Strictly Come Cruising with P&O and latest winner Pasha

All at sea: Strictly winner Caroline Flack with professional partner  Pasha

Strictly Come Dancing professional finalists Karen Hauer, Kevin Clifton and Kristina Rihanoff - and Pasha Kovalev who partnered winner Caroline Flack - will all be travelling on P&O Cruises in 2015. They will be joined on at least two voyages by waspish judge Crain Revel Horwood.

There’s a total of four Strictly-themed cruises for fans to choose from if they want to get close to their idols and to take part in their own dance-offs. As well as giving lessons on the dance floor, the stars will take part in Question & Answer appearances on stage and there will be autograph opportunities for autograph signings and selfie sessions to make it a Strictly experience to remember.

Costumes from the TV series will be on display around the ships, and they will feature in spectacular fashion events.

The 14-night Strictly cruises, which all depart from Southampton,  are:

April 23: On Aurora to Portugal, Gibraltar and Spain with Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec, Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe, plus Craig Revel Horwood. Fares from £1,029 per person.

May 28: On Ventura to Portugal, Monaco and Italy with Iveta Lukosiute and Tristan MacManus, Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton, plus Craig Revel Horwood. Fares are from £1,129 pp.

June 20: On Azura to the Baltic Sea with Robin Windsor and Kristina Rihanoff, Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis. Fares from £1,229pp.

July 25: On Britannia to the Canary Islands and Iberia with Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec, Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton, plus guest judge Artem Chigvintsev. Fares from £1,799 pp.

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World Cup cruise specials, from £499

If you fancied watching England's opening World Cup game against Italy from the deck of a cruise ship while it is docked in Naples, then I'm afraid you're already too late. A last-minute bargain deal for a week's Mediterranean cruise from June 11 aboard P&O's Ventura (above) has just sold out.

England's other two group games against Uruguay and Costa Rica will be screened aboard P&O's Arcadia during its 12 night cruise to Iceland and the Faroe Islands departing Southampton on June 16, with prices from £669 with Iglucruise.

Or, if you want to escape the World Cup altogether, then a cruise to the Norwegian fjords aboard Fred. Olsen's Braemar from Dover on June 14 has been declared a football free zone. Fares from £499 with Iglucruise.

To book visit www.iglucruise.com or call 020 8544 6447

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Cruise News Round-Up - P&O, Crystal & Paul Gauguin

Yikes, but it's a busy week for cruise news! The stories and press releases have been pouring in thick and fast - so fast, in fact, we have had to turn to a round-up story today to include as many as possible.

So, with no further ado, here is the hot-off-the-press latest...

P&O Cruises has added departures from seven regional airports on selected Fly-Med cruises on Ventura for this summer. The direct regional charter flights will be available, at no extra cost, on 16 Fly-Med cruises across seven regional airports, namely Bournemouth, Belfast, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle and Stansted. Flights are also available from London, Manchester or Birmingham as standard.

A variety of seven and 14-night fly-cruise holidays are available from March to October as Ventura sails from either Venice or Genoa, round the Greek Islands, Dalmatian coast, French Riviera and iconic cities like Rome, Venice, Naples, Dubrovnik and Florence. Book by February 28 to receive additional free on board spending money to use for drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments or fine dining.

More info: visit www.pocruises.co.uk or call 0843 373 0111.

Crystal Cruises has announced the latest perk to its All Inclusive luxury cruise experience: free Wi-Fi for Crystal Society members, the line’s “club” of repeat guests, starting this autumn. Effective with Crystal Serenity’s September 19 New England/Canada sailing and Crystal Symphony’s October 15 Panama Canal cruise, each Crystal Society guest will receive 60 minutes of complimentary internet access for every day of the cruise.

Crystal Society members can use the new complimentary access time wirelessly via iPad, iPhone, laptop or other wireless device or on Crystal’s own Computer University@Sea 27” dual-compatible iMac computers. A multi-million dollar Wi-Fi upgrade rolled out in recent months will help guests enjoy maximum onboard connectivity.

More info: call 020 7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is introducing two exciting new itineraries this summer that take in the amazing destination of Papua New Guinea. The 11-night Fiji to Australia voyage departing June 14 is a unique voyage that charts a course to popular and undiscovered ports from exotic Fiji to the Great Barrier Reef, while the 12-night Australia to Fiji voyage departing August 18 is the same as the above but in reverse.

