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.

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Adventure Cruising blog

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Oman Set For Cruise Boost

Now that it has dedicated its Sultan Qaboos port in Muscat exclusively to cruise ships only, Oman is expected to become one of the most popular ports in the Middle East.

 

In 2013, Muscat, the port of Oman, had 13 cruise ships calls with 13,000 passengers; this year, it is expected to get a whopping 120-plus calls, with up to 250,000 passengers - a massive 1900 per cent increase.

 

Martin Tanner, marketing manager at Jetline Cruise, explained: “The biggest draw to the area has always been the allure of Dubai, with Oman being a bonus secondary port of call to visit. Now that the port in Muscat has been designated exclusively for cruise ships and, with the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar, interest in the area is set to boom.

 

“Currently there are only a small number of cruise ships which visit Oman. However, now is the time to visit the country to experience the heritage and culture where unspoilt beaches and romantic sunset camel safaris in the desert makes a unique and memorable winter holiday.”

 

Jetline are currently featuring Oman, with a tempting fly-cruise from London to Dubai on March 20, including a stay for two nights room only in a 5-star hotel before embarking MSC Cruises' Lirica for a six-night Middle Eastern cruise to Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Fakkan and Muscat. This package costs from £999 per person based on two adults sharing accommodation and includes return flights, accommodation and full board cruise.

 

More info: visit www.jetlinecruise.com or call 0800 082 2186.

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The Project Orient Survey

The intriguing prospect that is Project Orient - a planned new cruise line operating traditional liner-type services between Britain and Australia - has put out an urgent plea for all cruise-goers to respond to its online survey to gauge interest in the potential idea.

It is a genuinely new and novel proposal and the company is continuing to work towards securing funding this year for the long-term dream of resurrecting the classic liner service to Australia.

In case you have not already seen it, Project Orient has a new website at www.sailtoaustralia.com, featuring various press coverage about the project and the all-important Survey, which asks a number of questions about potential interest in taking the traditional 26-day voyage, which would call at the likes of Rome, Suez, Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai, as well as Fremantle, Perth and Sydney.

Project Orient are in the process of building alliances with tourist boards, designers and banks, and aim for a full launch once an equity partner is signed on.

It remains a pipe-dream for now - but with the potential to be a very real and tempting cruise line if the cruise-going world shows sufficient interest. 

And it certainly shows more sign of becoming a reality than the ludicrous Titanic II idea of Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, who has yet to sign anything remotely resembling a ship-building contract more than a year after trumpeting his sea-going nonsense at two high-profile dinners in New York and London that many media outlets bought hook, line and sinker!

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MSC's New Grand Voyage

Asia and the Middle East are increasingly fertile cruise areas in the winter months, and we have just been alerted to another new option in this region from MSC Cruises.

Taking their MSC Orchestra, MSC will be operating a special Grand Voyage in 2015, setting sail from the dazzling deserts of the United Arab Emirates and visiting the iconic sites of south-east Asia before reaching and exploring the enchanting coastlines of Australia. The once-in-a-lifetime 33-night Grand Voyage sets out from from Dubai on February 22 next year and arrives in Perth on 26 March 2015.

During the first part of her journey, Orchestra will call into Mumbai and Cochin, before arriving in Colombo, the gateway to Sri Lanka. She will then visit Phuket, Thailand's most popular and glamorous beach destination, followed by a stop in Langkawi, a true Malaysian tropical gem. Singapore’s skyline will be the ship’s next destination, where she will stay overnight, allowing guests to soak up the charms of this city-state where history and modernity walk hand in hand. Lush Benoa, in Bali, will be the ship’s last stop in Asia, offering travellers the chance to enjoy breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, enchanting temples and white sandy beaches.

