All-inclusive Saga cruises along the Croatian coast from £799

The crystal-clear waters of Croatia’s Adriatic are graced with an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands. Board a vintage-style ship to appreciate their natural beauty and rich history on a choice of two all-inclusive Saga escorted cruises.

Dalmatian Island Explorer

Fly to Dubrovnik and embark on th e30-passenger mv Emanuel (above) to sail along the coast to the peaceful island of Sipan for an overnight stay. Cruise along the Peljesac Peninsula to Korcula where explorer Marco Polo’s family home can be seen among the Venetian architecture.

Adriatic Coastal Explorer

Fly to Split and transfer to Trogir to board 32-passenger mv Amorena. Before setting off on this relaxed cruise, enjoy walk along the seaside promenade which is lined with bars and cafes or view the town’s stunning architecture dating back more than 2,000 years.

Enjoy a leisurely day cruising from Sali to the pretty harbour town of Vodice and the small island of Zlarin. Sail on to Primosten for a walking tour of this picturesque town. Cruise to Split, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Croatia's second biggest city.

Seven nights from £799 (Dalmatian Island Explorer) or from £879 (Adriatic Coastal Explorer) April to October 2015, departing Gatwick (Manchester options for the Adriatic Coastal Explorer). Price includes travel insurance, return flights and transfers, full board, free bar open 11 hours a day, local wines, beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, Saga tour manager.

Extend the Dalmatian Island Explorer cruise with a seven-night stay on the Dubrovnik Riviera from £269 or a seven-night stay in Brac from £249 on the Adriatic Coastal Explorer. 

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Veranda Suite upgrades and exclusive National Cruise Week reduced fares from Seabourn

From 27 September to 13 October 2014 Seabourn will be offering customers complimentary upgrades to Veranda Suites and up to £500 off per person for National Cruise Week.

Complimentary upgrades to a Veranda Suite are included on sailings to destinations including the Adriatic and Greek Isles, the Mediterranean and Istanbul. Seabourn is also offering reduced fares on a range of European itineraries on bookings made on Veranda

Join Seabourn Odyssey on a seven-day Adriatic and Greek Isles cruise-only from £2,999 per person (based on two people sharing a Veranda suite, upgraded free of charge from an Oceanview Suite).

Price includes a seven-day cruise departing from Venice, Triluke Bay (Croatia), Dubrovnik, Kerkira, Nydri, Katakolon and Monemvasia before arriving into Piraeus. Price is based on 29 August 2015 departure.

Price applicable on bookings made between 27 September and 13 October 2014.

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New Island-Hopping Cruises In Croatia

We're always on the lookout for new cruise options here at World of Cruising, and this one definitely caught our eye from regional specialists Transun.

Their new exclusive cruise holiday options are perfect for families looking to escape to the Mediterranean sun as well as couples keen to explore the region’s culture. Croatia specialists for more than 30 years, Transun has uncovered the hidden treasures of the Dalmatian Coast and created carefully selected itineraries. 

Southern Pearls is an intimate cruise of the Adriatic coast and includes a visit to Vis, one of the most remote islands in Croatia. With weekly departures throughout the summer, guests will enjoy taking in a breathtaking new destination each day.

The island-hopping cruise departs from Split or Dubrovnik and takes in destinations including Hvar – where the boat will dock overnight allowing guests to enjoy the renowned nightlife – and Korcula, where centuries of history are encompassed by medieval walls.

The seven-night Southern Pearls package starts from £1,095 per person (based on two people sharing) and includes return flights from a range of selected national airports, transfers, accommodation, breakfast and a guided sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik.

Further highlights of the Croatia cruise holidays available from Transun include:

• Dalmatian Voyage, a relaxing seven-night cruise taking in some of Croatia’s smaller ports of call. 
• Croatia Island Hopping, a seven-night holiday visiting the popular highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, including Mljet, Korcula and Hvar. 

 More info: visit www.transun.co.uk or call 01865 265 200. 

