Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brings his expertise to Crystal presidential cruise

Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is to bring his expertise on board Crystal Cruises’ 12 July European cruise from Lisbon to Dover. The planned special dinners, sake tastings and celebrations set to feature Nobu’s famous Peruvian-infused Japanese cuisine will enhance the special atmosphere onboard, as the sailing celebrates Crystal’s 25^th Anniversary and is hosted by Crystal’s president and COO Edie Rodriguez.  Throughout the 13-night voyage, Nobu – whose signature cuisine is featured in Crystal’s Silk Road and The Sushi Bar – will share his talents and famously personable panache during cooking demos, book signings and Sake tastings with Sake Master Hazu. 

The cruise on Crystal Serenity departs Lisbon on 12 July and visits Oporto, St-Jean-de-Luz, Bordeaux (two nights), Brest, St-Malo (overnight), Guernsey and Honfleur (overnight). Book before 2 January 2015 for all-inclusive fly/cruise prices starting from £3,889 per person including flight from the UK to Lisbon, overseas transfers and 13 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, most alcoholic beverages, port taxes and gratuities.

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Guernsey sees 45 per cent increase in cruise traffic - and still hasn't built a berth

The Channel island of Guernsey has seen a 45 per cent increase in cruise ship arrivals in the past two years and is predicting even better numbers next year.

There were 90 visiting ships this year, bringing 96,134 passengers between January and August. Full-year figures are expected to beat last year’s total of 110,040.

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, P&O’s Britannia, and Celebrity Silhouette will help to boost 2015 figures.

And all this without a quay for the ships to berth – passengers come ashore by tender, which can be a problem in high winds.

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Round Britain, Princess Style

Kissing the Blarney Stone in Blarney near Cork is just one of the options on Princess Cruises' latest round-Britain and Ireland offering for summer 2014.

Or how about casting an eye over the murky waters of Loch Ness, which is another possibility on this cruise? Then you can discover the rich Viking history of the Orkney Islands and the vibrant life of Belfast before returning to Southampton after sampling the gentle rhythm of life on Guernsey. 

On Ruby Princess, guests can also enjoy a night of romance almost wherever they look on board, from a soothing couples massage or a cabana in the Sanctuary to listening to the Piazza singers' serenading melody. There is even the chance to cuddle up in Movies Under the Stars to watch a romantic comedy with complementary blankets and popcorn.

Nights are always buzzing, with live theatre, plush lounges, casinos, vibrant dance clubs and a terrific variety of speciality restaurants, and the 12-day British Isles Cruise starts from just £1,299pp, sailing on August 3.

More info: call 0845 075 0031 or visit www.princess.com.

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Hit The Dance Floor On A Saga Voyage

Stop, Look, Listen – to Motown music as you sail away on the Portugal, Madeira and the Azores cruise with Saga Cruises this winter. 

Sandy beaches, lush landscapes, wine-tasting and dolphin-spotting will fill the day and, in the evening, gusts can dance to the best sounds from Berry Gordy’s Motown music machine. Better still, this cruise is all-inclusive. Priced from £1,899 for the full 15 nights, it departs from Southampton on November 8.

Saga Pearl II

There will be a Venetian masked ball on the "Adriatic Homecoming" all-inclusive classic cruise. Saga Pearl II (above) sails from Southampton and, on this melodic voyage, there will be plenty of star names, including soprano Hayley Westenra, The Operababes, The Three Tenors tribute act and The Gondolier Trio. The cruise itself visits the ancient ruins of Cartagena, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, mythical Corfu, historic Split and, of course, the beautiful city of Venice. There is also the option to take an 11-night outward journey or 13-night return.

Prices start from £1,679 for 11 nights (Nov 22-Dec 3), £1,999 for 13 nights (Dec 3-16) or £2,749 for 24 nights. There is an optional three-night stay in Venice from £399, including breakfast.

Saga Pearl II also celebrates the magic of Motown with a cruise through the Norwegian Fjords next year. Guests can hit the dance floor when they hear tracks by Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and the Temptations, plus celebrate Berry Gordy’s record label in style when a Supremes tribute band brings those memories flooding back. Priced from £909 for 7 nights, it sets sail from Dover on May 1, calling at Bergen, Geiranger, Skojolden and Haugesund.

Saga Sapphire

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Dance ‘til you drop to the sounds of the 60s on the four-night "A Taste of the Continent" cruise to Guernsey, Belgium and Holland. Tribute band the Mersey Beatles will be topping the bill on what promises to be groovy long weekend. Priced from £519, it departs from Southampton on May 2.

Or smooch to the laid-back sounds of The Rat Pack while on the "Fjordland Gems" cruise on the chic Saga Sapphire. Visit Olden, Flam and Stavanger by day and in the evenings sing along and dance to the Kings of Cool. Priced from £876 for seven nights, it departs from Dover, on May 6 and July 1.

All holidays include UK door-to-door travel service, all meals, entertainment, gratuities, room service and travel insurance and cancellation cover. All-inclusive cruises also include house branded alcohol and cocktails and soft drinks.

