QM2's Transatlantic Landmark

Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 will be marking a major milestone on her July 6 voyage from New York to Southampton – it will be her 200th Atlantic crossing, with special speakers and performers on board to add to the celebratory mood.

Stephen Payne, OBE, who was largely responsible for the overall design of QM2, will present a fascinating insight into the construction of the world’s grandest ocean liner as part of Cunard’s speaker progamme. Stephen will be guest of honour at a gala evening on board which will include a commemorative dinner with a special menu. In addition, BBC newsreader and Classic FM presenter Nick Owen will lecture on board.

Also getting into the swing of things will be 16 musicians, plus a band leader and vocalist from the world-renowned Juilliard School of Dance, Drama and Music. The group will perform as a jazz orchestra providing a selection of Big Band, Swing and Glen Miller style music and smaller ensemble pieces.

They will play at an evening event in the Royal Court Theatre with full orchestra and vocalist, an afternoon tea dance, lunchtime jam sessions featuring an ensemble in the Chart Room, and a late evening ensemble in Illuminations as well as giving two jazz masterclass talks and a Q&A with the bandleader and members of the orchestra.

Queen Mary 2 is still the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive liner ever built. Today, she is the only true ocean liner left in service and is the fastest passenger ship in the world.

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

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will begin a new chapter in exploration that opens up the vast new geography of the South Pacific when the 102-guest National Geographic Orion is officially launched in March 2014.  An inaugural series of three remarkable voyages have been created that will explore unusual cultures, beautiful islands and some of the world’s finest diving and snorkeling 

The newest addition to the Lindblad fleet, National Geographic Orion will be newly equipped with a full roster of exploration tools including kayaks, a state-of the-art ROV (remote operated vehicle reaching depths up to 1,000 feet), full snorkeling gear for all, and a SCUBA program that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time. The expedition team will resemble the National Geographic Explorer, and will feature a National Geographic photographer on most departures. 

The three special inaugural sailings include:

·         Exploring Papua New Guinea & the Islands of Vanuatu & the Solomons:  Embark in Auckland, New Zealand and set off on an epic voyage in the wake of Captain Cook.  Delve into a fascinating history of intrepid explorers, convicts, headhunters, and traders as we explore Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, and the Torres Strait. In Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, don your scuba and snorkel gear to discover incredible coral reefs and lagoons, revisit World War II history, and get to know vibrant island cultures. Cap off the journey snorkeling or diving Australia’s crown jewel: the Great Barrier Reef. The voyage departs March 19, 2014 for 25 days/22 nights.  Rates begin at $25,390 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.  

Expedition highlights include:

·         Experience the rich cultures of Melanesia—Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands & Papua New Guinea—in one comprehensive voyage.

·         World-class beaches, snorkeling and diving experiences, including three days exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

·         Discover remote islands such as Norfolk Island, a UNESCO site commemorating Australian convict settlements, and Kennedy Island, site of JFK’s PT-109 rescue.

·         Witness an impressive diversity of cultures, see traditional communities and some of the best places in the world to collect “tribal” or “primitive” art.

·         Travel with National Geographic photographer Amy Toensing, known for her intimate essays about the lives of ordinary people close to home and on the other side of the globe - including the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea and the Australian outback.

·         The Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea & Micronesia:  Immerse yourself in some of the most pristine marine habitats on the planet. Experience the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel among hundreds of surreal, stingless jellyfish in Palau. Encounter the vestiges of World War II battles in Papua New Guinea and Micronesia, and get acquainted with the rich and diverse cultures of the South Pacific. The voyage departs April 9, 2014 for 22 days/19 nights.  Rates begin at $19,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin. 

Expedition highlights include:

·         Snorkel or dive amid an astonishing world of corals and marine life off Lizard Island National Park on the Great Barrier Reef.

·         Witness a swirl of flowers, feathers, and colorful woven grasses at a festive traditional dance performance on the island of Kitava, Papua New Guinea. 

·         Discover World War II cave systems, torpedoes, and shipwrecks in the tropical paradise of Chuuk, Micronesia.

·         Experience age-old traditions untainted by time as we explore the intriguing islands of Micronesia’s Yap State.

·         Voyage with National Geographic photographer David Doubilet, acclaimed for his award-winning underwater photography.

·         Voyage to the Spice Islands & the Coral Triangle:  Scattered across the tropical seas like gems, the islands of eastern Indonesia are fringed with white-sand beaches, karst pinnacles, and some of the most pristine coral reef systems in the world. Sail south from Palau to the Moluccas archipelago—once known as the Spice Islands.  Witness the world’s richest marine biodiversity in Raja Ampat, discover the legacy of the Dutch East India Company in the Banda Islands, and experience island cultures from West Papua to Timor.  The expedition departs April 27, 2014 for 17 days/14 nights.  Rates begin at $14,730 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

Expedition highlights include:

·         Glide a Zodiac among the emerald-tufted Rock Islands of Palau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and kayak beneath the stunning karst formations of Bird’s Head Peninsula.

