New Issue Out Next Week!

There's a real river cruising extravaganza in store for the second edition of World of Cruising magazine for 2014, which is due out next week. 

There is an unprecedented array of new ships, itineraries and even a brand new cruise line, Emerald Waterways, on the rivers of Europe this spring, and we are reflecting all of that in our extensive News and feature coverage, as well as something a bit further afield.

Our Cover Story is a look at the growing range and style of UK tour specialists Titan Travel in conjunction with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, while we also look at life in the slow lane with the deluxe manner of European Waterways in Burgundy.

To complete our triumvirate of river-going opulence, Contributing Editor Gary Buchanan heads to Kerala in India to sample the sumptuous style of Oberoi Resorts aboard their five-star Oberoi Vrinda river vessel.

But that is only the start of our latest journey in the wide World of Cruising. We have some big-ship offerings, too, with the likes of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Getaway and the forthcoming Regal Princess of Princess Cruises plus a look at the varied luxury realm of Silversea Cruises on their 20th anniversary and the tempting cuisine of Azamara Club Cruises.

For destinations, we visit Turkey, St Maarten, Costa Rica and, by way of complete contrast, the Arctic, for a preview of this summer’s Polar cruising season.

All our regular features are back, of course, with a look at Life On Board, the CLIA View, Sea Social Media and columnists like Captain Greybeard, The Cruise Guy, Cruise Radio and Silver Travel Advisor.

And there’s our essential World of Spas section, with news of a wonderful tie-up between Celebrity Cruises and the Canyon Ranch spa group, as well as our fab Beauty File.

Once again, it all adds up to a thoroughly memorable voyage, both sea-going and river-borne, so step up the gangway and prepare to set sail… 

To subscribe to World of Cruising magazine, with six issues a year plus an annual Cruise Directory in December, see this link.

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.

Europa 2 In Focus

Europa 2 was the signature luxury cruise feature in our new-look Jan/Feb issue (see more at www.worldofcruising.co.uk) and the new-in-2013 ship is already being hailed as THE most luxurious vessel on the high seas anywhere.

 

Contributing editor Gary Buchanan highlighted all the many amenities and services aboard as "improving upon perfection," and the German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises clearly have a unique and impressive product on their hands.

 

Previously, Hapag-Lloyd have marketed primarily to the German-speaking market, with a handful of 'international' voyages aboard their deluxe fleet. But now they are looking to make Europa 2 (including its amazing Cooking School facility - above) a truly international vessel - and they have just announced a range of special offers to prove it.

 

Here is what they are offering: 

 

From Hamburg to Southampton – Taster Cruise

June 23; 2 nights, from £840 per person, cruise only (Guaranteed Veranda/Ocean Suite cat. 0).

 

From Southampton to Barcelona – Business Class flights with British Airways from Barcelona to London Gatwick are included.

June 25,;10 nights, via La Coruna, Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga and Valencia, from £3,990 per person (Guaranteed Veranda/Ocean Suite cat. 0).

 

From Valletta to Valletta - Business Class return flights with British Airways from/to London Gatwick to/from Malta are included.

August 16; 14 nights, via Sarande (Butrint)/Albania, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj, Venice, Ravenna, Split, Korcula, Kotor and Otranto, from £5,790 per person (Guaranteed Veranda/Ocean Suite cat. 0).

 

More info: call +49 40 3001-4580 or visit www.hl-cruises.com.

 

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!

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.

Happy New Cruise Year!

By Editor Simon Veness

It's a very Happy New Year to cruise-goers everywhere, and a great new year to be looking forward to, with six new ocean-going ships, a whole bevy of new river-cruise vessels and numerous other milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal.

And it's a very big year for us at World of Cruising, too. With new owners and a new-look magazine set to debut this month, we are ready to take our market-leading coverage to whole new levels in 2014.

Not only do we jump from four to six issues a year, but we also have new art and design, new features, columnists, destinations and ways to be involved. We will continue to provide the best coverage, but we will also be sharper, smarter and more user-friendly.

Regular readers will still get to enjoy award-winning writers like Gary Buchanan, John Honeywell (aka Captain Greybeard), Jo Foley, Andrew Maclear and others - confirming World of Cruising as THE experts in the field of cruising and cruise ships of all types - but we will also be adding new features from the likes of Andy Harmer (the Director of CLIA UK), Sue Parker and Silver Travel Advisor, as well as great new destination features like Three Of A Kind and Where Next.