Orchestra will continue her journey stopping in Cairns, in Australia’s tropical north, a city renowned for its easy access to the wilderness, romantic Port Douglas and its laid back ambience. The second port of call ‘Down Under’ will be Brisbane, with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent shopping scene. An overnight stay in Sydney will enchant travellers with stunning views of the world-renowned Opera House and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. MSC Orchestra will then complete its route to Perth via the state capital of Victoria, Melbourne, and Adelaide, recently named one of the world’s top 10 cities to visit, where travellers can sample some of the world’s finest wines on a wine-tasting tour.

It all adds up to a truly amazing one-off voyage and is sure to have great appeal for those who appreciate these more exotic voyages.

More info: call 0844 561 1955 or visit www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/MSC/MSC-Orchestra-Grand-Voyages-2015.aspx.

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Celebrity's New Destination-Rich Options

Destinations are the most important part of a cruise, and it is always interesting to see when cruise lines increase their destination quotient with more or new ports of call. With that in mind, Celebrity Cruises has created two new, destination-rich itineraries for guests on Celebrity Century in 2015. The new sailings will replace three previously scheduled 12 and 14-night sailings in Asia in order to reposition the ship to Europe for the 2015 season.

The new itineraries – a 14-night sailing from Singapore to Dubai departing on March 22, and a 15-night Suez Canal cruise from Dubai to Rome on April 5 – will offer the perfect combination of immersive experiences on land and luxurious days at sea.
 

• The 14-night sailing from Singapore to Dubai will feature visits to Muscat and Cochinas well as three ports entirely new to Celebrity, New Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. The sailing culminates with an overnight stay in Dubai.
• The new 15-night itinerary from Dubai will be highlighted by passage through the Suez Canal and visits to Ashdod, Rhodes and Athens before arriving into Rome.

Guests with bookings on Celebrity's previously scheduled cruises departing on March 22, April 5 and 17, 2015, are being contacted to offer the opportunity to be re-accommodated on the two new sailings or on their choice from among 12 itineraries in Asia on Celebrity Century or Celebrity Millennium. Guests who opt to re-book will be able to do so at the lowest available rate if moving to selected sailings in the same level of accommodation and will receive onboard credit of $200 per stateroom or $400 per suite.

More info: call 0844 493 2043 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

 

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Live Like A Sultan With MSC In UAE

Those looking for a luxurious sunshine break need look no further than  a Dubai cruise with MSC Cruises from just £699 per person, including return flights with Emirates from Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle or Manchester.

From November 23 until March 29, MSC Lirica is offering 18 8-day/7-night cruises from Dubai, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Muscat and Khasab in Oman, with an exciting overnight stay in Dubai. For shopaholics, this incredibly rich itinerary is nothing less than the voyage of a lifetime

The region’s legendary shopping is every bit as eclectic, and whether bartering for traditional goods at a bustling souk or spending money in style in colossal malls, this glittering giant of the desert has truly perfected the art of shopping.

 

Glitz, glamour and retail therapy in Dubai

 

For instant immersion in the glitz, glamour and luxury goods of modern Dubai, Retail Therapy, Dubai Style is the perfect excursion. On this unique tour dedicated entirely to shopping, travellers will start with a leisurely amble through Souq Madinat Jumeirah, before visiting two of the world’s largest shopping centres, the Mall of the Emirates, strategically located in the heart of 'New Dubai', and the Dubai Mall, complete with Olympic-sized ice rink, huge aquarium and underwater zoo and the beautiful Dubai Fountain display.

 

Other excursions combine fascinating sight-seeing with serious shopping, including Sunset Dhow Cruise And Shopping and Dubai At Night From The Burj Al Khalifa, which starts with a fascinating 360-degree view of Dubai from the 124^th floor of the world’s tallest building and ends with a trip to the Dubai Mall, while the Discover Dubai & Lunch At The Burj Al Arab is a tour of old and new Dubai, includes stops at the aromatic spice market and the huge gold souk.

 

Bustling souks in mystical Muscat

 

Several MSC excursions in Muscat include visits to the magnificent Muttrah Souk, one of the country’s most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. This mystical labyrinth of narrow, fragrant alleyways is bursting with shops offering a wide range of goods including typical Omani souvenirs and jewellery.

