Crystal's Mediterranean Garden Bonanza

Crystal Cruises is providing a uniquely verdant perspective on the Mediterranean next year with a new Garden & Floral Design-themed voyage sailing from Barcelona to Venice on April 21.

Aptly named “La Dolce Vita,” the Crystal Serenity cruise offers more than 15 serenity-filled Crystal Adventures visiting some of the most renowned, romantic and private gardens that epitomise the Catalan coast and French and Italian Rivieras. On board, British celebrity floral designer Paula Pryke and Sybil Sylvester, founder of Wildflower Designs, will offer hands-on workshops and presentations in floral design, arrangement and other flower-related topics.

The Garden highlights include:

· Venice – insider explorations of cosy Venetian squares and private courtyards, including a garden created by Italian modernist architect Carlo Scapa inside the 16^th century Palazzo Querini Stampalia museum and library complex.

· Monte Carlo – from exotic gardens of succulents and sub-tropical micro-climate species to umbrella pines and rare fruit trees, Crystal takes guests throughout the Cote d’Azur to explore classic French, Spanish and even English garden design, complete with stunning coastline views and even a lesson in cooking with flowers.

· Barcelona – excursions go off the beaten tourist path, from the city’s newest garden hotspot – the conservation-focused Botanical Garden, showcasing the plants of five Mediterranean climate – to the oldest, the neoclassical Cypress-filled maze of Labyrinth Park, as well as to the area’s popular Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s most famous works.

· Rome – Italy’s finest Renaissance garden includes cascading fountains and dripping grottoes dating back almost 450 years.

Starting with an overnight in Barcelona, the 11-night luxury cruise visits Monte Carlo, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Sicily and Trogir before finishing with an overnight in Venice. A second Garden & Floral Design-themed voyage sails from Los Angeles to New York on May 6, offering visits to lush private and public gardens in Charleston, Florida, Costa Rica and the Caribbean.

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

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Silversea Names New Galapagos Explorer

Silversea has announced Silver Galapagos as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II.

The new name signals the company's intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet and will take effect following a full refurbishment in September 2013. The hull of the all-suite, 100-guest vessel has already been painted the same dark blue as  Silver Explorer, the company's other expedition ship.

Silver Galapagos  will be the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important distinction enables Silversea to broaden its portfolio of expedition cruises tailored to tap into the rising interest in green tourism.

The 2013 Galápagos programme will go on sale next month, offering two new 7-day itineraries. These will begin operating in late September, sailing Saturday to Saturday on a round-trip voyage from Baltra Island. The two voyages will be as follows:

Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island: Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.

Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island:  Silver Galapagos will encompasses the north-east, central and south-east islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española and Plazas Sur.

This new schedule will offer travellers the chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. Through complimentary expeditions, guided by an experienced  expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea guests will experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife, including sun-basking iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

The programme will also offer guests the opportunity to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, guests enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea, including spacious, ocean-view suites, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, a personalised butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, notably complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, and all gratuities.

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

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Atlantic Island Odyssey With Noble Caldedonia

Noble Caledonia is featuring two magnificent British Isles cruises next summer, offering the chance for a unique view of some of the most isolated islands - and rare coastlines - in Europe.

The Exploration of the Shetland, Faroe and Hebridean Islands aboard the Corinithian sails on July 24 and is a chance to see nature in the raw. This expedition cruise will appeal to those who prefer their islands deserted, but with abundant bird and wildlife. Journey along rugged coastlines and onceinhabited islands aboard the 100-passenger vessel, venturing far north to the Outer Hebrides, Faroes, Orkneys and Shetlands and with Zodiacs  to land on remote beaches and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife.

Itinerary: Leith, Stromness, Fair Isle, Mousa, Lerwick, Foula, Torshavn, Mykines, Suduroy, North Rona, St Kilda, Barra Islands and Oban. Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £3,200 for a Cat E Suite. Suites for sole use start from £5,100. Price includes 10 nights aboard Corinthian on full board, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.

Or try Summer in the Isles, a coastal cruise of Scotland, Ireland and England from Oban to Poole aboard Corinthian sailing on August 3-12. This journey will take guests along the edges of the United Kingdom and Ireland and offers a portrait of life in the islands. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some of our most beautiful places, meet some interesting inhabitants as far afield as the Northern Isles to the Isles of Scilly, and learn more about both the past and present of Britain and Ireland. Whether you are an avid gardener, birdwatcher, amateur historian or simply enjoy sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting places in the world, this trip has it all.

