Fred. Olsen's British Bonanza

Fred. Olsen’s 2014/15 cruise programme will see it sailing from an amazing variety of UK ports, with all of Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Greenock (for Glasgow), Belfast and the newly-added ports of Tilbury and Avonmouth now on their Brit-list, further enhancing the line's reputation as the ‘local, global cruise line.'

In 2014/15, they will also be making even more overnight stops in spectacular cities worldwide, in response to guests’ desire to spend more time ashore in the ports they visit. Fred. Olsen will also be working with destination ports to create an even greater link between its cruises and local events, such as the Baltic Festivals of Kieler Woche in Kiel, Germany, and the world-renowned Jazz Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Highlights of the new cruise season include:

• The Undiscovered Adriatic from Avonmouth, a 28-night cruise departing on May 17, taking in Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Koper (Slovenia), as well as Venice and Athens.

• A 32-night Canada & New York cruise, departing from Southampton on September 1, visiting Canada’s eastern seaboard when the Fall foliage will be at its best, with overnight stays in Quebec, Boston and New York.

• A very different Caribbean cruise, of 34 nights, with an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba, as well as stopovers in Bermuda, the Bahamas and Grand Turk, plus plenty of other favourites.

• Two fabulous 28-night Black Sea cruises, one from Liverpool in October and the other from Southampton in June, both with visits to Athens, overnight stays in Istanbul, and cruising deep into the Black Sea and the Crimea.

• Five ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruises to Norway in February and March, and Fred. Olsen’s first winter season in its historic homeland, in November and December, to give guests the chance to marvel at one of Nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, the Northern Lights.

Fred. Olsen will be offering many new destinations in 2014/15, which promise a wealth of unforgettable holiday experiences. For instance, there will be an impressive 13 maiden calls on Balmoral’s Asia Grand Voyage in 2015: Galle (Sri Lanka), Ujang Pandang (Indonesia), Naha (Okinawa, Japan), Tokyo, Nagasaki, Jeju City (South Korea), Dalian (China), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Nathon (Thailand), Malacca (Malaysia), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Utheemu (North Thiladhunmathee Atoll, Maldives) and Uligamu (Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, Maldives).

More info: www.fredolsencruises.com for full terms and conditions.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Crystal's New England Golf Bonanza

For the first time in three years, Crystal Cruises’ popular Golf-themed cruise is revisiting New England/Canada, with a new itinerary and new courses along the way. From Boston to Montréal, golf enthusiasts can relish the New England Indian Summer while playing at premier clubs and gleaning tips from golf legend Billy Casper and PGA coach John Clark.

The 10-night cruise aboard Crystal Symphony departs September 16 and features maiden visits to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and Baie-Comeau, Québec, plus overnight stays in Boston and Montréal. 

Guests can practice their swing at:

• NEW: The Algonquin at St. Andrews-by-the-Sea (New Brunswick) – A historic course with a back nine waterfront sequence that has been challenging golfers of every skill level for more than 100 years.
• NEW: Le Blainevillier (Montréal) – Set in dense forest, with each of the 36 challenging holes isolated from each other.
• NEW: Chester (Lunenburg, Nova Scotia) – A classic New England par 70, where golfers tee off right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Granite Links (Boston) – One of Golf Digest’s “50 Best,” with rolling fairways and greens elevated to nearly 300ft above sea level, providing impressive views.
• La Tempête (Québec City) – Québec City’s first metropolitan world-class course, spanning 200 picturesque acres.
• Kebo Valley (Bar Harbor) – A haven for precise golfers, with small greens and long terrains, right by Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain.

The full scope of Crystal’s theme programme is available for guests purchasing three or more rounds of golf and includes a VIP Golfers welcome cocktail reception; welcome kits with course info and gifts; complimentary storage and cleaning of clubs and shoes; and private group clinics with the golf pro. 

Golfing excursions include round-trip transportation to each course accompanied by a Crystal escort or pro; 45-minute warm-up; golf carts or caddies (where available); and pre-/post-round refreshments and cocktails. Casper also plays with all guests, speaks about his life and career and hosts a final awards party. Practice putting greens, driving ranges, golf clinics and private lessons are available on every Crystal cruise.   

All-inclusive fly/cruise fares for the New England cruise visiting Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Lunenburg, Baie-Comeau, Saguenay, Québec City and Montréal, start at £3,492 per person if booked by June 28. Fares for the golf club Crystal Adventures start at $291 per person (cruise price includes £545 saving per person if booked by June 28).