 

With return flights with Emirates, MSC guests will also enjoy the facilities of one of the world’s leading international airlines. The airline offers all the mod-cons, from spacious seating to a generous 30kg baggage allowance. Cruise prices start from just £699 per person for departures on December 14 and January 11, and from £799 for departures on January 4, 18 and 25.

More info:  visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955.

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Windstar Cruises Announces 2015 Winter Voyage Collection

Windstar Cruises 2014-15 Winter Caribbean & Panama Canal voyages are now open for sale, with the line's three sailing yachts exploring the warm waters of the islands and Latin America with four unique voyages, including Classic Caribbean, a new seven-day round trip itinerary from St. Maarten. 

The 2015 Winter Collection, showcasing voyages from December 2014 to March 2015, is rounded out with the recently announced South-east Asia & Arabia voyages on the all-suite Star Pride.

Yacht style cruising is the perfect way to explore the pristine beaches of the Caribbean, with every voyage offering Windstar’s signature beach barbecue, an exclusive party on shore in intimate and exclusive style. Guests can also enjoy the tropical waters right from the yacht, with each ship's Watersports Platform, which offers complimentary sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water games.

The Caribbean & Panama Canal voyages include:

Classic Caribbean
From the stunning drama of the Pitons, to the captivating charm of Les Saintes, this seven-day cruise showcases the best of the Caribbean in one voyage. Wind Surf sails round-trip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, with visits to Barbuda; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy. Highlights include the pink beaches of Barbuda and scenic cruising past the Pitons.

Jewels of the Windward Islands
Sail to little-known isles off the tourist radar such as the unspoiled Grenadines and the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia. Wind Star offers seven-day sailings round-trip from Barbados with stops at Pigeon Island; St. George’s Grenada; Mayreau, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Mayreau, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; and Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Highlights include Grand Etang National Park on Grenada and scenic cruise past the Pitons.

Yachtsman’s Caribbean
Experience a yachtsman’s paradise while visiting exclusive ports like glamorous St. Barts and the enchanting British Virgin Islands. Sail on Windstar’s flagship, Wind Surf on a seven day round trip from Philipsburg, calling on Falmouth Harbour, Antigua (overnight); Soper’s Hole, Tortola, B.V.I; Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. (overnight); Virgin Gorda, Prickly Pear Beach, B.V.I. (overnight); and Gustavia. Highlights include local treasure at Soper’s Hole Wharf and a sail by The Baths.

Passage Through Panama
Explore the natural and man-made wonders of beautiful Costa Rica and the impressive Panama Canal on this seven-day sailing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica or Colón, Panama. Wind Spirit will visit Bahía Drake, Costa Rica; Golfito, Costa Rica; Isla de Coiba, Panama; Panama Canal Transit; and San Blas, Panama. Highlights include Corcovado National Park and Golfito’s rainforest.

Star Pride, Windstar’s first all-suite power yacht, will spend its Winter season in South-east Asia & Arabia, sailing the following voyages:

• Wonders of Arabia – From Athens to Dubai, this 18-day voyage showcases the Red Sea, the Nile and the rose-coloured ruins of Petra.
• Pearls of the Indian Ocean – On this 15-day voyage from Dubai to Singapore, guests enjoy everything from India’s colourful cities to the tranquil beauty of Thailand’s beaches.
• Singapore & the Malay Peninsula – long days in port and blissfully beautiful destinations can be found on this 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore.
• Treasures of South-east Asia – This 14-day voyage round-trip from Singapore explores the ancient trading city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Hue and Halong Bay.
• Vietnam Unveiled – Guests can visit Imperial Hue, ancient Hoi An, breathtaking Halong Bay, and amazing Ho Chi Minh City on this 10-day voyage from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong.

New 2014 Voyage Collection Brochure

Windstar also recently unveiled its expanded, 128-page 2014 Voyage Collection brochure, which features Star Pride’s inaugural season and over 25 exciting itineraries.