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Orbital Launches Croatia Coastal Cruises

The Dalmatian Coast is looking to be one of the 'hot' destinations of 2014 for its amazing port experiences, plus the stunning shoreline of Croatia and Montenegro. And, with that in mind, Orbital Travel, have announced a new 7-night Dalmatian coastal voyage to its cruise programmes.

The spectacular unspoilt Adriatic coastline boasts more than 1,000 islands, a number of peaceful bays and stunning national parks. This part of the Adriatic, known as the Dalmatian coast, stretches from the northern coast of Croatia all the way to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.

The Orbital cruise begins and ends in the picturesque medieval city of Dubrovnik and showcases the region’s stunning scenery; stopovers include the beautiful islands of Mljet, Korkula, Vis and Hvar, the medieval cities of Sibenik, Trogir and Split, and the beautiful Kotor estuary in Montenegro.

Cruises are on board the MS Belle de l‘Adriatique, which offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere with excellent food and the opportunity to spend free time on board, as well as experiencing the local culture and cuisine. 

Departures are between April and October and prices lead in at £1,325 per person, including flights, transfers and 7 nights all-inclusive on board.

More info: call 0333 123 7147 or visit www.orbitaltravel.co.uk.

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Costa Reveals Debut Season For Diadema

Costa Cruises has unveiled its inaugural cruises for the new Costa Diadema, the fleet’s future flagship that will be delivered by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri on October 30.

The first cruise sailing November 1 will be the classic preview voyage, with three new culturally rich and architecturally beautiful cities included in the itinerary: Trieste, Dubrovnik and Genoa.

The voyage will depart from Trieste with a one-and-a-half-day stopover, while the final port of destination is Genoa, Costa's home city. The ship will also make calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Malta and Naples before reaching its new home port.

Costa Diadema will then undertake three 7-day inaugural cruises in the western Mediterranean, with longer stopovers at Marseille, Barcelona and Savona. The cruises will offer the chance to visit both Florence and Naples, two of Italy’s most popular cities, in a single cruise. The itinerary includes calls at Genoa (only for the first cruise), Marseille, Barcelona, ​​Palma de Mallorca, Naples, La Spezia and Savona.

For the rest of the 2014/15 winter season, the new flagship will leave from Savona on seven-day cruises in the western Med, calling at Marseille, Barcelona, ​​Palma de Mallorca, Naples and La Spezia.

The 132,500-ton Diadema - with 1,862 staterooms - promises to be Costa's most glamorous ship to date, with top quality food, wine and entertainment. The interiors will be even cosier, more spacious and more modern in terms of facilities and layout, with the benefit of large, split-level rooms directly overlooking the sea and conveniently interconnected, thus evoking the atmosphere of a buzzing seaside resort.

Among the many innovations on board are new food and wine tasting treats in the shape of the Vinoteca (wine house), Birreria (beer house), Japanese Teppanyaki, Pizzeria and Gelateria. There will also be new forms of fun and entertainment on board with the Country Rock Club and the Star Laser room, featuring different styles of interactive laser games, including the Laser Maze.

Shopaholics will love the Portobello Market Piazza, the heart of a 1,100sq metre area of designer stores and retail outlets, while the purpose-built Samsara Spa located on the upper decks will offer the chance to enjoy the regenerating experience of a wellness cruise. For those wanting to enjoy the sun, sea and spectacular ocean vistas, the open-air promenade with cabanas is ideal and extends more than 500m. 

More info: call 0800 389 0622 or visit www.costacruises.co.uk.

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Door-to-Door With Fred Olsen

Here's something to add to the New Year 'Inbox' of great cruise incentives as part of the big 'Wave' season of sales - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests on longer-duration 2014/15 cruises a complimentary ‘door-to-door’ transport service.

 

The initiative, which is available on bookings made up to February 28, will be applicable on a selection of 21 longer cruises with Fred. Olsen in 2014/15, for guests who live within 250 miles of the departure port.

