Spend Christmas cruising in the Marquesa Islands

Marquesas Island adventure cruiser, the Aranui 3, has announced its special Christmas cruise featuring three very different French Polynesian archipelagos – Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society  – culminating with a Christmas Day treat on Bora Bora.

Guest speakers will include the highly regarded French Polynesian expert from the French Marine Protected Areas Agency, Sophie-Dorothée Duron. Departing from Papeete, Tahiti on 13 December, guests on board the mixed passenger/cargo vessel will be treated to a 14-day tour of the Marquesas Islands, on an  itinerary that has been created to climax with a memorable Christmas Day on Bora Bora.  The vessel has 86 fully air-conditioned cabins as well as the capacity to carry more than 2,000 tons of freight.

Prices for the voyage, 13-26 December 2014, start at £3,306 per person sharing a standard twin-bedded outside cabin, including all meals with wine, all land-based sightseeing excursions and taxes.

Flights to/from Papeete, Tahiti are not included in these prices.  Air Tahiti Nui fly to Papeete with fares from around £1,560 per person return from London.

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Crystal's New Wine & Food-Themed Cruises

Crystal Cruises has set four new Wine & Food-themed luxury cruises for 2014, to include new guest chef-prepared Vintage Room dinners on each of the four sailings - in Asia, the South Pacific, Trans-Atlantic and the US/Caribbean – as well as a new microbrew theme on the last of the voyages.

All of Crystal’s culinary Experiences of Discovery voyages include complimentary hands-on cooking classes, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, mixology lessons and a guest chef dinner for all guests in the Crystal Dining Room. 

In addition, in 2014, each culinary-themed cruise will feature an optional intimate, guest chef-created dinner for 12-14 in Crystal’s Vintage Room, with seven courses featuring local flavours of the region and extraordinary wine pairings selected by the guest wine expert. Building upon the success of Crystal’s recently-added Connoisseur Beer menu, the new microbrew-themed cruise will offer beer pairings, instead of wine, for the dinner, as well as craft beer enrichment and sampling throughout the voyage. 

Held on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, the cruises will feature local tastes of:

• The South Pacific: Sailing 20th January from Papeete to Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Tonga, Fiji and Auckland (overnight).
• Asia/China: Sailing 9th April from Hong Kong (overnight) to Xiamen, Shanghai (two overnights) and Dalian, with three days ashore in Beijing included.
• Atlantic, including Iceland and New England: Sailing 5th September from Southampton to the Channel Islands, Waterford, Dublin, Belfast, Reykjavik (overnight), Halifax, Bar Harbor and Boston.
• The US East Coast & Caribbean: Sailing 5th November from New York (overnight) to Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Turks & Caicos, Curaçao, Aruba and Miami.

While exact programming details are still being finalised, food experts scheduled thus far include Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, recent Icelandic Chef of the Year and Bocuse d’Or finalist; Stephen Beaumont, co-author of The World Atlas of Beer; Aldo Sohm, Wine Director at New York’s Le Bernadin restaurant and the first-ever representative from America to win “Best Sommelier in the World”; Shailesh Naidu, the only native five-star executive chef in Fiji; and Serge Dansereau, Australian celebrity chef, fresh food movement pioneer and owner of the iconic Bathers’ Pavilion restaurant in New South Wales. 

“Book now” fares for the Wine & Food cruise series start at £2,461 per person cruise only and are only guaranteed until October 31.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal holiday. Crystal’s extensive, innovative choices for dining include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars overseen by onboard sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea or in Nobu and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants.

More info: 020 7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk.

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Silversea's Double Brochure Bonus

Leading luxury cruise operator Silversea has released two new brochures which showcase more than 200 imaginative voyages sailing throughout 2013 to over 450 destinations on seven continents.

The new 176-page 2013 Voyages Atlas, covered by a design hinting at the luxurious travel experiences within, opens with several pages of stylish imagery and engaging content devoted to revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle.

It is devoted to the remarkable journeys of Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit and provides a snapshot of "What's New" followed by detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including shore excursion recommendations, descriptions of land programmes, deck plans and general information. A pricing summary booklet is contained in the back cover pocket.

Also just released is Silversea Expeditions' 2013 Voyages brochure. Formerly included within the company's main Atlas, it is now available as a stand-alone 48-page guide to Silver Explorer's amazing voyages of adventure. It highlights 27 expedition cruises sailing from pole to pole and to some of the world's most remote destinations in between.