More info: call 0207 292 2387 or visit WindstarCruises.com.

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Costa Introduces The neoCollection

Costa Cruises has announced the beginning of a new style of cruising on board its ships with the advent of the all-new Costa neoCollection.

The Costa neoCollection is an invitation to make the most of every minute and holiday in a more leisurely way. This new type of cruise experience is tailored to suit individual tastes and let each person go at their own pace, both on board and ashore, making it ideal for couples and groups of friends.

Newly-revamped duo Costa neoRiviera (624 cabins) and Costa neoRomantica (789 cabins) will be sailing to new destinations which are off the beaten path and inaccessible to bigger ships. The itineraries are designed with longer stopovers in each port, often overnight and part of the next day to allow maximum time on shore and the chance to thoroughly explore each place en route. 

As cruising is not one-size-fits-all, Costa has introduced a range of made-to-measure options, notably a series of specially devised shoreside excursions for small groups as well as fine gastronomic products based on the authentic taste sensations of the places visited, thanks to a new collaboration between Costa and the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo.

The Costa neoCollection debuts on February 9 from Dubai with a special cruise on Costa neoRiviera, the latest addition to the Costa fleet. This one-off 62-day voyage of discovery, the Grand African Tour, is a totally innovative circumnavigation of the great continent offering a unique opportunity to combine the sea and the most beautiful Indian Ocean beaches with all the adventure of a safari in South Africa.  

Costa neoRiviera will also add a new dimension to cruising in spring and summer, sailing on 12-day itineraries to the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. Starting June 1 and operating throughout the summer, the neoCollection style will also be present on Costa neoRomantica, with 13 and 15-day premium cruises in Northern Europe, beyond the North Cape and to the finest Baltic cities.

More info: visit www.costacruises.co.uk.

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Winter Sun with MSC in the UAE

For guaranteed sunshine this winter, consider a Dubai cruise with MSC Cruises, as they have just announced some great rates for their 7-day United Arab Emirates cruises, including from just £699 per person with return flights from Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle or Manchester.

Even in the winter months, temperatures in the UAE hover between 23 and 33C. Whilst on board, guests can enjoy the sea breezes and take advantage of the swimming pools and poolside service of cooling drinks and ice creams, while, for even more pampering, there is the MSC Aurea spa, which offers a variety of tempting treatments.

Guests on the UAE cruise will be treated to a series of contrasts, from the laid back and relaxing atmosphere on board to fantastic rugged landscapes, fabulous white sand beaches and desert sand dunes, all contrasting with futuristic skyscrapers, restaurants and high-end shopping.

With return flights with Emirates Air, MSC guests will also enjoy the facilities of one of the world’s leading international airlines. The airline offers all the mod-cons, from spacious seating to a generous 30kg baggage allowance.

Cruise prices start from just £699 per person for departures on 14 December and 11 January; £749 for departures on 30 November, 7 December, 22 February and £799 for departures on 4, 18 and 25 January.

For further information on MSC, bookings and terms and conditions please visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955. 

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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P&O's World In 2015

P&O Cruises is offering two amazing world cruises for 2015, collectively visiting 69 unique destinations in 38 different countries and covering some 61,470 nautical miles.  

Arcadia is sailing a 106-night full World Circumnavigation exclusively for adults with single cabins available, and Aurora is sailing a 105-night South America and Pacific Adventure for families, couples and solo travellers alike. Both sail round-trip from Southampton and are now on sale.

At 106 nights with lead-in Vantage Fares from £9,999 per person, Arcadia’s cruise is a classic world voyage, with the destination and port-rich cruise featuring five maiden calls, to Bitung (Indonesia), Darwin (Australia), Lahaina (Maui, Hawaiian Islands), Manila (Philippines) and Sanya (Hainan, China). It also features extended calls in San Francisco, Honolulu, Sydney (above), Hong Kong, Dubai, Safaga and Sokhna (Egypt) to enable passengers to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences in these ports, from tours of ancient civilisations visiting lavish tombs, temples and palaces in Egypt to the hustle-bustle of modern city life in Hong Kong.

