The rivers are alive with The Sound of Music

Saga’s Salzburg and the beautiful Wachau Valley river cruise features a two-night hotel stay in the musical city of Salzburg to ensure guests have time for a few of their ‘favourite things’ during the special anniversary year of The Sound of Music.

The city offers much more, too, with the magnificent cathedral and narrow lanes lined with burgher's houses, cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart and his former home can be found on Getreidegasse.

The cruise will visit  Vienna where in the evening guests can enjoy an optional after-dinner concert in the heart of the city featuring works by Mozart or Strauss.

10 nights from £1,498 departing Heathrow (with local flight options from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich) to Munich on 23 April and 21 October 2015. Extend the holiday by two nights in Vienna from £249.

The cruise is exclusive to Saga passengers and the price includes UK travel service, two nights in hotel, all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on the ship, welcome cocktail party, entertainment and activities on the ship, two excursions, all gratuities, porterage and travel insurance.

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Crystal Offer Free Regional Flights

Crystal Cruises is making ultra-luxury cruising even more affordable with the offer of complimentary regional flights from selected airports on all of its 2014 European voyages when booked by February 28. 

These free regional flights are available from Aberdeen, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle with the purchase of Crystal’s regular fly/cruise package. These flights are in addition to the flights from London that are included in all European fly/cruise packages. 

About Crystal Cruises: In 2014, the 922-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the freshly re-firbished 1,070-guest, 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity (above) cruise through the Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Black Sea, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, British Isles, Baltic Sea, Arctic Circle and New England/Canada. 

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

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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Three Cruise Lines, Three Round-Britain Cruises!

Here's a great trio of alternatives for the increasingly popular round-Britain cruises that many lines are now offering. They obviously all come with the benefit of no flights involved, and take in some fabulous parts of the United Kingdom. Here's what they say...

Voyages of Discovery

Departing from Portsmouth, discover the history, heritage and tradition of the British Isles. Around the shores of this island nation, discover stunning landscapes that inspired celebrated artists, and those that played starring roles in stirring epics. Set foot in atmospheric castles that hosted legendary figures, and stately homes where literary heroes penned immortal words. Turn the pages on Britain’s Royal story peopled by famous monarchs, and through great abbeys and cherished cathedrals trace the power of the church.

The 14-day National Treasures of the British Isles departs May 4 and costs from £1,939 per person. 

More info: call 0844 334 8389 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.

Swan Hellenic

Travel from Portsmouth to Edinburgh, Scotland’s dynamic capital, and explore this historic city. Visit Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Hopetoun, Scotland’s finest stately home. Sail to the Caithness port of Scrabster to stand on the most northerly point of mainland Britain at Dunnet Head overlooking the Pentland Firth. Follow Bonnie Prince Charlie as he escaped over the sea to Skye and visit Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, built on a rock in an idyllic loch-side setting. Enjoy inspirational scenic cruising as Minerva cruises off the west coast of Scotland, passing islands, glens and bays – including the tiny island of Staffa – en route to Oban, and then on to Liverpool.

This 15-day Treasures of the British Isles cruise departs July 1 and costs from £2,470 per person. 

More info: call 0844 488 0716 or visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Hebridean Island Cruises

A voyage into the unknown - join Hebridean Princess on the annual ‘Surprise’ cruise where the Captain will decide the itinerary. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Scotland’s west coast and Hebridean islands as the Captain decides on the itinerary day by day. While the itinerary is unknown, the level of comfort and service on board  is assured. The cruise departs from Oban with only 50 guests, fine food and wine with spacious, elegant well-appointed cabins

The 7-night An Island Surprise voyage departs April 1 and costs from £2,660 per person. 
More Info: call 01756 704 700 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk.

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Silversea Add Belfast To UK Flight Programme

Award-winning Silversea has announced Belfast as the latest UK route to be added to its extensive flight programme. The luxury line will introduce the new route to all of its worldwide voyages, with Belfast also included in the complimentary return economy air programme on selected voyages for the remainder of 2012 and 2013.

Silversea maintains relationships with most international carriers to ensure the best airfares and schedules are available to its guests, offering complimentary economy air on 95% of all voyages. Guests can also take advantage of Silversea’s attractive upgrade rates to Business and First Class.

With all-suite accommodations, butler service and all-inclusive indulgences such as gourmet cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux, Silversea offers itineraries to the most vibrant and intriguing of destinations while its smaller ships allow access to rarely-seen harbours off the beaten track and can also dock right in the heart of a city rather than anchoring offshore, allowing guests more time to explore.

