Ben Fogle talks about Celebrity Cruises' visits to three Scandinavian capitals.

Adventurer and TV personality Ben Fogle takes a whistle-stop tour of three Scandinavian capitals in a guest blog post for Celebrity Cruises,  for whom he works as a shore expedition advisor. Join him on a whistle-stop video tour of Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen.

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Hurtigruten's New Greenland Wilderness Adventure

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Hurtigruten's expedition ship MS Fram is setting off on an extended voyage to explore the north-west of Greenland. The new trip includes new harbours and points of disembarkation, allowing guests to get to know the Greenland coast, with its breathtaking landscape and unique culture.

This new 'Arctic Wilderness Adventure’ is available as an 11 or 13-day voyage, starting from June , with impressive ice landscapes, beautiful nature and wilderness, trips to small settlements and encounters with the Inuit and their culture as the focal point of the two new expeditions, which begin in Kangerlussuaq and set a northern course across Disko Bay along the west coast of Greenland.

The 11-day 'Arctic Wilderness Adventure’ (June 26-July 6) costs from £4,900 per person, including early booking discount. The 13-day version (June 14-26) costs from £5,341,including early booking discount. The trip includes return flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (the departure point), transfers and cabin on full board basis (based on 2 sharing). Flights to Copenhagen are available for an additional £360 per person.

More info: Call Hurtigruten UK on 0203 627 6069 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Explore the culture and history of the Baltic with Royal Caribbean International

At World of Cruising we know you like a bargain so here's a neat little offer for you!

Book a balcony stateroom for the same price as an outside stateroom with Royal Caribbean on select holidays before 31 March 2014 as part of the cruise line’s ‘Price’s with More WOW’ campaign. Families can enjoy an adventurous holiday exploring the Baltic, while taking advantage of a host of onboard activities including inline skating on the deck and mini-golf. Join Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas for a 12-night Baltic cruise from £1,599 per person (based on two people sharing a balcony stateroom).

Price includes a 12-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Oslo, Bilbao, Copenhagen, Muuga , St. Petersburg – overnight, Helsinki, Zeebrugge before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

Price is based on une 12 departure. Offer ends 31 March 2014. 

For more information or to book call 0844 493 2061 or visit  www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

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Luxury Cruising - At A Bargain Price

Today's latest offer needs no real introduction - it is just a chance to sample sea-going luxury at a great price as Seabourn has released a selection of eye-catching offers for those seeking some excitement this summer. 

Take your pick from:

7-Day Adriatic & Greek Isles, departing August 23: A 7-day cruise on Seabourn Odyssey from Venice to Athens calling at Sibenik, Kotor, Bay of Kotor, Corfu, Fiscardo, Gythion, and Rethymnon on Crete. A complimentary upgrade is available from Ocean View to Veranda stateroom.

Prices start from £1,899pp for cruise only, with fly/cruise prices from £2,619, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini bar.

7-Day St. Petersburg & The Baltic departing June 29: A 7-day cruise on Seabourn Quest from Copenhagen to Stockholm, calling at Tallinn, St Petersburg and Helsinki. Again, a complimentary upgrade is available from Ocean View to Veranda stateroom.

Prices start from £1,999pp for cruise only, with fly/cruise prices from £2,429, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini bar.

More info: 0843 373 2000 or visit www.seabourn.co.uk.

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Seabourn Showcase Royal Painter

Here's a truly unique opportunity for an artistic sea-going experience with the ultra-deluxe style of Seabourn this summer.

Royal Portrait Painter Richard Stone is to host one of the popular ‘Seabourn Conversations’ on board Seabourn Quest in July, offering guests the rare opportunity to learn about his experiences painting the Royal family and other famous sitters.

Richard will be on the Quest’s 12-day Baltic & the Low Countries cruise, which departs from Copenhagen on July 27 and ends in Dover on August 8.

Cruise only prices start from £3,999pp, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini-bar. The trip includes a complimentary upgrade to a Veranda Suite.

This itinerary features some of Europe’s most exciting art history and culture, from Kalmar’s brick castle, and Gent’s Gothic cathedral (featuring Van Eyck’s famous Adoration of the Lamb masterpiece) to the pastel palaces and spires of St Petersburg. It also takes in the cobbled streets of medieval Tallinn in Estonia and two days of exploring the museums and canals of Amsterdam.

