Take a three-city break on Fred. Olsen's Balmoral

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is giving guests the opportunity to visit three cultural European cities - Oslo, Amsterdam and Antwerp - with Balmoral's (above) 10-night  European Cities & Waterways cruise, departing from Southampton on 24 October from £79 per person, per night. With overnight stays in each destination.

Prices for this European city break cruise start from just £790 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded outside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen's all-inclusive drinks package from just £10 per person, per night.

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Saga's Remembrance Voyage

2014 will be a year of wartime anniversaries, with the centenary of the start of the Great War and the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and it should be a great opportunity to learn about the human cost and the political manoeuverings in wartime.

Saga Cruises are making it a voyage of remembrance and pilgrimage this July as they take Saga Pearl II from Dover to key points on the Continent.

The first port of call is Heligoland, the small German island in the North Sea that witnessed the first naval engagement of the Great War, which Churchill maintained had 'muzzled' the German navy.

Next stop is Amsterdam, home to the splendid National Maritime Museum and the Anne Frank Museum, for those who want to take advantage of free time in the city.

The ship then sails on to Ostend to visit the Napoleonic fort decorated with murals by soldier Heinrich Otto Pieper while it was a German HQ during the First World War. Visitors here should not miss an optional excursion to Ypres to observe the Last Post at the Menin Gate.

Guests will spend the next day in Antwerp before sailing to Dunkirk, where 338,000 troops waited on the beaches before being rescued during the evacuation in 1940.

Boulogne is the next port of call, with an optional excursion to the Somme battlefields area. Guest speakers include Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, National President of the Royal British Legion, and Stephen Prince, Head of the Royal Navy's Historical Branch.

The eight-night cruise costs from £1,516 and departs on July 22. The price includes UK mainland travel service, all meals, 24-hour room service, all gratuities, travel insurance, on board entertainment, welcome cocktail party and captain’s dinner.

More info: call 0800 056 8986 or visit www.saga.co.uk/cruises.

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Grab An Atlantic Alliance Recipe!

Cruise passengers who enjoy the ports of Europe's West Coast who might also like to sample the cuisines of the region will want to know of a new initiative from port group the Atlantic Alliance.

The member ports are currently celebrating this year’s theme ”Food & Wine” and have prepared a culinary journey of discovery around its famous wine-growing areas, outstanding cuisine and typical national specialties.

The Atlantic Alliance is a marketing association of 18 cruise ports and destinations Hamburg to Lisbon, plus British and Irish ports, and they have created a very special personal recipe book, highlighting favourite culinary specialties.

Spread over 50 pages, the port representatives describe their national “must-try” aperitifs, appetisers, main courses and desserts, all adding up to a delicious 'cruise' through the region. For example the German Grünkohl (Kale), which is a traditional Northern German dish, mainly served during the cold months in late autumn and winter, or the Dutch Wentelteefjes (Dutch eggy bread) always go down a treat at breakfast or brunch on the weekend.

Antwerp's Kattina Glasinovich presents Elixir d‘Anvers, a wholesome liqueur, which has been in existence since 1863. It is made from 32 plants and herbs from the four corners of the world that impart a unique taste to the liqueur. British representatives show how to prepare scones with clotted cream and jam, while Michael McCarthy from Cork demonstrates to cook a real Irish stew.

The Normandy ports offer a huge and rich variety of seafood. Cakes as well the “crepe suzette” are definitely worth a try. The most popular dish of Cantabria is the Cocido Montañes, a stew. Dolores Rois from the Port of Vigo explains the myths and mysteries surrounding the ritual of making queimada, the “fire drink” of Galicia. And last but not least, Lisbon’s clams in garlicky broth are unique and were named after Bulhão Pato, a 19th-century Portuguese poet. Although his verses have been largely forgotten, the dish remains popular throughout Lisbon.

The recipe book may inspire for a European festive menu and is downloadable at: http://www.atlanticalliance.eu/app/theme-cruises/1323.

 

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Try A Marco Polo Sampler

Cruise & Maritime Voyages are the only line that offer regular cruises on the classic Marco Polo (above) from the River Thames at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, with the chance for two 'sampler' voyages on this elegant 22,080-ton ship this December. And, with the benefit of great shopping and no flights, you can almost literally buy as much as you want!