Belfast will be the ninth air city in the Silversea UK Air Programme, adding to Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

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

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Crystal Tee Off For Top European Golf

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 of Europe’s most spectacular championship golf courses for exclusive, luxury play during two limited-access “Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises this summer.

Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travellers can tee off in Spain, Portugal and Monaco during Crystal Serenity’s 13th July voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s 25th August sailing.

Courses include:

Edinburgh/Rosyth
· Gleneagles King’s and Queen’s Courses: Overnighting allows for rounds on two aristocratic moorland links.

Barcelona
· Real Club de Golf El Prat: One of Spain’s most exclusive courses, designed by Greg Norman.
· Club de Golf Masia Bach: Challenging and contemporary 18 holes designed by José Maria Olazábal.

Monte Carlo
· Monte Carlo Golf Club: Inaugural Crystal club features sweeping Mediterranean Sea views.

Valencia
· El Saler Golf Course: Pine forests and sea flank this site of several Spanish Opens.

Cádiz
· Valderrama: Voted the 15th Best International Course by Celebrated Living readers.

Belfast
· Royal Belfast Golf Club: Ireland’s oldest fairway, with Belfast Lough and Antrim plateau views.

Lisbon
· Penha Longa Golf Course: This mountainous course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior, is considered one of the European circuit’s best.

Dublin
· Kildare Hotel & Country Club: Inland links designed by Arnold Palmer.

Boutique excursions offer socialising during warm-up refreshments, games, lunch and “19th hole” cocktails in legendary private clubhouses, with Crystal also arranging round-trip transportation, team-pairing, carts and caddies (where available) and club and shoe cleaning and storage. 

 

Shoreside activities are complemented by a host of onboard offerings, including parties, awards, golf clinics with PGA pro John Clark, TaylorMade clubs, putting green and two driving ranges for practice-at-sea. Billy Casper will also play and mingle with guests, as well as provide tips and presentations.

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

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Hurtigruten Brings The Northern Lights Even Closer

For many, seeing the Northern Lights is a ‘must do’ on their wish list and, thanks to Norwegian cruise specialist Hurtigruten, it just got even easier for anyone in northern England and Scotland to fulfill this once-in-a-lifetime dream.

Direct flights from Leeds Bradford and Edinburgh are now featured for the first time, plus an additional Manchester date due to the sell-out success of the original date on March 5.

The flights to Bergen tie in with a 12-day cruise along the Norwegian Fjords, where the Northern Lights are regularly spotted during the winter months.

This is the first time Hurtigruten has offered cruises with flights direct from Leeds Bradford or Edinburgh.

The cruise is a 12-day voyage from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the far north of Norway, just a few miles from the Russian boarder. The ship will call at 34 ports along the way, most of which are never visited by the larger cruise liners.

There is simply no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway. It is also widely reported this winter is expected to be one of the best years for solar activity and therefore spotting the Lights.

In addition, throughout the 12 days, a wide range of winter activities can be enjoyed, with everything from snowmobiling and husky dog-sledding to a trip to the North Cape or a Lofotor Viking feast.

Choose from:

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE – LEEDS BRADFORD – 25 January from £1199 per person including direct return flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Bergen, 11 nights full board on the ship, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing.

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE – EDINBURGH – 5 February from £1369 per person including direct return flights from Edinburgh Airport to Bergen, 11 nights full board on the ship, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing.

CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE – MANCHESTER – 16 February from £1369 per person including direct return flights from Manchester Airport to Bergen, 11 night’s full board on the ship, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or the UK's leading adventure-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Hurtigruten's New Voyages for 2012/13

Fancy exploring the rarely visited North East Greenland National Park, the largest in the world and yet the least visited with approximately 500 visitors each year? Or how about exploring Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland? Or why not experience an Equator Baptism by King Neptune on a cross-hemispheric journey from the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires?

All this and much more is possible with Hurtigruten whose latest dedicated programme of Explorer Voyages for 2012/13 in Spitsbergen, Greenland, Antarctica and Europe features new itineraries, experiences and the chance to visit some of the most remote places in the world.

New itineraries introduced, all on board MS Fram, include:

National Park Expedition - This voyage takes in three Arctic islands, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. Seven days are spent within the North-East Greenland National Park, which is the largest in the world and the least visited, with approximately 500 visitors each year. It is one of the most isolated places on earth, and hikes, small boat trips, lectures and briefings can all be enjoyed. A day is spent at Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland, and the trappers living here are the only ones allowed to hunt within the National Park. The 14-day voyage from Spitsbergen to Greenland and then on to Iceland departs on September 6, 2012, in the Arctic autumn and before the winter closes in and makes this corner of the planet uninhabitable. Prices are from £4535pp full board, cruise only.

