Try A Marco Polo Sampler

Cruise & Maritime Voyages are the only line that offer regular cruises on the classic Marco Polo (above) from the River Thames at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, with the chance for two 'sampler' voyages on this elegant 22,080-ton ship this December. And, with the benefit of great shopping and no flights, you can almost literally buy as much as you want!

Prices start from only £169 for the first person and just £85 for the second person, for the two-night cruise. Take your pick from:

1. Cruise to Ghent at the junction of the River Leie and Scheldt and Amsterdam on the North Sea Canal on December 15 for 3 nights. This is ideal for Christmas shopping when the Festive Market is in full swing in Ghent, or you can also visit neighbouring Bruges or Brussels. Amsterdam is well stocked for shopping and full of sightseeing interest. On board items such as spirits, perfume and other gifts, including jewellery, are also keenly priced and duty free. Prices are from £249 for the first person and £125 for the second.

2. On December 18, you can sail for two nights, again from London Tilbury to Antwerp with a pleasant journey along the River Scheldt. The city offers a good range of shopping in the main square and there are many quality shops close by. Marco Polo berths close to the main square that is just a 10-minute walk, and there visitors can buy local beer, chocolates and many unusual gifts not normally found in your local UK town.

Marco Polo is an adult-only traditional and classic ship. She boasts traditional wooden decks, is small enough to get to know your way around and offers the unique country-house-hotel style experience on board that Cruise & Maritime Voyages are known for.

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

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Celebrate the Royal Wedding In Style

If you missed out on buying Kate’s see-through dress at £78,000, don’t despair. Cruise & Maritime Voyages have two cruises departing on the Royal Wedding Day (April 29) at a much cheaper price, starting at just £199pp. Celebrations include a Royal Banquet onboard on the evening of the departures. CMV also plan to have large TV screens on hand at the Cruise Terminals in both London and Hull, from where the ships are due to depart.

Marco Polo is scheduled to depart from the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury late in the afternoon on April 29 for a three-night Bulbfields Weekend. A big screen has been ordered for use in the terminal. Thanks to Kate & William, you will not have to use up any of your leave - both Friday and Monday are Bank Holidays!

Prices start from just £199pp and the cruise starts by sailing down the Thames as you toast the Royal couple before visiting Amsterdam for Queen’s Day celebrations and then Antwerp on your special cruise.

Alternatively, if you live in the North, you can depart from Hull on Ocean Countess, again on the afternoon of April 29, on a six-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords from £399pp. Large TVs will be set up in the check-in area to enjoy the celebrations on the Wedding Day before passengers sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and waterfalls on a Norwegian exploration.

Prices are per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin, while a third person sharing pays only £99, regardless of cabin grade.

A £6pp/night fuel supplement applies to these departures. Gratuities at £5pp per night will be added to passenger accounts.

For more information, visit http://www.cruiseandmaritime.com/

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.