Prices start from only £169 for the first person and just £85 for the second person, for the two-night cruise. Take your pick from:

1. Cruise to Ghent at the junction of the River Leie and Scheldt and Amsterdam on the North Sea Canal on December 15 for 3 nights. This is ideal for Christmas shopping when the Festive Market is in full swing in Ghent, or you can also visit neighbouring Bruges or Brussels. Amsterdam is well stocked for shopping and full of sightseeing interest. On board items such as spirits, perfume and other gifts, including jewellery, are also keenly priced and duty free. Prices are from £249 for the first person and £125 for the second.

2. On December 18, you can sail for two nights, again from London Tilbury to Antwerp with a pleasant journey along the River Scheldt. The city offers a good range of shopping in the main square and there are many quality shops close by. Marco Polo berths close to the main square that is just a 10-minute walk, and there visitors can buy local beer, chocolates and many unusual gifts not normally found in your local UK town.

Marco Polo is an adult-only traditional and classic ship. She boasts traditional wooden decks, is small enough to get to know your way around and offers the unique country-house-hotel style experience on board that Cruise & Maritime Voyages are known for.

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

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Tulips - And Museums - In Amsterdam With Avalon

The re-opening of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the perfect reason to book an Avalon Waterways Dutch cruise, not only to marvel at the famous treasures on show in the city but to experience Holland’s culture, architecture and landscapes, which many famous artists drew their inspiration from - painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Steen and Halls, who all feature in a Gallery of Honour at the Dutch state museum after its grand opening last week.

Avalon’s 8-day ‘Tulip Time’ river-cruise takes in all this and more, including the tranquil, open landscapes of Holland and Belgium. Highlights include the Keukenhof’s magnificent spring flowers in amazing displays (above) and the picturesque wooden windmills of Kinderdijk.  Visitors will also enjoy a guided walk in Veere, a canal cruise in cosmopolitan Amsterdam, sightseeing with local guides in Antwerp, Ghent and Middelburg as well as the fascinating city of Maastricht. The voyage is priced from £1,639 per person.

The 8 day ‘Tulips of Northern Holland’ cruise combines the well-known attractions of the Netherlands with those off the beaten track. Cruise from historic Haarlem to explore northern Holland, surrounded in tulip fields, and the charming area of Friesland, famed for its black and white cows. The cruise crosses the Ijsselmeer for a tour of the small town of Hoorn before visiting the pretty coastal town of Enhuizen and its ZuiderZee Museum, the Batavia shipyard in Lelystad, and an historic windmill near the fishing village of Volendam. In Arnhem, guests will visit the the city's Kröller-Müller Museum or nearby Het Loo Palace, and, from Rotterdam, an optional excursion is available to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens. Highlights also include a visit to the famous cheese-making town of Edam, as well as a canal cruise in Amsterdam. It is priced from £1,609 per person. 

Prices quoted include return flights, seven nights full board deluxe cruise with wine served at dinner, private door-to-door home pick-up service, onboard gratuities,  guided city sightseeing and airport transfers. Extra nights in Amsterdam are available from £85 per person.

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

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AMA's Big River-Cruise Savings

Yes, it's 'Special Offer' time again this week, and the latest comes from AMA Waterways and four terrific specially-priced European river-cruises, including a chance to cruise with former MP and 'Strictly' star Ann Widdecombe!

Cruise through Europe’s tulip fields, saving £400pp

AMA's week long 'Tulip Time’ cruises reveal the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime, sailing past colourful tulip carpets, through green countryside dotted with world-famous windmills and visiting the great medieval cities of Antwerp and Ghent. Departing on March 35, April 3, 8, 12 and 23 and May 1, the voyage costs from £1,399 per person (was £1,599),

Luxury Provence river cruise, saving £550pp

Departing on March 29, this week-long luxury river-cruise embarks in Arles, the setting for many of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces, and cruises to Lyon through Provence’s legendary wine regions. It costs from £1,839pp (was £2,389), and additional departures areon June 28, July 26 and August 9.

Portugal’s Enticing Douro, saving £281pp

The Douro is one of Europe’s most pure and unspoiled rivers, with deep cleft gorges, lush vineyards, and sleepy fishing villages. AMA's 7-night `Enticing Douro’ voyage departs on May 14 and offers a round-trip from Porto, making daily port calls along the route to picturesque towns and villages and places of interest, enabling guests to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions. The week long sailing now costs from £1,899 per person (was £2180), and additional departures are on May 21, Jun 18 and August 6.