Aurora’s South America and Pacific Adventure is family friendly with more time spent in New Zealand, including a cruise through its famed Milford Sound. The cruise features three maiden calls for the ship, to Akaroa (New Zealand), Rarotonga (Cook Islands) and Moorea (French Polynesia). Lead-in Vantage Fares for this cruise start from £9,299 per person.

Extended calls on Aurora will be in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Sydney and San Francisco so passengers can take in these cities’ breathtaking sights during the day as well as into the night.

P&O managing director Carol Marlow said: “A world cruise offers so much more than an extended holiday, it’s an experience of a lifetime, an adventure on an epic scale. How else can you visit so many destinations around the globe, enjoy a whole host of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and immerse yourself in new cultures, countries and sights while travelling in consistent style and comfort?

“Our two world cruises for 2015 are no exception and offer excellent value for money. With prices from £89 per person, per night for our South America and Pacific Adventure on Aurora, it’s a fantastic way to see the world without having to compromise on home comforts. Booking early also means passengers receive the best value, with our Price Promise protection, and they can enjoy all the benefits that booking early affords, such as being able to secure their preferred choice of cabin and dining option.” 

 

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

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Try Some Arabian Nights With MSC

Having recently announced their return to the United Arab Emirates for the 2013/14 winter season, MSC Cruises are now offering a series of seven-night cruises from only £819 per person - plus up to £150 free onboard credit per cabin.

From November 23 until March 29, MSC will offer these 'Arabian Nights' voyages from Dubai on board MSC Lirica, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan (UAE), and Muscat and Khasab (Oman), with an overnight stay in Dubai allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of this glittering oasis of the desert.

On board, guests will appreciate Lirica's elegant surroundings, with traditional wood and brass features, while there is plenty to keep both young and old entertained, from a game of mini-golf to simply relaxing by the pool admiring the rugged Arabian coastline. Guests will also be able to indulge at the the superbly-equipped wellness centre, which offers a variety of tempting treatments.

With exciting ports of call, as well as a variety of new excursions, there is plenty to explore and discover ashore. Guests will be able to pick and choose from a range of activities, from an exhilarating experience of the Khor al Fakkan desert dunes in a 4x4 to a mystical tour of Muscat. For a spot of fun, experience the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi, go backstage at the Yas Marina f1 circuit or take in an aerial view of Dubai by hydroplane.

The seven-night cruise, departing November 23 and 30 and December 7, including return flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow starts from just £819 per person. The free onboard credit applies to outside or suite cabins on a double occupancy basis.

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

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Regent's New 'Gift' Promotion

Regent Seven Seas has announced a new cruise booking promotion called ‘A Gift from Regent’. Guests who book any one of the 8 eligible Europe 2013 voyages will receive two exclusive offers of free unlimited Internet and a $300 per suite shipboard credit. The only choice to be made is which cruise to take.

The ‘Gift from Regent’ promotion is available on bookings made from now until May 31 and is valid on the following 2013 sailings:

Seven Seas Mariner

8 September: Adriatic Escape, Venice to Monte Carlo, 10 Nights

17 October: Italian Interlude, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7 Nights

24 October: Princes & Patricians, Monte Carlo to Venice, 7 Nights

10 November: Passage to Iberia, Rome to Barcelona, 10 Nights

20 November: South Atlantic Sojourn, Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, 18 Nights

Seven Seas Voyager

26 September: Classical Visions, Barcelona to Rome, 10 Nights

23 October: Lands of Myths, Seas of Fables, Rome to Venice, 10 Nights

12 November: Red Sea Odyssey, Istanbul to Dubai, 21 Nights

 

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

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Celebrate India Day With Voyages of Discovery

Celebrate India’s independence on India Day (January 26) and book a cruise to Asia from a bargain £2,019 per person with Voyages of Discovery.