2013 Highlights:

WORLD CRUISE 2013 - An epic 115-day journey from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale awaits guests when they board Silver Whisper on January 5. Crossing the equator four times, the itinerary will follow the tropical belt to 52 destinations in 28 countries with overnight stays in key ports. The warm-weather journey will explore an array of far-flung cultures and scenic wonders, including New Zealand and Australia's remote west coast; the idyllic isles of French Polynesia; fascinating Asian cities of Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore; and Africa's rarely seen west coast. Guests may choose to extend their voyage an additional three days to disembark in New York, or 15 days to disembark in Southampton.

GRAND VOYAGES - Created for travellers who can spare the time and prefer a more immersive experience in the lands they visit, this special collection offers extended voyages from 26 to 54 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard the line's elite, all-suite ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path -- all on one cruise.

SOUTH PACIFIC VOYAGE - From the glamorous City of Angels to the moonlit beaches of Bora Bora and the sheer, emerald cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali coast and back, guests will enjoy a 31-day round-trip journey exploring the enchanting cultures of the South Pacific. This uniquely immersive voyage departs February 1 from Los Angeles aboard Silver Spirit. 

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

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Europa's 2013 Highlights

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is happy to announce the arrival of their 2013 Europa international brochure, including seven exciting itineraries operating in English and German. The six-star MS Europa is offering cruises to the South Seas, New Zealand, Australia, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Peninsula, Norway, the Baltic and the Mediterranean next year, with three new ports of call on its international itineraries: Palmerston Atoll/Cook Islands, Picton/New Zealand and Algiers/Algeria.

Highlights on Europa in 2013:

South Seas Winter: The Europa will be exploring the South Pacific islands in January 2013 for hiking, swimming, and snorkelling in untouched islands, hidden away in the lagoons of the Oceania. The South Seas itinerary is from January 19-February 6, from Papeete/Tahiti to Auckland/New Zealand, with stops in Bora Bora and Raiatea in French Polynesia, Rarotonga, Aitutaki Atoll, and Palmerston Atoll in the Cook Islands, Neiafu and Nuku’alofa in the Tonga, and the Fiji Islands. Rates for this itinerary start at $7,700 per person, based on double occupancy.

New Zealand Winter: Breathtaking fjord landscapes and vast green fields offer magnificent sights to be discovered while hiking, kayaking or by a helicopter ride in the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This itinerary is from February 6-22, from Auckland to Sydney, with stops in Tauranga, White Island, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Picton, Lyttelton, Akaroa, Port Chalmers, and Stewart Island. Rates start at $9,220 per person, based on double occupancy.

For bookings, be sure to follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading adventure and luxury cruise specialists.

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Watch the Transit of Venus With Paul Gauguin Cruises

Experience one of the rarest of predictable astronomical phenomena, the Transit of Venus, during Paul Gauguin Cruises seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage, departing Papeete on June 2. The Transit of Venus will last six hours and will not occur again until 2117, so this is your last chance to see one!

Because you can actually see a planet move across the disk of the sun, transits provide a unique opportunity to watch the solar system in motion. For a Transit of Venus to take place, the planet must be located in line with both the Earth and the sun. This positioning doesn’t happen very often due to the track of Venus’ orbit. 

A telescope is necessary to even notice a transit, so the Transit of Venus was not observed until 1639. Since that time, there have been only five such Transits. The most recent was in 2004 and, before that, over a century ago, in 1882. There were no transits during the 20th century.

On June 5, the ship will be at anchor off the island of Bora Bora and safe solar-viewing tools will be available under the direction of an onboard solar expert. Guests will take a look through the solar telescope then wait a few minutes before looking again. Venus will have moved and they will have seen Venus pass Earth against the backdrop of the sun – a truly exhilarating experience. Venus will be visible against the surface of the sun all afternoon, barring clouds or other weather-related impediments.

Joining this sailing is Bill Kramer, an acknowledged expert in solar eclipse prediction mathematics, who will provide guests with in-depth information on this rare astronomical event. The seven-night voyage onboard the newly refurbished Paul Gauguin departs Papeete, Tahiti, on June 2 and visits Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight) and Moorea before arriving back into Papeete. Prices from £4,140 per person include return economy flights from the UK, overseas transfers, a night in Los Angeles and use of a day room post cruise. 