Trans-Atlantic Crossing – This is a completely different, cross-hemispheric offering from Hurtigruten and the first time it has been offered travelling south. This is the main leg of MS Fram’s winter repositioning journey from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires. With the famous Equator Baptism by King Neptune and his wife for those crossing the Equator for the first time and BBQs on deck, this voyage is all about enjoying life on the ocean wave in a relaxed atmosphere with the ship's crew. The 19-day voyage departs on October 14, 2012, and is priced from £1,292pp full board, cruise only. Just £68 per day.

Autumn Adventure – This new eight-day North Atlantic Islands voyage begins in Reykjavik, Iceland, and sets off across the North Sea toward Torshavn on one of the 18 Faroe Islands and one of the smallest capitals in the world. Next stop is Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, by far the northernmost town in Scotland and Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, with a population of just 8,500. The voyage also calls at Leith/Edinburgh before crossing the North Sea to Bergen. Departing on September 19, 2012, it costs from £872pp full board, cruise only.

Hurtigruten has also doubled the number of departures on its most popular Antarctica voyage, The Classic Expedition’ For 2012/13, there are now six departures. New International Maritime Authority (IMA) fuel rules ban the use of heavy fuel oils from use and carriage from August 1. MS Fram uses Marine Gas Oil (MGO) rather than the heavy fuel oils used by some other ships. A 10-day Classic Expedition costs from £3,443pp, including flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back, full board.

For more info, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Crystal's 2012 Programme Now on Sale

Crystal Cruises’ exciting line up of 2012 worldwide itineraries is now on sale with free return flights available on ALL sailings. Plus, as of Spring 2012, all cruises on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will include FREE fine wines and premium spirits in all restaurants, open bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

The complimentary gratuity amenity includes butler service and service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar.

In 2012, Crystal will offer 68 global itineraries onboard their award-winning duo, including:

A 94-night “Epic Islands and Empires” Pacific Rim World Cruise through Hawaii, the South Pacific, eastern and western Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia and San Francisco, including a three-day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing; a maiden call in Newcastle, Australia; and a return to South Korea for the first time since 1994.

Christmas/New Year cruises in Australia/New Zealand; an expanded collection of Mediterranean itineraries, including late Autumn options; and more Baltic and Northern European cruises; more seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean and New England/Canada, as well as a seven-night voyage during Thanksgiving through the Mexican Riviera; and transatlantic cruises from New York to Dover and Miami to Lisbon, which can be combined with European cruises.

There will also be more overnight stays in destinations including Ashdod, Reykjavik, Odessa, Honfleur, Hamburg, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Venice, Sorrento and Bordeaux as well as destinations throughout Asia, Australia and South America.

2012 prices start from just £2,336 per person based on a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Rome departing 8th April. Price includes free return flights from the UK, transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis to include all meals, drinks and gratuities plus port taxes.

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

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Cruise From Edinburgh to Tromso

You can now take a cruise aboard the MS Expedition with Noble Caledonia from Edinburgh to Tromso from May 8-19.

The voyage begins on the east coast of Scotland in the port of Leith. From there, the journey continues to the remote Shetland Islands and then the Norwegian fjords, among the most spectacular scenery in the world.

With just over 100 fellow passengers, you can enjoy the beauty of this region in small groups and from aboard a small, friendly ship. With the ideally suited vessel, you will navigate narrow fjords and get close to immense glaciers (above), avoiding the route of big cruise ships wherever possible. Many of the ports of call are tranquil hamlets or small communities and they make for fascinating alternatives with their unique lifestyles.

Amongst the places visited are Lerwick, Rosendal, Sognefjorden and Naeroyfjorden (above).

At Flam, you embark on one of the most dramatic train rides in Europe. The Flâm Railway is only 20 kilometres long but a masterpiece of engineering. The train climbs up from sea-level to 867 metres during these 20km, crossing back and forth across rivers and through 20 tunnels.

Crossing the Arctic Circle, you arrive in the Lofoten Archipelago, an enchanting area of picturesque villages with jagged granite mountain peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. A spot of whale-watching is thrown in before reaching Tromso.

Prices, per person based on double occupancy, start from £2995 and include 11 nights on MS Expedition on full board, transfers as stated in itinerary, expedition team, port taxes, shore excursions, scheduled flight from Tromso to London and airport tax.

Also available from May 19-30 is the reverse itinerary heading south from Tromso to Edinburgh.

For more details, visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk or the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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