Friday 30 September 2011

Uniworld’s Rhine Christmas Market Cruises

Uniworld's 8-Day Classic Rhine Holiday Markets itinerary travels through Switzerland, France and Germany for a true taste of Christmas, beginning in Basel and ending at Cologne, or vice-versa. It is the perfect way to combine river-cruising's most beloved pastimes – shopping, decorations and food - on one festive voyage, with the three countries (Germany, France and Switzerland) providing the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseurs' cruise.

In Germany, the signature holiday traditions of medieval towns such as Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdersheim and Koblenz are all revealed, as well as the majestic city of Cologne, with its vast Gothic cathedral. Stock up on hand-made Christmas decorations and soak up the atmosphere as the city is adorned with festive finery, then feast on gingerbread, traditional stöllen and a mug of steaming glühwein (hot mulled wine). 

The 8-day Rhine Holiday Christmas Market Cruises start on November 30, and include: return flights and private door-to-door transfers on arrival and departure days, a 7-night cruise in a stateroom on the spectacular SS Antoinette, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners (and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with dinner) including Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner, 6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides, a signature lecture on the ‘Christmas Traditions in Germany’, an experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff. Prices start at £2,075 per person.

For more info, visit, www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Thursday 29 September 2011

Cruise To Floriade - The World Horticultural Expo

Floriade is an international exhibition of flowers and gardening held every 10 years in the Netherlands, attracting visitors from all over the world, and eWaterways is offering cruises through the Dutch and Belgian waterways that include a visit to Floriade 2012 as a full-day optional excursion.

The voyage is available on the Amadeus Brilliant, Diamond and Elegant luxury cruise ships.

For more details, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or the UK's river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Big Saving On AMA's Danube Wine Appreciation Cruise


Learn the art of food and wine pairing, how to taste and choose fine wines and discover the history of wine growing on a 7-night luxury cruise in the company of British wine critic, journalist and television personality Jilly Goolden (above), who will be on board for the duration of the cruise.

Luxury river cruise operator AmaWaterways is offering UK guests a saving of £400pp off a luxury river cruise on board the luxurious AmaDolce, embarking in Vilshofen on November 14 and cruising to Budapest.

Jilly Goolden, known for her eccentric descriptions of wine that have included pear drops, liquorice and even rubber, presented BBC’s Food & Drink show for 18 years. She will join the picturesque `Romantic Danube’ cruise past rolling hillsides, vineyards and medieval castles, through Austria’s captivating Wachau Valley with highlights that include visits to Vienna and Budapest.

While on board, she will present her knowledge of local wines, host wine tastings, accompany guests on a wine-themed shore excursion and mingle freely with passengers during meals and in the ship’s public areas.

All presentations, wine tastings and excursions are complimentary to guests and are included in the 7-night cruise price, starting from £1195 per person, which also includes return UK flights, transfers, all meals, wine with dinner, free wi-fi and use of on-board bicycles.

See more at
www.amawaterways.co.uk or wine the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Silversea's 15-Day Caribbean Special

Join Silversea Cruises on a 15-day Transoceanic trip from just £3,213 per person (or £214 per day) on an all-inclusive basis. Departing October 24 from Lisbon (Portugal), Silver Cloud calls at Casablanca (Morocco), Agadir (Morocco), Arrecife (Canary Islands, Spain); Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain); St. John’s (Antigua), Roseau (Dominica) and Castries (St Lucia), before arriving in Bridgetown (Barbados).

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include port charges, government fees and taxes. A $1000 'Passport to Luxury' onbaord credit is offered per suite (approx. £640), based on two people sharing, for use towards additional benefits such as shore excursions, spa treatments, boutiques, or select restaurants. Economy air fare is available from £799 per person.

For more information, visit www.silversea.com or the UK's luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Save On Antarctica With Hurtigruten

Niche expedition cruise operator Hurtigruten has launched a special offer for anyone wanting to visit Antarctica this winter that offers savings of up to £1,240 per person.

Book an Antarctic Discovery or Weddell Sea Adventure itinerary on selected dates in January and February 2012 and take advantage of a new, unspecified cabin offer. This means that passengers book a cabin at a special price which will be allocated to them on arrival. This could result in receiving a higher category cabin.

The voyage is onboard MS Fram, a ship specifically designed for polar exploration. Onboard lectures and talks led by experts on Antarctica will ensure guests learn as much as possible during their voyage. Polarcirkel boats are used to take passengers ashore and closer to penguin colonies, ice formations and the wonders of Antarctica.

Full details:

Antarctic Discovery - £3,948pp (was £4934) – Available on January 3 and February 14, 2012. This 12-day voyage offers an introduction to the world’s most beguiling continent. Price includes unspecified outside cabin with nine nights full board on the ship, return domestic charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night’s B&B accommodation in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, transfers and lectures. International flight packages are extra. Based on two sharing.

