Cunard packages shorter worldwide cruise sectors

Cunard has shorter worldwide cruises available and reveals its new Flagship Collection of premium hotel stays which can be combined with these departures to make cruise and stay holidays.

Sectors of the full World Cruises enable passengers to create shorter holiday options that take in key destinations of interest.  Featured durations range from 8-42 nights.

The new Flagship Collection offers a premium selection of pre and post-cruise hotel stays enhanced with special benefits, and features properties in Auckland, Cape Town, Dubai, Fort Lauderdale, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore and Sydney.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

Ponant Heads Down Under

Those looking for a cruise on the more exotic side are increasingly spoiled for choice these days - and that choice is about to get even broader with the latest news from boutique French operator Compagnie du Ponant.

Ponant's new itineraries for the winter 2014/2015 season include seven innovative cruises to Australia and New Zealand, with the new itineraries taking passengers to the South Pacific Ocean and Oceania. Destination highlights include not only Darwin, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania, but also Auckland and Rotorua, cradle of Maori culture.

The voyages will all aboard the sleek and stylish yacht-like cruiser L’Austral, with 132 staterooms and suites, and a high-quality array of public rooms and dining choices.

Highlights of the eye-catching programme Down Under include:
 

• Combining wide open spaces with the delicate “French Touch” on board the latest generation luxury yacht.
• Zodiac® outings with experienced naturalist-guides to explore unspoiled wildlife.
• Expedition programmes designed to explore Australia’s most emblematic sites and meet the Aborigines.
• Snorkelling in the turquoise blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Discovering New Zealand, an archipelago on the edge of the world, and Maori culture.

Ponant offers seven departures between December 12, 2014, and February 2015 on board L’Austral, from just €2,150 per person, cruise only.

More info: call 0800 980 4027 or visit www.ponant.com.

Our new edition is now out - see more on this link! Or, to subscribe with our special limited time 50% off rate, go to our subscriptions page.

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.

A Rare Sub-Antarctic Voyage With Zegrahm

20-Day Luxury Voyage Travels from Tasmania to New Zealand to Explore some of the World’s Most Remote and Wildlife-Rich Islands

Zegrahm Expeditions is delighted to have been granted exclusive access to visit the fragile Sub-Antarctic Islands as part of its November expedition, Tasmania to New Zealand: A Voyage through the Sub-Antarctic Islands. With wildlife encounters that rival destinations like South Georgia and the Galápagos, the Sub-Antarctic Islands offer opportunities for travellers to spot more than half the world’s albatross species; eight penguin species, including five endemics; huge numbers and varieties of birds; as well as elephant, leopard, and fur seals; unique marsupials; and dolphins.

Highlights of Zegrahm’s exploration of this amazing area include:

Macquarie Island: One of the premier wildlife sites in the world, Macquarie Island features vast numbers of penguins, albatross and seals, and is the only place on the planet where you can find royal penguins.

Campbell Island: Enjoy up-close views of southern royal albatross, second in size to the wandering albatross, the largest of all flying birds. The combination of broad bays, vertical headlands, and surf-washed beaches is a photographer's dream.

Enderby Island: Sheltered by a canopy of twisted and gnarled rata forest, travellers will find red-crowned parakeets, yellow-eyed penguins, royal albatross, light-mantled sooty albatross and some of the rarest endemics in the world - Auckland shag, Auckland flightless teal and the snipe - plus beaches covered with Hooker's sea lions.

Snares Islands: Home to millions of seabirds that darken the sky each dawn and dusk, along with the endemic Snares crested penguin.

In addition to these amazing wildlife encounters, adventurers will be treated to five days exploring Tasmania and cruising through New Zealand’s picturesque Dusty, Doubtful and Milford sounds. This 20-day journey aboard the all-suite, 100-passenger Caledonian Sky takes place November 25-December 14 and is priced from $13,980 per person.

For more info, visit www.zegrahm.com and for more adventure-cruise ideas, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure 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.

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

Regent's Big Deal Down Under

Regent Seven Cruises have passed on some great special offers so far this year, but this latest one is a real eye-opener, especially if you are interested in a cruise in New Zealand waters, with a lot of extras.

Here's what they have to offer:

Sydney to Auckland

Take a cruise on Seven Seas Voyager (above) and enjoy a specially-priced voyage, with a night's luxury hotel stay pre-cruise, 10 nights aboard the all-inclusive six-star ship and the chance to enjoy a pre or post-cruise land tour.