Strictly come river cruising, with Ann Widdecombe

Strictly Come Dancing star, novelist, TV presenter and former MP Ann will talk about her life and career in presentations and book signings during a week-long river cruise down the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, departing on October 15. Guests can now sail in her company from just £1,975pp.

All prices include return UK flights, transfers, all meals, including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily hosted excursions, free use of on-board bicycles and wi-fi.

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

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Swan Hellenic Go Arty On Dutch Rivers

Join Swan Hellenic for a Dutch river cruise this summer and discover the culture and art of the iconic cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp and Rotterdam, from £2,250 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin). 

Ideal for art enthusiasts, passengers on board the "Golden Age of the Dutch Waterways" cruise can visit the world famous Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and the house of Peter Paul Rubens, the most famous of all the Antwerp painters, as well as the Frans Hals Museum.

The voyage takes place on board luxury river vessel Royal Crown, which is reminiscent of the golden age of cruising and takes just 79 guests in elegant surroundings and the highest standards of personal service. The cruise sails from Amsterdam on July 6 and calls at Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Antwerp (overnight), Middleburg and Rotterdam (overnight) before returning to Amsterdam for another overnight stay.

Prices includes return flights and relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by an eminent Guest Speaker, meals and entertainment on-board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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AMA's Spring Offers

There is always something special about a spring-time cruise, and AMA Waterways have some great offers for Holland, Belgium, Provence and the Douro in Portugal. Plus they have a special guest aboard in October. Read on for details...!
 

Cruise through Europe’s tulip fields, saving £400

AMA's week-long 'Tulip Time' cruises reveal the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime, sailing past colourful tulip carpets, through green countryside dotted with world-famous windmills and visiting the great medieval cities of Antwerp and Ghent. Departing on March 25 and April 1, 8, 12 and 23, the luxury cruise costs from £1,199 per person, saving £400pp. 

Luxury Provence river cruise, saving £324pp

Departing on April 12, this week-long voyage embarks in Arles, the setting for many of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces, and cruises to Lyon through Provence’s legendary wine regions. The cruise costs from £1,795pp, saving £324pp. Additional departures June 28 and July 26.

Portugal’s Enticing Douro, saving £450pp

The Douro is one of Europe’s most pure and unspoiled rivers, with deep cleft gorges, lush vineyards, and sleepy fishing villages. AMA's 7-night 'Enticing Douro’ cruise departs on March 26 and offers a round-trip from Porto, making daily port calls along the route to picturesque towns and villages and places of interest, enabling guests to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions. The sailing costs from £1,395 per person, saving £450pp.

Strictly river cruising, with Ann Widdecombe


Strictly Come Dancing star, novelist, TV presenter and former MP Ann Widdecombe will talk about her life and career in presentations and book signings during a week-long cruise down the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, departing on October 15. Guests can sail in her company from £1,975pp.

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

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AMA's New Culinary Delights Of Europe

AmaWaterways, one of Europe’s leading luxury river cruise operator, is introducing 'Culinary Delights - Sights and Bites’, new cooking classes, walking tours and food and wine tastings on select European river cruise itineraries in 2012. 

The culinary experiences will be introduced during the course of this year and include the entire experience, from choosing local produce to preparing regional specialties such as the Bulgarian dish ‘banista’ and smoked salmon rolled with ‘cervelle de canuts’.

With an intimate group of 20 people per tour, passengers are able to explore another side of the city, visiting cooking schools, distilleries and local markets. The tours include visits to culinary specialty shops, chocolatiers and charcuteries. Select tours include a visit to Studio of Cabestan in Avignon, France. Chefs take passengers to Les Halles market to select the freshest ingredients before donning aprons and hats for a hands-on cooking demonstration in Provencal cuisine. In Amsterdam, travellers are provided a panoramic city tour topped off with a tasting of Jenever, Dutch liquor. The tour sweetens when passengers visit the Belgian city of Antwerp for a waffles-and-chocolate tasting session.

Additional options on the European river cruises include a hands-on demonstration to prepare Lyonniase cuisine and Banistra pastry; a presentation on how to pair chocolates and wine; a demonstration of mustard production; a tasting tour of traditional Dutch foods like Frietzak (Dutch fires with mayonnaise), poffertjes (pancakes) and rollmops (pickled herring); and the opportunity to prepare, cook and taste Goulash in the historical city of Budapest.