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

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Enjoy A White (Sand) Christmas In French Polynesia

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

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

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

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

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Paul Gauguin's South Pacific Sale

Paul Gauguin Cruises has launched a South Pacific Sale offering fabulous savings of up to £1,258 per person on selected winter 2011/2012 sailings with prices starting from just £3,119 per person if booked by August 31.

These offers are available on seven-night Society Islands voyages round trip from Tahiti visiting Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight) and Moorea (overnight) with departures on the following dates: November 5 and 12; December 3 and 21; and February 25, 2012.

Prices start from £3,119 per person fly-cruise based on a seven-night Society Islands voyage departing in November and including return scheduled flights, transfers, seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For more info, visit www.pgcruises.com or the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Paul Gauguin's exceptional culinary programme.

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the Paul Gauguin, has welcomed Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato onboard for an exceptional new culinary programme. Vigato is owner and Chef Propriétaire of one of the finest restaurants in Paris, the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius (http://www.restaurant-apicius.com/).

Paul Gauguin Cruises has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Chef Vigato over the years, working together to enhance the onboard experience. Available on all 2011 sailings, Vigato’s signature menu is now featured in the ship’s La Veranda restaurant while select dishes will also be featured at L’Etoile.

In addition, Vigato will join Paul Gauguin’s July 30 sailing as a special guest, personally preparing gourmet dishes for guests as well as offering cooking demonstrations of his renowned culinary techniques.

Sample menu items include Fine Tart of Mushrooms and Snails with Mascarpone and White Truffle Oil; Grilled Wahoo with Thai Vegetables and Herb Salad; and Local Pineapple Jelly Served with Rum-Infused Mascarpone and Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.

This 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands cruise starts and ends in Papeete and visits Huahine, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Taha’a and Moorea. Prices are from £4,390 per person, including return scheduled flights, transfers, 14 nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, select alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

Full 2011 prices start from just £2,677 per person, cruise-only, based on a seven-night Society Islands sailing with departures on February 19, 26 and December 3. For further information or reservations, call 020 7434 0089 or visit http://www.pgcruises.com/ or check with the UK's leading adventure and luxury cruise specfialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Free access for Children in the South Pacific

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering children FREE access to its revolutionary Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme on two nine-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyages departing December 18 and 27 this year. This programme is usually available for a fee of $269 per child.

Explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau created this unique, groundbreaking programme to introduce young travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia. The programme provides young participants aged nine to 17 with hands-on, interactive experience in marine and island ecosystems.

Young ambassadors will explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails and visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples). Participants will also learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls and how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are encouraged to join children on eco-excursions and other activities onboard and ashore, making the programme a great activity for families.

Both voyages start and finish in Papeete and visit Fakarava, Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha'a and Moorea. Prices start from £3,564 per person, including return scheduled flights, transfers, accommodation in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For further information, visit www.pgcruises.com/ or see them at The Cruise Show at the NEC Birmingham this weekend.

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Free flights on South Pacific Cruise

By guest blogger Steve Newman

There is just one week to wait until the opening of the most important Gauguin exhibition in Britain in 50 years and, to celebrate, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering free return flights on its 14-night Polynesian cruise of the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands departing December 4, 2010.

Discover the inspiration behind many of Gauguin's greatest works on a 14-night cruise on the 332-guest Paul Gauguin departing from Papeete. One of the highlights of the cruise is a visit to the Marquesas which lie shrouded in mystery with their mist-laden mountains and untouched wilderness.

Here, wild stallions run free on Ua Huka; Fatu Hiva boasts only one road; and, on Hiva Oa, Paul Gauguin himself is buried beneath a statue of a Polynesian goddess.

This 14-night cruise departs Papeete, Tahiti on December 4 and visits Fakarava; Hanavave, Fatu Hiva; Atuona, Hiva Oa; Vaipaee, Ua Huka; Tiaohae, Nuku Hiva; Huahine; Bora Bora; Taha'a, Motu Mahana; and Moorea before finishing back in Papeete.

Prices start from £4,187 per person, including free return scheduled flights between London and Papeete, transfers, 14 nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For reservations and further information, visit http://www.pgcruises.com/, or, in the UK, call specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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