Seabourn Conversations is a recently-introduced concept for onboard enrichment and special guest entertainment, where luminaries from the worlds of cuisine, theatre, art, history, politics and more provide skilled presentations of their expertise, while also sharing meals, adventures ashore and casual chats with the other guests throughout the voyage.

More info: call 0843 373 2000 or visit www.seabourn.co.uk.

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Have A Drink On Celebrity!

Yes, it's New Year's Day, and yes, a few people may be nursing a hangover, but that doesn't stop the special offers arriving in our Inbox. And, once the effects of last night fully wear off, you may like to consider taking a drink on Celebrity Cruises!

They are offering a special deal for a free drinks package among their 'pick 2 of 3' offer for their Scandinavia & Russia cruises aboard Celebrity Eclipse (above) this summer.

Here are the full details:

Delve into the culture and history of Scandinavia and Russia while enjoying any two of the following offers: a complimentary drinks package, worth up to $1,400; up to $300 on board spend; or fully paid gratuities. All available with a 14-night ex-UK cruise aboard Celebrity Eclipse. now from just £1,749 per person (based on two people sharing a balcony stateroom).

The price includes the cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Copenhagen (overnight), Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg (overnight), Berlin (port of Warnemunde) and Le Havre before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on a May 24 departure and offer valid until February 28.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

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New Offerings For Oceania's Culinary Classes

Oceania Cruises has unveiled its new 2014 curriculum for the Bon Appétit Culinary Center on board its mid-sized luxury cruise ships Marina and Riviera. More than 20 different classes are offered, ranging from regional cuisines to the secrets of home-made pasta, with each session expanding guests’ knowledge and appreciation of local flavours.

Take your pick from these five voyages that all feature the new Culinary Center offerings:

French Classics: At the centre of the gastronomic sphere, French cooking methods and techniques are the benchmark for culinary standards worldwide. In this class, gourmands master several fundamental French techniques and prepare elegant dishes that can be recreated at home.

On Riviera, May 5, Historic Holy Lands; 10 Days, Istanbul to Athens

Italian Family Table: This class celebrates the cuisines and speciality dishes of the many regions visited by Oceania Cruises. Students learn techniques and recipes that have been passed down for generations and shared around family tables in the fabulous Italian destinations visited, which include Portofino, Amalfi, Tuscany and Sicily.
 

On Riviera, June 1, Venetian Revelations; 10 Days, Barcelona to Venice

Viva España: Guests are transported to the tapas bars of Spain, learning how to host a tapas party, complete with sangria and delicious, authentic Spanish dishes. Exciting arrays of tapas are prepared with recipes by Oceania Cruises’ chefs discovered on journeys to San Sebastián, Barcelona and Andalucía.

On Riviera, September 1, Flavours of Europe; 7 Days, Rome to Barcelona

Modern Nordic: The fresh, inventive dishes of restaurants including Copenhagen’s Noma and Geranium have changed the way the world views Nordic cuisine. Inspired by Oceania’s Baltic travels, the line’s chefs have developed a class devoted to favourite recipes of the region.

On Marina, June 7, North Sea Coasts; 7 Days, London to Copenhagen

Magical Morocco: With a special emphasis on tagine recipes, this class teaches guests the basics of Moroccan cooking, one of the most popular cuisines today. Highlights are the spices and ingredients of the Moroccan pantry and how to utilise them for flavourful dishes.

On Marina, September 24, Tapestry of Cultures; 10 Days, Lisbon to Rome

More info: www.oceaniacruises.com or call on 0845 505 1920.

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Grab a HAL Baltic Bargain!

Holland America Line is offering a fabulous 14-night Baltic cruise from just £799pp (less than £60pp per night) on their June 29 departure round-trip from Dover.

Guests can also enjoy full board accommodation as well as £30 onboard spending money when upgrading to an Ocean View Stateroom for just £1. This offer is based on two people sharing a stateroom on MS Ryndam (above).

The exploration of Scandinavia and Russia first heads north to Copenhagen, city of the Little Mermaid, then on to quaint, medieval Tallinn in Estonia. A fantastic highlight of the cruise is a two-day call in St Petersburg, with opportunities to discover the gorgeous art and jewellery collections of the Tsars at the Hermitage Museum, Catherine the Great’s palace or even travel to visit Red Square in Moscow. 

