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Oceania Cruises is offering free gratuities, worth up to £199pp and free unlimited internet on 14 sailings on board its four mid-sized luxury cruise ships between March and September next year. For guests booking during National Cruise Week next week (September 21-29), a bonus $200 US per stateroom will also apply, to spend in the onboard shops, bars and spa.
The 2014 offers include 10 sailings in the Mediterranean on board the 650-guest ships Nautica and Insignia, and a 14-night sailing on board the newest ship in the fleet, the 1,250-guest Riviera, departing on July 5, with fares from £1,649pp (was £2196pp), saving £547pp based on a 10-night sailing on Insignia, departing on August 27.
In South America the offer applies to the 12 night Radiant Rhythms cruise from Rio to Buenos Aires on board mid-sized ship Regatta, departing on March 5, with fares from £2,792pp. In the South Pacific, Oceania's 14-night Tahitian Pearls sailing on April 5 on Marina also has free internet and free gratuities, with fares from £3,708. In the Caribbean, free gratuities are offered for guests booking the 10-night Caribbean Hideaways sailing on Riviera, departing Miami on March 284, with prices from £2,089pp (was £2,235pp), saving £146pp. Exclusive National Cruise week offer:-
For those booking any sailing with Oceania during National Cruise Week, an additional $200 onboard credit will be added to every stateroom booking. All prices include return UK air fares, all meals, with no supplement for Oceania's renowned speciality dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.
For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.
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Thursday, 19 September 2013
Oceania's Freebies For National Cruise Week
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
An Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 12, Final Day
The grand finale of our magnificent voyage from Juneau to Seattle aboard the SS Legacy with the unique style of Un-Cruise Adventures...
Day 12 - Seattle
It's 7am and we have finally come to the end of our fairly epic voyage with Un-Cruise, the navigation of the Hiram M Chittenden Locks (known locally as Ballard Locks) into Fishermen's Terminal in Seattle.
It's always a fascinating process going through the lock stage and we enjoy an early-morning gathering on deck with Larry talking us through what's going on, and a bit more about Seattle itself. The salmon are still active and we see some beautiful specimens jumping several feet out of the water with resounding splashes!
After arriving in the inner basin (once again, where the big ships never venture), we troop down to the Klondike Dining Room for our final breakfast aboard.
The disembarkation arrangements are as smooth and seamless as those when we arrived,
with our suitcases being whisked off the ship while we are at breakfast, and loaded onto a bus for the airport without us having to lift a finger.
Thankfully, there is no rush to get off and we are able to say some heartfelt goodbyes to fellow passengers who have become firm friends in the course of the 12 days. Notable among them are Australian photographer Jocelyn Pride (who has taken some magnificent pics during the voyage - be sure to see more at http://www.jocelynpride.com.au/) and her husband Peter, and Jim and Ann Blanchard, plus just about everyone else!
It has been a wonderfully convivial group, apart from everything else, and it has been great to share travel stories with such a collection of well-travelled and fun folks. It was quite startling to learn that just about everyone had travelled with Un-Cruise before and were keen to come back for more - the ultimate endorsement of the product.
Finally, we DID have to get off, and it was to a full line-up of the crew and staff, providing hugs and handshakes all round as we said some more fond farewells. And yes, there were a few tears, too.
Finally, we DID have to get off, and it was to a full line-up of the crew and staff, providing hugs and handshakes all round as we said some more fond farewells. And yes, there were a few tears, too.
The voyage itself has been a dazzling daily collection of highlights, both on board and in the
scenery and wildlife around us. Alaska never disappoints from those points of view, but this cruise proved off-the-charts amazing.
Equally, the Un-Cruise Adventures style of relaxed, unhurried and (often) unscheduled cruising is a huge hit with us. We loved absolutely every minute of it.
Now, we wouldn't normally do this, but we want to give a name check to everyone who helped and made this journey special, as it's one we will always remember. To a certain extent, the PR people and the crew are simply doing their job and (without wishing to sound condescending) it is important for them to showcase their product as efficiently as possible. But we think this went above and beyond all but one cruise we have previously experienced, and is certainly on a par with the
great Nomads of the Seas voyage we enjoyed in Chile a few years ago.
So here goes with the extensive array of fully-deserved plaudits...
EVP Tim Jacox and director of business development LouAnn Stanley, who proved such wonderful company onboard, as well as ensuring we saw everything we needed to (and to Sarah Scoltock, back in the office, for great pre-cruise organisation).