Itinerary: Oban, Canna & Sky, Lunga & Iona, Jura & Gigha, Portrush & Rathlin, Dublin, Lundy Island, Isles of Scilly, Guernsey & Herm and Poole. Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £2,850 for a Cat E Suite. Suites for sole use start from £4430. Price includes 9 nights aboard Corinthian on full board, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.

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

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European Waterways New Brochure

Luxury hotel barge operator European Waterways has launched its 2013 Brochure – and accompanying UK price insert – featuring cruises along the magical canals, rivers and lakes of Europe, aboard a fleet of hotel barges, ranging in size from 6 to 20 guests.

Since 1974, European Waterways has been providing high-quality barging cruises on its fully-crewed ‘floating hotels’ to a discerning clientele wishing to enjoy wonderful scenery, stimulating history and local culture and, of course, fine cuisine and wines.

New highlights introduced in the 2013 programme are: 

• Cruises along the picturesque Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace-Lorraine aboard the newest addition to the fleet, the 12-passenger Panache.
• A new feature on the evocative French region of Champagne, offering cruises aboard three hotel barges at various times of the year.
• Longer Waterway Journeys, or ‘voyages of exploration’ of varying duration through several countries.

Traditionally 6-night cruises, operating from March to October, these relaxing holidays in France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, England, Scotland and Ireland, include: accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins; all gourmet meals on board; selected domaine and château wines; open bar; daily escorted shore excursions; local transfers; and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

With the fully-crewed luxury vessels accommodating between 6 and 20 guests, clients can choose to either charter a whole boat with family and friends or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two passengers and includes Captain, Chef, Tour Guide and Hostesses, ensuring an extremely high level of service.

Also on offer is a range of themed charter cruises, which can be organised for special interest parties, featuring activities such as golf, walking and wine appreciation.

Prices for 6-night cruises in 2013, based on double occupancy, lead in at £2,250 per person aboard hotel barge Scottish Highlander in the Scottish Highlands, based on double occupancy in an en suite cabin; or at £14,400 for 6 passengers aboard Nymphea in the Loire Valley, on a whole boat charter basis.

For more on river-cruising, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, and, for more information, go to  www.gobarging.com. 

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Solo Travellers Save With Hurtigruten

Are you a single traveller wishing to see the Northern Lights this winter? Perhaps you prefer travelling with a friend but like the privacy of your own cabin? If so, the latest offer from Hurtigruten is sure to appeal. 

Solo travellers can now take advantage of an extension to Hurtigruten’s no-single-supplement offer to give them more opportunities to see the Northern Lights. With savings from £378pp off the brochure price, no single supplement sailings are now available on select departures from January to mid-April, as well as specific dates this November and December.

The offer is applicable on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South. All voyages are on a full board basis.

There is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway, as the Lights are set against a dark sky, free from artificial light. Following some phenomenal sightings last winter, the solar activity this winter is also expected to be extremely high. In addition, throughout the voyage, a wide range of winter activities can be enjoyed, from snowmobiling and husky dog sledging to a trip to North Cape or a visit to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

Classic Round Voyage: Enjoy a 12-day voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border and back again. Prices lead in at £1,177pp on selected departures from January to March and include full board on the ship. Flights are extra.

Voyage South: This six-day voyage starts in Kirkenes, far north by the Russian border, and travels down the coast to Bergen in the south. Starting at £756pp on selected departures from January to March, the price includes full board on the ship. Flights are extra. 

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

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Holiday Like Bond With Voyages of Discovery

The latest James Bond film Skyfall premieres later this month so, as talk turns to martinis, high-speed car chases and code breaking, recollect your favourite 007 moment on a Bond-inspired cruise with Voyages of Discovery.

The film Golden Eye was inspired by creator Ian Fleming’s Jamaica estate – known by the same name – and the films Dr. No and Live and Let Die were also shot nearby in glamorous locations in the Caribbean, and you can visit these destinations for yourself on board MV Voyager on the 'Caribbean Gems' cruise to uncover their colonial history, stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. 

The 17-day voyage is available from £1,999 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Barbados on December 20, calling at St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Grenada, Tobago, Margarita Island and La Guaira (Venezuela), Curacao, Bonaire, Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The price includes return flights from a major London airport and relevant transfers, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all on board gratuities and all relevant port and airport taxes/fees.