Islands visited include Vanuatu, Guadalcanal, whose very name is synonymous with a turning point of World War II, and by Papua New Guinea itself, the second-largest island in the world. Prices start from £4,290 per person for 11 nights accommodation in an ocean view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Also included is airfare from Los Angeles.

 

More info: call  020 7399 7691 or visit www.pgcruises.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 of 50% off for 2014, see this link.

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P&O's Bargain Caribbean

Famous for its laid-back lifestyle, sugar-soft beaches, turquoise sea and gently swaying palms, any trip to the Caribbean is one that lingers long in the memory. With so many beautiful and diverse islands, there is always somewhere or something new to explore, with days ashore offering the choice of bustling markets or seemingly endless escape-from-it-all beaches.

With all that in mind, P&O Cruises have two fabulous new Caribbean cruise offerings this winter, with special Getaway Fares making them a real bargain.

Take your pick from:
 
Caribbean cruise, 14 nights, £1,399pp
This fabulous voyage on Ventura is now offered from £1,399 per person for a Getaway Fare. Departing November 8, the price includes flights from UK, an inside cabin, all meals, and entertainment. Sailing round-trip from Barbados, the ports of call are St Vincent, Dominica, St Lucia, St Kitts, Antigua, Grand Turk, Tortola and St Maarten.

Christmas Caribbean cruise, 14 nights, £1,499pp
P&O is now offering their two-week Christmas cruise on Azura from just £1,499 per person for a Getaway Fare. Departing December 13, the price includes flights from UK, an inside cabin, all meals and entertainment. Again sailing round-trip from Barbados, the ports of call are Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Tortola, Curacao and Bonaire.

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

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Cruising The P&O Way

Guest blogger Danielle Fear, aka Cruise Miss, posts her latest report from her Mediterranean cruise aboard P&O's Ventura...

After three sea-days, we reached our first port. I love sea days; the weather wasn’t too great on the first two but it has become steadily warmer and brighter by the day. Our first port was Valencia and today we have enjoyed Barcelona.

During our time in Valencia we literally just went ashore to stretch our legs. I have been there several times and, to be honest, once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. But it was nice to be on land for a little while and a great chance to grab some sweets for my Godson.

Barcelona was an eye opener for me, though. I have visited several times but have usually just stuck to Las Ramblas. This time, I decided I wanted to do something else. I contemplated a visit to Montserrat but then decided I would do the typical tourist thing and try the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus and I am so glad I did. Those few hours have ignited a new appreciation inside of me for this city and I can’t wait to come back and explore more. 

I opted for the tour that went around the west of the city, taking in sights like the Olympic Stadium, Camp Nou, Jardins De Miramar (which had the most incredible views) and the Gothic Cathedral, just to name a small few. It was definitely worth it and, although I didn’t have time to switch to the east tour, it gives me something to look forward to (like more Gaudi architecture, below).

So what else has been happening? Well, I am once again in love with the Beach House buffet restaurant, especially in the evening. The chicken sizzler is so good I’ve already had it

twice in four days (please, lord, let me stop!) and I was pleased to see they again add courgette (zucchini) to this yummy dish. They took it out for a while and, for me, it just wasn’t the same but it's back and better than ever. 

To start with, I tried the coconut-encrusted tiger prawns, which were incredible (and much better than the previous garlic version). If you like prawns and don’t mind the £4.95 extra charge, you should definitely try them. There have been a few other changes to the Beach House menu. Things like the fish & chips and bacon cheeseburger are gone and, in their place, you can now find a lamb wrap and plaice burger, along with several other new additions. The same goes for the starters, with the addition of nachos.

We had a funny smell in our bathroom for a day or two; it didn’t clear so we informed reception and, within hours, it was resolved and we had a sparkly new shower curtain, too. I was impressed with the speed with which it was addressed and the fact they went a step further with the curtain. So far, I can’t complain about any of the service on board. Everyone has been very and attentive, and there is one young man in particular working on the Terrace Bar who is an absolute ray of sunshine.

I will check in with you all again soon with another update and more info on the ship’s refurbishment. Until then, we wave goodbye to Barcelona and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, which joined us in port today

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Beginning The Ventura Adventure

Guest blogger Danielle Fear, aka Cruise Miss, sets sail on her latest voyage, a two-week round-trip from Southampton aboard P&O's Ventura...

 

We are currently en-route to our first port of call, Valencia. We are due to arrive on Wednesday after three days at sea. I figured because of all the “pre-port” time I have on my hands, it would be a great opportunity to describe what’s happened since leaving Southampton on Saturday.