Next, the ship visits Helsinki in Finland, and spends two days in Stockholm, also offering guests the chance to visit the scenic town of Visby on the island of Gotland. The final days see adventurous stops in Warnemunde, from where visits to Berlin are also a possibility and a day  at sea – perfect for relaxing.

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

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Great Offers From Oceania

It's bargain time at the World of Cruising Inbox today, with the latest array of special offers dropping in from Oceania Cruises. And very tempting they are, too...!

 

Aug & Sept: Baltic cruises with free gratuities, from £1,332pp

Free gratuities AND a $200 onboard credit per stateroom is on offer with this 10-night 'Baltic Odyssey’ cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen on August 24 on board mid-sized luxury ship Marina. Prices now from £1,329pp (was £3,082pp, saving £1,753pp). The $200 onboard credit is also offered on the September 3 sailing in reverse from Copenhagen to Stockholm with prices from £1,319pp (saving £1,694pp).

Venice to Istanbul, now from £1,819pp, + $200 on board credit
Oceania has a saving of £2,185 off its 12-night ‘Paths of the Byzantines’ sailing from Venice on 1,250-guest Riviera. Departing on July 13, it calls into Slovenia, Croatia, the Greek Islands and mainland and Turkey. The price of £1,819 (was £4,004) includes a $200 on board credit per stateroom.

10-night Mediterranean cruise, £1,319pp, + $300 on board credit
Take the family on an educational cruise during the school summer holidays, spending three full days (2 nights) in Haifa, and an itinerary that starts in Athens and also visits Crete, Limassol, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Ephasus), arriving into Istanbul, for a final day in the city. This ‘Sacred Sanctuaries’ voyage on Riviera now costs £1,319pp (was £3,040) and includes a $300 per stateroom onboard credit. 

 

All prices include return flights, all meals, no supplement for speciality dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

 

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

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Great Late Deals From Holland America

Holland America Line is offering exceptional value on 2 no-fly cruises this May, with prices starting from just £399 per person for seven nights in the Norwegian Fjords, and £799 per person for 14 nights cruising the Baltic Sea, based on two sharing. These round-trip cruises from Dover depart on May 11 and 18 and include full board accommodation on the 1,260-passenger MS Ryndam, plus a free upgrade to an Ocean View Stateroom.

The seven-night Viking Sagas cruise

This round trip departs from Dover on 11 May and takes in some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery and fascinating ports. Sail right into the scenic capital of Oslo to experience ancient Viking culture and the paintings of Edvard Munch. Visit pretty Kristiansand, one of Norway’s “White” towns, with traditional wooden houses, then Stavanger, in a gorgeous lake-land setting, and pretty Ulvik. While onboard, guests can also enjoy scenic cruising of Oslofjord, Lysefjord and beautiful Hardangerfjord from the decks of the ship. Prices start from £399 per person for seven nights’ full-board accommodation in an inside stateroom, based on two sharing. Free upgrades to Ocean View Staterooms are also available.

The 14-night Jewels of the Baltic cruise

This round trip from Dover departs on 18 May and heads straight to the vibrant Danish capital of Copenhagen. Guests will then spend a full day exploring the history of Berlin at Warnemunde, before sailing to the picturesque city of Tallinn in Estonia. Ryndam then makes a leisurely overnight stop in St Petersburg, before calling at the elegant Finnish capital of Helsinki. Next, the cruise is Sweden-bound, paying an overnight stop in the trendy city of Stockholm and sailing through the Stockholm archipelago on the way to the medieval World Heritage town of Visby. The ship arrives back in Dover on 1 June. Prices start from £799 per person for 14 nights’ full-board accommodation in an inside stateroom, based on two sharing. Free upgrades to Ocean View Staterooms are also available.

Whilst at sea, guests can also take advantage of the Culinary Arts Centre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Ryndam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges, and being pampered at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.  

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

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Greenland + Hurtigruten = Cultural Delight

Hurtigruten prides itself in bringing is guests closer to the local communities where it sails,  and now anyone visiting Greenland this summer on MS Fram will be accompanied by local painter and musician, Miki Jacobsen. With his performances, Miki will introduce the world of Greenlandic culture, with painting, national music, traditional mask dancing and stories from the world of the Inuit, offering unique insights into the country’s life and history. 

