Explore The Ancient Med With Fred!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests can escape the chill of the autumn and head for sunnier climates and warmer waters on Black Watch’s 28-night ‘Ancient Monuments of the Mediterranean’ voyage, departing from Dover on October 19. A history-lover and sightseer’s dream, this cruise uncovers ancient lands and some of the best-known architectural wonders in the world.

The first port of call is Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital. Here, guests can expand their knowledge of the Alcobaca Cistercian Monastery, or discover the history of Alcobaca and its connection to medieval Portugal at this World Heritage Site, before exploring the charming little town.

Black Watch then visits La Goulette (for Tunis) in Tunisia; the medina is its historic heart, with a network of alleys, souks and the Eighth Century Al-Zaytuna Mosque, a direct contrast to the palm trees and café terraces of the new town. Close-by are the ruins of Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, quite possibly Tunisia’s most beautiful village.

Next stop is Izmir, in Turkey, before reaching iconic Istanbul. Ornately-decorated buildings rub shoulders with art galleries, museums, restaurants and boutiques. Guests can visit the Topkapi Palace, or take a tour of the Byzantine heritage of the city, taking in some of the impressive monuments and mosques; a highlight is the Basilica Cistern, a huge underground reservoir built in 532 AD.

After calling at Canakkale, where guests can join a tour to the fabled city of Troy, Black Watch makes its first call in Greece at Volos, which boasts many exquisite finds from the early 20th Century and modern archaeological excavations at the Volos Archaeological Museum and Makrinitsa. The voyage then heads to Greece’s main commercial port of Piraeus, which has practically melded with Athens. The awe-inspiring Parthenon, sitting atop the Acropolis, Cape Sounion, Corinth and Delphi – with its impressive Temple of Apollo – make this one of the most historically-significant destinations on this cruise.

Next up are Kalamata and Itea, before reaching Corfu. Here, guests can relax on a tour to the Achilleion and Corfu Old Town, where the beautiful Greek countryside teems with orange, lemon, cypress and olive groves.

Black Watch then continues to Valletta, the cosmopolitan capital of Malta, known for its fortifications, architectural appeal and Grand Harbour. Guests can also gain a better understanding of the vital role Malta played in the two World Wars by visiting the Malta at War and National War Museums.

The final destination is Gibraltar, with a tour to the must-see World War II tunnels, which were excavated between 1939 and 1944, as an extension to the Great Siege Tunnels of 1779 to 1783. In total, these stretch for more than 30 miles. Black Watch then sets sail on her return voyage to Dover.

Guests on this cruise can take advantage of Fred. Olsen’s great-value ‘all-inclusive’ drinks upgrade package at just £10 per person, per night, and enjoy their holiday in style without any budget worries. Prices for this cultural cruise start from £1,372 per person (subject to availability), based on two adults sharing an inside, twin-bedded cabin, and include all accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800 0355 150 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm).

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!

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Winter Sun with MSC in the UAE

For guaranteed sunshine this winter, consider a Dubai cruise with MSC Cruises, as they have just announced some great rates for their 7-day United Arab Emirates cruises, including from just £699 per person with return flights from Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle or Manchester.

Even in the winter months, temperatures in the UAE hover between 23 and 33C. Whilst on board, guests can enjoy the sea breezes and take advantage of the swimming pools and poolside service of cooling drinks and ice creams, while, for even more pampering, there is the MSC Aurea spa, which offers a variety of tempting treatments.

Guests on the UAE cruise will be treated to a series of contrasts, from the laid back and relaxing atmosphere on board to fantastic rugged landscapes, fabulous white sand beaches and desert sand dunes, all contrasting with futuristic skyscrapers, restaurants and high-end shopping.

With return flights with Emirates Air, MSC guests will also enjoy the facilities of one of the world’s leading international airlines. The airline offers all the mod-cons, from spacious seating to a generous 30kg baggage allowance.

Cruise prices start from just £699 per person for departures on 14 December and 11 January; £749 for departures on 30 November, 7 December, 22 February and £799 for departures on 4, 18 and 25 January.

For further information on MSC, bookings and terms and conditions please visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955. 

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.

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Vote For Us In the Avis UK A-List Awards!

Voting opened today in this year's A-List Awards, the Avis Car Hire annual honours for keen travel bloggers everywhere.

It is the first time Time Spent At Sea has been nominated and we are thrilled to bits, so we hope all our many followers and fellow cruise enthusiasts will vote for us and put us on the A-List map!

The blog that has been chosen to represent our daily helping of cruise enjoyment was the final part of our grand Alaska voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures in August and September, and follows the day-by-day journey of that amazing Heritage-style experience through the historic region of the Yukon gold rush in 1898 (plus all the wonderful wildlife).

You can see the full blog on this link.

+Avis have opened the Awards up to a wide range of other bloggers, all of whom offer some excellent travel blogging, and everyone who votes will also have the chance to win an Avis UK Car Rental voucher to the value of £200, so there is obviously plenty of incentive to vote, too!