To book, call free on 0800 056 8986 or visit saga.co.uk/cruises.

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Saga's Best of British Cruises

Cruising around the British Isles has become big business for the cruise lines - and highly popular with cruisers - in recent years, so it is not surprising to see Saga Cruises offering some tempting round-Britain voyages in 2013.

Just take a look at these two examples:

Best of the British IslesSaga Sapphire departs August 20 for a 14-night voyage with prices from £2,801 per person. Ports of call include the Orkney Islands, Isle of Mull, Isle of Man and Guernsey.

Coast to CoastSaga Ruby departs Dover on August 16 for a 6-night voyage, with prices from £1,032 per person, cruising round the entire British mainland and over the Irish sea to Dublin and the Island of Skokholm.

Both cruises include: 

• A return chauffeur service up to 250 miles each way 
• Travel insurance 
• All meals onboard, including 24-hour room service 
• Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s Dinner 
• Unlimited tea and coffee 
• Entertainment and activities 
• All on-board gratuities 
• All port taxes and visas 
• Porterage of your luggage at the port

For bookings, check with The Cruise Line, the UK's cruising specialists, on 0800 008 6677 or www.cruiseline.co.uk.

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Atlantic Island Odyssey With Noble Caldedonia

Noble Caledonia is featuring two magnificent British Isles cruises next summer, offering the chance for a unique view of some of the most isolated islands - and rare coastlines - in Europe.

The Exploration of the Shetland, Faroe and Hebridean Islands aboard the Corinithian sails on July 24 and is a chance to see nature in the raw. This expedition cruise will appeal to those who prefer their islands deserted, but with abundant bird and wildlife. Journey along rugged coastlines and onceinhabited islands aboard the 100-passenger vessel, venturing far north to the Outer Hebrides, Faroes, Orkneys and Shetlands and with Zodiacs  to land on remote beaches and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife.

Itinerary: Leith, Stromness, Fair Isle, Mousa, Lerwick, Foula, Torshavn, Mykines, Suduroy, North Rona, St Kilda, Barra Islands and Oban. Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £3,200 for a Cat E Suite. Suites for sole use start from £5,100. Price includes 10 nights aboard Corinthian on full board, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.

Or try Summer in the Isles, a coastal cruise of Scotland, Ireland and England from Oban to Poole aboard Corinthian sailing on August 3-12. This journey will take guests along the edges of the United Kingdom and Ireland and offers a portrait of life in the islands. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some of our most beautiful places, meet some interesting inhabitants as far afield as the Northern Isles to the Isles of Scilly, and learn more about both the past and present of Britain and Ireland. Whether you are an avid gardener, birdwatcher, amateur historian or simply enjoy sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting places in the world, this trip has it all.

Itinerary: Oban, Canna & Sky, Lunga & Iona, Jura & Gigha, Portrush & Rathlin, Dublin, Lundy Island, Isles of Scilly, Guernsey & Herm and Poole. Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £2,850 for a Cat E Suite. Suites for sole use start from £4430. Price includes 9 nights aboard Corinthian on full board, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.

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

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Russell Watson Hits High Note With P&O

Classical singing star Russell Watson is to perform on two short break cruises with P&O Cruises in 2013. The world famous tenor will appear on new three and four-night sailings from Southampton in May and June.  The first departure is a three-night cruise to Belgium and Guernsey departing on Aurora on May 18, with prices starting at £299 per person.

The second sailing will see Watson perform on superliner Azura on a four-night cruise departing on July 5, calling at the same destinations. Prices are from £399pp. In addition to the performance, passengers on Azura can book pre or post-performance dinner in celebrity chef Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu restaurant, or Marco Pierre White’s Cafe Bordeaux on Aurora. 

The first port of call at Zeebrugge gives passengers the day to explore the city of Bruges, with the possibility of travelling further afield to visit Brussels, Ghent or Ypres. The second call in St Peter Port provides a gateway to the island of Guernsey. 

Watson has been in the spotlight since 1999 when his performance of World Cup anthem “Nessun Dorma” at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium received a standing ovation. The Russell Watson cruise itineraries, on sale from November 1, are: 

• A three-night cruise on board Aurora (R305), departing May 18. Itinerary: Southampton, Zeebrugge, St Peter Port, Southampton. Prices from £299 per person.
• A four-night cruise on board Azura (A316N), departing June 5 Itinerary: Southampton, Zeebrugge, St Peter Port, Southampton. Prices from £399 per person. 

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

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Around Britain In Style

With the UK still on a ‘royal high’ thanks to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, join Voyages of Discovery this August for a regal 'Around Britain and the Edinburgh Tattoo' cruise, from just £1,399 per person.

Guests will sail on board the classic MV Discovery (above) from Harwich to Rosyth and have the opportunity to witness the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle as well as wander along the famous Royal Mile.

Royalists will also be wowed by special Guest Speaker, The Queen’s former jeweller David Thompson MVO, who used to be responsible for looking after the crown jewels in The Tower of London.