A lot of people asked me to report back on the changes that were made during her recent refurbishment, and that's exactly what I am going to do.

The Exchange Bar, located on Deck 6, has had a huge transformation (see top pic). The addition of several solo occupancy cabins has meant a drastic reduction the Exchange Bar, with a huge section now gone. They have tried to create more seating by removing some of the slot machines in the casino, moving the blackjack and roulette tables down and adding several tables and chairs. It will take some getting used to. The bar is still as busy as ever, though, and, while it is not quite the same, it has improved the overall feel and look of the casino.

Self-service wine dispensers have been added to the Waterside buffet area - a fabulous idea (see below). I have come across a fair few people who have already used the machines and think they are wonderful, so I would say there is a huge thumbs up for that introduction.

The Beachcomber Pool and Laguna Pool areas have also had a deck transformation in the shape of new flooring. For anyone who has cruised on Ventura in the past, you will remember the blue cladding that was introduced on top of the existing flooring to try to stop people slipping when the floor was wet. The deck is now the same wood cladding as you will find on the promenade deck and looks (and smells!) so much better.

The Atrium has had the introduction of a dance floor like that of sister ship Azura. This looks great, much better than the carpet that was there previously and it actually makes the space feel slightly bigger. The Library and Cyber-study have been combined into one space, where the Cyber-study was originally, while the space that was the library is now the Perfume Shop.

Frankie’s bar, grill and pizzeria located around the Laguna pool is now split into the

Poolside Grill and Poolside Pizza & Ice Cream. I am sure this won't make a difference to anyone but it’s a change nonetheless so I thought I should mention it. I have yet to explore the Glass House and Retreat properly, so these will come in another blog.

Ventura was my favourite ship coming on board and I can honestly say she still is, and it feels good to be back. Our weather today is sunny with scattered clouds and it’s getting warmer by the hour.

I shall check-in with you again soon!

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P&O's 175th Anniversary Sale

P&O Cruises is offering a special 175th anniversary discount of up to 10% on its cruise holidays during the peak “wave” period of December, January and February. Prices will start from just £599 for a seven-night voyage, such as Ventura’s March 25 itinerary to Spain and France, and £949 for a 14-night cruise such as Azura’s November 5 cruise to Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

World cruises are also included in the anniversary sale, with onboard credit of up to £1100 available on bookings. Other destinations include the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, Canary Islands, Iceland and Mediterranean. Wave prices also start from £349 for a three-night cruise break to Bruges and Le Havre, up to to £3,059 for a 35-night Caribbean cruise.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise specialist agents, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Spring selection from P&O Cruises

Free car parking, free coach travel, free flights, savings of up to £880 and free on board spending money of almost £1,000 per couple is being offered in this Spring’s promotion from P&O Cruises.

The P&O Cruises spring selection includes a range of holidays from two-night party cruises to 34-night no-fly Caribbean & USA cruises. Destinations include the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norwegian Fjords and the Caribbean. The Spring Selection applies to holidays booked before March 31, and offers include:

· Free flights and transfers on Adonia Mediterranean fly cruises
· Free car parking on selected cruises, saving up to £284 per car (based on cruise R118)
· Free coach travel on selected cruises, saving up to £120 per person (based on travel between Glasgow and Southampton)
· Up to £960 per couple free on boarding spending money (based on cabin R118)
· Savings of up to £880 per couple (based on cruise E131)

Lead in fares for the Spring Selection savers are:

· Seven nights from £699, including a £50 per person discount. Departing from and returning to Southampton and calling in La Coruna, Bilbao, La Rochelle and Brest. Based on Ventura’s (above) April 22 departure (N110). Plus up to £120 per person onboard spending money.
· 10-night Mediterranean fly-cruise from £799, including a £150 per person discount. Departing from Naples and calling at Civitavecchia, Palma, Valencia, Almeria, Cadiz, Lisbon and Southampton. Based on Adonia’s January 3, 2012, departure (D201).
· 14-night Mediterranean holiday from £1,249, including a £200 per person discount. Departing from and returning to Southampton and calling at Oporto, Lisbon, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Villefranche, Barcelona and Gibraltar. Based on March 21, 2012, departure (E204).

All prices are per person and based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin on a full board basis, including all main meals, accommodation and most facilities.

For more information, visit http://www.pocruises.co.uk/ or check with the leading specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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