Weddell Sea Adventure - £4,964pp (was £6204pp) Available on January 21, this 15-day trip offers the chance to reach a latitude of 74° south into the rarely-visited, true heart of Antarctica. Price includes unspecified outside cabin with 12 nights full board on the ship, return domestic charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night B&B accommodation in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, transfers and lectures. International flight packages are extra. Based on two sharing.


For more information, see www.hurtigruten.co.uk
or the UK's leading adventure cruising specialist of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Azamara's Asia And Middle East


Join Azamara Club Cruises’  Azamara Quest for a 14-night Spice Route fly/cruise from just £2,141.00 per person (based on two people sharing an ocean view stateroom).

This excellent price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a 12-night cruise departing Mumbai (India) and calling at Goa (India), Cochin (India), Madra (India) and Phuket (Thailand) before arriving into Singapore for the return flight; all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on a December 10 departure.

For more information, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Enjoy A White (Sand) Christmas In French Polynesia


Paul Gauguin Cruises gives “White Christmas” a whole new meaning during their two festive voyages on December 21 and 28 this year, bringing guests to the white-sand beaches of magical French Polynesia, where children may even see Santa Claus (or Pere Noel as local children know him) travelling from island to island in his outrigger canoe!

Couples, families and friends can also toast the New Year on the December 28 sailing, or learn Polynesian dances with the popular Les Gauguines – a local Tahitian dance group serving as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers on each sailing.

Another unique feature is that passengers on the chic MS Paul Gauguin are invited to relax on the company's private white-sand beach on Bora Bora, an idyllic hideaway with jaw-dropping views – the perfect place for snorkelling or sunbathing.

For further information, visit
www.pgcruises.com or luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Monday 26 September 2011

Ponant Cruises' New Summer Brochure

The new Summer 2012 Cruises brochure published by Compagnie du Ponant, is now available to the UK marketplace featuring over 80 sailings, from 4-14 nights, operating between March and October next year.

The Art of Yacht Cruises is elegantly reflected in the contemporary, 130-page brochure, promoting an alternative lifestyle of discovery, enjoyment, subtlety and relaxation, which has been the philosophy of Compagnie du Ponant for over 20 years. A range of magical destinations are on offer and also a choice of themed cruises from music and golf, to gastronomy, family and soft expedition.

With moorings inaccessible to larger ships, unusual itineraries and high standards of personal service, Compagnie du Ponant, the only French cruise line, now operates a fleet of five, individual ships of character: Le Ponant (64 passengers), Le Levant(90 passengers), Le Diamant (226 passengers) and Le Boreal and L'Austral (264 passengers).

Voyage-only fares include: The cruise with all meals, from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation; Welcome aboard and captain’s cocktail parties, gala dinner; Mineral water, tea, filter coffee, white, red and rosé wines served with meals; 24-hour room service; Evening entertainment and events, and/or organised shows; and porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa.

For more information visit http://www.ponant.com/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Sunday 25 September 2011

Discover the Ancient World with Swan Hellenic

Embark on a voyage of discovery in October with Swan Hellenic and explore some of the world’s most fascinating historical sites. Their 'Highlights of the Ancient World' cruise provides a fantastic opportunity to experience four of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, accompanied by insights from expert speakers to bring their stories to life.

Passengers will visit the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, as well as travelling to where the Lighthouse of Alexandria and Colossus of Rhodes once stood. The cruise also takes in other key historical sites across the Mediterranean, from the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete to the iconic Acropolis in Athens. 


Prices start from only £1,495 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Price includes return flights, transfers and a 13-night cruise departing from Valletta (Malta) and calling at Sousse (Tunisia), Heraklion (Greece), Alexandria (Egypt), Rhodes (Greece), Kusadasi (Turkey) and Nauplion (Greece) before arriving at Piraeus (Greece); gratuities and service charges, meals and entertainment, on board talks from a team of renowned Guest Speakers and a full programme of tailor-made shore excursions. Price is based on 28 October 2011 departure.

For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.  Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine.

Saturday 24 September 2011

Cruise & Shop on a Christmas Market Voyage


Why visit one Christmas Market, when you can take in several? This November and December luxury river cruise operator AmaWaterways is offering the opportunity to cruise Europe’s finest Christmas markets from the comfort of a festive five-star river cruiser.

As well as being able to shop for traditional crafts, gifts and Christmas decorations guests on board this winter’s Christmas market cruises will enjoy a festive atmosphere as the ships are decorated with Christmas trees, garlands, swags and lights, and festive fun includes carolling performances, hot spiced mulled wine and seasonal entertainment.

DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES: AmaWaterways’ seven-night 'Christmas Time Cruise' sails between Nuremberg and Budapest allowing guests time to browse the markets at Nuremberg, Regensberg, the numerous different Christmas markets in Vienna and finally in Budapest, where the ship cruises past the city’s dazzling Christmas illuminations.

There are nine departures: November 27 and December 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 19. The itinerary operates in both directions, Nuremberg-Budapest and Budapest-Nuremberg and costs from £995 (saving £381) per person, including breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine, soft drinks and beer, free wi-fi and free use of onboard bicycles.

