Expert Line-Up For American Cruise Lines

The educational onboard aspect of cruises is becoming more and more noticeable these days, and it is no surprise to see the line-up of guest speakers being highly touted by many lines.

The move to provide that element is most noticeable on the small-ship lines, though, and it is really illuminating to see this being taken to increasingly high levels.

With that in kind, we were really impressed to see the latest press release from American Cruise Lines, which adds another layer to their thoughtful river-cruise style.

Their carefully selected array of experts offers a series of informal lectures, open discussions and activities that bring alive the local history, nature and culture. These experts also lead shore excursions while in port, providing even more insight into the destinations they visit.

And foremost among these is the Riverlorian, a knowledgeable person who shares the rich history and folklore of America's rivers with passengers. It is a notable feature of Mississippi cruises in particular (check out our special blog series in October 2012 on board ACL's Queen of the Mississippi).

With that in mind, ACL have unveiled their latest line-up of onboard experts as follows:

	Sam Ladley Sam is a New England maritime historian who has been travelling with ACL for many years, giving enthusiastic presentations on themes such as colonial settlement, Native Americans, whaling history, coastal and island communities, and shipbuilding. His expertise in America's nautical and colonial past guarantee a deeper appreciation for the regions he travels.
	Charles Petrocci Charles has travelled and worked in more than 35 countries and written over 900 articles and reports for universities, national and regional publications. He currently serves as a maritime cultural heritage researcher and consultant for numerous universities, museums and non-profit organisations. His lectures focus on coastal maritime history, fisheries, and the heritage of the Atlantic Coast.
	Karen "Toots" Maloy Toots is an expert river historian with a distinguished history on America's rivers. A perennial passenger favourite, "Toots" brings the history and culture of America's great rivers to life with her wealth of knowledge.
	Todd Weber Todd Weber brings tales of the patriots, fur traders, Indians and explorers of America alive through his period clothing and colourful presentation. This highly celebrated, river-running historian shares his appreciation for the stamina, ingenuity and character that existed in those who helped shape the history of America on the Columbia River.

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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!

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Discover Med History With Voyages Of Discovery

Set sail to Turkey and Greece with Voyages of Discovery on a history-themed cruise exploring the birthplace of civilisation.

Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Kusadasi (Turkey); learn about the Monastery of St John in Patmos (Greece); discover a variety of historic landmarks in Athens, including the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the Theatre of Dionysos.

Prices start from £1,449 per person (Saver Fare price, based on two people sharing an inside cabin), with the the 13-day cruise on new ship MV Voyager departing on October 21 from Istanbul (after an overnight stay) and calling at Canakkale (for Gallipoli), Dikili (for Pergamum), Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Antalya (overnight), Patmos, Kavala, Thessaloniki and Piraeus (for Athens, overnight).

NB: Saver Fares are payable in full at the time of booking, 100% cancellation fees apply. Cabins will be allocated just prior to departure. Saver Fares do not include gratuities, UK coach transfers or car parking at the port and are not protected by the Voyages of Discovery Price Promise.

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

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Try A Great Late Med Break

Looking for a great-value and educational holiday taking in the highlights of the Mediterranean? Join Voyages of Discovery’s MV Discovery for a cultural voyage from just £1,399 per person this autumn.

Guests onboard the Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey cruise can explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town (Croatia) before heading to the contrasting sheer mountains and picturesque villages of Kotor (Montenegro) and Katakolon (Greece), the gateway to ancient Greece and ideal for history enthusiasts.

That is followed by a visit to the birthplace of civilisation – Athens – as the ship calls into Piraeus. Passengers will be accompanied by experienced historian, Brigadier Mike Shaw, and anthropologist Anne-Marie Harrison, to bring the destinations to life. 

The Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey departs from Dubrovnik on October 5 and also calls at Pula (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Koper (Slovenia), Hvar (Croatia), Durres (Albania), Itea (Greece), Canakkale (Turkey) and Istanbul (overnight).

The price includes flights from a major UK airport, transfers, all onboard gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on-board.

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

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Unlock Your Past On A Genealogy Cruise

Tracing your family tree has never been more popular and, with so many different options available, your family history is just waiting to be discovered. Voyages of Discovery hopes to spark more interest in people’s ancestries by inviting guests onboard two cruises, Trade Routes to Bombay and Tales of India & Arabia, to start their genealogy journey sailing the high seas.

This winter MV Discovery will be joined by genealogy experts Paul Blake and Maggie Loughran, heritage event organisers with over 20 years’ experience. Both Paul and Maggie will be on hand to help passengers delve into their family history through guest lectures on a wide range of fascinating historical topics and via hosted workshops at sea and in port.

Continuing the historical theme, guests can take part in Discovery's 'Antiques Seashow' with resident antiques expert David Barby (above). Famous for his appearances on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, David invites passengers to come prepared with photos of relics and heirlooms to offer his valuations.
Unravel your past and sail on Voyages of Discovery's Trade Routes to Bombay - save up to 55% and get away on a 15-day cruise from as little as £899 per person.

Price includes return flights from London, transfers and the 15-day voyage departing from Safaga (Egypt) overnight and calling at Massawa (Eritrea), Salalah (Oman), Muscat (Oman) and Porbandar (India) before arriving at Mumbai (India), overnight; meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned guest speakers.

Price is based on a November 14 departure. Or choose to sail next March on Tales of India and Arabia from as little as £1,399, saving up to 30%.

For more info, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk or the adventure cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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