Cruise itineraries included in the new ‘Free Door-to-Door Transport’ offer are:

• Braemar’s 22-night ‘Venice & the Beauty of the Adriatic’ cruise, from Southampton on  September 13. Guests on this cruise will stop first in Gibraltar, before moving onto Valletta, Bari, Split, Venice, Ravenna, Dubrovnik, Trapani, Cartagena and Lisbon, before returning to Southampton. Prices start from £1,799 per person.
• Boudicca’s 28-night ‘Empires of the Mediterranean & the Black Sea’ cruise, from Liverpool on  October 11. Leaving Liverpool behind, guests will arrive in Tangier, before cruising onto Valletta, Varna, Odessa, Sevastopol, Istanbul, Izmir, Piraeus, Thira, Catania, Almeria and finally Gibraltar. Prices start from £2,285 per person.

Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Free Door-to-Door Transport’ enhancement is also available on a number of exotic fly-cruises. 

More info:  call 0800 0355 242 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

 

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Even More Med In 2014 From Holland America

Holland America Line’s MS Noordam will sail new Central and Western Mediterranean itineraries next spring and summer to allow for longer voyages, including the introduction of three new 11-day sailing, each with several departures and numerous ‘Collectors’ Voyages’ opportunities.

From April to October, Noordam will sail between Civitavecchia (Rome), and Barcelona or Venice. The new 11-day itineraries feature a combination of calls in Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Tunisia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey. Guests who want a longer holiday can combine two or three back-to-back voyages to form a 22- or 33-day Collectors’ Voyage. These extended itineraries offer a more in-depth cruise and allow for extra time ashore to become immersed in the culture and history of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Explorer

Departing April 4, May 18, July 1 and August  14, the voyage sails from Barcelona to Civitavecchia. The cruise begins with an overnight at Barcelona and continues on to Marseille, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Calvi, Corsica, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), La Goulette (Tunis), Palermo and Naples. From £1,149 per person, cruise only.

Adriatic Dream

This itinerary departs April 15, May 29, July 12 and August 25 from Civitavecchia and sails to Venice, where guests enjoy an overnight stay before disembarking. Along the route the ship calls at Messina, Sicily, after scenic cruising along the Strait of Messina taking in Malta, Argostolion and Kerkira (Corfu), Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula and Split. From £1,149 per person, cruise only.

Mediterranean Dream

This cruise departs April 26, June 9, July 23 and September 5 from Venice and sails to Civitavecchia. This itinerary features six calls throughout the beautiful Greek Isles, including Katakolon (Olympia), Navplion, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. The ship also calls at Kusadasi, Turkey, and Naples, Italy. From £1,149 per person, cruise only.

Venetian Adventure

This September 16 voyage sails round-trip Civitavecchia with an overnight at Venice. The ship also calls at Messina after scenic cruising along the Strait of Messina, Valletta, Kotor, Split, Dubrovnik and Kerkira (Corfu). From £1,399 per person, cruise only.

 

More info: call 0843 374 2300 or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk.

  

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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.

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Seadream's Spectacular Summer Specials

True luxury all-inclusive line SeaDream Yacht Club has announced the introduction of exceptional new fares applying to a selection of five Mediterranean voyages in July and August – an ideal opportunity for those wishing to try the SeaDream experience for the first time.

The five, 7-night voyages offering these stunning fares - representing up to 65% savings on the standard published fares - are as follows:

• 27 July: sailing aboard SeaDream II from Venice-Dubrovnik, from only £2,750 per person
• 3 August: sailing aboard SeaDream I from Athens round-trip, from only £2,419 per person
• 3 August: sailing aboard SeaDream II from Dubrovnik-Rome, from only £2,750 per person
• 10 August: sailing aboard SeaDream I from Athens-Istanbul, from only £2,750 per person
• 10 August: sailing aboard SeaDream II from Rome round-trip, from only £2,750 per person

All the voyage-only fares quoted above are based on 2 people sharing a Yacht Club Deck 2 sea-view stateroom, and include: accommodation, all meals on board, complimentary champagne and open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, together with gratuities, use of recreational and water sports toys (subject to local conditions) and Government, port and handling fees. Must be booked this week.