Jacobsen’s summer as artist-on-board supports Hurtigruten’s objective to show its guests at first hand the culture and traditions of the region they are travelling through. It is the perfect addition to the ship's existing social events programme in Greenland, which includes guests being invited by local families to partake in a traditional ‘kaffemik’, the Greenland version of a cup of coffee and learn more about their way of life. 

In Uummannaq, there is a welcome by local school children and the chance for them to mingle with guests and, when the ship docks in the Ittileq township, guests, crew and locals join together for a traditional football match that sees sport bringing together different cultures. 

Disco Bay & Southern Fjords – Glaciers and Ice, from £3,356pp:
This 12-day expedition starts in Disco Bay and visits the lesser-known southern parts of Greenland before making its way to Iceland. Available on May 31, the voyage includes 11 night’s full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by expedition team. Flights from UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Price based on two sharing and on unspecified inside cabin. 

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

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OperaBabes Return To Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have a real treat in store for fans of classical music this summer as Boudicca’s 14-night ‘Scandinavia and St. Petersburg’ cruise combines stunning Baltic ports with a theme of Classical Music, through its award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. The highlight of this cultural cruise will be live performances by The OperaBabes, making their third appearance with Fred. Olsen, who are set to electrify audiences with Puccini’s aria ‘O mio babbino caro’, made famous by Maria Callas, amongst their repertoire. 

As part of the Music theme, guests can enjoy fascinating talks, as well as star quality live entertainment. Hosting the theme is music expert Peter Hudson, who will be speaking about the great Maria Callas, renowned as the finest opera singer of the 20^th Century. Peter is a passionate opera-lover, who has been giving talks and lectures about Maria  and her fascinating, tragic life story for more than 20 years.

The OperaBabes – Rebecca Knight, soprano, and Karen England, mezzo soprano – will join this cruise in Copenhagen on August 11. Boudicca departs from Liverpool on July 31, calling first at Kristiansand in Norway. Founded by King Christian IV in the 17th Century, it boasts some of Norway’s finest beaches. Next is Visby in Gotland (Sweden), the setting for hundreds of historical sites, including burial mounds, medieval churches and fortresses, with many treasures from the Viking era. Moving further east, the ship then calls into Tallinn, the lovely capital of Estonia, with its domed churches and cobbled streets, one of the most popular ports in the region and always a delight to visit.

A major highlight of the cruise is the magnificent city of St. Petersburg, Russia’s most European city and a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. There is an overnight stay here and guests can choose an optional tour to visit the ballet or enjoy a classical music performance. The next port is Finland’s attractive and cosmopolitan capital, Helsinki, created by the czars as a ‘miniature’ St. Petersburg. On the return voyage, the final port of call is another capital – Copenhagen in Denmark – which has so much to offer; from the delightful Tivoli Gardens to the charming Little Mermaid statue and the colourful buildings of the former sailors' district, Nyhavn, there really is something for everyone. Two relaxing days at sea bring Boudicca back to Liverpool.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,599 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. The OperaBabes will perform live during the cruise, and there is no extra charge for enjoying the Vistas ‘Classical Music’ themed activity and entertainment.

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

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Regent's Summer 2014 Collection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its new Summer/Autumn 2014 Collection featuring more than 60 itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, New England, Canada and the Caribbean. The luxury line’s three all-suite ships will visit 17 new ports of call, overnight in 19 popular destinations and sail 23 Extended Voyages from 19 to 44-nights. 

Sailings on all European voyages include free business class upgrades for guests booking a Penthouse suite or higher. All Regent sailings also include flights and transfers, all-suite accommodations, gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, free shore excursions, gratuities and for those in a Concierge Suite or higher, a pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, at no additional cost. 

SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS 

Seven Seas Voyager begins the season in Northern Europe with stops in several new ports including Kristiansand, Norway; Murmansk, Russia and Helsingborg, Sweden; overnight stays in Oslo and Honningsvaag, Norway with a return to the North Cape; Dublin, Ireland; Bordeaux, France; and two-night stays in St. Petersburg, Russia. Additionally the line will operate new embarkations in Olso and Amsterdam providing 10 departure points in Europe, the most in company history. Voyager ends the season in the Mediterranean with a 21-night voyage to Bangkok, Thailand. Extended Voyages from 21-40 nights combine the best of Northern Europe, the British Isles, Western Europe and the Med. 