Captain Dano (Daniel Quinn) and his wheelhouse staff of First Mate Katie, Second Mate Rob and Third Mate Lyman (my Open Mic Night partner!) for both great navigation, enormous skill in finding (and staying with, the wildlife), and the personable style to tell us all about it, along with deck hands Travis and Kristen (a more conscientious, hard-working and ship-proud pair would be hard to find).
Then there were the Grand Salon staff Jason, Heather and Sharon for serving great drinks
and providing ever-smiling service, even at 6.30am; and the Klondike Dining Room staff Cheryl, Amber, Julio, Derek and Kirsty for equally good service with a fun attitude.
Finally, there were the incomparable troupe of re-enactors/entertainment staff/historians/characters/naturalists/photographers and all-round stars Larry West (a fount of all knowledge on the region) and Kenne Williams (together, below), Ryan (as Swedish photographer Eric Hegg, right) and Arika (above left).
Four true champions of Alaska and the Heritage Cruise style - long may they fly the Un-Cruise flag and its unique style! More importantly, the 49th state is now firmly embedded in our hearts forever and we WILL be back, as we can feel a much longer - and deeper - story that needs to be written.
Equally, the Un-Cruise Adventures style of relaxed, unhurried and (often) unscheduled cruising is a huge hit with us. We loved absolutely every minute of it.
Now, we wouldn't normally do this, but we want to give a name check to everyone who helped and made this journey special, as it's one we will always remember. To a certain extent, the PR people and the crew are simply doing their job and (without wishing to sound condescending) it is important for them to showcase their product as efficiently as possible. But we think this went above and beyond all but one cruise we have previously experienced, and is certainly on a par with the
So here goes with the extensive array of fully-deserved plaudits...
EVP Tim Jacox and director of business development LouAnn Stanley, who proved such wonderful company onboard, as well as ensuring we saw everything we needed to (and to Sarah Scoltock, back in the office, for great pre-cruise organisation).
Captain Dano (Daniel Quinn) and his wheelhouse staff of First Mate Katie, Second Mate Rob and Third Mate Lyman (my Open Mic Night partner!) for both great navigation, enormous skill in finding (and staying with, the wildlife), and the personable style to tell us all about it, along with deck hands Travis and Kristen (a more conscientious, hard-working and ship-proud pair would be hard to find).
Then there were the Grand Salon staff Jason, Heather and Sharon for serving great drinks
Finally, there were the incomparable troupe of re-enactors/entertainment staff/historians/characters/naturalists/photographers and all-round stars Larry West (a fount of all knowledge on the region) and Kenne Williams (together, below), Ryan (as Swedish photographer Eric Hegg, right) and Arika (above left).
Four true champions of Alaska and the Heritage Cruise style - long may they fly the Un-Cruise flag and its unique style! More importantly, the 49th state is now firmly embedded in our hearts forever and we WILL be back, as we can feel a much longer - and deeper - story that needs to be written.
Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html
"This article has been written to recognise the author's contribution to travel and tourism by Avis Car Hire (http://www.avis.co.uk) on the A-List Awards 2013."
More Cruise Week Goodies From MSC!
To celebrate National Cruise Week (Sept 21-29), MSC Cruises is offering
free drink packages for any 2013/14 bookings made during that period. The
promotion applies to any ship in the MSC fleet.
The drink packages offered depends on the cabin
booked. Guests booked in a suite cabin, for example, will receive a free
‘Allegrissmo All Inclusive’ package per person; for a balcony cabin, they
will receive a free ‘Cheers’ package per person and guests booked in an
outside or inside cabin will receive a free ‘Allegro’ drink package.
Representing a great deal, drink
packages have been designed to help take the headache out of holiday
budgeting.
To take advantage of the offer,
bookings must be made between 21 and 29 September on any MSC ship.
An example is a 7-night cruise on MSC Armonia departing
on January 10 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and calling at Las Palmas,
San Sebastian de la Gomera, Funchal and Santa Cruz de La Palma before arriving
back at Tenerife. Prices start from £639 per person cruise and
flights from London, Manchester or Glasgow, plus a free drink package depending
on the cabin booked.
Inside and outside cabins – ‘Allegro’ drink package per cabin (usually £60)
Inside and outside cabins – ‘Allegro’ drink package per cabin (usually £60)
Four bottles of unlisted wines
selected by the MSC sommelier (one white, two red and one rosé), and seven bottles
of mineral water. Drinks included in this package can be consumed in the main
restaurant, self-service buffet and in bars. The unfinished bottles of wine
ordered at your dining table in main restaurant will be carefully conserved and
served the next day, while for those ordered at self-service buffet or at the
bar the custody cannot be provided.