RHINE CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES: AMA's 'Rhine Winter Voyages' from Basel and Amsterdam (and vice versa) include the many and varied Christmas markets in Freiburg, Strasbourg, Wurms, Rudesheim and Cologne, from the medieval themes of French Strasbourg to the pretty market in Rudesheim and the impressive display in Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral with over 160 wooden stalls.

There are 5 departures weekly, every Saturday from November 26 until December 17, with prices from £1,145 (saving £231) including including breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine, soft drinks and beer, free wi-fi and free use of onboard bicycles.

See more at www.amawaterways.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Friday 23 September 2011

Single Savings On Northern Lights Voyages

Travelling to the Norwegian Fjords just got easier for solo travellers with a new offer from specialists Hurtigruten. Single passengers can now take advantage of 15% savings off selected departures – plus single supplements have also been removed on these sailings.

The offer is ideal for those who like to travel alone or prefer the privacy of their own cabin without paying a supplement. Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, the seven-day Classic Voyage North and the six-day Classic Voyage South for selected dates from October 3 to December. 14 It is also widely reported that this winter is expected to be one of the best years for solar activity and, therefore, potentially a great year for spotting the Northern Lights.


A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

The ultimate voyage journey is the full 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, taking guests high above the Arctic Circle and back to Bergen, or the shorter half-voyages can also be enjoyed. There is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway, on board a Hurtigruten as the Northern Lights are set against a dark sky, free from artificial light.

Classic Round Voyage – From £1,222pp (saving £549); price includes 12 days full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

Voyage North – from £847pp (saving £384pp); price includes seven days full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

Voyage South – from £667pp (saving £302pp); price includes six days full voyage includes full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

All flights are extra and prices based on select October dates for solo travellers only.


For more information, visit
www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Thursday 22 September 2011

SeaDream Opens for Early 2013 Bookings

SeaDream Yacht Club - with its mega-yachts SeaDream I & II, rated as the top Boutique Ships in the world by the 2011 Berlitz Guide - has released its early 2013 itineraries.

The twin, 112-guest vessels will spend January-April 2013 sailing the Caribbean, visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be sailing the Amazon River in February and March.

2013 Amazon Highlights


SeaDream II
will sail two 20-night voyages; Bridgetown, Barbados, to Iquitos, Peru, and the return. Ports of call include Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Panelas, Brazil; Leticia, Colombia, and more.

A naturalist will be aboard the Amazon voyages providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness. Excursions will feature the jungle’s exotic plants and animals, Amazonian tribes, museums and markets. On one of Brazil’s best beaches, in Alter do Chao, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™. Optional pre and post-voyage over-land adventures feature one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Voyage-only fares for the two 20-night Amazon voyages, departing Bridgetown on February 10, 2013, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; and departing Iquitos on March 23, returning to Bridgetown, lead in at $16,999 per person with $1,220pp govt/port taxes.

2013 Caribbean Highlights


SeaDream II
offers voyages in the lush & unspoiled Grenadines, including the islands of Mayreau and Bequia.

There are new calls in Puerto Rico to Fajardo Bay (calm, coral-rich water), Ponce (beautiful neoclassical buildings) and Caja de Muertos (superb snorkelling); more calls to Tortola and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; visits to the ports of La Samana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; and continued overnight stays in St. Barts, where guests enjoy the island’s entertainment after dark.

Caribbean, 7-night voyage-only fares lead in at $3,199 per person, plus $392pp govt/port taxes, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico to San Juan.

These voyage-only fares above are based on two people sharing Yacht Club Deck 2 accommodation and include all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting).

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or the UK's leading luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Seabourn Celebrates National Cruise Week

Seabourn is offering special cruise rates from September 18-26 in celebration of National Cruise Week.

Book one of their fantastic cruises by September 26 to experience the award-winning Seabourn service on a wide range of itineraries featured across all six ships, with all-suite accommodation offering sweeping ocean views, beautiful spacious rooms and many with verandas.

Complimentary champagne and open bars run throughout the ships, as well as fine wines poured at lunch and dinner. These special touches ensure Seabourn provides the most luxurious of cruising experiences.

Examples of itineraries include:

14 -Day Mediterranean Discovery - £2,199 per person
18th November; Seabourn Legend - Nice, France, to Athens, Greece
Ports of call: Nice, France; Cannes, France; Livorno (Florence), Italy; Ajaccio, Corsica; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Sorrento, Italy; Trapani, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Syracuse, Italy; Itea (Delphi), Greece; Nafplion, Greece; Thira (Santorini), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece
10-Day Gems of the Java Sea - £3,099 per person
15th January & February 6,2012, Seabourn Legend - Singapore to Benoa, Bali
Ports of call: Singapore; Semarang (Java), Indonesia; Surabaya, Indonesia; Probolinggo (Java), Indonesia; Celukan Bawang (Bali), Indonesia; Lembar, Indonesia; Benoa (Denpasar), Indonesia
16-Day Panama Canal Holiday - £4,199 per person
20th December, Seabourn Odyssey, Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Ports of call: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), USA; Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal, Panama; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Acapulco, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Los Angeles (California), USA

For more info, see
www.seabourn.com or the lusury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam FREE with AmaWaterways

For bookings made during National Cruise Week (all this week, September 18-25) AmaWaterways is offering a FREE additional two-night stay on board the luxury five-star river cruiser AmaLegro for all clients booking a week-long Christmas cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam, departing on December 23.