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

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Discover Eastern Med With MSC

Dive into the soul of Eastern Mediterranean civilisation and embark on an historical journey onboard MSC Armonia – from £599pp incl. flights

This summer, MSC Cruises' MSC Armonia will be sailing through the heart of the Mediterranean, uncovering historical and architectural treasures from Italy, Greece and Croatia, the birth place of western civilisation, and following in the footsteps of the great philosophers and builders of empire. Even better, this seven-night cruise starts from just £599 per person, including flights from London.

Between June 7 and November 1, Armonia set off from Venice on this eastern Med odyssey, calling in Ancona (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Gythion and Kefalonia (Greece) and Kotor in Montenegro.

In addition to the many historical and cultural day trips on offer, MSC has also launched a new shore excursion to the beautiful small town of Medjugorje, the site of numerous Christian pilgrimages since 1981 when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to six local Catholics. This is possible thanks to an extra-long call in Dubrovnik each Sunday, with Medjugorje situated in the Herzegovina region near the Croatian border.

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

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Singles Save With Star Clippers

Tall-ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering savings of up to £500 per person for solo travellers booking a double cabin (for single occupancy) on a choice of two escorted art-themed cruises in the Mediterranean in 2013. Guests on the two sailings can enjoy art tuition and the company of like-minded aspiring artists in some of the most beautiful settings of the Mediterranean: the French and Italian Rivieras in April or the coast of Croatia in September.

A cruise on Star Clippers’ graceful tall ships is the perfect holiday for single travellers, due to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere on board. The al fresco Tropical Bar is the ideal place to chat to fellow guests while watching the scenery drift by. Meals are informal, with open seating and the opportunity to sit with other guests, so nobody has to dine alone unless they want to.

On the Art Afloat voyages, the group will have the opportunity to attend daily workshops and spend time sketching and painting ashore together, creating an ideal environment for spending time with people with a shared interest.

Each cruise is escorted by Suffolk-born Richard Nichols, a successful artist who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes. Richard will run workshops covering everything from sketching to watercolours, aimed at all levels of experience and helping artists to capture the dazzling turquoise of the sea along the Croatian coast, the texture of a cream sail filled with wind, or the ochres and terracottas of the houses lining the chic little bay of Portofino.

Included in the cruise price is a special lightweight artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment.

The ‘Art Afloat’ cruises are:

Monaco round-trip on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing April 27, and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerici and Santa Margarita (for Portofino). From £2,199 per person including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, sole occupancy of a double cabin, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. Saving: £170 per person.

Venice round-trip on Royal Clipper, eight nights, departing September 27, and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran, with a night in Venice before the cruise. From £2,399 per person including flights to Venice, transfers, one night’s B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, sole occupancy of a double cabin, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. Saving: £500 per person.

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

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Bag A Med Bargain With Holland America

Holland America Line is offering a fabulous 12-night ‘Mediterranean Romance’ fly-cruise from just £949 per person this autumn. Departing from Venice on October 17, the voyage combines the glamour of Italy’s coast with the history of Croatia and the Greek islands.

This cruise onboard Nieuw Amsterdam starts with an overnight stay in Venice, where guests can enjoy the value of visiting one of the world’s most expensive cities without having to book a hotel or dine ashore! The scenic cruise then continues to the walled city of Dubrovnik, beautiful Corfu, Cephalonia in Greece (where the haunting tale of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was set), and spectacular Santorini, with its “white town” Thira on the summit. It then sails to Catania in Sicily, Naples and the wonders of city of Rome from the port of Civitavecchia before offering guests the chance to tour Florence or Pisa from Livorno. The cruise ends in Barcelona, city of Gaudi and Picasso.

This bargain offer is based on two people sharing an inside stateroom and includes 12 nights’ full board accommodation, scheduled return flights from London Heathrow and return transfers. 

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

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Norwegian's September Bonus

Guests booking with Norwegian Cruise Line this month will automatically receive up to $500 per stateroom to spend on board as part of a special autumn promotion. The offer is valid when a European or Transatlantic cruise of three nights or more is booked by September 30 for travel from April 2013-2014.

Once on board, guests can redeem this credit against a range of experiences which could include luxurious treatments in the ships’ spas, or shore excursions which give guests the chance to explore ports of call during their trip. 

