Indonesian islands and Asian cities with Voyages to Antiquity

Voyages to Antiquity offer this cruise beginning with a 3-night hotel stay in Bali, guests will have plenty of time to explore the 'Island of the Gods'. They will also see the Barong dancers, the wood-carvers in Mas, as well as the bathing pools and holy springs of Guning Kawi. Visiting Java highlights the  Borobudur, the Mountain of Statues – said to be the equal of the Parthenon. From there it’s on to modern and historical Singapore for a city tour, then coastal Kuantan in Malaysia.

Sailing up the Saigon river on Aegean Odyssey to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City guests have an overnight stay and then tour the city and its surroundings before moving on to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Guest finally, disembark in the centre of Bangkok for a 2-night hotel stay, enabling them to explore the city before your flying home. 

This 3-week holiday comes with no hidden extras - shore excursions, hotels, flights, gratuities on board. Solo travellers can just add £250! Cruise departs 1 February 2015.  21 days From £2,995pp

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Titan Uniworld Mekong saving of £1,400

                           

Titan Uniworld are offering a Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong cruise for 17 days from £4,229. There is a saving of £1,400 on this cruise with limited availability. Offers end 30 November. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Campong and Siem Rep are on the itinerary and two days are dedicated to exploring the Angkor Wat complex (above) but also included are Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service from your front door for any address in mainland UK, scheduled direct flights and seven-night full board cruise on the River Orchid.

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Top river cruise `lates’ from AmaWaterways

SAVE £800pp

Russian Waterways cruise, with free flights and £800pp saving

Departing on 30^t September 2014 AmaWaterways is offering an 11 night cruise through Russia’s waterways and lakes, sailing from St. Petersburg to Moscow.  The sailing now costs from £1,999 per person, saving £800pp, including free return flights from London, transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the river cruiser ‘AmaKatarina’ with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily excursions and tours. ,

SAVE £390pp

Mekong river cruise with £390pp saving

Departing on 3 October 2014 AmaWaterways is offering a £390pp saving off a 9 night land-cruise holiday from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh, including a 7 night Mekong cruise aboard AmaLotus, return flights from London, two nights pre-cruise hotel in Siem Reap, transfers and all meals on board, now from £2,879pp. The price includes complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, house brand spirits, local beer and soft drinks throughout the sailing. 

SAVE £485pp

Enchanting Rhine, free flights and £485pp saving

Departing on 20 October 2014 AmaWaterways is offering a 7 night Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on board the award winning luxury river cruiser AmaDolce, for £1,769pp, saving £485pp (was £2,254), including free return flights from London, transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner on board with free flowing wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily excursions and tours, free wi-fi, complimentary use of on board bicycles.   

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Great world cruise offers from Planet Cruise

Planet Cruise are highlighting a range of Cunard & P&O Cruises 2016 World Cruises. The offers include lots of free spend and other available gifts.  

Amongst the cruises on offer are:

Southampton to New York. 

Up to £260 spend and £86 Bon Voyage gift pack. Transatlantic crossing on Cunard's Queen Mary 2.  Departs 10 January 2016, for eight days; from £1,079 pp

Hong Kong to Singapore

Free Bon Voyage gift worth £125 on P&O's Aurora. Departs 12 March 2016 for eight days; from £1,549. Ports  of call include Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

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Conversation-piece war museum and countless motor scooters charm cruise visitors to Ho Chi Minh City

Conversation piece: the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

• Third in a series of guest blogs by Zoe Bromley-Fox, Land Programmes Manager of cruise line Voyages to Antiquity. The line’s one ship, Aegean Odyssey, returns to south-east Asia this winter for the first time since the winter of 2012-13. Zoe looks forward to the forthcoming visit by recalling highlights of the journey two years ago.