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

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Russell Watson Hits High Note With P&O

Classical singing star Russell Watson is to perform on two short break cruises with P&O Cruises in 2013. The world famous tenor will appear on new three and four-night sailings from Southampton in May and June.  The first departure is a three-night cruise to Belgium and Guernsey departing on Aurora on May 18, with prices starting at £299 per person.

The second sailing will see Watson perform on superliner Azura on a four-night cruise departing on July 5, calling at the same destinations. Prices are from £399pp. In addition to the performance, passengers on Azura can book pre or post-performance dinner in celebrity chef Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu restaurant, or Marco Pierre White’s Cafe Bordeaux on Aurora. 

The first port of call at Zeebrugge gives passengers the day to explore the city of Bruges, with the possibility of travelling further afield to visit Brussels, Ghent or Ypres. The second call in St Peter Port provides a gateway to the island of Guernsey. 

Watson has been in the spotlight since 1999 when his performance of World Cup anthem “Nessun Dorma” at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium received a standing ovation. The Russell Watson cruise itineraries, on sale from November 1, are: 

• A three-night cruise on board Aurora (R305), departing May 18. Itinerary: Southampton, Zeebrugge, St Peter Port, Southampton. Prices from £299 per person.
• A four-night cruise on board Azura (A316N), departing June 5 Itinerary: Southampton, Zeebrugge, St Peter Port, Southampton. Prices from £399 per person. 

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

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Celebrity's Norwegian Voyaging

Marvel at the famous mountains in Molde, historical architecture in Bergen and cosmopolitan Stavanger on board Celebrity Cruises’ beautiful Celebrity Eclipse (above) with an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise from just £639 per person in 2013. 

With the benefits of round-trip sailing from Southampton (i.e. with no flights involved), this wonderful voyage sails from the south coast and and calls at Molde, Alesund, Flam, Bergen and Stavanger before returning home. Also included are all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

The price is based on a May 3 departure and on two people sharing a balcony stateroom.

To book, follow this link to the Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Star Clippers Get Arty In 2013

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is again offering the opportunity to learn sketching and watercolour painting on two `Art Afloat’ cruises in 2013.

This is the third year running the company has operated these exciting themed voyages, which have been a great success among guests, regardless of existing artistic ability. On the voyages, participants can learn to paint and draw, or hone existing skills, in the company of successful British artist Richard Nichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes.

Richard will run workshops on each cruise using a variety of media, aimed at all levels of experience and helping artists to capture the dazzling turquoise of the sea along the Croatian coast, the texture of a cream sail filled with wind, or the ochres and terracottas of the houses lining the chic little bay of Portofino. 

 

Included in the price of the cruise is a special artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment. 

 

Against a backdrop of a beautiful tall ship under full sail, in some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning locations, the two voyages between them visit the French Riviera and, new for 2013, the beautiful Croatian coastline, sailing out of Venice, one of the most alluring cities in the world for artists. 

 

The ‘Art Afloat’ cruises are: 

 

Monaco round-trip on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing April 27 and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerci and Santa Margarita (for Portofino). From £1,599 per person including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. For travel by rail with a one-night stay in Monaco before the cruise, the price per person is from £1,849. 

 

New for 2013, Venice round-trip on Royal Clipper, eight nights, departing September 27, and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran, with a night in Venice before the cruise. From £1,995 per person including flights to Venice, transfers, one night’s B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party.

 

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

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Northern Delights With Royal Caribbean

Discover Norway’s dynamic family appeal with its dramatic landscapes, active lifestyle and diverse culture onboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas in 2013 from only £699 per person.

With the benefit of no flights and sailing from a UK port, Royal Caribbean's eight-night voyages go round-trip from Southampton on the south coast and feature the very best of Norway's scenic attractions.

Prices include the full eight-night cruise, which calls at Flåm, Skjolden, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

The price is based on a May 18 departure and on two people sharing an inside stateroom. 

For all cruise details, be sure to check with the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Big Early-Winter Savings With Oceania

Oceania Cruises is is offering cruise savings of more than 50 per cent PLUS up to $1,000 in onboard on an array of tempting voyages departing this November and December.

Take a look at this selection:

1^st November: Istanbul to Athens, 7 nights at £912, saving £895

Deluxe 1,250-guest ship Marina sails from Istanbul to Athens, calling into the Turkish coast and Greek islands, including Kusadasi, Rhodes and Crete, and this `Mediterranean Medley’ cruise now costs from £912pp, (was £1807), including free return flights, all meals, bottled water and soft drinks and a $500 ship board credit per stateroom.