You will also see more focus on the three main areas of Ocean, River and Adventure cruising, plus a new-look World of Spas section sponsored by Champneys resorts and spas. 

Our January issue also boasts our essential - and exclusive - Cruise Planner, with a ship-by-ship look at ALL the choices of the various cruise lines worldwide. Others have tried to copy our unique formula for providing an at-a-glance guide to the immense array of options on offer, but only World of Cruising has the tried and trusted, reader-approved method.

So, if you're looking to set sail in 2014, whether for the first time or the 100th (!), be sure to check out all the details, advice and info with us first. And you'll be sure of a VERY happy New Year!

PS: If you like our New Year photo, be sure to see more at Tech Beasts!

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.

Summer Edition Now Here!

Our feature-packed Summer issue is now back from the printer's and going to distribution, so our subscribers can afford to sit back and await the arrival of the latest edition of Europe's leading cruise publication.

Providing our Cover Story this summer is a look at the majestic Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam as Lauren Price takes a memorable journey with AMA Waterways.

From there, we go cruising in the luxury style of Regent Seven Seas as Gary Buchanan provides a look inside their Seven Seas Mariner. For more deluxe sailing, we also have the Zodiac Approach from Steve Newman, looking at how the upmarket adventure-cruise lines provide their up-close encounters.

Next there are destination features of Iceland - a cruise spot that is capturing a lot of attention - and Mauritius, while we also head for the Panama Canal, with an in-depth look at a typical round-trip voyage to this amazing engineering feat in Central America.

For our usual ship features, we take readers on board the new MSC Preziosa of MSC Cruises and the classic traditional liner Saga Ruby in her farewell season for Saga Cruises.There is also a special feature by Carol Wright on how the different lines look after passengers both Pre- and Post-Cruise, with some great tips for maximising your cruise enjoyment.

Of course, there is our essential World of Spas section, which in this issue takes a look at the fabulous Canyon Ranch Spa Club aboard the Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line, as well as the latest news from spas worldwide.

And our regular columnists have plenty of say, with Captain Greybeard offering thoughts on Azamara Club Cruises; Cruise Radio looking at the new Norwegian Breakaway; Stewart Chiron, aka The Cruise Guy, examining issues involved with staying connected at sea; and The Admiral getting wistful about travel in a bygone age.

Then there are our usual contributions from our readers on the Letters page, and our unequalled News pages, with stories on all the latest cruise launches from the likes of Viking River Cruises, CroisiEurope, Princess Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd, as well as forthcoming new lines Viking Ocean Cruises and Pearl Seas Cruises.

As ever, it all adds up to the best read on the high seas, for a bargain price and with the best style. And, if you haven't subscribed yet (what's keeping you!), just follow this link.

Happy cruising now...!

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.

World Of Cruising To Be Official Magazine For 2016 Olympics

In the latest issue of World of Cruising magazine we celebrate our 15th anniversary with an edition packed full of exciting articles and features. Join Gary Buchanan as he sets sail for Africa and enjoys a remarkable cruise-safari experience, whilst Captain Greybeard gives us his thoughts on the future of Liverpool cruise port and the QE2. 

Elsewhere, we've got reviews of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway and Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas and a special feature on the culinary delights being served up on the QM2 - a must-read for food and dining enthusiasts.

For you adventure-cruise buffs, Steve Newman has a piece on the incredible Sea of Cortes with its whales, baby sea lions and snorkelling attractions with Un-Cruise Adventures. 

World of Cruising is one of the world’s most popular cruise magazines. You can view the latest digital edition by clicking below or alternatively, visit our subscribe section where you can take advantage of our latest subscription offer and enjoy having every issue delivered straight to your front door before it goes online. 

Check out the interactive magazine here (click on the pages to open the online edition): www.worldofcruising.co.uk.

PS: Did our headline Fool you? Did you check the date...?!

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.

New Autumn Edition Out This Week!

OK folks, stand by your letter-boxes - the all-new Autumn edition of World of Cruising magazine will be dropping through them any day now!

The latest issue is, as ever, packed full of the very best cruise writing from the sharpest and most knowledgeable collection of writers on the subject. From Gary Buchanan and Peter Newall to Captain Greybeard (aka John Honeywell) and Sarah Gilbert and Jo Foley to Guy Mansell, we have an immaculate array of travel-writing quality.