Seven Seas Mariner spends April-November traversing the coastline of the Med, capping the season with a 44-night Extended Voyage from Rome to Miami. Guests will have the opportunity to explore several new ports, including Antibes, France; Argostoli and Syros, Greece; Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands; and Dakar, Senegal. Extended Voyages from 19-44 nights include overnight stays in Florence, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Alexandria, Egypt, plus two-night stays in Istanbul and Jerusalem. 

Seven Seas Navigator will spend May to August in Alaska with 13 seven-night voyages between Anchorage and Vancouver and a 12-night positioning cruise between Vancouver and San Francisco. In the autumn, she returns to New England and Canada for three 10-night cruises between New York and Montreal and a 15-night cruise from Montréal to Miami, ending the season in the Caribbean and the Amazon. Three Extended Voyages from 31-43 days offer coast-to-coast exploration. 

An example of lead-in fares is as follows:

• Seven Seas Mariner, 7-nights, 12 May 2014, Istanbul to Athens: £2,899 per person (H grade).
• Seven Seas Voyager, 16-nights, 10 July 2014, Oslo to Copenhagen: £7,449 per person (H grade); 10-nights, 26 July 2014, Copenhagen to Stockholm: £4,949 per person (H grade).
• Seven Seas Navigator, 7-nights, 21 May 2014, Vancouver to Vancouver: £2,999 per person (H grade); 10-nights, 12 October 2014, New York to Montreal: £4,179 per person (H grade).

The line’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner and Voyager were refurbished in 2011 and Navigator in 2012.

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

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More Great Offers From Oceania

We love the many offers that are pouring into our office for the New Year, with the promise of a real cruise booking boom in the next few weeks. And here is a great example with some genuinely excellent savings from Oceania Cruises.

SCANDINAVIA

June 11: 14 nights, Southampton to Stockholm, £1,609, saving £2722 
Cruise from the port of Southampton and enjoy long, light, mid-summer evenings in Scandinavia and the Baltic on the 1,250-guest luxury cruise ship, Marina. The cruise calls into Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Latvia, Estonia, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm and includes a $300 per stateroom credit to spend in the ship’s bars, spa and boutiques. Price includes return UK flights, all meals, no supplement for speciality dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. 

THE CARIBBEAN

December 20: Christmas in the Grenadines, 14 nights £2,312, saving £2077 
This Christmas voyage also features a bonus of a $300/stateroom credit to spend on board. Oceania's newest ship Riviera spends Christmas in the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines, with Christmas Day alongside the island of St. Vincent, Christmas Eve in Antigua and Boxing Day in Barbados

 
February 2: Caribbean hideaway, 10 nights £1,502, saving £1,266
Escape the British winter and spend 10 nights in February cruising the Caribbean on board Riviera. The 1,250-guest, mid-sized luxury ship will be sailing a round-trip cruise from Miami to the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Barts, and includes a $500 ship-board credit per stateroom. 

THE FAR EAST

March 10: Oriental Grand Cruise, £3,222pp, saving £3,441pp 
Take a 25-night cruise from Beijing to Bangkok, visiting Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand on board mid-sized cruise ship Nautica, now on offer with a saving of £3,441pp, and again with a $500 ship-board credit per stateroom. 

PANAMA CANAL

April 20: Panama Canal transit and a £1,692pp saving
Oceania is opffering this 19-night cruise from Miami to San Francisco on the mid-sized Regatta, through the Caribbean Sea and along the west coast of Mexico via a magnificent Panama Canal transit, now from just £2,539pp (was £4,231). The cruise fare includes a $500 per stateroom credit to spend on board, return flights from the UK, all meals, bottled water and soft drinks. 

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

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Take A Hike With Voyages of Discovery

Voyages of Discovery, which is renowned for its themed cruises, is offering a unique 'Footloose' programme of guided hikes on its 9-day Celtic Treasures cruise next May. The details are as follows:

Itinerary: Cruise from £1,099 per person, departing from Portsmouth on May 25 and calling at Foynes, Killybegs, Portrush, Dublin, Cobh and St Peter Port (Guernsey)  before returning to Portsmouth.

Description: The discovery cruise line offers guided ‘Footloose programmes’ where passengers can experience off-the-beaten-track routes in a number of inspiring and rarely visited locations – which only small ships such as Voyager can access. Keen walkers can join the ship’s experienced ‘Footloose’ guides to discover some of Ireland’s most picturesque landscapes including Glenveagh National Park, the rugged Causeway Coastline and Antrim’s Glens. The final port of call, St Peter’s Port, will also give passengers the opportunity to explore its cobbled streets, mammoth cliffs and hidden coves.

