Work starts on second of Viking's three new ocean ships

A ceremonial steel-cutting in an Italian shipyard this week marked the start of construction on Viking Cruises’ second ocean-going vessel. Viking Sea is due to be completed in spring 2016. It will be the sister ship to Viking Star, already being built in the same Fincantieri yard near Venice, and Viking Sky which will be built in Ancona for delivery in summer 2016. Star is scheduled for a christening ceremony in Bergen, Norway, on May 17 next year. The virtually identical ships – the first venture into ocean cruising for river cruise giant Viking -  measure 47,800 tons and will each carry 928 passengers.

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European Waterways New Brochure

Luxury hotel barge operator European Waterways has launched its 2013 Brochure – and accompanying UK price insert – featuring cruises along the magical canals, rivers and lakes of Europe, aboard a fleet of hotel barges, ranging in size from 6 to 20 guests.

Since 1974, European Waterways has been providing high-quality barging cruises on its fully-crewed ‘floating hotels’ to a discerning clientele wishing to enjoy wonderful scenery, stimulating history and local culture and, of course, fine cuisine and wines.

New highlights introduced in the 2013 programme are: 

• Cruises along the picturesque Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace-Lorraine aboard the newest addition to the fleet, the 12-passenger Panache.
• A new feature on the evocative French region of Champagne, offering cruises aboard three hotel barges at various times of the year.
• Longer Waterway Journeys, or ‘voyages of exploration’ of varying duration through several countries.

Traditionally 6-night cruises, operating from March to October, these relaxing holidays in France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, England, Scotland and Ireland, include: accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins; all gourmet meals on board; selected domaine and château wines; open bar; daily escorted shore excursions; local transfers; and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

With the fully-crewed luxury vessels accommodating between 6 and 20 guests, clients can choose to either charter a whole boat with family and friends or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two passengers and includes Captain, Chef, Tour Guide and Hostesses, ensuring an extremely high level of service.

Also on offer is a range of themed charter cruises, which can be organised for special interest parties, featuring activities such as golf, walking and wine appreciation.

Prices for 6-night cruises in 2013, based on double occupancy, lead in at £2,250 per person aboard hotel barge Scottish Highlander in the Scottish Highlands, based on double occupancy in an en suite cabin; or at £14,400 for 6 passengers aboard Nymphea in the Loire Valley, on a whole boat charter basis.

For more on river-cruising, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, and, for more information, go to  www.gobarging.com. 

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Star Clippers Get Arty In 2013

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is again offering the opportunity to learn sketching and watercolour painting on two `Art Afloat’ cruises in 2013.

This is the third year running the company has operated these exciting themed voyages, which have been a great success among guests, regardless of existing artistic ability. On the voyages, participants can learn to paint and draw, or hone existing skills, in the company of successful British artist Richard Nichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes.

Richard will run workshops on each cruise using a variety of media, aimed at all levels of experience and helping artists to capture the dazzling turquoise of the sea along the Croatian coast, the texture of a cream sail filled with wind, or the ochres and terracottas of the houses lining the chic little bay of Portofino. 

 

Included in the price of the cruise is a special artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment. 

 

Against a backdrop of a beautiful tall ship under full sail, in some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning locations, the two voyages between them visit the French Riviera and, new for 2013, the beautiful Croatian coastline, sailing out of Venice, one of the most alluring cities in the world for artists. 

 

The ‘Art Afloat’ cruises are: 

 

Monaco round-trip on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing April 27 and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerci and Santa Margarita (for Portofino). From £1,599 per person including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. For travel by rail with a one-night stay in Monaco before the cruise, the price per person is from £1,849. 

 

New for 2013, Venice round-trip on Royal Clipper, eight nights, departing September 27, and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran, with a night in Venice before the cruise. From £1,995 per person including flights to Venice, transfers, one night’s B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party.

 

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

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Alsace, Scotland & Italy With European Waterways

In need of an autumn tonic? Ready to look at a luxury hotel barge holiday? Well, European Waterways have three perfect ideas with you in mind! Just take a look at this little selection of late autumn offers from Europe's leader in small, deluxe river-cruising.

Harvesting the Beauty of Alsace

This autumn, the 12-passenger Panache is cruising through the historic French region of Alsace. Bordering Germany, the region features a combination of French and German cultures, with a classic landscape of rolling vineyards and winding waterways. Its medieval villages and historic citadels are tucked away between the Vosges Mountains on the west and the River Rhine to the east. During a characteristically long and warm autumn, the region’s half-timbered houses are set against an auburn countryside, complete with ripe rows of grapes just waiting to be picked and processed into wine.  

The Scottish Highlands

The magnificent Scottish Highlands are arguably the quintessential trademark of Scotland. Featuring the Grampian Mountains and Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, they are populated with medieval castles, country farm towns, and vast lakes. And passengers on European Waterways’ luxury barge The Scottish Highlander will be in “high” spirits, with spending long, peaceful days cruising the Caledonian Canal. 