Anyone who travels to South East Asia has Vietnam high on the list – and Voyages to Antiquity gives you a chance to visit one of Asia’s greatest cities – Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

The excursion in Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) was probably one of the most moving experiences for some passengers who were on board for our Vietnam cruise. The tour visited various city highlights, but the focus was the War Remnants Museum. Some argue that it is a one-sided propaganda attraction with the sentiment still being overwhelmingly anti-American.  The visit was extremely thought-provoking and prompted heart-felt debates over dinner for days after. This tour will feature again this year as part of our ‘choice of’ excursions programme operated in Ho Chi Minh.

Don’t forget that Aegean Odyssey’s size means that she can sail right up the Saigon River, a truly memorable experience before we even go out on excursion! Anyone on board for this sailing should make sure they spend the morning out on deck. In some parts it is astonishing how close the jungle-like banks are from the side of the ship and as you get closer to the city itself you already start to sense the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City from the water.  But nothing will prepare you for the number of motor scooters in this city …

More details of Aegean Odyssey’s cruises visiting Vietnam in 2015 on Voyages to Antiquity's website. Which is also where you can read Zoe’s blog in full, together with her pick of the top excursions in south-east Asia.

Street life: Never a dull moment in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City

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Windstar's Asian Bonanza

As we've mentioned several times just recently, Asia is currently proving a boom area for the cruise world and it is a great time to get on board with this amazing region - and some special deals that seem to crop up on a regular basis.

The latest is from Windstar Cruises, who are currently featuring an exclusive offer for the line’s recently introduced Far East sailings. Guests can receive 2-for-1 cruise fares on any of the new Asia itineraries, two free hotel nights pre or post- cruise, and a free exclusive private event on shore during each voyage. As an added benefit to previous guests, the line also offers an additional 10% off the cruise fare to Yacht Club Members. 

 

Star Pride, Windstar’s all new, all suite power yacht (formerly the Seabourn Pride) will set sail for the Far East this October and voyages start from just $3,999, if booked by March 28 The ship's voyages include:

Singapore & the Malay Peninsula

Discover the melting pot of Malaysia and Thailand on this 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore, visiting Penang, Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca, Malaysia, as well as Phuket, and Ko Yao Noi, Thailand. The free exclusive private event, Phuket: A Feast for the Senses, gives guests the opportunity to enjoy local culture with a Long Drum Parade and a private dinner at award-winning restaurant Sala Bua (Pavilion of Lotus).

Treasures of South-east Asia

Cruise in private yacht style on this 14-day voyage from the haute couture of Singapore’s legendary Orchard Road to French-flavored Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon) and the monuments of Hanoi. The voyage starts in Singapore and visits Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, Da Nang, Hanoi (Haiphong), and Halong Bay, Vietnam, before ending in Hong Kong. The free exclusive private event, Hoi An: Dreams of Floating Lanterns, is the perfect way to experience the best Vietnam has to offer in arts, crafts, culture and cuisine with a private performance of lion dances and dinner at Nam Long, a beautiful restaurant on the Thu Bon River.

Vietnam Unveiled

Vietnam combines beauty and culture in one perfect experience on Windstar’s 10-day voyage from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong. Ports of call include Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, Da Nang, Hanoi (Haiphong), and Halong Bay. The free exclusive private event, Hoi An: Dreams of Floating Lanterns, allows guests to enjoy local culture and practice skills like Vietnamese letter drawing, lantern-making, and wood-engraving interactive workshops.

Pearls of the Indian Ocean

Sail through some of the Andaman Sea’s most breathtaking islands and bays and explore the colonial Old Towns, ancient cave temples and melting-pot cities on this 15-day voyage from Dubai, UAE, to Singapore. Star Pride visits Mumbai, Mangalore and Cochin, India; Phuket, Thailand; and Penang, Malaysia. This itinerary highlights everything from India’s colourful cities to the tranquil beauty of Thailand’s beaches.

More info: call (in the US) 1800 258 7245, or visit www.WindstarCruises.com.

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A Hong Kong New Year Celebration With Crystal

Anyone looking for the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration this year may well be tempted to consider Hong Kong, which is rapidly establishing itself as THE go-to destination for memorable end-of-year celebrations.