The voyage sails on January 7, 2014 and is now priced at just £3,999pp (was £4,789pp), based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Sydney, cruising Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland, with up to 13 FREE excursions, PLUS a 3-night pre or post cruise land programme from just £599 per person. Choose from: Sydney and beyond, including a tour to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley; Luxury retreat in Australian Bush; or New Zealand countryside and wineries.

As ever, Regent promise the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, with free flights and transfers, free 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package (in Concierge Suites and above), unlimited shore excursions on every cruise, and fully inclusive onboard, including fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment. 

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

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

Regent's New Exotic Options

Regent Seven Seas has announced changes to its autumn 2014 itineraries for Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, with 10 new cruises that include sailings to sought-after destinations such as Tahiti and South Africa. 

It has been four years since a Regent ship called in South Africa and almost three since one of its ships visited Tahiti, hence this represents a great opportunity to visit (or re-visit) some of the most exotic p[arts of the cruise world.

The new sailings on Seven Seas Mariner include an 18-night Los Angeles to Papeete trans-Pacific cruise; a 10-night round-trip Papeete voyage; and a 17-night Papeete to Auckland sailing. This will be the first time in the company’s history that Mariner will conduct a turnaround in Tahiti.

For Seven Seas Voyager, the company has added a 30-night Dubai to Cape Town cruise where guests will enjoy breathtaking scenery, discover big game on guided safari tours and relax on luxurious beaches. This exciting itinerary includes overnight calls in Mumbai; the Maldives; the Seychelles; and Cape Town, with other calls at Mombasa, Zanzibar, Maputo, Richards Bay and Durban.

Regent has also created a number of Mediterranean sailings that have a similar itinerary as previously offered. 

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.

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

Crystal's Lord of the Rings Adventure

Known for its ingenuity in global adventure, Crystal Cruises is offering an exclusive new dinner experience on the “Hobbiton” set used for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the new prequel film. 

The unique shore-side opportunity will debut just days after The Hobbit opens worldwide when Crystal Symphony calls in Tauranga during a New Zealand/Australia holiday cruise beginning December 20. The Crystal Adventure will also be offered on a January 29 voyage through the region.

The two local cultures of New Zealand and “Middle Earth” will come alive, starting with a private,  after-hours guided tour of the village movie set. From Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ Hobbit holes to the Brandywine Bridge, guests will enter buildings and stroll rolling hills, while learning about the massive efforts undertaken to build the site. On the grounds of the hobbit-frequented Green Dragon Inn, with a beautiful sunset view overlooking the lake and Mill, guests will enjoy a bevy of  extraordinary local wine and beers, a traditional Kiwi barbeque and other fresh dishes served by waiting staff in Lord of the Rings garb.

The cost of the Hobbiton dinner and village exploration is $265/person. A second Lord of the Rings-themed Adventure is also offered on both cruises, visiting Edoras’ home, Mt. Potts Station and Lodge, and New Zealand’s Southern Alps from Christchurch.

The December 20 voyage - which also offers gourmet holiday cuisine, festive décor, a Master Photographer capturing memories and a complimentary New Year’s Eve extravaganza in Sydney Harbour - overnights in Auckland before sailing through Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney (double overnight), Melbourne (overnight) and Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds. All-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the 16-night Christmas/New Year’s sailing start from £7,600 per person. 

The January 29 cruise also stops overnight in Auckland then overnights in Tauranga and proceeds through Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin and the Sounds before concluding with an overnight in Sydney. All-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the 13-night sailing start from £4,672 per person, with £1,563 in savings if booked by December 31.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, 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.

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

Crystal's Wine & Food-Themed Cruises

Australasian and Balinese culinary arts will kick off ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises’ 2013 Wine & Food-themed series, with regional star chefs and wine experts headlining two new, 12-night Crystal Symphony itineraries: Australia/New Zealand departing January 17 and Australia/Bali departing February 11.

Connoisseurs can also indulge in optional, intimate Vintage Room dining experiences, offering multiple courses paired with extraordinary wines.

The voyages offer intimate access to each country’s culinary capitals, from the renowned wine regions of South Australia and Wellington to New South Wales’ fine dining and Northern Territory’s outback pubs. The January “Koalas and Kiwis” itinerary explores Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney (overnight), before sailing through stunning Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds en route to Dunedin, Christchurch/Lyttelton, Wellington, and Auckland. 

The February “Reefs and Rainforest” voyage overnights in Sydney before venturing north through the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands/Hamilton, Cairns, Darwin and Benoa/Bali.