Balcony cabins – ‘Cheers’ package
per person (usually from £91-£98pp)
Unlimited consumption of a selection
of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including bottled wine (possible
selection between two white, two red and one rosé house brands), mineral water,
draft beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Treatment is valid in the
main onboard restaurants and self-service buffet. Not valid in à la carte
restaurants.
Suite cabins – ‘Allegrissimo All
Inclusive’ (24h) per person (usually £126-£140pp)
Unlimited
consumption of a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including
wine by the glass (white, red, rosé and sparkling chosen from the “Allegrissimo
Selection”), draught beer, soft drinks, mineral water, hot drinks and a wide
selection of drinks and cocktails from the bar list, as well as take-away
ice-cream in a cone or cup. The drinks included in package can be consumed in
all bars and restaurants, including the à la carte restaurants and themed
venues.
For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Star Clippers Offering Free Cabin Upgrades
To
celebrate National Cruise Week, which runs from September 21 to 29, tall
ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering free cabin upgrades for all
bookings made during that period.
Book any Star Clippers voyage to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Cuba during this special promotional week, or one of the longer ocean crossings, and the cabin paid for will be upgraded by one category.
All
Star Clippers cabins have twin or double beds, TV, marble-lined bathroom and
plenty of storage, becoming more spacious according to the level of the
category. All sailings on all three of the line’s graceful square-riggers are
included in this fantastic offer.
Savings
include:
Mediterranean
Round-trip
Rome on Royal
Clipper, departing May 10 and calling at Ponza, Sorrento, Amalfi, Taormina,
Lipari and Stromboli. It costs £1,470 in a category 6 cabin; save £75 per person
with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights
extra).
Cuba
Round
trip Cienfuegos (Cuba) on Star Flyer,
departing December 7, 2014, and calling at beautiful beaches and bays in southern
Cuba as well as the Cayman Islands It costs £1,115 in a category 6 cabin; save
£115 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights
extra).
Caribbean
Round-trip
Philipsburg (St Maarten) on Star Clipper,
departing November 30 and calling at Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands,
St Kitts and St Barths It costs £1,080 in a category 6
cabin, saving £155 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and
flights extra).
Note:
The maximum upgrade included in this offer is category 3 to category
2.
For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.
An Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 11, Friday Harbor
Legacy Cruise - Day 11
Once again, we're up bright and early because the morning is, well, bright and early. The approach into the San Juan Islands is beautiful at the best of times and, with a stunning sunrise, our arrival in the main port of Friday Harbor is simply stunning.
We're told that orcas and other whale pods are often to be seen in these waters, but they are conspicuous by their absence this morning, although we do spot several curious harbour seals and glimpses of the small and rather shy harbour porpoise.
As we potter into our mooring point, the sun is up and the backdrop of this uber-pretty town makes for a truly picturesque scene, with few people yet out and about and dozens of
This is largely a relaxing day - made doubly so by the brilliant sunshine - and we start at 10am with a tour of the local Whale Museum, a fascinating repository of all things cetacean and sea-mammalian. Our guide provides a great insight into whale habits and numbers in the area, and a lot of the conservation issues they still face.
The resident orca pods are an endangered species here due to pollution and depletion of the big chinook salmon they feed on, so there are various schemes in place to try to help them out. Helpfully, every orca has its own pod designation and name, including Oreo and her offspring DoubleStuf and Cookie! You can also look up more about their Whale Adoption Programme here: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/orcadoption/whalerates.html
After almost two hours at the Museum, we are free to wander off on our own steam and enjoy the rather boutique environs of Friday Harbor for the rest of the day. Although slightly steep from front to back, it is easy to negotiate on foot (barely 10 blocks square) and there are some pleasant and eye-catching shops to explore, cafes to sit outside and restaurants. Lots of restaurants.
We make our way back to the main harbour area and are spoiled for choice for lunch. The Cask & Schooner pub looks good, as does the busy Rocky Bay Cafe (clearly a good locals'
We make our order, stake a place on the outward-facing deck overlooking the harbour and enjoy their Fish Tacos and Fish Sandwich with a glass of local ale and are as happy as Larry. We watch the ferries come in and out, depositing hundreds of new visitors at a time in the space of two hours (our timing is pretty good - as Friday's fills up rapidly after we've ordered), and are reminded of little Mackinac Island up in Michigan with its legions of day-trippers.