Speciality restaurant dining is another way guests can choose to use their onboard credit as Norwegian’s ships have a choice of up to 28 dining options with eateries including the impressive Teppenyaki, Cagney’s American steakhouse, authentic French and Italian or the Brazilian Churrascaria where meat is served by tableside passadors.

Itineraries included in the offer range from Transatlantic crossings to Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Canary Islands and Baltics sailings on five Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Itineraries in the offer include: 

• A seven-night Venice and Aegean Sea fly-cruise on Norwegian Jade. Departing various dates from May-October 2013, sailing from Venice and calling at Dubrovnik, Piraeus (for Athens), Izmir (for Ephesus) and Split. Priced from £904pp based on a May 11 departure. 
• A seven-night Western Mediterranean fly-cruise on Norwegian Epic. Departing various dates between May and October, sailing from Barcelona and calling at Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Cannes and Marseille. Priced from £949pp, based on departures October 6 and 13. 
• A nine-night Baltic Capitals from Copenhagen fly-cruise on Norwegian Star. Departing various dates between May and September 2013, from Copenhagen to Warnemünde (for Berlin), Tallinn, St. Petersburg (overnight), Helsinki and Stockholm. Priced from £1,214pp based on May 7 and 16 departures. 
• An eight-night Transatlantic cruise on board the brand new Norwegian Breakaway. Departing on April 30 from Southampton and arriving in New York City. Priced from £1036pp.   

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

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New Sampler Cruises From Oceania

Oceania Cruises is offering two new 'taster' cruises on board the company’s brand new mid-sized, luxury cruise ship Riviera. 

The six-night sailings, which depart on November3 and 9, cost from £1,026 per person, and include a $300 shipboard credit per stateroom, free return UK flights, all meals, soft drinks and bottled water. In addition, the first 20 bookings made will receive a free upgrade from a Veranda stateroom to a Concierge Level Veranda, which includes complimentary champagne on arrival and free use of the exclusive Concierge Lounge. 

By offering the two new shorter sailings, the company is providing first-time cruisers and those who haven’t previously experienced the high-quality Oceania fleet the opportunity to sample the company’s legendary cuisine, to take a cookery lesson in the only hands-on cookery school at sea, enjoy complimentary crafts and digital photography courses in the `Artist’s Loft’, food and wine pairing and tastings in La Reserve wine-tasting centre or the opportunity to relax in the Canyon Ranch Spa. 

The first of the taster cruises embarks with an overnight stay in Venice and calls into Dubrovnik, Corfu, Messina, Sorrento and Capri before arriving into Civitavecchia on November 9. The second sector embarks in Civitavecchia and calls into Livorno for Florence and Pisa, then Monte Carlo, Marseille and Barcelona, where guests disembark on November 15 after a full day and overnight in the city. 

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

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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.  

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Try A Great Late Med Break

Looking for a great-value and educational holiday taking in the highlights of the Mediterranean? Join Voyages of Discovery’s MV Discovery for a cultural voyage from just £1,399 per person this autumn.

Guests onboard the Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey cruise can explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town (Croatia) before heading to the contrasting sheer mountains and picturesque villages of Kotor (Montenegro) and Katakolon (Greece), the gateway to ancient Greece and ideal for history enthusiasts.

That is followed by a visit to the birthplace of civilisation – Athens – as the ship calls into Piraeus. Passengers will be accompanied by experienced historian, Brigadier Mike Shaw, and anthropologist Anne-Marie Harrison, to bring the destinations to life. 

The Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey departs from Dubrovnik on October 5 and also calls at Pula (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Koper (Slovenia), Hvar (Croatia), Durres (Albania), Itea (Greece), Canakkale (Turkey) and Istanbul (overnight).

The price includes flights from a major UK airport, transfers, all onboard 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 leading cruise-agent experts.

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Make July A Cunard Month

July is the month to secure a stateroom on one of Cunard’s three classic ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, with exceptional fares available for those who still have not made their holiday plans for 2012.