All-inclusive prices are £4,627 per person fly/cruise and £2,610 per person cruise-only respectively. Three additional Wine & Food-themed voyages are also scheduled for May, July and November in other regions.

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

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

Noble Caledonia's New Zealand Sky

Those of you who have travelled on Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky will already know what a superb vessel she is. Now the company have announced that her sister ship Caledonian Sky will be luxury small-ship cruising in New Zealand and Australia in January and February 2013.

If you are going to travel half way around the world, you need a good reason, and what better reason could you have than the desire to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth? New Zealand is a land of stunning landscapes and warm people, which is why it is always high on travellers’ wish lists. With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, it is a land of rare beauty.

A circumnavigation of the North Island offers the unusual opportunity to visit the lesser known west coast. Call into the quaint city of New Plymouth, explore the Waipoua Kauri Forest, one of the largest remaining tracts of native forest in Northland, and discover the awe-inspiring scenery of the Bay of Islands. Visit the iconic cities of Auckland, Napier and Wellington and journey to the thermal springs at Rotorua, a myriad of gurgling mudpools, steaming ground and expansive vistas. 

Now: Book by October 31 and save £1,000 per person.

Special note: Although this cruise is not classified as expeditionary, on some days it will be necessary to use the Zodiac landing craft to access remote ports and land ashore. 

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

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

Complimentary Airfare from Silversea

Leading deluxe cruise operator Silversea, renowned for its ultra-luxurious ships and exotic destinations, has announced a selection of post-Christmas voyages that will include complimentary airfare.

The offer is available on select voyages, including Australian and South African cruises that are sailing in January 2013. These voyages also include generous onboard spending credits of up to $1,000 per suite. The credits can be used towards a wide range of onboard purchases, including shore excursions, spa treatments and premium dining.

Complimentary air fare is offered on the following voyages:

4 Jan, Sydney to Auckland: Silver Shadow (14 days) – From £5,099

5 Jan, Round-trip Cape Town: Silver Wind (10 days) – From £3,799

7 Jan, Valparaiso to Buenos Aires: Silver Cloud (16 days) – From £5,099

17 Jan, Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles: Silver Spirit (15 days) – From £4,599

All-suite accommodation, butler service and all-inclusive indulgences, such as gourmet cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux, combine with itineraries to the most vibrant and intriguing of destinations. Silversea’s smaller ships also provide access to rarely seen harbours off the beaten track and can dock right in the heart of a city rather than anchoring offshore, allowing guests more time to explore.

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

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.

Cunard's Extra-Value Winter Sparkle

Cunard’s Winter Holidays gained an added sparkle today as the luxury line announced a series of January 2013 sailings from Southampton to exotic locations that will now have two-night hotel stays in some of the world’s greatest cities, transfers, flights home and upgraded balcony accommodation on board all provided on a complimentary basis.

Departures aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are all included and hotel stays, transfers and flights back to the UK are offered in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Featured hotels include noted properties such as the Four Seasons in Sydney, Kowloon Shangri-La in Hong Kong and Fairmont Singapore, in keeping with Cunard’s own legendary standards of service on board ship. Complimentary upgrades from outside accommodation to balcony staterooms are offered on all featured sailings.

CEO Peter Shanks commented: "Faraway winter holidays are becoming more popular as well as more adventurous and the best way to see a variety of exotic destinations is by ship. Cunard has created the perfect winter holiday, with relaxing arrivals into each new port of call now complemented by longer stays at signature cities across the globe, as well as flights home. Combined with Cunard’s legendary service levels on board, it adds up to a superb value winter sun option."

The winter holidays series with these benefits covers these voyages:

Queen Mary 2 Southampton to Dubai: Jan 10-30, 2013; 20 nights now from £2,299 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight. Southampton to Singapore: Jan 10-Feb 11; 32 nights now from £3,999 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight. Southampton to Hong Kong: Jan 10-Feb 19; 40 nights now from £4,999 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight. Southampton to Sydney: Jan 10-Mar 7; 58 nights now from £7,399 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight.

Queen Victoria Southampton to San Francisco: Jan 10-Feb 5, 2013; 26 nights now from £3,299 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight. Southampton to Sydney: Jan 10-Feb 26; 46 nights now from £5,799 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight.

Queen Elizabeth Southampton to Los Angeles: Jan 6-Feb 6, 2013; 31 nights now from £3,399 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight. Southampton to Auckland: Jan 6-Feb 22; 46 nights now from £6,199 per person in balcony accommodation with two-night stay and return flight. 