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

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Crystal's Great Repositioning Cruises

As year-round worldwide cruise ships, Crystal Cruises duo Crystal Symphony and  Serenity usually move to different regions seasonally. And, while repositioning cruises historically offer exceptional value, Crystal is making them even more attractive in 2013 by offering handsomely priced, re-invented journeys with unusual twists across the Atlantic, Pacific and American coastlines, from Northern to Southern Europe, North America to South America, and more.

New and interesting routes include:

Kobe to Vancouver (April 12) 

This “Trans-Pacific/Alaska” crossing on Crystal Symphony features Kobe (Japan, overnight); a rare visit to Petropavlosk, showcasing Russian Far East culture and natural bounties such as 68 active volcanoes; Crystal’s only Alaskan cruise in 2013, with four calls including lesser-visited Dutch Harbor and Kodiak, plus Seward and Ketchikan; and an “Ocean Views” theme featuring lively debate among world affairs experts about current issues.

New York to Reyjkavik (May 23)

A rare spring “New England/Canada Transatlantic” voyage on Crystal Symphony featuring seven ports, including Manhattan overnight; traditional New England ports Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax and St John; a new overnight in Reykjavik; and a “Wine and Food” theme with guest culinary experts and complimentary classes.

Barcelona to Dover (May 30) and Dover to Barcelona (Sept 2)

These nine-night cruises reposition Crystal Serenity between Baltic/Northern Europe and Mediterranean/Southern Europe seasons, offering: extended time in the world’s pre-eminent wine country via Bordeaux overnights; beautiful colonial-architecture-filled Lisbon; intimate southern Spain with Barcelona overnight and a Cadiz/Seville call from Dover, plus Barcelona, Málaga and rarely-visited Cartagena calls when sailing to Dover; unique UK islands Gibraltar (Barcelona-Dover) and the Channel Islands (Dover-Barcelona).

Miami to Rio (Nov 23)

Crystal Symphony moves from North to South America offering: Rio de Janeiro overnight; Caribbean stops in Barbados and Devil’s Island, French Guiana; intimate, off-the-beaten-path Brazil, including a maiden call in Natal, plus Belém, Fortaleza, Maceió and Salvador; and a “Wine and Food” theme with extra-special culinary indulgences during US Thanksgiving.

Additional 2013 repositioning cruises that offer more exclusive itineraries include: Los Angeles to New York via Panama Canal (May 6) with rare call to Charleston and a “Garden and Floral Design” theme offering shore excursions to local gardens across the eastern seaboard; Transatlantic from Dover (Sept 2) ending in Boston, a first for Crystal, and with two calls in Scotland en route; and New York to Miami (Nov 2) offering extended time in the US South-east (Charleston, Savannah and a maiden call at St Augustine), plus Baltimore, Turks & Caicos, Curacao, Aruba and a “Film and Theatre” theme.

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

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Crystal's Autumn New England Style

Crystal Cruises’ autumn voyages through America and Canada’s East Coast offer dozens of new boutique adventures ashore, including a brand new, exotic Québécois itinerary with three off-the-beaten-path maiden calls. 

Beginning September 19 on Crystal Symphony – freshly redesigned during a $15million makeover – the series of autumn voyages feature five cruises from 7 to 11 nights sailing between Boston, Manhattan and Montréal. The season’s centre-piece, Crystal’s first-ever round-trip from Montréal, is a seven-night intimate exploration of European-flavoured French Canada, including a maiden call to France itself.

The 29 new Crystal Adventures ashore also offer novel ways for foodies, adventurers and culture-hounds to experience the historic region’s most iconic and less-expected areas, such as:

• Bar Harbor: Glide over Acadia National Park’s treetops in an open-cockpit biplane.
• Magdalen Islands (maiden call): Learn about the distinct Acadian culture and taste local specialties like porto-style fortified wine, Pied-de-Vent cheese and bagosse “island beer”.
• Montréal: Jet boat away from the Old Port down the Lachine Rapids. 
• Sept-Îles (maiden call): Train-ride to a marshland Innu camp for immersion into traditional First Nations life, from chanting and smoked salmon secrets to moccasin and medicine-making.
• St John: Heli-fish in the footsteps of Prince Charles on the Miramichi River or have “Tea with Eleanor” Roosevelt at her and Franklin’s former summer residence. 
• Boston: See what some call New England’s most well-preserved (and picturesque) Colonial town during a half-day in Marblehead and witch trial-famed Salem. 

Until August 31, all-inclusive “Book Now” fares start from £2,744 per person, including return scheduled flights, overseas transfers and onboard accommodation with all meals and soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, entertainment, port taxes and gratuities. 