Available voyages with great fares available are:

• Queen Victoria departs Southampton on September 13 for a 20-night ‘Black Sea and Turkish Splendours’ voyage which takes in highlights such as the evocative Potemkin Steps in Odessa and includes an overnight stay in Istanbul, allowing plenty of time to explore the city’s treasures such as the Blue Mosque and St Sophia. Fares start from £1,599 per person for an inside stateroom with balcony staterooms from £1,999.
• Queen Elizabeth heads to the Med on August 28 to take up her maiden ‘fly-voyage’ season. This nine-night ‘Mediterranean Memories’ voyage calls at Cadiz, Palma, Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Livorno before guests disembark in Civitavecchia the port for Rome) and fly home. Inside staterooms are available for £799 per person, outside staterooms from £849, while balconies can be obtained for £949.
• Queen Victoria's 16-night ‘Adriatic Discovery’ departs Southampton on October 3 and offers spectacular landscapes including Split, Venice and Dubrovnik, with fares from £1,299 per person. 
• Join the iconic Queen Mary 2 in Southampton on September 4 and sail for Vigo, Lisbon, Valencia and Barcelona aboard the ship that still turns heads. Ten-night fares for a balcony room with a grandstand view are from £1,049 per person.

Or, for those who can’t bear the start of winter, Queen Victoria offers a temporary escape with her 23-night ‘Grand Caribbean Discovery’. After leaving a dark Southampton behind, guests will bask under azure Caribbean skies in ports such as St Maarten, St Kitts, Grenada and Barbados. Outside staterooms are available for an amazing £2,099 per person while balconies can be enjoyed for £2,399.

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

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Swan Hellenic's Grand Med Voyage

Join Swan Hellenic’s MV Minerva for a 29-day 'Grand Mediterranean and Adriatic' cruise from just £3,382 per person in August (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) – that’s little more than £100 per person per day.

This epic voyage explores the genuine highlights of the Mediterranean in the height of summer whilst visiting more than 20 different ports of call, including La Coruna, Valletta and Kotor, all with the benefit an ex-UK departure and the benefit of packing and unpacking only once!

The cruise sets sail from Portsmouth on August 1 and calls at St Peter Port (Guernsey), La Coruna (Spain), Oporto (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Palma (Majorca), Cagliari (Italy), Trapani (Italy), Valletta (Malta, overnight), Dubrovnik (Croatia, overnight), Korcula (Croatia), Split (Croatia), Trieste (Italy), Venice (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Kotor (Croatia, overnight), Sarande (Albania), Itea (Greece) and Piraeus (Greece, overnight).

The price includes a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent guest speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes.
 

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

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Norwegian's New Sports TV

This year promises to be epic one for sport and Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a new TV channel on board – SPORT 24 – showing major sporting events on all four of their ships sailing in Europe, Norwegian Epic, Jade, Sun and Spirit.

The action includes UEFA's Euro 2012 Championships from Poland and the Ukraine, London's Olympic Games, 2012 the Ryder Cup in October, the annual Wimbledon tennis championships, Formula One races and more.*

Sailings showing sporting events through SPORT 24 include:
 

• A seven-night Western Mediterranean from Barcelona voyage on board Norwegian Epic. Travelling: day at sea, Naples (for Pompeii), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Livorno (for Florence/Pisa) and Cannes (France). Price from £909 per person for a June 10 departure from London Heathrow based on two people sharing an inside stateroom.

• A seven-night Greek Isles from Venice cruise on board Norwegian Jade. Travelling: day at sea, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Katakolon (for Olympia), day at sea. Price from £829 per person for a June 9 departure from London Gatwick based on two people sharing an inside stateroom.

• A seven-night Adriatic, Greece & Turkey from Venice cruise on Norwegian Jade. Travelling: Dubrovnik, day at sea, Piraeus (for Athens), Izmir (for Ephesus), day at sea and Split. Price from £829 per person for a June 16 departure from London Gatwick based on two people sharing an inside stateroom.

*The SPORT 24 detailed programme schedule will be published shortly and is subject to change. Permission to broadcast and use trademarks has been granted by IMG Sports Media. Limitations may apply whilst in port.

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

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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