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

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.

Crystal's Special Regional Flights Offer

Crystal Cruises has teamed up with Emirates Airlines to offer its guests direct departures from Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham on a selection of Australia/New Zealand voyages this winter.

Flights from these regional airports (via Dubai) are now available for the following cruises: 

December 20: 16-night “Southern Summer Holiday” from Auckland to Melbourne with fly/cruise prices from £7,582 per person (based on ex-Glasgow flight).

January 5: 12-night “Southern Australia Sojourn” from Melbourne to Brisbane with fly/cruise prices from £4,179 per person (based on ex-Newcastle flight).

January 17: 12-night “Koalas & Kiwis” from Brisbane to Auckland with fly/cruise prices from £4,638 per person (based on ex-Birmingham and Manchester flights).

January 29: 13-night voyage from Auckland to Sydney with fly/cruise prices from £4,697 per person (based on ex-Newcastle flight)

All fares are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Prices include return economy flights from Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle or Birmingham with Emirates (via Dubai), overseas transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel stay, post cruise hospitality and onboard accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with picture window, with all meals and soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, gratuities and port taxes.

 

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

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.

Golf Cruising In New Zealand

Well known for spectacular mountains, towering fjords and lush forests, New Zealand is also renowned as one of the world’s top destinations for golfers. Orion Expedition Cruises’ South Pacific Golf Expedition from Lyttleton to Auckland will open the door to a number of spectacular and challenging New Zealand golf courses. Included on the world’s top 100 list, these courses are on every golfer’s wish list - made all the better by experiencing them from the comfort of a small floating hotel, the highly awarded luxurious expedition cruise ship, Orion.

This voyage includes green fees for five rounds of golf at Royal Wellington, Cape Kidnappers (two rounds) and Kauri Cliffs (two rounds), cart hire and golf club transportation to and from the ship for each golf course visited.

Friends or partners who are not yet keen golfers have not been forgotten as there is much to delight and excite them on this voyage. While golfers may be hitting an Albatross, their partners may be observing nesting gannets at Cape Kidnappers or sipping a crisp white at one of New Zealand’s renowned wineries.

Each day will reveal something special. From Wellington, where colourful Victorian houses grace the steep hills surrounding one of the prettiest harbours in the southern hemisphere, to the dramatic coastlines and extraordinary seascapes.

The eight-night South Pacific Golf Expedition departs Lyttleton on February 16, 2013, and visits Wellington, Marlborough Sound, Napier and Whangaroa before finishing in Auckland. Prices are from £4,385 per person, including eight nights onboard Orion, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, green fees, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

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

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

Crystal Add More Port Over-Nights

As Crystal Cruises prepares to go “All-Inclusive” next month, the ultra-luxury line has decided to focus on significantly more local shipboard overnights at the beginning of cruises. 

For the upcoming European season, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have doubled the number of voyages that begin with days (and nights) in port. The move eases the worry of late flight arrivals, lost luggage, relocating to/from hotels, finding quality restaurants and settling in prior to sight-seeing. This move also enhances recreational choices due to more extensive options being available onboard Crystal’s ships than can be found at hotels on land.

Overnights at the disembarkation ports of Venice, Barcelona or Istanbul, for example, allow guests to see significantly more of the final destination without having to move to a hotel or rush to the airport. Crystal has also added overnights to the middle and/or end of the majority of cruises this year. 

Some 26 large cultural capitals and smaller destinations renowned for their charm are featured in North America, the Pacific and Europe from March through December, with 69 overnights planned in Europe alone. A sample includes: 

• MEDITERRANEAN, including the BLACK SEA and MIDDLE EAST (43 overnights/10 ports): Venice, Ashdod, Istanbul, Odessa, Barcelona, Lisbon and Monte Carlo.
• BALTIC and NORTHERN EUROPE: (21 overnights/4 ports): Stockholm, Copenhagen and St Petersburg, with five cruises featuring two nights (“double overnight”) in the latter.
• WESTERN EUROPE and UK (5 overnights/4 ports): Edinburgh, Bordeaux and Reykjavik.
• NORTH AMERICA: (9 overnights/4 ports): New York, Quebec City, San Francisco and Montreal
• SOUTH PACIFIC, AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND: (6 overnights/4 ports): Papeete, Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney, with a huge complimentary VIP New Year’s Eve celebration during a double overnight in the latter.