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

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Oceania Cruises reveals 2012-2013 winter schedule

Oceania Cruises’ newly launched 2012 / 13 Winter Collection features voyages from September 2012 through May 2013 with an exotic cruise schedule that includes 21 new Grand Voyages, ranging from 23 to 71 days, and Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises onboard the line’s new 1,250-guest, luxury ship Riviera.

Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta will again offer her popular foliage cruises in September and October before cruising to the Caribbean and South America. New ports include Boston and Portland, Maine.

After a 25-day Enchanted Amazon (departing Nov. 2, 2012) cruise from New York, Regatta offers a 7-day Caribbean Interlude (departing Nov. 27, 2012) cruise before operating Panama Canal cruises (Above) between Miami and Los Angeles (beginning Dec. 4, 2012). A 30-day South American Explorer (departing Jan. 23, 3013) itinerary from Lima to Rio de Janeiro showcases the very best of South America. From Rio, Regatta reprises her 12-day Radiant Rhythms (beginning Feb. 22, 2012) cruises between Rio and Buenos Aires before heading to Europe for summer 2013.

For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line

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Silversea's Atlantic Luxury

This week's cruise deals are rolling in thick and fast (about five per day at the current rate!), and here is one that is definitely worth highlighting for those who like the genuine luxury lifestyle at sea:

Join Silversea Cruises on a nine-day Atlantic voyage from just £2,843 per person (only £315 per day) on an all-inclusive basis, including complimentary flights. Departing October 11 from New York, Silver Whisper calls at Halifax (Canada); St. John (New Brunswick, Canada); Bar Harbor (Maine, USA); Portland (Maine, USA); Boston and Newport (Rhode Island, USA) before arriving back at New York.

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include complimentary return economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes.

For more info, visit www.silversea.com or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Immerse Yourself In New England With Crystal

To celebrate the wonders of New England and Canada, Crystal Cruises has announced details of some fabulous Crystal Adventures focusing on the neighbouring countries’ early histories and architecture. These shore excursions span four 10- or 11-night Crystal Symphony (above) sailings between New York and Montréal in September and October, and include a dozen new historical experiences.

The Crystal Adventures excursions, which can be enjoyed as group or “Private Adventure Options,” include:

Boston

Plymouth Rock - 1627 pilgrim village life, plus the Mayflower.
American Revolution Revisited - Boston, Lexington and Concord, where America’s independence began (and authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau lived).
Marblehead and Salem - Federal architecture, Yankee Doodle painting and the Salem witch trials.

New York

Brooklyn Bridge - Construction tales of this 19th century engineering marvel animate a 1.5-mile bridge walk.

Bar Harbor

Victorian Era Stroll - Costumed guides, period “cottages” and accounts of extravagant parties from yesteryear.

Newport

Colonial Historic District - This formerly rundown neighbourhood of 18th century and Georgian houses became a model of historic preservation.
Gilded Era Mansions - Homes of the 19th century’s wealthiest Americans, including the Astors’ Beechwood and Vanderbilts’ Marble House and Breakers, with period family and staff lookalikes.

St John

Geopark by Foot - Some of Canada’s most architecturally important streetscapes, many built from ancient stone.

Halifax

Afternoon Tea at the Citadel - Victorian tea at the former seat of British control over North America.
Lighthouse and Lobsters - Lobster lunch and drive through the “Lighthouse Route” (150 lighthouses).

Montréal and Québec

Foot, Coach, or Horse-drawn Carriage Tours - Highlights include neo-Gothic structures and historically-preserved neighbourhoods.

Prices for Crystal's New England & Canada voyages start from just £3,619 per person (based on the October 14th 12-night fly/cruise from Montreal to New York) including return economy flights with British Airways, overseas transfers, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Montreal, 10 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window including all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

PS: You can also see Issue 50 of World of Cruising for a full review of a typical Crystal Canada & New England voyage by editor Simon Veness last year.

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Norwegian Dawn's Big Refurb

Norwegian Dawn has just completed an impressive multi-million dollar refurbishment while in dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas. The 2,224-passenger ship is receiving extensive renovations, including: the addition of 28 suites; Moderno Churrascaria, the popular Brazilian steakhouse restaurant introduced on Norwegian Epic; the relocation of the Spinnaker Lounge; flatscreen TVs in all guest and crew staterooms. The ship re-entered service on May 27, 2011 in Boston, her new seasonal homeport.