The seven-night cruise costs from £1,195 per person and includes two additional free nights on board, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, with complimentary house wine), free Wi-Fi, free use of onboard bicycles and daily tours hosted by knowledgeable guides, or £1,425 with return UK flights and overseas transfers.

Guests booking the festive cruise during National Cruise Week will be entitled to stay on for the two extra nights in Amsterdam, on December, 30 and 31 inclusive of all meals and wine with dinner.


In keeping with the Christmas spirit, clients leaving their shoes outside cabin doors on Christmas Eve will wake to find them filled with sweets, while the ship itself is lavishly and festively decorated. Guests can also join staff with Carol-singing and Santa himself due on board at some point.


For more information, visit www.amawaterways.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Aqua Expeditions Publishes Peruvian Cookbook

Here's something you don't see every day - a chance to enjoy the gourmet Peruvian cooking from on board Aqua Expeditions' two stylish river-cruise ships on the Upper Amazon. We are big fans of Aqua in general, and this is a novel extra dimension to their high-quality offerings.

And here's what they say about it:

AQUA EXPEDITIONS LAUNCHES GOURMET PERUVIAN COOKBOOK,

FROM THE KITCHENS OF AQUA EXPEDITIONS


As the gastronomy industry booms in Peru, Aqua Expeditions is excited to announce the launch of a gourmet Peruvian cookbook designed by the company's executive chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.


Chef Schiaffino's interest in food began at the young age of 13, while helping his father on their family farm. He eventually opened his own Peruvian style restaurant, which prompted CEO of Aqua Expeditions, Francesco Galli Zugaro, to seek his help with the cuisine aboard the MV Aqua and the MV Aria.


Because Chef Schiaffino's cuisine is so heavily influenced by Amazonian produce, it was a natural fit for Aqua Expeditions, whose vessels traverse remote areas of the Amazon River. Schiaffinio prepares most of his dishes using only the freshest local ingredients instilling five-star quality and taste.


The cookbook, From the Kitchens of Aqua Expeditions, offers exclusive interviews with Chef Schiaffino, himself, along with additional famous chefs, restaurateurs, and others who have been on board the first vessel, the MV Aqua.


"I am very impressed by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino... I'm about double his age, and I can tell that he will change how Peruvian cuisine is perceived throughout the world," says highly influential chef and restaurateur, Nobu Matsuhisa.


The cookbook includes a plethora of Chef Schiaffino's Amazonian and Peruvian recipes, from cocktails and starters to main dishes and desserts. Chef Schiaffino uses flavours from the jungle to perfect each dish that he creates. His main ingredients include sofrito, turmeric and sachaculantro, along with garlic and onions.


The cookbook will be available for purchase aboard the boats as well as www.thetravelerscollection.com.


For more on Aqua's range of cruises, see www.aquaexpeditions.com or, in the UK, contact the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Crystal's Maiden Slovenia Call

With 2011 marking the 20th anniversary of Slovenia’s foundation as an independent nation, it’s only fitting that Crystal Cruises is making a maiden call there this autumn.

As part of its November 16 “Italian Splendour” sailing, ultra-luxury Crystal Serenity (above) will visit medieval Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal town. Six new shore excursions, spread throughout the tiny Italo-Slavic nation, provide an in-depth exploration of the history and culture well beyond the Adriatic port.

Fairytale castles, oenophile indulgences, coastal hamlets and underground geological wonders are all part of the authentic local experiences planned. Guests can explore Koper, full of historical charm from centuries of Venetian rule…or join a Crystal Adventure to:


Ljubljana: The country’s picturesque capital and a former centre of Yugoslavian music and arts, full of cobblestone streets and architecture ranging from the Baroque to the neo-classical of famed local architect Joze Plecnik.


Bled & Miramare Castles: Two majestic, storybook castles - one, the oldest in Slovenia (dating to 1011); the other, a 19th century Austro-Hungarian relic of the Habsburg era.


Postojna Cave: Twelve miles of underground stalactite-filled passages, galleries and cathedral-like chambers, with the world’s only operating cave train.


Wine Region: A wine-tasting visit to Slovenia’s most prominent winemaker (out of 40,000 in the country), where the vines pre-date those of Italy, France and Spain.


Piran: A quaint, Mediterranean-style coastal town, full of Venetian Gothic buildings and narrow, atmospheric streets.


Portorož: A modern, beachside resort hub for sunbathing, swimming and thermal spas.