 For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

Regent's 'Build Your Own Cruise' Formula

In a first for the world’s most all-inclusive cruise line, Regent Seven Seas is offering guests the exclusive opportunity to create their own, longer voyages with the new ‘Build Your Own Cruise’ concept. And, in addition to the usual all-inclusive benefits included on every Regent cruise (free return flights and transfers; unlimited shore excursions; food, drink and gratuities), guests combining cruises totalling 90-nights or more will enjoy further additional benefits.

Launched this month, guests will be able to personalise their own adventure with sailings onboard Seven Seas Voyager across Asia, Australia and Europe in three ways:

· Combination cruises over 90-nights embarking in either: Auckland, Sydney, Singapore or Dubai and disembarking in either: Rome, Barcelona, Southampton, Reykjavik, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

· Combination cruises from 50-71 nights between November 2011 and March 2012

· Creating their own cruise by choosing from 18 individual segments (ranging from 7-21 nights) sailing across Asia, Australia and Europe from November 2011 to July 2012

The line is also offering guests the opportunity to create their own adventure in South America, onboard Seven Seas Mariner, combining segments or cruising the full 72-night circumnavigation of the continent. Guests sailing the full 72-nights will also enjoy additional benefits including: private care transfer pre and post cruise, free internet access, complimentary phone usage and $600 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit http://www.rssc.com/ or contact the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

40,000 Free Nights With P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is giving away 40,000 free cruise nights on cruises of seven nights or more when booked in June or July 2011.

All cruises of seven nights or more, departing between August 1 and December 31 are eligible for one free cruise night when booked by July 31.

A nine-night cruise on board Oceana departing October 17, 2011 (E128) is priced from £761 per person including a one free night saving of £95 per person. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca and Oporto.

For bookings throughout June and July, P&O Cruises is also offering complimentary three night pre or post-cruise city hotel stays on selected exotic cruise holidays.

Aurora’s San Francisco to Sydney cruise is a 22-night cruise from January 26 to February 18, 2012. Ports of call include San Francisco, Hilo, Honolulu, Apia, Pago Pago, Port Denarau, Auckland, Bay of Islands and Sydney. Prices start at £2,086 and include three free nights in a Sydney Hotel but do not include flights.

All prices are per person and based on two adults sharing on a full board basis including all main meals, entertainment and most facilities.

All bookings must be made before July 31, 2011. More info at www.pocruises.com or, to book, contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

Celebrity Solstice Heads Down Under

Another thing of beauty will share Sydney Harbour when premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises sends its award-winning Celebrity Solstice to Australia and New Zealand for the first time in the winter of 2012-13.

Australians will enjoy the return of the Celebrity Cruises brand to the region this coming winter with the deployment of the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century while her subsequent replacement will be the 2,850-guest Solstice (above).

Upon arriving in Australia, Solstice will present a series of 12 and 13-night sailings between Sydney and Auckland. The season also will include a circumnavigation of Australia, consisting of two sailings between Sydney and Perth (Fremantle). Many of the itineraries include overnight stays in Sydney.

Celebrity will also continue to offer its popular Australia/New Zealand cruise-tour programme geared toward guests who wish to combine a land-based holiday with a cruise.

Premium concierge-style service is the hallmark of Celebrity’s four and five-night pre and post-cruise escorted packages, which include Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef), Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Sydney. A six-night pre-cruise New Zealand package will visit Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Sydney. Highlights include a full-day tour over the Great Barrier Reef and a gourmet barbecue dinner at Ayers Rock. All of Celebrity’s cruise-tours are escorted by local tour directors and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfast and some additional meals.

Full details will be available on March 23, when bookings for the new 2012-13 Australia/New Zealand itineraries will open for sale. Bookings for the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century’s 2011-12 Australia/New Zealand cruises are open now.

For more information, see http://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/ or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

Legendary Journeys (At Discount Prices!)

Here's something to make us sit up and take notice here at Time Spent At Sea - exceptional cruises to inspirational destinations with Regent Seven Seas, including....FREE flights, shore excursions and all-inclusive on board.