Passengers on board the 17-day "Tales of India & Arabia" voyage will be able to visit the birthplace of Ghandi in Porbandar and explore the UNESCO listed Elephanta Caves near to the colourful city of Mumbai before sailing to Sri Lanka.

Tales of India & Arabia departs from Dubai (UAE, overnight), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Porbandar, Mumbai (overnight), Marmagao, Cochin (overnight), Tuticorin and Colombo (Sri Lanka, overnight).

Price is based on a December 3 UK departure and includes return flights from a major UK airport, all overseas transfers, all on board gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board.

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

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Can QE2 Come Home?

Our columnist John Honeywell, aka Captain Greybeard has highlighted the bid by the QE2London team to bring the fabled Cunard liner QE2 back from Dubai to a permanent mooring in London (by North Greenwich), as she continues to moulder and rust in the hands of owners who seem to have no interest in completing their original plans for a luxury floating hotel in the Middle East.

There are renewed fears the famous ship will be scrapped and her heritage wiped out once and for all, hence the campaign - which claims to have raised £20million already - to bring her back 'home' after almost five years of sitting idle in Dubai.

It is a fascinating question, as much for the technical problems presented in trying to get the 70,000-ton liner that far up the Thames. But would the public (and private enterprise) support such a bid, and would it be worthwhile? Can you see a future for a floating hotel in Greenwich? And would you be interested in visiting if she was there as a tourist attraction as well as a source of accommodation?

We have set up a poll on our Blogger home page (just look for the Poll symbol or icon on the top right-hand side), so YOU can have you say in the great "Bring Her Home!" debate, indicating whether you think she should return or stay in the hands of her current owners. It's sure to be THE big talking point of the cruise world this year, so make sure you have your say.

And, for the full Captain Greybeard story, see this link.

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Explore The East With Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic have a wonderful 15-day Middle East cruise option this November on their boutique ship Minerva.

Highlights include ancient Egyptian temples on the banks of the River Nile and French colonial architecture in Djibouti. Guests can delve into the maze of souks in Muscat (Oman) - a treasure trove of silver and gold, coffee pots, frankincense and textiles - and, from the port town of Khasab (Oman), visit traditional Bedouin villages before travelling onto the diverse city of Dubai and the historic Bastakiya district.

The Passage to Oman voyage starts from £1,705 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The cruise departs on November 21 from Safaga (Egypt, overnight) and calls at Djibouti, Salalah (Oman), Muscat (overnight), Khasab and Dubai (overnight).

Price of cruise includes return flights from the UK, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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Learn A New Skill At Sea With Swan Hellenic

Want to perfect your handiwork with a paintbrush, get to grips with Tai Chi or learn the art of needlework? Join Swan Hellenic’s recently refurbished ship, MV Minerva, for a 15-day Passage to Oman cruise and try your hand at a new skill.

Passengers on board the Middle Eastern cruise can make the most of the ship’s enhanced facilities during their time at sea and take part in a range of workshops and masterclasses. Tai Chi master Qu Leilei will join passengers on board to teach them the ancient art of body and mind relaxation whilst Sophie Long, who is trained in more than 30 embroidery techniques, will also be hosting fascinating needlework workshops.

The Passage to Oman cruise starts from £1,595 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Safaga (Egypt, overnight) to call at Djibouti, Salalah (Oman), Muscat (Oman, overnight), Khasab (Oman) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates, overnight). The price is based on the November 21 departure. Masterclasses on board other Swan Hellenic cruises can include painting, bridge, writing, singing and wine-tasting.

The price also includes return flights from the UK, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. 

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

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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.

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Southampton's £10million World Cruise Windfall

P&O Cruises will boost the local Southampton economy by some £10million in January as around 6,000 people depart on four world cruises from the South Coast port for the first time.
 
Collectively, the four cruises will visit 148 ports of call and highlights include overnight stays in Buenos Aires, New Orleans, Sydney and Cape Town, as well as scenic cruising in the Amazon, Cape Horn, Beagle Channel and the Amalia Glacier in Patagonia.
 