15^th November: Istanbul to Dubai, 21 nights at £2,322, saving £1,575 

Enjoy the luxury of sailing on a smaller ship, with free flights, a $1,000 credit per stateroom and a big saving off the original fare as 650-guest ship Nautica departs from Istanbul, sailing via Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Oman and the UAE, to arrive into Dubai on December 6. The cruise was £3897, and includes free return flights, all meals, bottled water and soft drinks, as well as the $1,000 ship-board credit.

10^th December: Rio to Valparaiso, 17 nights at £2,792, saving £1723

This grand winter cruise on Marina ensures Christmas Day is a relaxing one, as the ship will be at sea in the Pacific Ocean, between port calls in Chile, after several days cruising the Chilean fjords. Sea days provide time to enjoy the ship’s facilities, which apart from the finest restaurants at sea, include tennis and golf on the top sports deck, a walking track, gym and exceptional spa facilities. 

This `Fjords & Wonders’ cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso departs now costs from £2,792pp (was £4515), including free return flights, all meals, bottled water and soft drinks and a $500 ship-board credit per stateroom.

20^th December: Christmas in the Grenadines, 14 nights at  £2,312, saving £2077 

This blissful Caribbean cruise also boasts free flights and an extra $300 stateroom credit as Oceania's newest ship, Riviera, will spend Christmas in the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines, with Christmas Day alongside the island of St. Vincent, Christmas Eve in Antigua and Boxing Day in Barbados. The price was £4,389 (saving £2,077).

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

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Winter Far East Special From Holland America

Holland America Line is offering an 11-night luxury cruise of Thailand, Vietnam and China from just £749 per person this winter. 

Departing from Singapore on December 1, the cruise heads for Thailand's spectacular eastern islands and calls at Koh Samui before making an overnight stop at Laem Chabang for two full days exploring the colourful capital of Bangkok. Next port of call is Pho My in Vietnam, where guests can immerse themselves in the bustle of Ho Chi Minh city or even take an authentic Vietnamese cooking course. 

The cruise continues to the port city of Da Nang, perfectly placed for exploring the charming Vietnamese town of Hoi An or the imperial city of Hue. The Volendam then calls at Ha Long Bay, where guests can experience the otherworldly landscape that make this beautiful spot so famous, or head for a day-trip to Hanoi, before sailing to Hong Kong, where the cruise ends.

While at sea, guests can also be pampered in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, experience the Culinary Arts Centre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Volendam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges.

This offer is based on two sharing an inside cabin on Holland America’s 'Far East Discovery' cruise, departing Singapore on December 1. The price includes 11 nights’ full board accommodation on Volendam, plus, there is an offer to upgrade to an oceanview stateroom for an extra £50.

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

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Voyages Of Discovery's Latin American Odyssey

Discover Latin America’s diverse mix of culture, history and stunning landscapes with Voyages of Discovery’s New Year sailings on their boutique ship Voyager.

The 21-day 'Tapestry of Central America' voyage visits the white sands of Montego Bay (Jamaica), the Mexican Mayan ruins at Progreso (Mexico) and the tropical Costa Rican jungle.

The cruise costs from £2,499 per person and departs from Montego Bay on January 4, also calling at Belize City (Belize), Puerto Cortes (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Cartagena (Colombia), San Blas Islands (Panama), a transit of the Panama Canal, Balboa (Panama) and then Manta and Quito (Ecuador).

Alternatively, guests can join the 22-day 'Natural Wonders of Latin America' cruise, from £2,399 per person, to marvel at the glacier-capped mountains of the Chilean Fjords and take in the historic past of Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) before arriving in the world famous cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires (Argentina).

The voyage departs from Valparaiso (Chile) on February 5 and also calls at Puerto Montt and Puerto Chacabuco (Chile), Ushuaia (Argentina), and  Puerto Madryn (Argentina) and Buenos Aires (Argentina)-overnight.

Prices include return flights from a major UK airport, transfers, all on board gratuities, service charges and relevant port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board. Cabins will not be allocated at the time of booking with the fares quoted above.

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

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Regent's New Winter Collection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a special offer to go with the unveiling of its new Winter Collection for 2013/14, which features voyages to South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.