As the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organisations, AmaWaterways continues to lead the industry in innovative experiences both on-board and on-shore. The Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights tour is a facet of the river cruise line’s prestigious food and beverage offerings.

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading river-cruise specialist agents.

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See The World Horticultural Expo With Uniworld

Uniworld have announced the first details of their Gems of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands Cruise that includes the magnificent Floriade exhibition. 

Floriade, the World Horticultural Expo, is held every 10 years in Venlo, Holland, and runs from April 5 to October 7, with visitors having the opportunity to enjoy the world’s most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruit and vegetables, with many exciting, innovative and educational attractions and activities.

As part of the cruise, Uniworld's itinerary also visits Cologne, where guests can enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town area with its Romanesque churches, Renaissance City Hall, Medieval houses and UNESCO-designated Cathedral (one of the tallest Gothic buildings in the world). Afterwards, there is a visit to a typical tavern and exclusive tasting of Kölsch, the popular local brew served in test tube-like glasses. 

The voyage then stops off at the quaint village of Königswinter, which lies at the foot of the Siebengebirge. Guests will experience an exclusive visit to Castle Drachenfels, which boasts a stunning panoramic view of the Rhine Valley. 

Brussels highlights include a local expert city tour, exclusive chocolate demonstration and tasting at Planet Chocolate Factory while, in Antwerp, it's possible to enjoy a local tour, followed by an afternoon at leisure to allow guests explore the city’s fine shopping and museum collections. Next, there is a walking tour of Maastrict followed by a full day at Venlo for Floriade.

For booking details, be sure to check with the river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Sample A 'Mini-Cruise' With Fred. Olsen

The popularity of city breaks and long weekends away has grown enormously in recent years as people have less holiday time, and want to make the most of it. A great value-for-money option in this area is a ‘mini cruise’ - your holiday starts from the moment you embark, and there are no frustrating restrictions on what you can, and can’t, pack in your luggage.

Fred. Olsen has no fewer than 12 mini-cruises in 2012, from a range of regional UK ports, and many of them visit popular European cities, such as Amsterdam, Antwerp or Rouen.

These attractive short cruises offer wonderful value for money, as all your meals and the onboard entertainment are included in the price, and there are excellent onboard facilities, such as heated pools, hot tubs, fitness centres and beauty salons, plus a library, internet room and wi-fi access (so that you can always stay in touch), and spacious lounges and bars. There is also excellent onboard cuisine, and a busy programme of daily activities for those who want to join in. Here are just a few examples of some Fred. Olsen mini-cruise options:

Braemar has a three-night cruise departing from Dover on May 5, 2012, and visiting two lovely northern European cities – Ostende and Amsterdam. The Belgian city is an attractive port and, from here, you can opt for an excursion to the medieval city of Ghent. Amsterdam, of course, is one of the most popular European cities for a short break, with its lovely gabled houses, network of canals, and some of the finest art galleries and museums, alongside cafés and marvellous shops. The cruise returns to Dover, and prices start from £339 per person.

Balmoral has another three-night cruise, this time departing from Southampton, on August 25, 2012. This Bank Holiday weekend break visits the delightful medieval town of Antwerp, in Belgium, for an overnight stay. The cobbled streets and quirky old buildings are truly picturesque, and horse-drawn carriages give rides to visitors around the centre. You can relax at a pavement café, visit one of the many old churches or museums, or treat yourself in some of the exclusive boutiques and stylish shops. Antwerp is the centre of the European diamond industry, so there is no shortage of desirable jewellery on offer! Cruise prices start from £349 per person.

For an early autumn break, join Black Watch’s three-night cruise from Dover, departing on September 9, 2012, and visit the historic French city of Rouen, with its majestic cathedral immortalised by Monet. The city is steeped in history, and the Musée des Beaux Arts is a highlight. Prices start from £339 per person.

All prices are quoted per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes the accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For more info, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the special cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Fred. Olsen's Eagles Tribute Cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is pleased to announce a very special mini-cruise in 2012, which will be a real treat for rock fans. Black Watch’s mini-cruise, W1206, to Antwerp and Amsterdam, will play host to ‘Talon, the Best of Eagles’, who are celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2012.

The band will be joining guests embarking on this attractive cruise of three nights, which departs from Dover on June 21, 2012. The cruise visits the diamond centre of Antwerp for a full day, then spends a half day in vibrant Amsterdam, where guests can discover the historic buildings and galleries which line the many picturesque canals, as well as visiting Ann Frank’s House.