Trieste: A crossroads of Germanic, Latin, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic trade and culture, situated just over Slovenia’s border in Italy.


This 11-night “Italian Splendour” sailing starts with an overnight in Venice on November 16 and visits Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Naples, Rome and Florence before finishing with an overnight in Barcelona. Prices start from £1,854 per person (a saving of £419 per person) including return economy flights from London, overseas transfers, 11 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.


For further information, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Monday 19 September 2011

The Essential Cruise Guide - Berlitz 2012

Some 21 million people will be thinking of booking a cruise next year and many will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of brochures and bewildered by the variety of cruise ships.

The 2012 edition of the famous Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, (published in paperback on October 1, £17.99, as well as a new App edition) will cut through these choppy waters and help readers to identify the cruise that best suits them, so that their hard-earned holiday represents money well-spent.

Completely independent and accepting no sponsorship, this annually updated guide has become the ‘bible of cruising’, thanks to the painstaking investigation carried out each year by its author, Douglas Ward, the world’s most highly regarded cruise expert.


Eagerly awaited, the 2012 edition will be more fact-packed than ever before, with 285 candid reviews – that’s virtually every ocean-going ship in the world. Now in its 27th year of publication, the Guide sets the internationally recognised ratings system for cruise ships worldwide. Its frank and forthright opinions tell readers everything they could ever want to know about the cruise experience, warts and all.


Even better, the App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is to be launched at the same time as the book edition. The simplicity of this app is that, with just a couple of taps, would-be cruise-goers can quickly search through all 285 ships according to their needs, whether for family travel, quality of cuisine or accommodation, size of ship and many other criteria, making this the perfect cruise-planning tool.

This new version features fully updated ship reviews, an enhanced interface for choosing the right ship by preference, more background information on cruising and cruise lines, lots more ship photos and a fresh design.

The Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2012 (£17.99, 688 pages) will be available from October 1 from all good bookshops, while The Berlitz Cruise Ships 2012 App will also be available during October. For further information, visit www.berlitzpublishing.com.

Sunday 18 September 2011

AMA Launch Second Boat On The Mekong

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its second new vessel on the Mekong River, the 124-passenger MS AmaLotus.

The 7-night maiden voyage set sail this week after a traditional Vietnamese praying ceremony at the shipyard. AmaLotus joins MS La Marguerite (2009) in providing distinctive river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of the highly-popular “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” programme.

Featuring ultra-spacious 624sq ft Suites; 10 Junior Suites at 290sq ft and standard staterooms at 226sq ft, AmaLotus has outside balconies on 90 per cent of her staterooms.

The décor combines Colonial elegance with regional Khmer accents, with staterooms including comfortable sitting areas, individually controlled air-conditioning, a mini-bar, safety deposit box, kimonos and slippers and luxurious bathtub (in all Suites).

Guests enjoy fine dining consisting of both Asian and Western specialties; complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner with complimentary house-brand spirits and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Onboard highlights include folklore dances, musical performances and culture discussion forums. The ship also features two lounges, a fitness room, spa and gift shop.

Launched in 2009, the “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” river cruise and land programme includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. A short flight then transports guests to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park. A two-night stay there includes tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Terrace of the Elephants and newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

From Siem Reap, guests embark on their 7-night odyssey along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City.

The 15-night land-cruise option costs from £2,422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with meals on board, and the seven night cruise-only option costs from £1,060, including excursions and drinks.

For more info, visit
www.amawaterways.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Saturday 17 September 2011

Enjoy a Nine-Day Caribbean Voyage with Silversea Cruises

Join ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises on a nine-day Caribbean trip from just £2,303 per person on an all-inclusive basis this autumn.

Departing October 30 from Bridgetown (Barbados), the beautiful Silver Whisper calls at Bequia (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Roseau (Dominica), Basseterre (St. Kitts), Gustavia (St. Barts, for an overnight stay on board), Philipsburg (St. Maarten) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos Islands) before arriving in Fort Lauderdale (Florida).

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include port charges, government fees and taxes. A $500 'Passport to Luxury' onboard credit is also offered per suite, based on two people sharing, for use towards additional benefits such as shore excursions, spa treatments, boutiques, or select restaurants. Economy air fare is available from £399 per person.


For more information, visit
www.silversea.com or contact the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Friday 16 September 2011

Spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam FREE with AmaWaterways

For bookings made during National Cruise Week (18-25 September), AmaWaterways is offering a free additional two-night stay on board the luxury five-star river cruiser AmaLegro for all clients booking a week-long Christmas cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam, departing on December 23.

The seven-night cruise costs from £1,195 per person and includes two additional free nights on board, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, with complimentary house wine), free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles and daily tours, hosted by knowledgeable guides, or £1,425 with return UK flights and overseas transfers.

Guests booking the festive cruise during National Cruise Week next week will be entitled to stay on for two extra nights in Amsterdam, on December 30 and 31, inclusive of all meals.


For more information, visit www.amawaterways.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Swan Hellenic's Highlights of the Ancient World

Two offers for you this morning everyone!