The full refurbishment profile reads as follows:

* 58 new suites and staterooms available from the September 16, 2011 sailing, including: Four Deluxe Owner’s Suites ranging from 667-732sq ft; 14 Family Suites from 408-452sq ft, most sleeping six guests; 10 Family Suites with balcony from 409-495sq ft, most sleeping six guests; 18 Inside staterooms.

* Moderno Churrascaria speciality restaurant, in the space previously occupied by Salsa, the Tex Mex restaurant, which features a large salad bar and tableside passadors serving a variety of skewered meats.

* Upgraded flatscreen TVs in all guest and crew staterooms broadcast on a digital signal.

* Relocation and total renovation of the gift shop, art gallery, photo gallery, conference centre, Spinnaker Lounge and Blue Lagoon restaurant.

* Enhancements to the Dawn Club Casino, including new layout, fixed furniture and carpet.

* Complete renovation of the Kid’s Crew and Teen Club to offer a more versatile layout and to cater to the range of children’s ages and interests. Updates include new game systems, activities and sound and light. There will also be a room dedicated to the Under 2 Zoo where parents can accompany their children aged under two and enjoy age appropriate activities.

* Aesthetic improvements in the fitness area and Garden Café.

* Atrium Lobby refresh including new furniture in Java Café and plant replacement.

* Complete refurbishment of crew dining and recreation areas.

Technical modifications include the replacement of one engine, as well as preventative maintenance, removal and replacing of both bearings on the port and starboard azipods; application of a new hull coating; and an upgrade to the hot temperature regulation which will reduce energy consumption.

Norwegian Dawn is currently sailing a series of seven-day Bermuda itineraries departing from Boston every Friday with three days in Bermuda until October 21 followed by a two-night cruise on October 28. The ship will then reposition to Miami and begin sailing 10 and 11-day Southern Caribbean itineraries until April 8, 2012.

Dawn is the second of three Freestyle Cruising ships scheduled for improvements this year. Norwegian Sun completed her dry dock renovations in March and Norwegian Spirit will enter dry dock on September 26.

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

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Cunard's Grand New Programme

With three ships now in the fleet, Cunard Line has announced its widest ever range of voyages for 2012, with 84 voyages visiting 129 ports and 48 countries around the world. The launch is supported by a comprehensive range of Early Booking incentives including, for the first time, an additional 10% saving on all voyages booked before May 31.

Cunard Line will celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and Her Majesty’s long association with Cunard, with a unique Three Queens Event in Southampton on June 5, 2012, the Bank Holiday Jubilee Celebration.

Queen Elizabeth will spend the first half of the summer sailing out of Southampton before setting off on her inaugural Mediterranean Fly-Voyage season from Venice, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Athens on a series of 12-night voyages. In early 2013 she will embark on a new Pacific Islands voyage, offering a 91-night sailiing from Southampton or a 36-night voyage from Los Angeles.

Queen Victoria has developed a very loyal following and will spend the summer sailing out of Southampton to the most popular Northern Europe and Mediterranean destinations. A new feature will be overnight stays in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Istanbul, St Petersburg, Madeira and Venice – giving guests more time to experience the destinations.

Queen Mary 2 goes from strength to strength on her unique Transatlantic Voyages and will cross the Atlantic 20 times during 2012. She will also offer voyages to Northern Europe, Canada and New England and a new 16-night Central Mediterranean voyage. The Transatlantic is fast becoming a ‘must do’ choice for regular cruisers.

The programme goes on sale worldwide on April 4. Other highlights include:

Value for Money - This year, Cunard is offering exceptional savings to those booking prior to May 31. For example, Early Booking Savings of up to £900 per couple are available on a typical 12-night voyage. There is also complimentary onboard spending available of between $40 and $1000 per couple on Mediterranean fly-cruises and transatlantic crossings. And complimentary car parking is available to guests booking 2012 Southampton round-trip voyages with durations of five nights or more (excluding round-trip transatlantic crossings and World Voyages).

Overnight Stays – Feedback from passengers has shown that they would like to spend more time in big-hitting destinations, so all three ships will now offer overnight stays that include Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Hamburg, St Petersburg, Boston, Quebec, Madeira and Barcelona.

Traditional Values – As the pace of life accelerates, the values, traditions and White Star Service experienced with Cunard are gaining more and more recognition, both from loyal Cunarders and with first-timers to the brand. For example, on many cruise lines shorts can often be seen in dining rooms. This would never happen on a Cunard ship. Dancing is going through a renaissance through high-profile television programmes in many countries. With state-of-the-art ball rooms, the biggest dance floors at sea, big bands and dance hosts, Cunard is setting the standards and attracting many passengers who hanker for a taste of tradition and class.

