Orbital Travel Expands Nile Fleet

The River Nile continues to be an overlooked travel destination this year with so much focus at the moment on all the new river-cruise ships in Europe (and yesterday's announcement of super-model Twiggy as godmother to the new Emerald Waterways - see this link!), but Orbital Travel are determined to remedy that. The luxury travel specialists have just added the five-star MS Royal Esadora to their Nile cruise programme, bringing their array of offerings on the great river to five. The Royal Esadora was launched in March 2006 and completely renovated in 2009. This modern, stylish Nile cruiser also offers funky surroundings and guestrooms with contemporary spacious interiors. Facilities include a large sundeck with bar, large swimming pool and Jacuzzi. There are two restaurants on board, one being a buffet style with international cuisine, and the other being slightly smaller offering an à la carte menu. Royal Esadora has 62 cabins with foursuites with large picture windows and Juliet balconies from which to admire the unfolding scenery. Prices for a 7-night cruise lead in at £659 per person on Full Board and £719 per person on All Inclusive. The cruise includes 7 nights’ accommodation (upper/middle deck cabin), flights, transfers and 12 excursions escorted by a qualified Egyptologist. Orbital Travel also offers four other 5-star Nile cruisers, namely the MS Monica, the Domina Prestige, the HS Nile Vision and the MS Mayfair. More info: call 0333 123 7147 or visit www.orbitaltravel.co.uk. The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Sailing with the Pharaohs

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Cruising in style and luxury with the ambience of a bygone age is a delight to be experienced as much as possible. The late 19th century aristocracy of Europe would partake in cruising along the ancient splendours of the Nile Valley in their private ‘Dahabiyyas,’ beautifully crafted wooden sailing vessels that presented the might of the Pharaohs from the vantage point of elegant convenience. Now Bales Worldwide have recreated those halcyon days with their best-selling itinerary.

Travelling with a small select group, you can witness the ancient treasures of Egypt up close and in a manner thought lost forever by discerning travellers. Avoiding the crowds you have the advantage of an expert guide on hand to enlighten you along the way.

Completing the entire journey between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) by boat also provides the opportunity to truly relax, with 7 nights onboard to fully appreciate this classic journey. The cruise will operate either from Luxor to Aswan or in the reverse direction. You will be booked on one of the 4 exclusive Dahabiyyas to Bales: Amber, Musk, Nesma and Zahra. All the Dahabiyyas are identical with the exception of the décor.

The company also offers luxury holidays to more than 50 countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, Ecuador & the Galapagos islands, India, Jordan, Peru and Tanzania. These can be a select journey where you have local guides or a tailor-made holiday of your making.

You can find out more at http://www.balesworldwide.com/

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.