·         Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of coral and tropical fish while snorkeling or diving Raja Ampat, whose rich marine biodiversity is unparalleled.

·         Examine ancient rock art and encounter a fascinating patchwork of cultures on these remote islands.

·         Explore the turbulent history of the spice trade in Dutch East Indies, and see vestiges of World War II.

·         Travel with National Geographic photographer David Doubilet, whose personal challenge is to create a visual voice for the world’s oceans and to connect people to the incredible beauty and silent devastation happening within the invisible world below.

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

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Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Boost

A recent revision of NASA’s ‘solar maximum’ forecast means next winter could be one of the best in a decade for viewing the Northern Lights. Northern Norway is directly under the zone of maximum activity and is therefore an ideal place to experience this great natural light show. With this in mind, Hurtigruten has launched its winter 2013/14 programme packed full of itineraries in search of the Northern Lights and more direct flights to Norway than ever before. 

Its ships are the perfect viewing platform, as they can be seen against the dark night sky, away from the artificial light of towns and cities. To make it as easy as possible to go in search of the Northern Lights, a total of 47 direct flight departures are being offerednext  winter, including trips from Glasgow and Bournemouth for the first time. These sit alongside all the other existing regional airports Hurtigruten offer direct flights from in the winter, including Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Packages with direct flights are available on two itineraries. There are 32 departures on the hugely popular ‘Arctic Highlights Voyage’ from Tromsø to Kirkenes, which spends its entirety within the Arctic Circle, thus giving the best opportunity to see the Lights. Prices are from £995pp, including return flights, three nights' half board on the ship and one night’s B&B accommodation in Tromso.

The ‘Classic Round Voyage’ from Bergen to Kirkenes and back has 15 flight inclusive departures this winter. The 12-day trip gives longer on the ship and therefore more nights with which to search for the Northern Lights. Prices are from £1,372pp, including return flights, and 11 nights full board on the ship.

Staying in a snow hotel continues to be a ‘must-do’ for many and five extra departures have been added that include a night at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel at the end of a voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes. There are 25 departures of the eight-day ‘Arctic Wonders’ voyage between December 27 and March 28, with flights included from either Gatwick or Heathrow. Prices start from £1,593pp.

After another sell out year, Hurtigruten has also added yet another Astronomy Voyage date, bringing the total now available to five. Accompanied by a renowned Astronomer, a series of lectures and a tour of the night’s sky ensures the world of planets, stars and meteors is better understood along with the myths and legends linked to our skies. The voyages follow the ‘Classic Round Voyage’ route and prices start from £1,608pp, including flights from Gatwick or Heathrow.

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

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Avalon's 2014 European Preview

Avalon Waterways has launched its 2014 European River Cruise Preview Brochure with a range of early booking offers as well as announcing three new Suite Ships for delivery in the spring next year.

A range of great value early booking offers are available; the earlier the booking, the better the saving.  Those booking by May 22 can save up to £1,400 per couple; by June 30, the saving is £1,200 per couple; or book by September 30 to save £600 per couple.

The new preview brochure features 10 of Avalon’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Main, Rhone and Dutch Waterways. The choice includes the Romantic Rhine (8 days from £1,255pp), A Taste of the Danube (8 days from £1,109pp), Capitals of Central Europe (10 days from £1,665pp), Burgundy & Provence (11 days from £1,909pp) and Balkan Discovery (10 days from £1,815pp). Ten other non-brochured 2014 cruises available to book via the website include Paris to Normandy Beaches (8 days from £1,135pp), Rhine & Moselle (13 days from £2,605pp), Grand France (16 days from £2,855pp) and Upper Rhine to the City of Music (12 days from £2,490pp).

Avalon’s flexible approach provides passengers with more of a personalised experience.  Included sightseeing with individual audio sets is available at three different levels all led by expert local guides. Leisurely sightseeing shows each destination’s highlights in a relaxed and unhurried way; traditional sightseeing explores a wide range of sights at a moderate pace and essential sightseeing shows the must-see sights, with plenty of time to explore on your own. Alternative sightseeing options are also on offer for those with different interests or for those who have visited the area before.

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

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An Un-Cruise Alaska Delight

Un-Cruise Adventures has added two wonderful themed cruises on their Active Adventure sailings in South-East Alaska this summer as the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer welcomes guest experts on board for a photography theme on June 8 and an Alaska Insider theme on July 13. 

“Our guest experts offer additional insights to complement our own expedition team and adventure activities,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s an added benefit for sailing on these two dates.”

Photography with Amy Gulick

On the June 8 the Eastern Coves adventure, nature photographer and author Amy Gulick joins the trip to share photography tips, lessons and techniques she’s learned over the years as an award-winning photographer and writer. Gulick is a founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and her images have been featured in premium publications such as Outdoor Photographer, Audubon, National Wildlife and Nature’s Best Photography.  Guests will receive an autographed copy of her book “Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska’s Tongass Rain Forest.”