Talon formed in September 1997 and played their first gig in January 1998. The band celebrated their tenth anniversary in September 2007, and have been going from strength to strength ever since.

The band’s unusual name comes from the word for an eagle’s claw, and was suggested by Paul Outen, a drummer and colleague of band members Chris Lloyd and Peter Anderson from their cruising days. When choosing the name, they felt it was important to give the band its own identity, and did not want to play on the word ‘Eagles’ or use an Eagles song title.

During this exclusive mini-cruise, Talon will perform three shows, including ‘Acoustic Collection’, ‘The Best of Eagles’ and ‘The Talon Factor.’ Additional musical entertainment will include ‘Jazzlines’ – late night jazz with Chris Lloyd, and ‘Jam House’ jamming sessions with the band, as well as the Talon Quiz.

Prices for this unique musical mini-cruise start from £299 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. This price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, including the full Talon programme, and port taxes.

For further info, visit http://www.fredolsencruises.com/ or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Windstar Unveils New 2012 Collection

Windstar Cruises, operator of a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, has unveiled its new 2012 collection of luxury voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic, Italy, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, with nine new itineraries and the lowest introductory pricing in years.

In addition, guests who book by June 30 will receive a $200 shipboard credit per cabin. Windstar’s Foremast Members receive an additional 5% discount on all itineraries.

The 2012 programme features a unique collection of islands, highlighting diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. For example, seven-night sailings on Wind Surf round-trip from Philipsburg, St Maarten, visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St Barts, with cruise-only prices from £1,577 per person.

Or how about the Treasures of Northern Europe? Discover six of the region's most captivating countries with 11-night sailings on Wind Surf between Lisbon and Oslo, visiting Le Havre, Dover, Antwerp and Amsterdam and cruise-only prices from £2,376 per person.

Windstar’s 2012 voyages are available to book now. For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.com or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Celebrate the Royal Wedding In Style

If you missed out on buying Kate’s see-through dress at £78,000, don’t despair. Cruise & Maritime Voyages have two cruises departing on the Royal Wedding Day (April 29) at a much cheaper price, starting at just £199pp. Celebrations include a Royal Banquet onboard on the evening of the departures. CMV also plan to have large TV screens on hand at the Cruise Terminals in both London and Hull, from where the ships are due to depart.

Marco Polo is scheduled to depart from the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury late in the afternoon on April 29 for a three-night Bulbfields Weekend. A big screen has been ordered for use in the terminal. Thanks to Kate & William, you will not have to use up any of your leave - both Friday and Monday are Bank Holidays!

Prices start from just £199pp and the cruise starts by sailing down the Thames as you toast the Royal couple before visiting Amsterdam for Queen’s Day celebrations and then Antwerp on your special cruise.

Alternatively, if you live in the North, you can depart from Hull on Ocean Countess, again on the afternoon of April 29, on a six-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords from £399pp. Large TVs will be set up in the check-in area to enjoy the celebrations on the Wedding Day before passengers sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and waterfalls on a Norwegian exploration.

Prices are per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin, while a third person sharing pays only £99, regardless of cabin grade.

A £6pp/night fuel supplement applies to these departures. Gratuities at £5pp per night will be added to passenger accounts.

For more information, visit http://www.cruiseandmaritime.com/

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Baltic Debut for Star Clippers

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers will offer its first ever season sailing the Baltic in 2012, a unique chance to sail into some of the world’s greatest seafaring ports on a magnificent, fully-crewed square rigger, the 170-passenger Star Flyer.

As well as visiting iconic ports such as Copenhagen, St Petersburg and Stockholm, Star Clippers will sail to destinations with a long-standing love and appreciation of tall ships, including Kiel and Warnemunde/Rostock in Germany, where the vessel’s visit will coincide with the breathtaking annual Sailing Parade, a gathering of some of the world’s most stunning tall ships.

There will also be calls at smaller ports rarely visited by bigger cruise ships, giving guests a chance to appreciate the beauty of the islands and coastlines of the Baltic and Scandinavia without the crowds.

Highlights of the Baltic season include:

A five-night voyage from Southampton to Hamburg, via Amsterdam, departing May 5, 2012, including two full days at sea to enjoy the sensation of sailing on an authentic tall ship. From £1,035 per person, including all meals on board and port taxes (excludes return flight from Hamburg).