The most recent occasion was marked by ‘shooting stars’ whizzing over Victoria Harbour as hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered on the harbour-side to make wishes and see in he midnight hour - when the city positively erupted in an eight-minute pyrotechnic display that started on the waters of the harbour and moved landwards, enveloping the skyscrapers around the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Now, for New Year's Eve 2014, Crystal Cruises are offering perhaps the ultimate NYE opportunity with the chance to be in Hong Kong from December 30 through January 1, as Crystal Symphony will be docked at the Ocean Terminal in Kowloon for a grandstand view of the famously elaborate countdown celebration and musical pyrotechnics display in Victoria Harbour.  

The prime spot also provides the perfect vantage point for viewing the massive skyscrapers specially illuminated for the holidays and the nightly Symphony of Lights – the largest permanent light show in the world. 

The “China Sea Holiday Spectacular” Asia cruise also boasts several celebrations. Christmas and Hanukkah will be celebrated with traditional feasts, parties, holiday shows and religious services amidst Crystal’s lavish seasonal décor. On New Year’s Eve, besides taking in Hong Kong’s holiday festivities in luxurious comfort onboard, Crystal guests can  enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner, champagne, live music and a festive balloon drop. 

The 15-night voyage round-trip from Bangkok departs December 21 and sails to Ho Chi Minh City (overnight), Chan May, through Halong Bay, to Hanoi’s port of Hongai and Hong Kong (two nights). All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from £5,085 per person if booked before February 28.

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

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Seabourn's World Offers

Here at World of Cruising, we know you like a bit of luxury. After all who doesn’t? So when these two cruises from luxury cruise line Seabourn arrived, with tempting offers for those seeking some excitement this winter, we thought these would definitely be of interest

The first is a 26-Day sector of the World Voyage, departing March 14 on Seabourn Sojourn from Hong Kong to Mumbai. Amongst the ports of call are Halong Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Ko Kood, Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, Colombo, Cochin, Marmagao and Mumbai (or Bombay as the locals still call it!).

Prices for this cruise start from £6,859pp for the fly/cruise, with cruise-only prices from £5,669pp, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini-bar.

If that’s not enough, the line are also offering a 22-Day segment of Seabourn Sojourn's World Voyage departing April 9 from Mumbai to Venice, and calling at Salalah, Aqaba, the Suez Canal with a daylight transit of the Canal, Ashdod, Haifa, Rhodes  Kusadasi, Kerkira, Dubrovnik and Triluke Bay.

 

Prices start from £5,999pp for fly/cruise, with cruise-only prices from £5,049pp, based on two sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and the fully stocked mini-bar. 

 

More info: call 0843 373 2000 or visit www.seabourn.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Michelin Chef Spices Up Silversea Voyage

Jason Atherton, the award-winning Michelin-starred chef who owns restaurants in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, is to cook for guests on Silversea cruise ship Silver Shadow later this year.

Jason will cook a unique 4-course meal for guests onboard Silver Shadow's voyage from Hong to Singapore on November 25. While the menu remains in development, Jason is known around the world for some amazing signature dishes, including Scallop Sashimi “trip to Japan 2012” and “PBJ,” his twist on a classic peanut butter and jam sandwich.

In addition to cooking onboard, Jason will be a guest speaker during the voyage and host a group of guests on a unique tour to one of the fresh food markets in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam - one of the man ports of call during the cruise. The 9-day voyage docks in Singapore on December 4 after visiting Chan May, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

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

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Crystal Cruises Unveils 2014/15 Programme

Luxury line Crystal Cruises has unveiled its full year of worldwide voyages for 2014, plus itineraries up to mid-April 2015 - all of which are now open for booking. 

New seven to 89-night cruises in 2014 are among the 61 sailings on board Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with 16 maiden calls, 194 total ports and 68 countries – including a glamorous World Cruise. 

Early 2015’s global calendar offers 15 exotic cruises and a 20^th World Cruise, as well as nine maiden calls and a return to ports Crystal hasn’t visited in more than a decade.