This is still more residential territory, though, so the comparison is not as obvious (and there are no fudge shops selling endless amounts of sweet confections!).
Eventually, after another gentle amble around the streets, we wander back to our own little boutique hideaway, the Legacy, and troop up onto the sundeck to enjoy the afternoon glow. As it's a Sunday, the harbour is non-stop with traffic in and out, including the ferries and several sea-planes, and it is mesmerising to watch the recreational boating going on.
Clearly this is an absolute boating haven and, on a day like today, it brings almost everyone
Finally, it is time to get ready for Cocktail Hour in the Grand Salon and dinner, so we head down again to freshen up for our final main meal aboard. Tomorrow morning we will be back in Seattle and it is the Captain's Farewell Dinner tonight.
The final dinner encapsulates everything that is good about the onboard cuisine, with an artichoke and olive amuse bouche, a grapefruit salad appetiser, and then a choice of prime rib or baked halibut for the main course, followed by a swan cream puff dessert; elegantly simple but beautifully palate-pleasing.
After dinner, we are treated to a slide show in the Grand Salon of the whole cruise - various
Truly, we will not want to get off in Seattle tomorrow...
To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.
Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Saga's Solo Traveller Boost
Solo passengers will be able to skip the single supplement on several Saga Cruises offerings from October to December this year.
Even better, some cruises are all-inclusive so it is a great time to make savings, make new friends and make the most of sailing into the winter sunshine. Choose from:
Saga Sapphire
Brendan Lynch,
a finalist in TV’s the Great British Bake-Off will be cooking up a treat with
talks and demonstrations during the Western Mediterranean
Explorer cruise. As well as fun on board, destinations are steeped
in history and offer the opportunity to discover remnants of Cartagena’s Roman
remains in Spain to Lisbon’s stunning architecture in Portugal. This 16-night
cruise also includes the ports of Tunis, Valletta, Palermo, and Algiers.
All-inclusive price from £1,899, departing Southampton on November 15.
All-inclusive price from £1,899, departing Southampton on November 15.
Saga
Ruby
Have some fun
and meet the monkeys when you visit Gibraltar (above) on the Classic
Mediterranean Cities cruise. Photography is the theme for this trip so
you can practice your skills by taking pictures of beautiful cities including
Rome, Florence and Barcelona. This 15-night cruise also includes ports of call
to Lisbon, Toulon, and Vigo.
Price from £2,149 for 15 nights, departing Southampton on October 10.
Price from £2,149 for 15 nights, departing Southampton on October 10.
Contrast the
untouched greenery of La Gomera against the fascinating ‘lunar landscape’ of
Mount Teide, in Tenerife, during the 14-night Autumn in the Canary
Islands cruise. Colin Bryant’s Hot Rhythm Orchestra will be on board to
add some lively music to the evening entertainment. Ports of call include Madeira, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Agadir and Lisbon.
Price from £1,999, departing Southampton on October 25.
Price from £1,999, departing Southampton on October 25.
Trade in the
darker nights for sun-kissed shores on a Voyage to the
Canaries. There are pretty villages to discover, volcanoes to explore
and colourful gardens to enjoy on this 12-night cruise from
Southampton, visiting Madeira, Tenerife, Gran
Canaria, Lanzarote and Agadir.
Saturday, 14 September 2013
An Un-Cruise Experience - Pt 10, Canada's Inside Passage
Legacy Cruise Day 10
A dull foggy start to the day as we chart a course down inside Vancouver Island and along Johnston Strait. Sadly, it stays that way for much of the morning, with only occasional glimpses of the islands to either side and a ‘ghost boat’ looming out of the gloom at regular intervals.
There is still plenty to enjoy on board, though. The lounge quickly fills up with our now-familiar group of Australians, New Zealanders and Americans, around 60 of us after a few disembarked in Ketchikan to return to work.
The group on board has become very close, like good friends enjoying a mutual journey of comfort and hospitality, and it is easy to strike up a conversation with anyone, not least the eager and personable crew.
A visit to the bridge reveals Capt Dano and First Mate Katie in constant contact with other
boats along the narrow Strait, as well as the ‘traffic control’ stations ashore that monitor the regular to and fro hereabouts.