A seven-night voyage returning into Southampton, departing Hamburg on August 25, via Amsterdam, Ijmuiden, Antwerp and Zeebrugge, presenting another chance to sail up the Solent in one of the most dramatic-looking ships afloat. From £1,490 per person, including all meals on board and port taxes (excludes outbound flight to Hamburg).

Five, six and seven-night sailings to and from Warnemunde/Rostock, visiting ports in Germany, Denmark and Poland, as well as Sweden and Oslo. The five-night voyage calls at Copenhagen, Ronne/Bornholm and Gdansk, for example, while a six-night sailing from Warnemunde to Oslo on August 12 calls at Ronne-Bornholm, Copenhagen, Halmstad, Goteborg and Marstrand. From £1,035 for a five night round-trip sailing from Warnemunde, departing June 3, including all meals on board and port taxes (excluding flights).

Seven night voyages featuring Olso, situated at the head of a dramatic fjord. Oslo to Copenhagen, for example, calls at Marstrand, Goteborg, Halmstad and Helsingborg in Sweden and Kalundborg in Denmark, finishing in Copenhagen. A seven-night cruise costs from £1,490 pp, departing Oslo May 26, including all meals on board and port taxes (excluding flights).

A highlight of the season will be three ten or 11-night voyages round-trip from Stockholm, with an overnight in St Petersburg. Ports of call on the 10-night sailing departing July 21 include Visby, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki, and two additional ports in Finland, Hanko and Mariehamn-Aaland. Sailing from Stockholm is particularly special and Star Flyer will be a magnificent sight as she leaves the historic harbour of the Swedish capital and glides gracefully through the archipelago of hundreds of tiny islands. From £2,120 for 10 nights, departing Stockholm July 21, including all meals on board and port taxes (again, excluding flights).

For more information, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or contact the adventure-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Tall Ship Cruising From The UK

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers, who offer fully-crewed, sailing cruises on board magnificent head-turning tall ships, will bring the 170-passenger square rigger Star Flyer to the UK in 2012 for the first time since the vessel's launch in 1991, as part of the company's first ever season sailing the Baltic.

During summer, the Flyer will cruise out of Hamburg, Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen as well as to and from Southampton. She will be seen in the Solent and harboured in the British port on May 5 and September 1, 2012, attracting plenty of attention with her four masts, thousands of square feet of sail and graceful lines, modelled on the great clipper ships of the 19th century.

New Star Clippers cruises into and out of Southampton include:-

On April 14, Star Flyer sets out from St Maarten in the Caribbean on her repositioning cruise to Europe, arriving into Southampton on May 5, after a 21-day trans-Atlantic sailing (fares to be announced shortly).

She then departs Southampton later on May 5 for a five-night voyage to Hamburg, via Amsterdam - a unique chance to sail on a genuine tall ship from a British port, with two days at sea included, on which there will be plenty of chance to relax on the teak decks, learn about the wind, stars and navigation or even help the crew hoist the sails. The five-night sailing costs from £1,035 per person, including all meals on board and port taxes (excluding return flights from Hamburg).

On August 25, Star Flyer will sail from Hamburg to Southampton on a seven-night voyage via Amsterdam, Ijmuiden, Antwerp and Zeebrugge, presenting another chance to sail up the Solent in one of the most dramatic-looking ships afloat.

This seven-night sailing costs from £1,490 per person, including all meals on board and port taxes (excludes one-way flight to Hamburg).

On September 1, the head-turning square rigger departs Southampton once more, sailing for Lisbon and on to Malaga, from where she will operate five 7-night cruises in the Mediterranean prior to her transatlantic crossing back to her winter base of Costa Rica. This will be bookable in sectors, for which prices will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or contact the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Go Solo In Europe's Cultural Heart On A 5-Star River Cruise

According to award-winning river cruise operator, AMAWaterways, you're never alone on a European river cruise. The company maintain it's one of the easiest ways for a solo traveller to discover Europe's cultural highlights without lugging luggage, checking in and out of airports and hotels single handedly, or sitting conspicuously alone in a hotel restaurant. Daily guided excursions on-shore along the route and free seating at meal times ensure a sociable cruise atmosphere (without the sea sickness) and allow solo travellers to mingle as much or as little as they like.