2014 Highlights include:

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are featured on 54 out of 61 cruises (or 89% of 2014’s itineraries), visiting 135-plus dedicated historical destinations, from the ancient - Istanbul, Dubrovnik and Tallinn - to the intriguing, Casablanca, Cartagena and Takoradi. 

World Cruise: 89-night, January to April, five-segment Los Angeles-Southampton cruise, with Crystal’s first return to West Africa since 2011. 

Fully 34% of cruises are 10 nights or less. 

New ports include Galway, Ireland; Luanda, Angola; Lombok, Indonesia; Ibiza, Spain; Oban, Scotland; Skagen, Denmark; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. 

Returns to places less-frequented by Crystal include the Andaman Islands; Brunei; Ghana; Helsingborg, Sweden; Ko Samui, Thailand; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Korcula, Croatia. 

Nearly every itinerary features at least one overnight stay in renowned cities, often in the city of embarkation, plus two consecutive overnights in many places such as Yangon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, St Petersburg and Ho Chi Minh City.

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

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AMA's Autumn Specials

River-cruise specialists AMA Waterways have three bumper special offers to tempt savvy travellers this autumn, with a diverse choice of eastern Europe, France and Vietnam.

Take your pick from the following tempting trio:

Black Sea Voyage with up to £445pp saving

Cruise the lower Danube through five countries, from Rousse in Bulgaria to Budapest, Hungary, with daily port calls and complimentary tours and excursions on a 7-night voyage on board the luxurious 5-star river cruiser AmaDolce. AMA's Black Sea sailing now costs from just £1,395 per person (was £1,840pp) with all meals, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Autumn wine-themed cruise, saving £499pp

This blissful 7-night voyage sails from Lyon to Arles (and in reverse) on board the luxury river cruiser, AmaDagio, cruising through legendary wine regions such as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone. The cruise departs on October 11 and 18 and costs from £1,591pp (was £2,091), including wine tastings at local vintners, daily tours and excursions, all meals, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Cruise the Mekong  
Experience the exotic villages, towns, markets and temples of the mighty Mekong River on a 7-night river cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City in Cambodia and Vietnam. This 10-night adventure departs on November 10 and includes a night stay in Siem Reap, a 7-night cruise, two overnight UK flights and all necessary transfers. It now costs from just £2,695pp, a saving of some 30 per cent.

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

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Save With AMA This Autumn

Here are a couple of great autumn holiday deals today from AmaWaterways, with their stylish river-cruise offerings featured at savings of up to £500 per person.

Autumn river cruise with £445pp saving

AMAs has a big saving on a 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on board the luxury river cruiser, AmaDagio, cruising through legendary wine regions, producing wines such as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone. The cruise departs on October 4 and now costs from £1,895pp, including wine tastings at local vintners, daily tours and excursions, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Cruise the Mekong, saving up to 500pp 

Experience the exotic villages, towns, markets and temples of the Mekong on a 7-night river cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. This 11-night departure sails on November 12 with a big saving, and includes a two-night stay in Siem Reap, the full 7-night cruise, two overnight UK flights and transfers. Price now from £2,399pp, departing from the UK on November 9. 

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

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Save Big On On The Mekong With AmaWaterways

Here's another great saving worth highlighting for those who enjoy the luxury river cruise scene:

From exotic floating markets to bustling cities, AmaWaterways cruise from Siam Reap to Ho Chi Minh City meanders along Asia’s magnificent Mekong River, taking in life along its banks with daily included excursions to temples, markets, cities and riverside villages. 

A week's stay on board the majestic La Marguerite, the most luxurious ship on the river, now costs from just £1,295 per person on the March 19 sailing, a generous saving of £328pp. The price includes all meals on board, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily excursions and nightly entertainment on board.

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

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Grand Voyages From Regent Seven Seas

Luxury line Regent Seven Seas has launched a new brochure of grand voyages from October 2012 through to June 2013, boasting an impressive series of sailings ranging from 7 to 143 nights. 