1) Swan Hellenic's Highlights of the Ancient World

Prices start from only £1,495 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and include return flights, transfers and a 13-night cruise departing from Valletta (Malta) and calling at Sousse (Tunisia), Heraklion (Greece), Alexandria (Egypt), Rhodes (Greece), Kusadasi (Turkey) and Nauplion (Greece) before arriving at Piraeus (Greece); gratuities and service charges, meals and entertainment, on board talks from a team of renowned Guest Speakers and a full programme of tailor-made shore excursions. Price is based on October 28 departure.


For more information, visit
www.swanhellenic.com or he cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

2) Voyages of Discovery’s Classic Mediterranean


Explore the Mediterranean this September with Voyages of Discovery’s 12-day Classic Mediterranean for only £999 per person aboard the classic MV Discovery (above).


As the temperatures drop and the crowds disperse, September presents the ideal month to explore the Med. Travel at ease while visiting Europe’s finest cities from Rome to Dubrovnik taking in the breathtaking scenery and varying cultures of this colourful continent.


Price includes return flights from London, transfers and a 12-day voyage departing from Lisbon (Portugal) and calling at Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Ajaccio (Corsica), Livorno (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Messina (Sicily) before arriving at Dubrovnik (Croatia; 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 September 19 departure.


For more info, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.

Thursday 15 September 2011

Silversea's Big National Cruise Week Savings


Silversea Cruises has announced that it will be offering additional savings, on bookings made during National Cruise Week, taking place from September 18-25 (next week).

The additional saving of £300 per suite (£150 for singles) will be offered on remaining 2011 voyages and 2012 voyages, departing before June 30.

The saving can be combined with Silversea’s existing promotions, including complimentary and reduced air promotions, the “Passport to Luxury” onboard spending credit programme, combination savings and the Venetian Society savings.

For further information, visit www.silversea.com or contact the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Falklands Boost From Cruise Visitors

The Falklands (and their penguins!) welcomed a total of 40,542 passengers to its shores in the recent season (October 2010-April 2011), and an increase of 6% is expected for the forthcoming 2011/12 season, showing the islands continue to be a growing magnet for cruise lines.

The forecast rise would take totals to 43,000 arrivals, dovetailing the industry-wide upward trend of this sector (a record 1.7 million holidaymakers are forecast to sail in 2011 – source: Passenger Shipping Association).

Five new ships will make their maiden visits to the Falklands in the upcoming season: the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn (450 passengers), Island Sky (118), MS Artania (1,200), P&O's Adonia (710) and mega yacht L’Austral (264).

In total, 30 vessels are scheduled to visit the Falklands in the season ahead.

A perfect add-on to South America or Antarctic itineraries, cruising is an ideal way to discover the Falklands archipelago, which is made up of more than 700 islands, allowing passengers to visit many sites that remain largely inaccessible to land-based tourists.

For further information, visit
www.falklandislands.com or, for cruises, contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Fred Olsen's National Cruise Week Brochure

In support of ‘National Cruise Week 2011’, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has produced a dedicated brochure featuring 58 selected 2012 sailings. The ‘Fantastic Cruise Offers’ brochure will feature a selection of special offers on these year-round cruises, which will be available to book from September 9 to October 18.

Each cruise offers exceptional value for money and extra benefits, including free On Board Spend – varying from £30 per cabin on a three-night mini-cruise, up to £200 per cabin on a 23-night sailing – as well as free parking or transport to and from the departure port.


Offers are valid for all bookings made between the specified period. For more info, v
isit www.fredolsen.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Cabin Upgrades from Star Clippers

To celebrate National Cruise Week, which runs from September 18-25, 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 Central America during National Cruise Week, or one of the longer ocean crossings, and the cabin paid for will be upgraded by one category (terms and conditions apply).

For example, pay for a Category 3 cabin on Commodore Deck and stay in a Category 2 cabin, which has more space and superior fittings and is located on Clipper Deck. On one of Royal Clipper’s seven-night Caribbean cruises this winter, this represents a saving of £110 per person. Better still, this cabin upgrade offer, if taken up during National Cruise Week, can be combined with existing early booking offers. These include 10% off any cruise in the 2011/2012 programme and a spectacular 20% discount on selected sailings for 2011 and 2012, as follows:

On Royal Clipper, the five-masted flagship of the fleet, special offers include departures in October and April and certain sailings out of Barbados in December and January.

Special offers on the four-masted, 170-passenger Star Clipper are valid for Mediterranean cruises in April, early May and October, as well as four Caribbean sailings from St Maarten in December 2011. Take advantage of a Mediterranean mini-cruise; a five-night short break from Athens to Malta (departing October 8), which calls at Monemvasia and Pilos in Greece and historic Siracusa in Sicily.

The 20% saving on cruises operated by sister ship Star Flyer, meanwhile, applies to six Mediterranean cruises and five sailings out of Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica in 2011 and 2010. These fantastic Central American voyages call at the laid-back beach resort of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, as well as the national parks, scattered islands and sheltered bays of Costa Rica’s rich, rainforested coastline, with superb opportunities for diving, snorkelling and hiking.