As part of the launch, the ultra-luxury line is offering a complimentary one-night, post-cruise luxury hotel package on all Winter Collection itineraries booked by December 31. Additional collection highlights include three new ports, five Grand Voyages with exclusive amenities, and special offers on pre and post-cruise land programmes.

Recognised as the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, all Regent sailings also include all-suite accommodations, 97% with private balconies, gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, free shore excursions, gratuities, and a pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, at no additional cost.

2013-2014 Winter Collection Highlights

From November 2013 through to June 2014, the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager visits the South Pacific and Asia (above), with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, China, Japan and India, offering guests a variety of itineraries ranging from 10 – 136-nights including four Grand Voyages.

Regent also offers a specially priced three-night pre or post-cruise land programme for £318pp on select South Pacific and Asia itineraries. These include Angkor Wat, Beijing and the Great Wall of China, Hong Kong and Sydney, as well as Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, two new land programmes.

Seven Seas Mariner returns to South America where guests can sail along the mighty Amazon, cruise around Cape Horn, explore the Panama Canal and visit the largest Magellanic Penguin colony in the world. Sailings range from 10 to 70 nights including the coveted “Circle South America” Grand Voyage.

In March 2014, the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony ship heads back to the Mediterranean with a grand crossing from Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona featuring maiden calls in Dakar, Senegal, and Tangier, Morocco

The newly refurbished, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator explores the tropics, with 16 departures round-trip from Miami to the Caribbean, ranging from seven to 24 nights and including a maiden call in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The ship then departs Miami on April 21 for an 18-night voyage to San Francisco, transiting the Panama Canal to begin its  popular cruises in Alaska.

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

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Hurtigruten Make Norwegian Dreams Come True

If sailing the Norwegian Fjords is on your ‘must-do’ list for 2013, then this special offer from Hurtigruten is sure to make that dream come true.

 

Anyone booking a full or half voyage along the Norwegian coast before November 30 can save up to 25% off the brochure price. Whether it is a summer voyage to see the Midnight Sun, a winter trip in search of the Northern Lights or a spring or autumn voyage to enjoy the changing seasons, savings can be made on departures throughout the year.

 

The offer is applicable to the popular 12-day Classic Round Voyage starting in Bergen in the south and travelling above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes and back plus the two half voyages, the Voyage North or the Voyage South. The saving is also valid on the Classic Norwegian Discovery itinerary, which travels from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim.

 

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 of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

 

Classic Round Voyage: Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen, 12 days

Summer: June 1 to September 14, from £1,893 per person, saving £631pp off the brochure price.
Winter: Jan 1 to March 14 and Nov/Dec, from £1,177pp, saving £392pp.

Classic Voyage North: Bergen-Kirkenes, 7 days

Summer: June 1 to September 14, from £1,279pp, saving £426pp.
Winter:Jan 1 to March 14 and Nov/Dec, from £826pp, saving £275.

All prices are full board and based on two sharing. Flights are extra. Must book by November 30.

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

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Oceania's Look Ahead

Oceania Cruises has announced its 2013-2014 Winter Collection, featuring 61 voyages and 18 new itineraries and offering free gratuities and two-for-one deposits for all bookings received by December 31, with FREE flights with all cruises.

Oceania’s four ships—Riviera, Marina, Regatta and Nautica—will sail to 160 destinations throughout the world, with maiden port calls in China, the Caribbean and South Pacific. The far-reaching  schedule also includes 21 all-new Grand Voyages ranging from 24 to 63 days. 

Riviera – the newest ship to join the Oceania fleet – will spend her second winter season offering 13 Caribbean voyages featuring new itineraries along with some favourites from the previous year.

In addition to popular 10-day cruises in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, she will sail a new 14-day voyage Caribbean Sand & Sea (departing March 4, 2014) venturing deep into the Southern Caribbean, visiting islands such as Aruba, Curacao and Kralendijk, Bonaire, a new port for Oceania. 

All New Grand Voyages 

Oceania's 21 Grand Voyages include new departures, from 24 to 63 days in length. Each blends multiple itineraries for in-depth exploration of as many as 19 different countries on some voyages.

Marina, Regatta and Nautica sail distinct Grand Voyages in different parts of the world, offering guests overnight stays in port for extended visits as well as significant value, including free airfare, two-for-one cruise fares, bonus savings of up to 45 per cent, two-for-one deposits, and free pre-paid gratuities.