All four ships will be flying the 175th Anniversary flag as P&O kicks off a full year of celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of the formation of the famous Peninsular Steam Navigation Company.
 
World cruises offer unrivalled value for money with prices for the 2012 itineraries starting at £82 per person per night, including all meals, entertainment and accommodation on board. They are also increasingly seen as the ideal way to travel the world in comfort and style.

The record quartet of 2012 world cruises are:

·        Aurora (pictured, above), 98-night westabout full world circumnavigation, departing January 4
·        Oriana, 97-night eastabout full world circumnavigation, departing January 5
·        Arcadia, 109-night Grand Odyssey, departing January 9

·        Adonia, 87-night South America Grand Adventure, departing January 13
 
A number of cabins are also still available on the full Aurora world cruise, with prices from £8,799 for the 98-night voyage.  A range of shorter sectors of the world cruises are also available and priced from £1,349 for a 17-night voyage from Southampton to Dubai on board Oriana.

For booking details, be sure to check with the UK's leading cruise agent specialist of The Cruise Line Ltd on this link.

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Costa Favolosa Makes Maiden Dubai Call

Costa Cruises opens its sixth consecutive season in the Emirates with the inaugural call in Dubai of the flagship Costa Favolosa, the largest and most advanced ship ever deployed in the region.

From December 16 to April 6, Favolosa will be sailing on seven-night cruises in the exotic seas of the Arabian Gulf, with two days in Dubai, one-day stopovers in Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Khasab (Oman) and ending with a further overnight stay in Dubai. 

The Jewels of the Emirates cruise also has an itinerary reminiscent of A Thousand and One Nights, offering a tantalising mix of past and future, unspoiled oases and stunning futuristic architecture, dune surfing, mosques and skyscrapers.

This year’s route features the additional port call of Khasab, which boasts towering cliffs and deep blue waters. Thanks to the positioning of Favolosa, Costa will make 58 port calls in the United Arab Emirates in winter 2011/2012.

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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Regent Offer Four New Early Winter Voyages

Regent Seven Sea’s free and unlimited shore excursion programme is designed to bring out the best of each destination and provide a carefully considered and safe way to explore off the beaten track destinations. Sailing on the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager, where guests are one of only a few hundred, the line has announced four new cruises taking in the best of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, enabling guests to experience free excursions to some of the world’s holiest and most ancient cities.

The four new itineraries include calls to fascinating ports such as Ephesus, Safaga and Haifa as well as a transit of the Suez Canal and extended overnight stays at Ashdod and Petra, to provide an unforgettable east-meets-west experience. Choose from:

Luxor to Limassol: 8 nights, Nov 12

Calling at Petra (overnight), Sharm El Sheikh, transit Suez Canal, Ashdod (overnight), Haifa, Limassol. Balcony Suite from £ 2,675 per person.

Limassol to Barcelona: 8 nights, Nov 20

Calling at Alanya, Rhodes, Ephesus, Valletta, Barcelona (overnight). Balcony Suite from £2,350 per person.

Barcelona to Ashdod: 8 nights, November 28

Calling at Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Limassol, Haifa, Ashdod (overnight). Balcony Suite from £2,330 per person.

Ashdod to Dubai: 13 nights, Dec 6
Calling at Suez Canal (transit), Luxor (overnight), Petra (overnight), Cruise the Red Sea/Arabian Sea, Salalah (Oman), Port Qaboos (Oman), Dubai. Balcony Suite from £3,343 per person.

As the most all-inclusive luxury cruise line, fares include: free return flights on every cruise (or free Business Class flights on all Med sailings in suites C-MS), free unlimited shore excursions in every port, transfers and government/port taxes, concierge amenities, all fine dining including speciality restaurants, all drinks and beverages including fine wines, selected Champagnes, premium branded soft drinks, all onboard activities, 24-hour room service and in-suite dining.

For more info, visit www.rssc.com or contact the UK's specialist luxury-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.

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