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

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A Jewel For Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it will position Norwegian Jewel in Alaska for the first time in 2012/13. Jewel will replace Norwegian Star, which will offer sailings to Bermuda from her new home port of New York.

Jewel will cruise from Seattle on a seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary. The weekly Sawyer Glacier cruises will depart from May 26-September 8, 2012, and will call at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Families onboard can enjoy Jewel’s Nickelodeon at Sea entertainment, offering live Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows, Nick Live! Poolside entertainment; character breakfasts and meet and greets and Nick-themed dance parties.

NCL will sail two ships to Bermuda weekly from April until October calling at King’s Wharf. Star will sail from New York on Sundays, staying for three full days, and Dawn will sail her Bermuda itinerary departing on Fridays from Boston, also with three days at the island.

Kevin Sheehan, NCL's chief executive officer, insists: “The 2012/2013 season is filled with new and exciting Freestyle Cruising choices. Whether it’s our ships cruising different destinations, disembarking from new homeports or sailing new itineraries, we offer the most freedom and flexibility when it comes to cruise travel. We are pleased to bring Norwegian Jewel to Alaska and Star to Bermuda, along with continuing our popular Hawaii inter-island cruises and short cruises to the Bahamas through early 2013.”

Additional itinerary announcements for 2012/13:

Norwegian Jewel will sail a seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 19, 2012, and a seven-day Sawyer Glacier from Seattle to Vancouver on September 15.

Norwegian Pearl (above) will return to Seattle sailing her weekly seven-day Glacier Bay cruises departing on Sundays from May 13 to September 9, 2012, calling at, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria.

Norwegian Pearl will also sail a seven-day Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 6, 2012, and a Seattle-to-Vancouver cruise on September 16.

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawaii’s main islands. Her seven-day cruises from Honolulu are available now until April 7, 2013. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; an evening sail by the Kilauea Volcano (weather permitting); Kona, Hawaii; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami until April 15, 2013. The three-day Bahamas cruise departs on Fridays and includes stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. On Mondays, the ship departs on a four-day cruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

For more information, call 0845 201 8900 or visit http://www.ncl.co.uk/, or check out the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Crystal Cruises + Canada/New England = Cruise Perfection

We are just back from a truly sublime 12-day voyage with Crystal Cruises from Montreal (above) to New York, taking in large parts of the late Fall Foliage scene through Canada and New England.

This was a brand new area for us, cruise-wise, and came as quite a revelation. In company with Crystal's peerless style, it makes for an absolute stunner of a cruise, with plenty of captivating ports of call, superb onboard ambience and an almost non-stop backdrop of eye-catching scenery.

The ports were the Canadian quartet of Montreal, Quebec, Halifax and St John, followed by Portland (Maine), Boston and Newport (Rhode Island). Each one offered a level of interest and diversity that can usually only be found in the most port-intensive of Mediterranean or Northern Europe itineraries, and there was much that came as a real surprise in terms of the activities, sight-seeing, history and, most importantly, the food en route.

We'll try to provide a few more details here on Time Spent At Sea in the coming weeks, but look for a BIG feature focus on this cruise, and the region as a whole, throughout 2011 in World of Cruising.

It is almost 15 years since we did a full cruise with Crystal and it certainly served to underline that nobody does it better in terms of big-ship deluxe voyaging, with the food and service quite superb. The onboard entertainment was first class and the relaxation factor was also noticeable in the comfort of one of their Penthouse deck staterooms (well worth paying the extra for, in our opinion) and we left with that rare feeling of real regret at the end of the 12 days!

Crystal Symphony may be 15 years old these days but her classic styling still make her seem new, she has been wonderfully well maintained and her 2009 refurbishment added a real touch of class to many staterooms and the Lido Deck.

We'd also have to say that this is a real thinking person's cruise. It is not an all-action, non-stop barrage of sunshine, beaches and activity, but it IS an absolutely fascinating look at a part of the world that is not too busy at this time of year (late September and October) and offers a lot to enchant and beguile in a subtle, sophisticated manner.

Standout ports were the UNESCO world heritage city of Quebec, the two-day visit to brilliant Boston, and the small-scale charm (and opulence!) of Newport, but every single stop included something new, vibrant and attractive, and that is a rare commodity these days.

The real test of any cruise is usually the question - would we want to go back? If it was the exact same voyage, and with Crystal - indisputably!

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