And then, of course, we have the best section of Cruise News, Views and Reviews on the high seas.

In this edition, we head to the Danube River in eastern Europe and the Rideau Canal in Canada; the Canaries and the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic; and Taiwan in the Far East and Italy for our essential World of Spas section.

Each destination feature is carefully chosen to showcase some of the most enticing and happening places in the cruise cosmos, as well as offer some welcome winter sun options as the autumn weather draws in.

For ship reviews, we offer the blissful L'Austral of Compagnie du Ponant, the Celebrity Eclipse of Celebrity Cruises, the Crystal Serenity of Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises' new Riviera and a special Passenger Perspective of the Azamara Quest.

As ever, it all adds up to the best possible read in the wide world of cruising, so make sure your subscription is fully up to date!

Oh, and don't forget to Follow us on Twitter, too - www.twitter.com/worldofcruising

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.

Now Boarding - Cruise Radio!

We at World of Cruising are delighted to welcome aboard Doug Parker - otherwise known as Cruise Radio on Twitter and for his great cruise podcasts - to the magazine, starting with our Summer edition next month.

Doug (left), from Jacksonville, Florida, created Cruise Radio in 2009 and has quickly become one of the most-followed podcasts online, as well as being the foremost cruise radio broadcaster, with over 125,000 weekly listeners. With more than 10 years' experience in FM radio and a keen passion for cruising, he and co-producer Matt Basford now showcase the full array of cruise news, features and experiences on the weekly show, with regular special guests including Stewart Chiron, America's popular 'Cruise Guy', and consumer advocate journalist Christopher Elliott.

Starting with our Summer edition, Cruise Radio will have its own slot in our News pages, offering Doug's personal take on the latest news and views, with comment and opinion on the big stories of the day. And he said: "I'm thrilled to work with World of Cruising and be able to provide cruising fans in the United Kingdom with the latest cruise industry news. Through this great opportunity, I hope to able to introduce a new audience to Cruise Radio and our enthusiasm for the cruising industry."

World of Cruising editor Simon Veness added: "We are delighted to have Doug 'on board' and providing another exclusive view for our readers. It continues to add to our cruise portfolio and highlights how we stay at the forefront of all that's relevant in this exciting and ever-changing travel field."

You can look up more about Cruise Radio online at www.cruiseradio.net, subscribe for regular Cruise News updates, enjoy Video snippets and, of course, tune in to the weekly Podcast for the very latest from this cruise-savvy team. You can also download the very latest mobile app from iTunes to ensure you have all their latest news and episodes on the go!

With our already world-class line-up of writers and columnists, including award-winning British author and cruise doyen Gary Buchanan, arch blogger John Honeywell (aka Captain Greybeard), The Admiral, cruise historian Peter Newall and Aft View insider Peter Rushton, it ensures World of Cruising remains at the head of its class, being both contemporary and superbly insightful.

To subscribe to the magazine from anywhere in the world follow this link.

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.

Cruise on the World's Largest

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas (above) is proudly claiming the title of the world’s largest cruise ship (from sister ship Oasis) when she launches in December. Don’t miss out on the chance to sail on board this record-breaker next summer on a nine-night Eastern Caribbean fly/cruise from £2,048 per adult and £1,685 per child (based on two adults and two children sharing an inside cabin).

Allure's onboard highlights include Central Park, an open air park area with real trees; a zip-line which is suspended nine decks high; and the Rising Tide Bar, which moves between three decks. The ship has more than 20 restaurants and cafes and 25 different shops. She will also feature the award-winning West End and Broadway musical Chicago in the 1,380-seat theatre, as well as shows, interactive activities, parades and even meals with some of DreamWorks Animation’s best loved characters, including Madagascar’s Alex; Mort and Po from Kung-Fu Panda; and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon.

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a seven-night cruise departing Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and calling at Nassau (Bahamas), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and Philipsburg (St. Maarten), before returning to Fort Lauderdale; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on 24 July, 2011, departure. For more information or to book see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/.

And don't forget to check out what we said in Time Spent At Sea last year about Oasis of the Seas, and don't miss top cruise writer Gary Buchanan's full review of Oasis in World of Cruising earlier this year, on this! link.

For more info on Royal Caribbean bookings, be sure to visit The Cruise Show in Birmingham this weekend or in London next March (26-27). Or perhaps look at The Cruise Line Ltd and their specialist agents on 0800 008 6677.

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.