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

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Seabourn's Luxury 2014 World Cruise

Luxury Seabourn Cruise Line has announced their award-winning Seabourn Sojourn will sail a 116-day world cruise in 2014, encompassing destinations such as Hawaii, the South Pacific, Indonesia, south-east Asia, Australia, India, the Arabian peninsula and the Mediterranean.  

The ship will depart Los Angeles on January 4, 2014, and arrive in Venice on May 1.  Sojourn will stop at 53 ports in 20 countries and, for the first time on a world cruise, will explore Western Australia. 

Several new ports are scheduled in the land “down under,” including Geelong, Victoria; Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island; and Bunbury, Geraldton and Exmouth in Western Australia. The itinerary also includes an exciting combination of many of the world’s most popular cities, as well as smaller treasures and charming towns. In addition, there will be overnight calls in many of the world’s greatest cities, such as Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong and Mumbai.

Fares for the full 116-day voyage include a value-packed menu of complimentary benefits and amenities, including:

 

• A pre-cruise Gala Bon Voyage event and luxury overnight stay in Los Angeles.
• Specially created shoreside events and exclusive shore excursions.
• Personal Valet luggage shipping service.
• Shipboard credits of £1,575 per guest.
• Private car transfers.
• Complimentary round-trip business class air or $2,500 air credit.
• Gala onboard celebrations.
• A variety of commemorative gifts.

Rates for the full voyage begin at £35,799 per person, based on double occupancy and including round-trip air and a host of other complimentary amenities. For guests who cannot sail on the entire cruise, shorter segments from 22 to 94 days are also available, with rates starting at £8,899 per person based on double occupancy, including air and certain complimentary amenities.

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

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Crystal Cruises Unveils 2014/15 Programme

Luxury line Crystal Cruises has unveiled its full year of worldwide voyages for 2014, plus itineraries up to mid-April 2015 - all of which are now open for booking. 

New seven to 89-night cruises in 2014 are among the 61 sailings on board Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with 16 maiden calls, 194 total ports and 68 countries – including a glamorous World Cruise. 

Early 2015’s global calendar offers 15 exotic cruises and a 20^th World Cruise, as well as nine maiden calls and a return to ports Crystal hasn’t visited in more than a decade.

2014 Highlights include:

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are featured on 54 out of 61 cruises (or 89% of 2014’s itineraries), visiting 135-plus dedicated historical destinations, from the ancient - Istanbul, Dubrovnik and Tallinn - to the intriguing, Casablanca, Cartagena and Takoradi. 

World Cruise: 89-night, January to April, five-segment Los Angeles-Southampton cruise, with Crystal’s first return to West Africa since 2011. 

Fully 34% of cruises are 10 nights or less. 

New ports include Galway, Ireland; Luanda, Angola; Lombok, Indonesia; Ibiza, Spain; Oban, Scotland; Skagen, Denmark; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. 

Returns to places less-frequented by Crystal include the Andaman Islands; Brunei; Ghana; Helsingborg, Sweden; Ko Samui, Thailand; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Korcula, Croatia. 

Nearly every itinerary features at least one overnight stay in renowned cities, often in the city of embarkation, plus two consecutive overnights in many places such as Yangon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, St Petersburg and Ho Chi Minh City.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising 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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Something To Look Forward To This Winter

We are now in full planning stages for our Winter edition (publishing December 20) and have a fine array of enticing features to look forward to, which should help to stave off the winter cold.

With some winter sun in mind, we will be heading first to Hawaii (above), for a look at what makes these islands such a special cruise destination in the company of Norwegian Cruise Line (the only line to sail among the islands year-round). It should be the ideal winter warmer and we look forward to making this our Cover Story for the new edition.

Tahiti and the South Seas are also on the menu, along with the blissful style of SeaDream Yacht Club on the French Riviera and the unique Ganges River voyages of Assam Bengal Navigation.

For more river-cruising style, we take a classic Rhine voyage with AMA Waterways, while we also take a look at the sparkling Adriatic coast of Croatia and visit Bangkok for an overnight stay.

When it comes to cruise ship style, cruising's No 1 writer Gary Buchanan will offer a detailed preview of 2013's Royal Princess of Princess Cruises and Steve Newman will sample the distinctive closer-to-home style of The Majestic Line in Scotland.

Of course, there will be lots more in the way of ship features, cruise news, reviews and all your views and comment. But hopefully this whets your appetite for the months ahead. Just be sure to have your subscription up to date!

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.