnik (Croatia, overnight), Korcula (Croatia), Split (Croatia), Trieste (Italy), Venice (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Kotor (Croatia, overnight), Sarande (Albania), Itea (Greece) and Piraeus (Greece, overnight).

The price includes a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent guest speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes.
 

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

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.

Swan's Last-Minute Rhone Bargain

Looking for a last-minute European getaway? Try out an 8-day river cruise with Swan Hellenic from just £1,495, departing May 19.

Their 'Cruising the Rhone' itinerary visits Lyon, Vienne and Arles, exploring Europe’s former largest church Benedictine Abbey, driving through the picturesque Ardéche region and discovering Avignon’s Palais des Papes

The voyage departs from the UK by air or rail to Lyon and also calls at Chalôn-sur-Saône, Tournus, Mâcon (overnight) and Viviers before returning to Lyon (overnight).

Prices for all cruises include return air or rail travel, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

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

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.