Or how about a two-week Themed Music Cruise on sister ship Discovery?

A Baltic Symphony: 14-day cruise departing May 22, from £1,699 per person:

Itinerary: Departs from Harwich and calls at Copenhagen, Turku, Tallinn, St Petersburg (overnight), Gdynia and Warnemunde

Description: Copenhagen – a delightful overture on this voyage featuring a score of fascinating Baltic cities. Enjoy the relaxed tempo of Turku before medieval Tallinn – Estonia’s legacy of the Hanseatic League. The intriguing composition of Poland’s ‘tri-cities’ is a delightful prelude to Warnemünde – a Baltic gateway to Berlin. Taking centre stage on this classical cruise, St Petersburg is irresistible to lovers of the arts, history and architecture

What’s included: Price includes transfers (where applicable), all on board gratuities, service charges and port taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board. In addition, Voyages of Discovery has also introduced a new complimentary chauffeur service to the airport or port of departure for every guest choosing a higher grade cabin on Summer 2013 bookings.

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

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New Solo Fares From Crystal

Deluxe all-inclusive specialists Crystal Cruises are offering exceptionally low single occupancy fares on an increased number of cruises to more destinations in 2013. 

Solo travellers now have a choice of a different worldwide cruise in almost every month from April to November, with single supplements from just 10 per cent. That means travellers can save as much as £500 on a private, deluxe outside stateroom on 10 varied cruises of seven to 18 nights. 

This offer applies to all new bookings made by December 31 for the following 2013 cruises in a deluxe stateroom with picture window:

• 12th April: Kobe to Vancouver – 18 nights for £4,042 cruise only 
• 9th May: Rome to Istanbul – 9 nights for £2,966 fly/cruise 
• 23rd May 23: New York to Reykjavik – 12 nights for £4,267 fly/cruise 
• 25th June: Stockholm to Copenhagen – 10 nights for £4,013 fly/cruise 
• 6th July: Istanbul to Rome – 7 nights for £2,485 fly/cruise 
• 20th July: Stockholm to Copenhagen – 10 nights for £4,010 fly/cruise 
• 30th July: Copenhagen to Stockholm – 10 nights for £4,010 fly/cruise 
• 2nd September: Dover to Barcelona – 9 nights for £3,141 fly/cruise 
• 2nd November: Rome to Lisbon – 13 nights for £3,745 fly/cruise 
• 23rd November: Miami to Rio de Janeiro – 16 nights for £4,209 fly/cruise

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

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Experience Inuit Life With Hurtigruten

Did you know only two of Greenland’s towns are connected by road? How about that the main mode of transport during the winter is the humble dog-sled? You can find out more about this fascinating island and its unique culture on a series of special voyages with Hurtigruten in 2013. 

This has been the home of the Inuit for more than 5,000 years, and Hurtrigruten takes guests on a truly memorable journey to the very heart of the Greenlandic way of life. Settlements here range from a population of just two to the larger communities of a few thousand, and guests are guaranteed a warm welcome wherever they go. Offering a genuine insight into local culture and traditions, visitors are encouraged to explore, meet and chat with locals and can even join in a friendly football match or cup of ‘Kaffemik’ (Greenlandic coffee) with the natives.

Travelling on MS Fram, guests are transported directly to many small settlements, most of which are accessible only by boat. This makes it easier to mix with local folk, and, in Uummannaq, the ship receives a special greeting by a group of local school children. Other highlights include the seafaring town of Sismiut, Greenland’s second largest; the port of Qeqertarsuaq, home to an Arctic research station; and the impressive three-mile-long glacier front of Eqip Sermia.

Hurtigruten also offers a number of optional excursions, such as a helicopter flight to Ilulissat Glacier, and an exploration of the Viking ruins at Narsaq. Four different itineraries sail between the end of May and September 2013 and early-booking fares offer savings of up to 20% off the brochure price. Here's a typical example:

The Heart of Greenland: This incredible nine-day expedition follows Greenland’s west coast, visiting small settlements accessible only by boat. Available on June 9,16, 23 and 30, prices start at £4,374pp and include seven nights full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by the expedition team. Flights from the UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Based on two sharing.

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.