Asia & Australia - Seven Seas Voyager (above)

Free Flights, free transfer and free unlimited shore excursions on every cruise; Combine cruises to create longer voyages and benefit from preferential cruise fares; free Business Class flights on selected combination cruises and suite categories. Choose from:

Dubai-Singapore December 19, 18 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,429pp, with complimentary 3-night pre or post-cruise stay

Singapore-Sydney January 6, 2012, 17 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,149pp, with complimentary 3-night pre or post-cruise stay

Sydney-Auckland January 23, 2012, 15 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,269pp

Auckland-Sydney February 7, 2012, 15 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,269pp

Sydney-Singapore February 22, 2012, 19 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,799pp, with complimentary 3-night pre or post-cruise stay

Singapore-Dubai March 12, 2012, 18 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,039pp, with complimentary 3-night pre or post-cruise stay

South America - Seven Seas Mariner

Free flights, transfers and unlimited shore excursions on every cruise; combine cruises to create longer voyages and benefit from preferential cruise fares. Choose from:

Fort Lauderdale-Lima January 6, 2012, 14 Nights; Balcony Suite from £5,669pp

Lima-Buenos Aires January 20, 2012, 24 Nights; Balcony Suite from £9,949pp

Buenos Aires-Rio De Janeiro, February 12, 2012, 12 Nights; Balcony Suite from £5,489pp

Rio De Janeiro-Fort Lauderdale February 25, 2012, 22 Nights; Balcony Suite from £7,679pp

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

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.

A Down Under Delight

By guest blogger Steve Newman

One of the big growth areas in cruising is the Adventure section, with more and more people seeing the appeal of hopping in and out of zodiacs and seeing wildlife and nature really up close.

In particular, areas of the world which seemed closed to the public are now opening at an amazing speed, especially Australia and New Zealand.

With this in mind, spcialist cruise agents the Cruise Line Ltd's Adventure Cruise Collection brochure has a double page spread dedicated to the two countries.

Why not try the Murray River cruise experience or perhaps the spectacular fjord views of Milford Sound? From the historic pearling town of Broome to the cities of Auckland and Napier, this region will take your breath away.

For further details, log on to http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/ or call them on 0800 008 7855.

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.

Learning the Ropes in the South Pacific

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Ever thought about discovering the hidden Pacific on an adventure of a lifetime on a tall ship voyage through the tropical islands of Polynesia and Melanesia?

Well, you can now sign on for an island cruising or ocean sailing experience and see places beyond the reach of conventional travel aboard the magnificently restored square rigger Soren Larsen.

The ship works from her home base in Auckland, New Zealand, during the southern hemisphere summer and explores the tropical waters of the South Pacific from March to November.

Built in Denmark in 1948, she offers guests a chance to reach places far beyond the reach of conventional tourism, experiencing the real Pacific and seeing local village life in places such as The Cook Islands, far removed from the usual tourist resort environment.

Soren Larsen sails with a permanent crew of 12 and a paying Voyage Crew of up to 22. People of all ages from all over the world join the ship for voyages of three weeks or more to experience the authentic tropical South Seas – arriving by tall ship to destinations such as Tonga (above) and Samoa as Captain Cook and the early European explorers would have done.

The New Zealand-based brigantine specialises in coastal and ocean voyaging through the South Pacific offering authentic crewing opportunities for people of all ages. In choosing a holiday that is an adventure and signing on as voyage crew, people of all ages and backgrounds have a rare opportunity to participate in authentic square rig seamanship.

Guests acting as crew on board are accommodated in 2 and 4-berth cabins, all of which open out into the large, comfortable saloon and library.

You can take a turn on the helm, learn how to navigate and how to set the sails. For sailors and non-sailors alike, this is part of the experience on board the square rigger, and most want to really get involved, although it isn’t compulsory.

When at anchor at places such as Fiji, you are free to explore, go on shore excursions, walking the beaches and snorkelling or just swim and enjoy the cultural activities.

For more information, contact www.sorenlarsen.co.nz.

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.

Be a Celebrity Down Under

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Marking their return to the region after an absence two years, Celebrity Cruises have announced their new Australia and New Zealand 2011 cruises aboard Celebrity Century, visiting 36 ports. Apart from viewing the lands of the wallaby and the kiwi, guests will also be able to call in at French Polynesia, Indonesia, the U.S. and Mexico.

Some of the fascinating places being visited include Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney and Ensenada in Mexico. The company have also included a string of places being visited for the first time, such as Bali, Darwin, Cairns, and Burnie, Tasmania.

New four and five-night pre- or post-cruise land tours are also available, which include two nights in Sydney and a full day at the Great Barrier Reef. In line with the ship circumnavigating Australia, a similar four or five-night pre- or post-cruise land tour is operating out of Perth. Both tours include a stay at Uluru (Ayer's rock) with a desert tour and full night-time dining experience.

All tours are accompanied by expert guides and lecturers and ample time has been provided for shopping! Savings are offered on back-to-back sailings and on cruises booked between 29th July and 31st September this year.

For more information, look up http://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/

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.