Guests will take in the view on a gondola trip up Britain’s eighth highest mountain, Aonach Mor; Scottish history will be explored at the famous medieval Eilean Donan Castle featured in the movie Highlander; and more cultural magic will be unveiled at Cawdor Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. And, for some onboard entertainment, a Scottish piper will serenade passengers one evening and Captain Dan Clark will play Scottish tunes on his accordion at the farewell dinner. 

Say “Ciao” to La Bella Vita

Cruising slowly down the canals of northern Italy, one is truly living “La Bella Vita.” It means “the beautiful life” in Italian, and it is also the namesake of European Waterways’ stylish 20-passenger vessel that cruises the region. Travelling between Mantua in north central Italy and the coastal city of Venice, La Bella Vita cruises through the Po Valley and the Veneto on the canals and rivers of an ancient Roman trade route. It visits towns such as Ferrara, which boasts Medieval and Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, and the aroma of delicious local cuisine – where life in the moment really couldn’t be more “Bella.” 

La Bella Vita’s varied itinerary spans the gardens and wine cellars of the 17th century Villa Widmann-Borletti, to the colourful beach towns of the lagoon islands. Guests will tour Venice, the ancient city built on water, and the small fishing port town of Chioggia, featuring a colourful fresh fish market, among other excursions. 

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

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Holland America's Autumn Med Value

This autumn, Holland America Line is offering excellent value on an extensive range of European cruises, with prices starting from just £549 per person (cruise only).

There is up to 69% off a selection of 10, 11 and 12-day cruises visiting the Mediterranean, Canaries and North Africa, featuring port-intensive itineraries, overnight calls and plenty of time to explore on one of the line's exciting shore excursions.

Sailing round-trip from Barcelona, MS Ryndam (above) embarks on three 11-day 'Cultural Mosaic' cruises to Italy, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, while the 'Ancient Discoveries' itinerary calls at ports in Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Malta and Monaco. The 'Canary Island Explorer' itinerary sails west, calling at ports in Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and Morocco. Departures are September 23, October 4 and 15, with fares from £699 per person cruise only, based on two sharing.

The Noordam will follow two alternating 10-day round-trip itineraries from Civitavecchia (Rome) this autumn. 'Roman Empires' visits the eastern Med with calls at ports in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Italy, while 'Mediterranean Enchantment' sails the western Med and includes Monaco, Spain, Italy and North Africa. Departures are on September 5 and 15 September and October 5, with fares from £549 (based on two sharing). 

Holland America’s newest ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, sails alternating 12-night cruises between Barcelona and Venice. Both the 'Mediterranean Romance' and 'Mediterranean Tapestry' itineraries call at differing ports in Italy, Croatia and Greece, and feature an overnight call at Venice. Departures are on September 4 and 23 and October 14, with fares from £699pp (again, based on 2 sharing). 

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

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Autumn Escape With Swan Hellenic

Escape to the Med this autumn to explore historic cities and ancient ruins onboard Swan Hellenic's recently refurbished MV Minerva.

Highlights of the 15-day 'The Mediterranean World' cruise include a visit to the ruined city of Pompeii, the chance to explore Lucca - the town of Puccini's birth – as well as trips to the famous leaning tower of Pisa and the Tunisian port of Sousse, famous for the imprints left by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs throughout its colourful history.

Renowned experts in archaeology, ornithology and Carthaginian history will be joining passengers onboard and providing lectures throughout the cruise.

The cruise starts from £1,695 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Naples (overnight stop), Livorno, Civitavecchia, Alghero (Sardinia, above), Palermo, Trapani, La Goulette, Sousse and Valletta before arriving into Piraeus (for Athens, overnight) for the flight back to the UK.

The price includes return flights from the UK, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

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

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Rare Chance For Penthouse Savings With Crystal

View of Venice from your private balcony? Check. Butler inside your chic suite pouring chilled champagne? Check. Saving money on the whole extravaganza? You bet, thanks to a rare Penthouse sale from Crystal Cruises offering big savings on their ultimate luxury Mediterranean sailings this autumn. 

Couples can save up to £1,140 on select voyages if reserving one of Crystal Serenity’s recently-redesigned, multi-award-winning Penthouses or Penthouse Suites by June 30.

From mid-August through November, savvy travellers have a rich choice of Mediterranean cruises exploring coveted cities and lesser known jewels in Italy, the French Riviera, Spain, the Greek Isles, Croatia, Turkey and Montenegro, as well as the Black Sea (including Russia and the Ukraine), Holy Land and Canary Islands/Iberia.

All Penthouse stateroom categories boast a personal butler for complimentary packing and unpacking, pressing and shoe shine service, daily hors d’oeuvres, fully stocked champagne, wine and spirits bar, personalised stationery, walk-in closet, larger balcony and speciality room service from the likes of the superb Nobu restaurant (designed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa), plus many more complimentary amenities.

Each port-packed cruise offers 11 or 12 nights of all-inclusive luxury, with “Book Now” fares starting from £4,375 per person, based on two sharing a Penthouse with Veranda on an 11-night voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon departing November 17.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort or hotel in history.  

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

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SeaDream Unveils 2013 European Schedule

Luxury line SeaDream Yacht Club have released their 2013 programme of European voyages for the UK market, featuring a variety of new destinations and experiences from May to October.