Here's what Avis say:

The Avis A-List Awards aim to recognise the contribution to travel and tourism made by

bloggers. We also want to acknowledge the thousands of travel enthusiasts that read and share experiences every day.

That’s why we’re not only rewarding bloggers for all their hard work but also those who vote for their favourite blog will also have a chance to win.

Please vote for your favourite blog and complete the information below to have the chance to win an Avis Car Rental voucher up to the value of £200 (to be spent internationally).

Please cast your vote to help us crown the best travel blogs of 2013. Voting closes on 31th October 2013 and the winners will be announced on 13th November 2013.

We're obviously hoping you vote for us at Time Spent At Sea and make the story of our Alaska trip one of the most popular of the year. We certainly have no hesitation in recommending Un-Cruise Adventures as one of the very best cruise experiences we've ever had in 80-plus journeys.

Here's the link to vote on: Avis A-List Awards.

PS: We're listed at number 19 of the 25!

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Viking's Big Med Moments

Viking Cruises has announced a full schedule of 2015 Mediterranean itineraries for the new Viking Star, as well as select 2016 sailings, to highlight their maiden year of ocean cruising. 

The move will keep debut ship Viking Star in the Mediterranean, offering additional sailings to some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities, from Rome to Barcelona. Responding to the overwhelming demand for the ship's maiden voyages in the Mediterranean offered earlier for the spring and summer of 2015, the new winter cruises will allow guests the chance to explore the vibrant cultures and sites along the Mediterranean in the quiet season, in keeping with Viking’s promise to provide a unique cruise experience. Due to the popularity of the nearly-sold out 2015 maiden voyages, select 2016 itineraries are now also available for booking.

“We are pleased to announce additional cruises in the Mediterranean that will allow guests to experience some of the most beautiful cities in Europe during the quiet season the way the locals do,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “Our Mediterranean ocean itineraries have sold at an unprecedented rate; consumers are responding enthusiastically to this attractive region and the carefully-designed itineraries that offer our guests the opportunity to explore this historically fascinating region by letting them get closer to the historical sites, people and traditions in ways they have never experienced before.”

New Mediterranean Itineraries

The overwhelming popularity of Viking Star’s maiden voyages resulted in the addition of the winter 2015 Mediterranean itineraries. By highlighting more unique locations, such as Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, and Algiers – and crafting experiences that take advantage of the post-tourist season – the new itineraries showcase the Mediterranean in a way many travellers have never witnessed. By sailing in the winter months, guests will see an entirely different Europe – quieter and more contemplative, all while soaking up the splendour of the region.

Romantic Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona-Rome): While sailing along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this itinerary offers a perfect mix of glamour, rustic pleasures and memorable landscapes with visits to Toulon, Corsica and Monte Carlo; the Tuscan region of Italy; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person with discounted airfares from $595pp.

Mediterranean Getaway (8 days; Rome-Barcelona): Explore historically significant sites and vibrant cities of the southern Mediterranean with destinations that include Rome, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia; Tunis (and Carthage); and Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person with discounted airfares from $595pp.

Mediterranean Explorer (15 days; Barcelona-Barcelona): Combining the Romantic Mediterranean and Mediterranean Getaway, this itinerary features fabled ancient cities, medieval wonders and iconic sites that include Toulon, Monte Carlo and Corsica; Tuscany, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia; Tunis (and Carthage); Palma de Mallorca and Valencia; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,849 per person with discounted airfares from $595pp.

Grand Mediterranean Tour (15 days; Barcelona-Barcelona): Sun-kissed shores and new places to discover await on this voyage that begins with an overnight in Barcelona and includes an overnight in Rome. Stops include Monte Carlo, Toulon and Corsica; Tuscany and Sardinia; Tunis; and Valencia; plus off-the-beaten path visits to Valletta, Malta, and Algiers, Algeria. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,849 per person with discounted airfares from $595pp.

Viking’s Ocean Cruises

Last May, Viking Cruises announced the launch of its ocean cruise product line, which will begin sailing in May 2015 with the brand-new 928-passenger Viking Star embarking her maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic. Then she will also sail in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. The launch affirmed Viking's continued commitment to providing unique cruising journeys for the experienced traveller. Since announcing itineraries for the 2015 Viking Star maiden voyages, cabins have sold at a rapid rate, due to overwhelming interest in Viking’s small-ship, destination-focused ocean cruises.

Booking Details

For more details, visit www.vikingcruises.com/oceans. From now until December 18, Viking is offering a 2015 & 2016 Early Booking Discount with up to 2-for-1 cruise pricing and up to $2,000 per couple off air. Viking’s inclusive pricing covers accommodations, all onboard meals, a guided excursion in each port of call, port charges, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service, and more.

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Big River-Cruise Savings With Titan

Titan Travel, who offer a choice of deluxe river cruise itineraries in the UK in exclusive partnership with Uniworld, has launched the second edition of its 2014 river-cruise brochure with details of six new Christmas cruises for 2014 and savings of up to £800 per person on cruises booked before December 31.