For more details, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

£1,000 off per cabin with European Waterways

In the run-up to National Cruise Week (Sept 18-24), the special offers are coming in thick and fast. Here is another river-cruise bargain from European Waterways:

On the 8-passenger Magna Carta, passengers will cruise along some of the best stretches of the River Thames, such as Cliveden Reach, Cookham and Runnymede. They will have the chance to experience the true essence of British history with guided visits to Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Dorney Court further upstream and Oxford's Christ Church College. All this with a charming riverside backdrop while being doted on by an attentive crew serving wonderful meals prepared by the onboard chef.

Or, for something truly magical, there is a cruise on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal aboard the 8-passenger Scottish Highlander and experience the true beauty of the Great Glen in the Highlands. Tours of ancient castles such as Eilean Donan and Urquhart are included, before returning to the warm barge for a wee dram before an excellent dinner, perhaps while listening to a local storyteller or fiddler.

Either of these all-inclusive cruises offers a truly unique Autumn holiday experience and, for September 25, October 2 & 9 departures, there is a up to £1,000 off per cabin.

Prices for a 6-night cruise are now from £1,590pp. Look up more info at www.gobarging.com or consult the cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd. For more about National Cruise Week this year, see www.cruisexperts.org or click on This Link.

Sail Into The Festive Season

Escorted tours specialist Titan Travel has an extensive programme of worldwide holidays, including cruises through the waterways of Europe, Alaska, Egypt, China and Scandinavia. In the weeks leading up to Christmas they offer a selection of festive European cruise itineraries to the famous Christmas markets along the Rhine and the Danube and still have space available for passengers to join Titan MD David Wild on an exclusive Rhine Cruise departing on December 14.

The no-fly five-day cruise conveniently departs from Dover and travels by luxury coach to Cologne where the group will board the well-appointed 4-star Regina Rheni II with its elegant and cosy cabins. Highlights of the cruise include a guided tour of Cologne with its majestic cathedral, a masterpiece of the High Gothic period, and a walking tour through the ancient cobbled streets of Koblenz, located on the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Christmas is a magical time to explore both cities with their festively decorated traditional wooden Christmas market stalls selling handmade gifts and warming drinks.


The final part of the journey cruises a 40-mile section of the upper middle Rhine through some of its most beautiful scenery with numerous castles strung out along the river valley and the chance to see the famous Lorelei Rock, with a final stop at the pretty Rhine valley town of Rudesheim. The five-day cruise costs from £825 per person and includes four nights full board accommodation in a mid-range cabin, complimentary table wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, return coach travel from Dover to Cologne, Eurotunnel crossing, excursions with English-speaking guides and the VIP Home Departure Service.


For more info, visit
www.titantravel.co.uk or, for more European river-cruises, see the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Monday 12 September 2011

Azamara's Amazonian Adventure

The special offers keep rolling in this week. Here's another one worth passing on:

Join Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey for an 18-night Amazon River cruise from only £2,899 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes the 18-night Amazon cruise, departing Manaus (Brazil) and cruising the Amazon River, calling at Parintins, Boca Da Valeria, Alter Do Chao, Macapa, Devil’s Island (French Guyana), Bridgetown (Barbados) and Mayreau (Grenadines) before arriving into San Juan (Puerto Rico); all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Flights are not included.

The price is based on a November 7 departure.

For more information, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Sea Cloud and River Cloud Cruises


Sea Cloud and River Cloud are renowned for their luxury sailing and River boat cruises and have spaces on the following cruises.

SEA CLOUD Cruises

October 17-25; Valletta (Malta) to Piraeus (Greece)

October 25-November 1; Piraeus (Greece) round-trip

RIVER CLOUD II cruises
October 15-22; Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Basel (Switzerland)

October 22-29; Basel (Switzerland) to Koblenz (Germany)

For more information, visit www.seacloud.com or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Sunday 11 September 2011

Viking Announce Two More 'Longships' For 2012

Viking River Cruises have announced two more new-ship builds in 2012 in response to the high demand for bookings in the next two years.

The new ships are in addition to the four already in service. The new builds will copy the design of Viking’s current 'green' Longship vessels, including the Viking Prestige and Legend. The Longships will be 443ft long, feature 95 staterooms per ship and will boast key innovations such as:

Two Explorer Suites — which will be the largest river-cruise suites each, featuring a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private wraparound veranda, offering 270-degree views.

Seven 275sq ft Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda from the living room and a French balcony from the bedroom.

Thirty-nine Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas.


A new all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that reinvents the lounge by bringing the outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors.


Al Fresco dining areas on the Upper deck, adjacent to the lounge to present more dining choices to guests.


And Sustainability upgrades such as energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels, efficient, hybrid propulsion system and an onboard organic herb garden.