There is a Galley Tour for those interested in seeing how all those magnificent meals are created (by a five-person staff in fairly small confines) while re-enactor Ryan regales the Lounge audience with readings from Jack London, the famous turn-of-the-century author who made his name with visits to Alaska (White Fang being his most well-known novel, but dozens of other stories spinning off from his travels in the area). Lunch is eagerly greeted by all concerned, once more at 12.30pm, while the Pesky Barnacle Saloon is a peaceful haven for those wishing to read a book or do some writing.
By early afternoon, the fog has finally lifted and we are able to enjoy the fabulous full view of both sides if the Strait, approaching Seymour Narrows, where all traffic has to gingerly negotiate the half-mile wide channel with its treacherous currents and tidal movements.
We are also hoping for Orca sightings this afternoon, as the waters between here and Seattle are renowned for killer whale sightings, often in the dozens.
Better still, the afternoon quickly evolves into a late-summer spectacular as we traverse the
Strait, brilliant blue skies and millpond-calm seas soothing our passage between alternately heavily-forested slopes, small fishing communities and the occasional large town, boasting
some sumptuous cliff-top houses.
The mountains continue to dominate the horizon in both directions port and starboard, and it is an absolute treat to be out on deck soaking up this visual feast.
Re-enactor Ryan provides commentary through the Narrows and Larry takes over for more insight into the areas we are passing by.
We take cocktails on the top deck – by now re-christened the Sun Deck – and, just as we think we have enjoyed enough blissful sun and spectacle for one day, the ship suddenly changes course and the announcement of “Orcas!” has us all racing for the forward rails.
Sure enough, crossing our bow and moving lazily off to starboard are a family pod of 6 killer whales, rising and diving in the dazzling early-evening sunshine. The vista is truly stunning
and provides a fitting climax to the day before we all troop below for dinner.
Tonight’s 4-course repast includes a clam soup appetiser, marinaded courgette salad and a choice of either poached salmon in coriander or chicken masala for the main course.
There is still plenty to enjoy on board, though. The lounge quickly fills up with our now-familiar group of Australians, New Zealanders and Americans, around 60 of us after a few disembarked in Ketchikan to return to work.
The group on board has become very close, like good friends enjoying a mutual journey of comfort and hospitality, and it is easy to strike up a conversation with anyone, not least the eager and personable crew.
A visit to the bridge reveals Capt Dano and First Mate Katie in constant contact with other
There is a Galley Tour for those interested in seeing how all those magnificent meals are created (by a five-person staff in fairly small confines) while re-enactor Ryan regales the Lounge audience with readings from Jack London, the famous turn-of-the-century author who made his name with visits to Alaska (White Fang being his most well-known novel, but dozens of other stories spinning off from his travels in the area). Lunch is eagerly greeted by all concerned, once more at 12.30pm, while the Pesky Barnacle Saloon is a peaceful haven for those wishing to read a book or do some writing.
By early afternoon, the fog has finally lifted and we are able to enjoy the fabulous full view of both sides if the Strait, approaching Seymour Narrows, where all traffic has to gingerly negotiate the half-mile wide channel with its treacherous currents and tidal movements.
We are also hoping for Orca sightings this afternoon, as the waters between here and Seattle are renowned for killer whale sightings, often in the dozens.
Better still, the afternoon quickly evolves into a late-summer spectacular as we traverse the
The mountains continue to dominate the horizon in both directions port and starboard, and it is an absolute treat to be out on deck soaking up this visual feast.
Re-enactor Ryan provides commentary through the Narrows and Larry takes over for more insight into the areas we are passing by.
We take cocktails on the top deck – by now re-christened the Sun Deck – and, just as we think we have enjoyed enough blissful sun and spectacle for one day, the ship suddenly changes course and the announcement of “Orcas!” has us all racing for the forward rails.
Sure enough, crossing our bow and moving lazily off to starboard are a family pod of 6 killer whales, rising and diving in the dazzling early-evening sunshine. The vista is truly stunning
Tonight’s 4-course repast includes a clam soup appetiser, marinaded courgette salad and a choice of either poached salmon in coriander or chicken masala for the main course.
A fresh crème brulee completes things in memorable fashion and the final business of the day is conducted in the Lounge where Ryan, with the help of Kenny, tells the story of how sailing vessels gave way to steam in the 18th century and how it affected the Yukon gold rush. Another blissful day aboard SS Legacy is complete and tomorrow is our final full day, so we must hope for something equally spectacular as we visit Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands…..
To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.
Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html
Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html
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