AMAWaterways' river cruises along the Rhine and Danube take in Central Europe's riverside cities, vineyards and countryside, including some of the most picturesque surroundings. Departing in April 2011, there is a 7-night cruise through Holland and Belgium, passing carpets of colourful flowers and lush green countryside dotted with windmills and tours of historic towns and cities that include Antwerp and Ghent. Prices from £1439pp, saving £676 (cruise only).

Choose from these dates:

1st April, solo travellers £1439pp, saving £676
8th April, solo travellers £1499, saving £706
25th April, solo travellers £1629, saving £771

Cruise/Flight inclusive

1st April, solo travellers £1639pp, saving £676
8th April, solo travellers £1699, saving £706
25th April, solo travellers £1829, Saving £771

Cruise/Rail inclusive

1st April, solo travellers £1739pp, saving £676
8th April, solo travellers £1799, saving £706
25th April, solo travellers £1929, saving £771

Contact AMAWaterways on www.amawaterways.co.uk/ or contact one of the river-cruise specialists at UK cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd (http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/, 0800 008 6677).

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Rivers of Holland and Belgium

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Perfect for those who love to explore a number of different destinations at a leisurely pace, here's a river cruise that takes in the unspoilt and picturesque scenery of Holland and Belgium.

Begin your adventure onboard a DFDS Seaways cruise ferry and relax from the moment you step onboard in Newcastle. Enjoy some scrumptious food in one of the onboard restaurants before sitting back with a glass of wine to watch the evening's entertainment. After a peaceful night's sleep in your ensuite cabin, awake refreshed and ready to board your Croisi river cruiser.
Cruising from Amsterdam to Antwerp, you'll enjoy stop-offs on the way, including an excursion to the stunning tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens (above). You'll also enter the Holland Diep, an inland sea, and go through locks at Volkerak and Kreekak, on the way to Belgium.

Everything is taken care of in this holiday package. All meals and entertainment are included onboard the cruise ferry and Croisi riverboat. In addition, the river voyage offers a variety of activities onboard and ashore, including commentaries and guided tours to historic and cultural sites, local attractions, museums and galleries. Voyages depart April 3, 2011.

To book, visit http://www.dfds.co.uk/

Don't forget to check out the Cruise Show website for all the lowdown and exhibitors at the Birmingham and London shows in October (16-17) and March (26-27).

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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River Cruise Prize Draw at The Cruise Show

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Visitors to the Avalon Waterways stand (C12) at the Daily Telegraph’s Cruise Show taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from October 16-17 will be able to take advantage of an exclusive Cruise Show booking offer, special offers as well as enter a cruise holiday prize draw.

By booking at the Cruise Show, visitors can enjoy significant savings on their holiday. Not only that, they can enter an exciting prize draw to win an 8-day ‘Tulip Time’ cruise for two, worth more than £2,800. Avalon’s brand new cruise highlights the wide open spaces of Holland and Belgium with the pretty windmills of Kinderdijk, the medieval centre of Ghent and the dazzling displays of colourful tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens.

City sightseeing includes Antwerp’s superb architecture, the cosmopolitan city port of Rotterdam and the famous canals of Amsterdam. The prize includes chauffeur-driven transfers to and from home to the nearest UK airport (within a 75-mile radius), return flights and transfers, full board accommodation and complimentary soft drinks, wine or beer served with dinner.

The Avalon team, including knowledgeable cruise director Mark Wismeijer, will be on hand to tell visitors about their sleek and young fleet of ships with luxurious facilities and spacious staterooms, sized at 172sq ft each, as well as the highest levels of personalised service, fine dining and other creature comforts.

Would-be river cruisers can learn more about Avalon’s carefully-planned itineraries, with included excursions to get the most out of visiting Europe’s fascinating cities, famous landmarks and beautiful landscapes.

With state-of-the-art technology and design, these small and intimate ships are specially designed to provide the most relaxing environment to enjoy the passing scenery. Visitors will also hear about the two new ships which have been launched this year, the Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary (above).

Mark Wismeijer will be taking part in a panel discussion on river cruising on Saturday 16 October at 4pm in Cruise Theatre One. With cruise expert Steve Read acting as moderator, cruise executives from a number of river cruise companies will be taking a closer look at discovering the world by river. They will be joined by well known cruising journalist Jane Archer.

For further information or to request a brochure, ring Avalon Waterways on 0800 668 1802 or look up www.avaloncruises.co.uk/show.

Dont forget to check out the full details on the Cruise Show venues at Birmingham in October (16-17) and London next March (26-27).

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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