The in-depth discovery cruises range from the Far East, Australasia and the Mediterranean to South America and the Amazon River, with unique itineraries visiting popular, exotic and culturally diverse destinations,. such as Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Hobart in Tasmania and Antofagasta in Chile.

Overnight stays are also offered in more than 25 major ports, like Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka, Taipei, Mumbai, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, giving guests a more enriching destination experience ashore. The 'Luxury Goes Exploring' brochure also includes a pull-out booklet that brings to life the scale of adventures and experiences available as part of the line’s free shore excursion programme. 

Many cruises within the Grand Voyages collection offer more than 40 free excursions, all of which are featured online and can be reserved up to 180 days before departure. From three-hour escapades to full-day exploration, there is an abundance of choice. 

Other added value highlights include exclusive amenities for guests who choose a sailing longer than 50 nights (72 nights on Grand South America), such as return Business Class flights, a special pre-cruise overnight gala dinner, exclusive events, free visas, internet and more. There are also preferential fares for guests who combine cruises.

Example Fares: Mumbai to Auckland, December 1, 39 nights, from £14,013 per person; and Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, February 13, 2013, 12 nights from £6,379 per person. All Regent voyages include all-suite accommodations, free return flights and transfers, free unlimited shore excursions, fine dining, premium spirits and wines, pre-cruise overnight stay (on all 2013 departures) all taxes and much more.

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

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Orion's Photo Focus On Vietnam

Orion Expedition Cruises is delighted to announced that award-winning British wildlife photographer, author and filmmaker, Sue Flood, is to join international photographer Nick Rains as a guest presenter onboard Orion II during a nine-night Vietnam Explorer photographic voyage departing March 30.

This voyage is an opportunity for enthusiasts of all levels to improve their photographic skills while on location in one of the world’s most photogenic settings, Vietnam.

 

Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, this voyage includes four photogenic World Heritage sites - Hue, Hoi An, My Son (above) and Ha Long Bay. There will be ample opportunity to experience and capture the cultural, historic and geographic diversity of Vietnam, including the Saigon River busy with sampans, the traditional fishing village of Baie de Cu Mon, which is rarely seen by outsiders, and Nha Trang’s Communist Party headquarters.

 

Nick and Sue will hold regular workshops onboard before taking guests ashore on location along with members of Orion’s specialist expedition team.

 

Photography workshops include professional advice and instruction on understanding and optimising camera settings, selecting the best lens for the occasion, framing your subject and ‘capturing the moment’ along with instruction on the dark art of digital editing-software and printing.

Explore, experience and shoot from dawn to dusk, with internationally recognised and awarded professional photographers; then relax, compare images and enjoy superb cuisine, wines and company by night onboard Orion II.

 

The nine-night Vietnam Explorer photo expedition departs Ho Chi Minh City to Haiphong (for Hanoi), and includes Nha Trang, Baie de Cu Mon/Bai Nam Beach, Da Nang (for My Son and Hoi An), Chan May (for Hue), Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba.  

 

Book before the end of February and save 30%, with prices from £3,850 per person, including eight nights on Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

 

About Sue Flood

Sue is an award-winning wildlife photographer, author and filmmaker. She joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1993 and spent 11 years at the BBC, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to work with her childhood (and adult!) hero, Sir David Attenborough. Her experience including working as Associate Producer on the award-winning series The Blue Planet and also Planet Earth and the Disney nature movie Earth. Sue also produced four films for the BBC:  Polar Bears on Thin Ice; A Boy Among Polar Bears; Killer Whale Special; and Life of Mammals. In March 2005 Sue left to pursue her wildlife photography career and she is now a professional photographer, represented by Getty Images. Recognition of Sue’s work includes awards in the following competitions: International Photographer of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, the Art Wolfe (Best of Festival) Award in the International Conservation Photography Awards, and Royal Photographic Society Silver Medal.