The six ships are scheduled to sail Viking’s most popular European itineraries, including the 15-day Grand European Tour, 8-day Romantic Danube, 8-day Danube Waltz, 10-day Tulips & Windmills and 8-day Rhine Getaway.

For further info, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or consult the river-cruise experts of specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Saturday 10 September 2011

New Shopping For Independence

Royal Caribbean have enhanced their British-style offerings aboard Independence of the Seas - which sails exclusively out of Southampton for the UK market - by revamping the shopping choices aboard the chic 3,600-passenger vessel, with more emphasis on duty free goods, cosmetics and perfumes. Here are the full details from today's press release:

Shoppers heading to the high seas can now enjoy a revamped and refurbished retail experience onboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas.

This summer, the 427sq ft Royal Promenade shopping street (above left), which runs the length of the ship, has undergone a number of enhancements to the existing onboard shops.

Key updates include:

o ‘Perfume and Cosmetics’ shop re-branded and refurbished as ‘Desire’ offering costume jewellery and handbags

o ‘The General Store’ has become ‘The Gift Box’ shop selling general gifts and souvenirs

o ‘Fashion Boutique’ is now the ‘Duty Free Emporium’ featuring a host of tax-free items including designer sunglasses and prestigious alcohol brands

o ‘Get Out There’ store is now known as ‘Season’ and offers the latest in fashion attire and accessories

o ‘Logo’ is refurbished as ‘The Perfume House’ selling fragrances, cosmetics and beauty products

Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager UK and Ireland – Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, commented:

“We’re dedicated to making sure our guests get value for money from their cruise holiday and now they can take advantage of even more tax-free savings on some of their favourite shopping purchases with increased ranges from the newly refurbished shops. The revamp to the retail outlets onboard Independence of the Seas is another important step in our rolling investment into the onboard experience.”

Launched in 2008, Independence of the Seas has become a popular holiday option for those wishing to cruise from Southampton in the UK to Europe and the Mediterranean year-round. Other onboard highlights include a FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and H2O Zone waterpark.

For additional info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or, for bookings, contact the cruise agent specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

New for 2012/13 With Bales Worldwide

Bales Worldwide has launched its new 2012 Escorted Small Groups and Tailor Made Holidays programme for 2012/13. The new brochure covers 40 countries (with an additional 10 included online) throughout Asia, Africa, the Far East, Latin America, Egypt and Arabia, India, Canada, Alaska and Australasia. There are a few countries making a welcome return, as well as an increased offering in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Morocco and throughout Africa.
River cruises are offered on the Nile (several options), Yangtze, Ganges, Mekong, inland Borneo and the Galapagos Islands.
And, book before 30 September and you can save £100pp

For more information, visit www.balesworldwide.com  or The Cruise Line.

Friday 9 September 2011

Great Celebrity Winter Offer

Join Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice for a 12-night Mediterranean & Greek Isles fly/cruise from £974 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom). That’s just £81.17 per person per night.

This price includes return flights from Heathrow, transfers, a 12-night cruise departing from Barcelona and calling at Livorno (for Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples/Capri, Chania (Crete), Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey), Piraeus (Athens, Greece) and Valletta (Malta) before returning to Barcelona; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.


Price is based on a November 4 departure.


For more info, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or, for bookings, contact the cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Thursday 8 September 2011

Royal Caribbean's China Tie-Up

Royal Caribbean International has entered into a strategic relationship with the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises (CWC) in China that involves chartering Legend of the Seas for a total of four months in 2012.

During the
four months, Royal Caribbean will operate and market 21 three- to eight-night sailings from Xiamen, as well as Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, to ports of call in Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan and Korea.

The inaugural, five-night charter sailing will depart from Hong Kong on March 20, 2012, while the first departure of guests from Xiamen will be on March 26.

Late Season Discounts With Majestic Line

The Majestic Line have introduced a new 3-night “Taste of Autumn in Argyll” cruise due to popular demand as their two 6-night cruises both have sold out for October.

This can be a fabulous month to cruise in and especially this cruise, as anchorages are chosen for their autumn colours and the best opportunities for spotting wildlife such as red squirrels and deer. Guests will also have the pleasure of sampling seasonal local produce such as venison from the hills, free range pork and beef and shellfish caught locally.


The other new cruise this season that the company have introduced is an "Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll" 6-night voyage with an itinerary chosen for its beauty, tranquility, natural environment and wildlife. There is such a wide selection of stopovers that each cruise itinerary will be unique, depending on guests’ preferences and the local weather and tide conditions.

The options include many picturesque sea lochs and the Islands of Bute, Arran and Cumbrae, with interesting shore walks on offer each day. Kintyre and Ailsa Craig are also within reach but more weather dependent. “Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll” departs from Holy Loch once a month from April to September 2012 and is proving a popular choice with August and April already booked out.


Majestic are currently offering a 20% late availability discount for all remaining October cruises. We want people to treat themselves to a last-minute opportunity for an idyllic escape and some pampering before winter sets in!


For more info, visit www.themajesticline.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.