The 13-day voyage also calls at St Peter Port (Guernsey), Fowey, Cobh, Galway, Killybegs, Oban, Portree (Isle of Skye), Scrabster and Kirkwall before an overnight finale in Rosyth. The price is based on an August 13 departure and on two people sharing an inside cabin. It includes all 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 our sponsors The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Oceania's Big Spring Savings

Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to 50% off selected cruise departures this spring, including sailings on the company’s brand new cruise ship, Marina, and an on board credit of $1,000 per stateroom. All prices include all meals and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Prices exclude flights.

Southern Treasures, 14 nights from £2,399pp with up to £632pp saving, PLUS $1,000 on board credit per stateroom.

Departing April 12, Oceania has a 14-night Caribbean sailing on the mid-sized luxury ship Regatta, now £2,399 per person (was £3,031) for a Concierge Veranda room, based on 2 sharing, including a $1,000/stateroom onboard credit. The ship embarks in Miami cruising the Atlantic Ocean through Charlestown and Williamsburg to Bermuda, San Juan and the Dominican Republic before sailing back through the Turks and Caicos Islands to port in Miami, USA.

Grandeur of Rome, 10 Nights from £1,249pp with up to £635pp saving, PLUS $1,000 onboard credit

Wonders of the Ancients, 14 nights from £1,399, save up to £1,360pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit

Passage to Panama, 16 Nights from £1,599pp with up to £557pp, PLUS $1,000 on board credit

Departing April 26, there is a fantastic 16-night sailing on mid-sized Regatta from Miami to San Francisco, now £1,599 per person (was £2,156) for an Inside Stateroom, based on 2 sharing, and including a $1,000/stateroom credit.

Mediterranean Mosaic, 10 Nights from £1,749pp with up to £947pp saving, PLUS $1,000 onboard credit

Grecian Glory, 10 nights from £1,749, save up to £1,379pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit

Jewels of the Aegean, 12 nights from £1,199, save up to £1,179pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit

Gems of Europe, 15 nights from £1,499, save up to £1,379pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit

Greek Isles Odyssey, 12 nights from £1,499, save up to £1,235pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit

Treasures of the Continent, 12 nights from £2,099 save up to £1,572pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit

No need to negotiate international airports on Oceania's 12-night Atlantic Coast sailing, departing from Dover on July 29, cruising the English Channel to Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Guernsey, Saint-Malo, Port-Aven, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Biarritz and Santander. The cruise is on the new 1,250-guest Marina and costs from £2,099 per person for a Concierge Level Veranda room, with savings of up to £1,572pp, based on two sharing, including $1,000 onboard credit/stateroom, all meals and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

For more about Oceania Cruises, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Voyages of Discovery ‘Cruise Party’ to Celebrate Royal Wedding

Millions of Britons are expected to hold street parties to celebrate Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton this year – and guests on board Voyages of Discovery’s 'French and Spanish Sojourn' cruise will be joining in the royal fun, but at a street party with a twist – on a ship! Guests needn’t worry about missing the event as Voyages of Discovery will be televising the wedding onboard the MV Discovery for all to see. Revellers will be commemorating the marital union whilst cruising the picturesque borders of Spain and France from as little as £499 per person.

Price includes a 7-night cruise departing from Portsmouth and calling at Ferrol/La Coruna, Bilbao, Le Verdon, Nantes and St Peter Port, Guernsey, before eturning to Portsmouth; all meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees - no hidden extras, plus accompanied by expert guest speakers. Price is based on April 23 departure.

For more info, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Guernsey: Top Spot For Cruise Ships In The British Isles

With 76 vessels scheduled to visit this season, the islands of Guernsey hope this will be enough to once again take the top spot as the most visited British port for day calls.

In 2011, Guernsey will deliver a warm welcome to the passengers of the Queen Elizabeth, the new Cunard ship, that will make its inaugural calls to the island in September. Queen Elizabeth recalls the rich heritage of its predecessor, which bore the same name, and features Guernsey in two of its itineraries.

Situated some 140km from the south coast of England - yet only 44km from the Normandy coast of France - Guernsey is geographically well positioned on the southern side of the entrance to the English Channel.

With more than 800 years of history behind it, St Peter Port, Guernsey's capital, is one of the most picturesque seaports in Europe. A stunning location for cruise line calls, it offers quality port services and professional handling arrangements and is open 24 hours a day.

Visit Guernsey makes arrangements for a reception marquee and 'meet and greet' service to welcome cruise passengers, with a range of literature about the island provided. Cruise calls are also a firm favourite with the resident community, who offer a warm welcome to our passengers.

The new St Peter Port Trails map has proved a particularly popular aide for visitors interested in learning more about the town, with a selection of self-guided walks revealing different aspects of its heritage and attractions.

Further options for cruise visitors include exploring the island's Ruettes Tranquilles, scenic tours of the impressive 13th century Castle Cornet, visits to the beautiful sister islands of Sark and Herm, and finding out more about the Channel Islands' five-year occupation history during World War II.

For more information on Guernsey, please visit http://www.visitguernsey.com/ or, for a cruise that visits there, be sure to contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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