 

About Nick Rains

Nick Rains, studied Zoology at university in Britain which led him to a career in photography. Over the years, Nick has worked with the Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism NSW, Penguin Books, Readers Digest Books, Shell Petroleum, BBC TV, Sports Illustrated, World Heritage Commission, Australian Geographic plus many more. Nick is involved with teaching and writing and is the editor of Better Digital Camera magazine. 

For booking info, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists. The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Orion's Flavours Of Asia

From the flash of saffron robes in a Buddhist temple to the remote crystalline beaches of Tioman Island and the bustle of floating market stalls on the Mekong, the whiff of durian, the silence of a misty dawn in Halong Bay or the buzz of motor bikes in Ho Chi Minh City, Orion Expedition Cruises now offer two superb seven-night voyages that combine the sensory contrasts of Asia into never-to-be forgotten experiences of sights, sounds and smells that encapsulate South-East Asia.

Enjoy an inclusive overnight stay and visit to the world’s largest religious complex, the World Heritage listed temples of Angkor Wat. Take an early morning elephant ride through the temples to see first-hand the technological and architectural wonder of the ancient Khmer kingdom, with its canals and reservoirs and a rice economy able to support a million people.

Cross the broad muddy waters of the Mekong Delta and mix it with the locals on an exclusive Zodiac exploration of the river and floating markets – Orion II being the first foreign ship to be granted permission to do this.

Bargain for batik, beaten brassware and shot silk in dazzling colours, sip a dry martini, lounge on an untouched beach, snorkel transparent waters and photograph sampans with their distinctive timber hulls and sun-bleached yellow sails. These two itineraries reveal a balance of history, culture and relaxation that capture the energy of bustling modern Asia balanced by the serenity of the ancient.

· The seven-night Gulf of Siam Explorer departs October 10 and December 22 and February 27, 2012. The voyages alternate between Singapore and Bangkok and visit Tioman Island, Kuala Terengganu, Ko Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Kut. Priced from £3,340 per person, including seven nights on board Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

· The seven-night Thailand, Temples & The Mekong expedition departs October 17 and December 15, and March 5, 2012. The voyages alternate between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City and visit Ko Kut, Sihanoukville (for an overnight trip and stay at Angkor Wat), Phu Quoc and Can Tho (Mekong Delta). Priced from £3,340 per person, including seven nights on Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For more info, visit www.orionexpeditions.com or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Silversea Adds More Relais & Chateau Voyages

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce that four additional voyages this year will feature the exclusive "Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs" interactive cooking school.

"Our L'École des Chefs cooking school is proving extremely popular with guests and we're pleased to roll it out to more voyages this year," said Rudi Scholdis, Silversea's director of culinary development.

The new L'École des Chefs voyages for 2011 are:

NORTHERN EUROPE

Voyage 4122: Silver Whisper departs Stockholm July 23 on a seven-day sailing to Copenhagen with calls in Tallinn, St. Petersburg (three-day/two-night stopover) and Helsinki. Silver Savings fares start at £3,068.

Voyage 1121: Silver Cloud departs Copenhagen July 30 on a 17-day round-trip sailing, with calls in Alesund, Geiranger, Helleysilt, Lofoten, Tromso, Honningsvag (North Cape), Murmansk, Archangel (overnight visit), Hammerfest and Kristiansund. Silver Savings fares start at £5,583.

FAR EAST

Voyage 3126: Silver Shadow departs Incheon (Seoul) September 23 on a 12-day sailing to Hong Kong, with calls in Qingdao, Shanghai, Jiangyin, Nanjing and Xiamen. Highlights include cruising the Yangtze River and overnight stays in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Silver Savings fares start at £3,968.

Voyage 3127: Silver Shadow departs Hong Kong October 5 on a 12-day sailing to Singapore with calls in Chan May, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Kuantan. Highlights include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Silver Savings fares start at £3,968.