The brochure showcases some of the grandest and most scenic waterways of Europe, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, aboard Uniworld’s fleet of exquisitely appointed floating boutique-style hotels. The majority have been designed by Red Carnation Hotels and include original works of art, antiques and elegant furnishings. With an average capacity of 130 and the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river-cruise industry, as well as guaranteed river-view staterooms, exceptional fine dining and multi award-winning service, each cruise is now rated as a Six-Star experience.

Every European itinerary in 2014, excluding Russia, is also now all-inclusive, with holiday prices covering all gratuities (on-board and ashore), unlimited wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks throughout (excluding premium wines and spirits) and on-board internet/Wi-Fi. This enhancement invites guests to relax in the knowledge there are no hidden extras once on board. These extras are offered in addition to an already unparalleled list of ‘standard’ inclusions from Zagat-recommended river-view staterooms, full board fine dining, a choice of expert-guided shore excursions to unique door-to-door transfers as part of Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service.

New for 2014 is the expansion of Uniworld’s award-winning fleet with the addition of SS Catherine. Set to raise the bar even higher than sister ship Antoinette, this beautifully appointed vessel will be replacing the River Royale along the Rhône and Saône through southern France on the perennially popular 8-day ‘Burgundy & Provence’ itinerary from Lyon to Avignon, with prices starting from £2,149 per person based on a November 9, 2014, departure (saving £400 if booked by December 31).

Further savings of up to £750 per person can be made on a spectacular 16-day cruise taking in the ‘Imperial Capitals of Europe’. Travelling through eight countries starting in Istanbul with a tour of its striking mosques and opulent palaces, the tour continues with a flight on to the eclectic city of Bucharest and the start of a cruise along the Danube to regal Vienna. This fascinating journey takes in picturesque Bulgarian towns such as Veliko, Tarnono and Arbanassi, as well as the majestic cities of Budapest (above) and Belgrade along the way. The cruise costs from £3,899 per person (if booked by December 31), based on an April 7, 2014, departure.

For details or to book, call Titan on 0800 988 5867 or visit www.titantravel.co.uk/uniworld.

NB: We featured the Imperial Capitals of Europe cruise in the magazine last year, and you can read the report on this link.

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Regent's Wi-Fi Bonus

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced an expansion to its fabulous all-inclusive product by offering free Wi-Fi across its fleet. Beginning with the line’s Winter 2014-2015 sailings, concierge-level and higher guests will receive up to 500 minutes of free Wi-Fi.

Regent will also make a multi-million dollar investment to upgrade its fleet’s onboard Internet offering. This will include:
 

• Doubling the satellite bandwidth to provide considerable improvements in both the quality and speed of the guest’s online experience.
• Expanding the Wi-Fi signal’s range, making Wi-Fi available throughout the entirety of the ships including all suites, public rooms and outdoor decks.
• Replacing all onboard hardware such as the modems, routers and bandwidth compression equipment with advanced technology.

These upgrades will be completed by the end of this year, significantly enhancing the Internet experience for all guests.

According to Regent president Kunal S. Kamlani,  the addition of free Wi-Fi is a natural evolution of the brand’s all-inclusive product offering, which is unmatched in the travel industry. He said: “It’s all included on Regent, from flights, ground transfers and unlimited shore excursions to gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, and gratuities. 

"Coupled with our hallmark personalised service and spacious all-suite accommodations, we provide a luxury cruise experience like no other for those who want to explore the world without compromise. And we know staying in touch with family and friends is of paramount importance. Our fleet-wide Internet upgrade will ensure our guests have an exceptional experience whenever or wherever they connect on board.”

Details on the free Wi-Fi programme can be found here. Details of the 2014-2015 Winter Collection will be announced on October 9.

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

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N-Ice One, Norwegian!

Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Getaway, which will be the largest ship to homeport in Miami year-round when it makes its debut next February, will feature a true ice bar on board, featuring three dimensional icy elements inspired by the ship’s Magic City home. 

Kept at minus 8 degrees Celsius, the ship’s ice bar will feature Art Deco-style décor, reminiscent of Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive. In addition, through an exclusive partnership with SVEDKA Vodka and Inniskillin ice wine, the Ice Bar will be named “SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar” and will feature Florida-inspired speciality SVEDKA and Inniskillin ice wine cocktails.

Like sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, Getaway’s frozen chamber is guaranteed to give guests the ultimate chill. Adorned with South Florida-inspired elements such as the iconic South Beach skyline and palm trees etched into the icy walls, a “Welcome to Miami Beach” sign and a life-size alligator throne made entirely of ice, Getaway’s Ice Bar will be Miami’s coolest place to chill out. In addition, the entire bar, seating and glassware will all also be made of ice.

Located on deck eight, the SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar will accommodate approximately 25 guests at a time, who will don hooded coats and gloves to keep warm, since the Arctic-like room’s temperature will not rise above minus 8.

Entrance to the SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar can be reserved from 5.30-10.30pm nightly. The cost is $20 per person and includes two signature cocktails that will be served in specially-created glasses made entirely of ice. 

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.

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