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Get Ready for National Cruise Week

It's National Cruise Week later this month (next week, in fact; September 15-23) and the first offers are starting to roll in, in advance of the UK's big annual cruise-selling bonanza. Take this one, for example:

Head to the home of the world famous school of ballet in St Petersburg, take in the tranquil beauty of the Caribbean islands or embark on the ultimate pampering holiday - celebrate National Cruise Week with a number of special offers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Royal Caribbean

To Russia with love: Explore northern Europe taking in the spectacular Scandinavian landscapes and enjoy an overnight in St Petersburg to experience the nightlife in the Russian capital. Join Brilliance of the Seas on a 12-night Scandinavia and Russia cruise-only sailing May 27, 2013, from just £1,849 per person.

This price includes free regional flights, coach or car parking, an upgrade to a balcony stateroom and $100 on board credit in celebration of National Cruise Week. The cruise departs Harwich and calls at Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn and Gothenburg before returning to Harwich and includes meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

Celebrity Cruises

Springtime sunshine: Join Celebrity Equinox on a 12-night Venice fly/cruise on April 30, 2013, from just £1,649 per person, sailing from Barcelona and calling at Villefranche (for Nice), Livorno (for Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik before returning to Barcelona. 

The price includes £49 regional flights, coach or car parking, an upgrade to a balcony stateroom and $100 on board credit in celebration of National Cruise Week, plus all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

Seabourn's Summer 2013 Selection

For those looking to plan ahead to summer next year, Seabourn offers extraordinary value on European fly and cruise-only itineraries. The 2013 European Cruise Collection offers 66 hand-picked itineraries on voyages ranging from seven to 21 days in length, exploring all corners of Europe and beyond, with some of the highlight destinations, cruises and fares including:

Mediterranean

7-Day Mediterranean Jewels; Departs June 6, 2013 on Seabourn Legend; Route, Rome to Monte Carlo, calling at Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, Trapani, Ajaccio, Cannes, Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Monte Carlo and Monaco. Fly/Cruise prices start from £2,599pp.

Dalmation coast, Greek Isles & Turkey

7-Day Ephesus and Greek Isles; Departs May 11, 2013 on Seabourn Spirit; Route, Istanbul to Piraeus (Athens), calling at Canakkale, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Cesme, Mykonos,  Rethymnon (Crete), Miso, Nisos Melos and Piraeus. Fly/Cruise prices start from £2,439pp.

Northern Europe

7-Day Baltic and St Petersburg; Departs June 11 and 25 June 2013 on Seabourn Sojourn; Route, Stockholm to Copenhagen, calling at Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki and Copenhagen. Fly/Cruise prices start from £3,269pp.

Prices include return flights from the UK and are per person, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive, including all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini-bar.

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.

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Crystal's Foot-Tapping Cruises

Whether tapping one’s toes to a soulful beat or enjoying a prima ballerina dance high upon hers, guests on three of Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxury European voyages this summer will be treated to some of the richest rising young talent from the performing arts world. 

Continuing its esteemed partnership with The Music Centre – Performing Arts Centre of Los Angeles County, the three “Emerging Artists”-themed North Cape and Mediterranean cruises feature winners of the Music Centre’s annual Spotlight Awards. 

Guests can enjoy rousing performances from the programme’s top musicians, singers and dancers, as well as a rare “sneak peek” into master training classes.

Visiting acclaimed destinations throughout Italy, Monaco, Turkey, Ukraine, Denmark, Norway and more, each sailing features a consortium of artists performing around one musical focus:

• 19^th June: 12-night cruise from Venice to Istanbul on Crystal Serenity – ‘Ballet and the Classics’ with Royal Danish Ballet dancers, opera and classical pieces brought alive.
• 8^th July: 15-night cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm on Crystal Symphony – Jazz-themed repertoire featuring a diversified mix of jazz performers.
• 13^th August: 12-night cruise from Venice to Barcelona on Crystal Serenity – Boasting an international twist, this “world tour” through music and movement features song, guitar and regional folk dancing.

Each voyage also includes Master Classes At Sea^®, showcasing the intense mentoring and preparation required for professional career success.

Until June 30, all-inclusive Book Now fares for the Experiences of Discovery voyages start at £3,955 person, based on the 12-night cruise from Venice to Barcelona. Price includes return scheduled flights, overseas transfers and 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals, drinks, gratuities and port taxes.

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.