Through its exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, the distinguished international association of charming properties and gourmet restaurants, Silversea enjoys the privilege of featuring the only Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs cooking school at sea. The innovative programme offers guests a special culinary curriculum, including hands-on instruction, and entertaining events hosted by Silversea culinary trainer David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland's career includes several years as a chef instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He presents a programme developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L'Auberge Bretonne and a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The curriculum for each of these cruises is carefully designed to celebrate the cultural flavour of the ship's itinerary. Highlights include specialised workshops covering a range of topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team; a "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a "Market to the Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a "Culinary Outing," an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue where guests can enjoy a unique culinary exploration.

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include complimentary return economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes. The $500 (V4122 and V1121) and $1,000 (V3126 and V3127) Onboard Spending Credit is offered per suite, based on two people sharing, for use towards additional benefits such as shore excursions, the spa, boutiques or the wine restaurant.

For more info, visit www.silversea.com or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

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Treasures of the Far East.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

It’s that time of year when the annual intake of new students leave home for university and college. This regular migration often leaves their parents with empty houses, a taste of freedom and some spare time and cash. If you're one of these sudden empty nesters, why not take a cruise and spend some time on yourselves for a change?

From only £1,209, Costa Cruises suggest you take their Treasures of the Far East voyage - the ultimate trip to the Oriental Far East - on a 14-night cruise of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and China.

Enjoy leisurely days at sea onboard the elegant Costa Classica, free of the “are we nearly there yet?” whines and potter to your heart’s content through the streets of Hong Kong or take the world famous Star Ferry over to Kowloon (above). Then wander around the likes of Manila, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City. Other highlights include the tropical island retreat of Hainan – known as China’s Hawaii – and the untamed jungles of Kota Kinabalu and Borneo.

With its two restaurants and seven bars, Classica is one of the best-loved ships in the Costa fleet, perhaps because of its welcoming and surprising personality or the recently refurbished furnishings, or perhaps simply because it is a modern and comfortable ship on which to travel in total relaxation.

A relaxing break or a snack at the Alfresco Café will immediately put you in the holiday mood. Shaded by a large white sail, it provides a magnificent terrace overlooking the sea, where you can eat outdoors and enjoy the unique view afforded by your cruise.

Departing Hong Kong on November 20, 2010, the price is based on a cruise-only basis, including all meals, entertainment and activities. Flights and transfers can be added for an additional charge.

For more information, go to http://www.costacruises.co.uk/

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River Cruising in Europe and Asia

By guest blogger Steve Newman

In the last five years, River Cruising has increased in popularity tremendously. So much so that is now the automatic choice for many people planning a luxury European holiday. And, if you think about it you can completely understand why.

Combining the history and culture of rivers, towns and cities with practically the ultimate in relaxation, they offer a sedate and enjoyable way to explore an area whilst on holiday. Leading the way and recognised as one of the top players in this market is AMA Waterways.

The company’s fares include all meals, excursions, Internet/Satellite connection in every cabin, and quality wines and beer with every Dinner. Add open seating amidst elegant yet comfortable surroundings, a Grand Panorama Lounge with bar and dance floor, and aft lounge for up to 50 passengers, and you can see why people come back time and time again.

AMA's ships really are something else and it’s quite true to say you would be forgiven for thinking the interiors had been plucked from some grand hotel. You even have the chance to use their complimentary bicycles to explore the towns and cities on your own.

Opportunities exist to travel along the famous rivers of Europe, such as the Rhine and Danube, and also to explore the countryside of Portugal and Provence as you gently drift by. Cities like Lyons, Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam are all able to be visited. To the north, why not take in a cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg and explore that city’s canals and the wonder that is The Hermitage?

Due to the company expanding its routes, you also now have the chance to explore the mighty Mekong as it flows through Vietnam and Cambodia. Ancient temples, villages and floating markets are all untouched by time on this fascinating journey.

Sixteen and eight-day options are available, both finishing at Ho Chi Minh City. Either way, what you have here is a company offering river-cruise opulence, the highest levels of service and wonderful memories that will stay with you forever.

For more details, contact http://www.amawaterways.co.uk/

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