The week-long Eastern Coves itinerary sails from Juneau to Ketchikan while adventuring through Tracy Arm Wilderness, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Behm Canal, Misty Fjords National Monument and a half-day port call in Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest towns.   Rates on this date begin at $3,195 per person, double occupancy. A $200pp travel credit is offered.

Alaska Insider with John and Jan Straley

On the July 13 Western Coves adventure, long-time local residents John and Jan Straley board for a week of storytelling—fact and fiction—on all things Alaska and insights on humpback and killer whales. John, a poet and author of detective fiction, has won awards over the years for his novels set in Alaska. Jan is a marine biologist and well-known for her extensive studies of whales. She is assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast and affiliate faculty at University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

The week-long Western Coves itinerary sails from Ketchikan to Juneau, and explores wilderness areas including El Capitan Passage, Chatham Strait, Frederick Sound, Stephen’s Passage, Endicott Arm and Fords Terror, with a half-day port call at the Tlingit village of Klawock. Rates on this date begin at $3,195pp.

Both Active Adventure sailings include wildlife and whale watching, kayaking, hiking, skiff excursions exploring the coastline, glacier viewing, stand up paddle-boarding and a guided tour in Klawock or Wrangell. Snorkelling and overnight camping ashore are available for a fee. Un-Cruise Adventures also recently confirmed six theme departures on Luxury Adventures aboard the 86-guest Safari Endeavour in Alaska. Themes include photography, marine biology, ornithology and wine from two prominent North-West wineries. 

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

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World Of Cruising To Be Official Magazine For 2016 Olympics

In the latest issue of World of Cruising magazine we celebrate our 15th anniversary with an edition packed full of exciting articles and features. Join Gary Buchanan as he sets sail for Africa and enjoys a remarkable cruise-safari experience, whilst Captain Greybeard gives us his thoughts on the future of Liverpool cruise port and the QE2. 

Elsewhere, we've got reviews of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway and Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas and a special feature on the culinary delights being served up on the QM2 - a must-read for food and dining enthusiasts.

For you adventure-cruise buffs, Steve Newman has a piece on the incredible Sea of Cortes with its whales, baby sea lions and snorkelling attractions with Un-Cruise Adventures. 

World of Cruising is one of the world’s most popular cruise magazines. You can view the latest digital edition by clicking below or alternatively, visit our subscribe section where you can take advantage of our latest subscription offer and enjoy having every issue delivered straight to your front door before it goes online. 

Check out the interactive magazine here (click on the pages to open the online edition): www.worldofcruising.co.uk.

PS: Did our headline Fool you? Did you check the date...?!

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Crystal's Pacific Coast Extravaganza

~ Shore Excursions Explore Region’s Renowned Outdoors, History, and Artistry ~

On its sole Pacific Coast itinerary this year, Crystal Cruises has set more than 40 Crystal Adventures ashore, almost a dozen of them new. From Vancouver to Los Angeles, the seven-night Crystal Symphony voyage on April 29 explores the Pacific Northwest and California coastlines with a selection of new nature-loving, cultural and historic shore-side options, such as:

For Art and Film Fans

• Explore private art studios and galleries, from glass-blowing in Seattle to the historic art colony of Sausalito.
• See the real-life movie locations used in films such as The Goonies, Free Willy and Kindergarten Cop.

For Outdoor Adventurers

• Zip-line through dense Oregon forest near Astoria, over eight lines, and into a private lake.
• Follow Lewis and Clark’s footsteps through the same dunes and fields they “discovered” outside Fort Clatsop.
• Sail San Francisco Bay aboard the ORACLE team’s USA 76 America’s Cup yacht, just months before the city hosts this year’s race.

For History and Culture Buffs

• Ride a “Magic Bus” through landmarks of San Francisco’s 1960’s counterculture.
• Go behind-the-scenes at the 146-year-old Fort Stevens, the only US fort in the 48 states to be bombed by a foreign power since the War of 1812.

Also, for the first time ever, three complimentary “You Care, We Care” voluntourism opportunities will be offered on one cruise, with guests and crew assisting at an Astoria State Park and helping feed the hungry in Victoria and Santa Barbara. Other coastal Crystal Adventures explore Victoria’s charming architecture; local wine, cheese and seafood; quaint seaside villages; Mount St Helens; the City by the Bay by helicopter; and outdoor sporting activities on wheels or the water in Santa Barbara.

“California and the Pacific Northwest are renowned for their beauty and culture, but these excursions offer innovative ways to experience those touchstones of America and Canada’s ‘left coast’, whether world-famous or under-the-radar,” says Philip Ordever, Vice President, International Sales & Marketing. 

The Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Astoria, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles cruise also features a jazz theme honouring saxophonist, composer and arranger Benny Golson. All-inclusive “Book Now” fly-cruise fares start from £3,314 per person.

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

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