Their two immaculate super-yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II will sail to Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Portugal, with new destinations including Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia. 

Highlights of the grand 2013 European season include:         

Voyage 11323, Jun 5-16: Yachting the best ports of Turkey, Greece and Croatia in 11-nights. Voyage-only fares from $7,599pp, plus govt fees and handling (approx. £5,335pp inc tax).        

Voyage 11333, Aug 17-30: 13-night full circumnavigation of the Black Sea, including Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia and the north coast of Turkey. Voyage-only fares from $9,299pp plus $868pp fees and handling (approx. £6,559pp inc tax.

Voyage 11334, Aug 30-Sep 7: An educational, 8-night voyage visiting ancient Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields in Turkey and Greece’s archaeological site of Mycenae. Voyage-only fares from $5,699pp, plus $488pp fees and handling (approx. £3,990pp inc tax).

Voyage 11335, Sep 7-13: “Mamma Mia” comes to life with calls to Skiathos Island, Volos, Kayala and Thassos in Greece. Voyage-only fares from $4,299pp, plus $441pp fees and handling (approx. £3,055pp inc tax).

Voyage 11338, Oct 2-12: 10-nights, featuring fabulous Greek Islands, Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast and a rare call to the island of Cyprus. Voyage-only fares from $6,999pp plus $610pp fees and handling (approx. £4,310pp inc tax).

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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From Venice to Mantua with European Waterways

Experience ‘the good life’ in style aboard European Waterways’ more contemporary vessel La Bella Vita, cruising for 6 nights along some of Italy’s most charming waterways between historic Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua. This is truly a magical itinerary, with departures this season between April and October.

Guests can enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, while cruising past the islands of the Venetian Lagoon and on the calm waters of the Po Valley along the Bianco Canal. With all excursions included in the fare, the cruise highlights on this relaxing holiday feature a tour of historic Venice; The Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas; dinner ashore at the 17th century stately home Villa Ca’Zen; a private visit to the wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti; and a visit to Mantua with its magnificent Ducal Palace. 

And all this while enjoying gourmet cuisine - prepared by a gourmet chef - and fine regional wines. Typical dishes include Fegato alla Veneziana; Risotto al Prezzemolo; Fegato; Lagoon Seafood accompanied by Lagrein Rosso Allegrini; Lugana Col Vetorax; and Prosecco Spago.

The 20-passenger La Bella Vita - as with all European Waterways’ vessels in the fleet - is fully crewed with a captain, gourmet chef, hostesses and a knowledgeable tour guide and offers comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned, en-suite cabins, with a spacious sun deck and loungers. Prices, to include local transfers, meals, fine wines, open bar, escorted excursions and use of the barge facilities lead in at £2,390 per person (based on two people sharing one cabin) and for a whole boat charter from £39,400.

For booking details, be sure to check with the UK's luxury river-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd, on 0800 008 6677.

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Uniworld To Offer Italy In 2013

In spring of 2013, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will add another extraordinary river cruise destination to their collection of itineraries: Italy, taking in the Po River and the Venice Lagoon. The 13-day ‘Splendours of Italy’ itinerary combines a seven-night river cruise along the Po River and the Venice Lagoon with a two-night land stay in Florence and three nights in Rome. For those who only wish to do the cruise portion, Uniworld will offer a cruise-only option for eight days, ’Venice & the Po River.’

 

Chris Fundell, Uniworld’s Marketing Manager, tells us: “We wanted to give travellers the option to do a cruise-only or a cruise and land programme offering additional time in two of the world’s best known and loved cities, Florence and Rome.”

 

The new Italy programme is designed to bring the region’s art, architecture, music, cuisine, landscapes, culture, and religious and political history together, creating an immersive and enlightening journey. While guests will get to experience the “must see” sights in the iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, they will also venture off the beaten path, travelling to such places as Ravenna, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enchanting Verona, the home of literature’s most famous lovers Romeo and Juliet. 

Guests will also be introduced to Italy’s distinctive culinary delights, attending a pasta-making workshop in Bologna, the culinary capital of northern Italy. Throughout the journey, they will indulge in the culinary flavours of the region - from crispy Roman pizza to creamy Venetian gelato and hearty Chianti.

 

Uniworld will be moving one of their award-winning boutique cruise ships, the River Countess, to Venice and the Po River in 2013. The Countess is being completely remodelled to reflect the spirit and heart of this great destination, "with all the elegant touches and finesse of an Italian masterpiece."

 

The new 13-day ‘Splendours of Italy’ cruise includes: seven nights in a riverview stateroom aboard the luxurious River Countess; two nights in a deluxe hotel in Florence and three nights in a deluxe hotel in Rome; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; fully guided excursions with local experts; and all transfers on arrival and departure days, and throughout the programme.

For booking details be sure to check with the UK's leading river-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Winds Up On Royal Clipper

Day Two, Part Two of my Live Cruise Blog from the deck of Star Clippers...

Now we really are sailing! The wind has come up big style, so much so that we couldn't land at Ponza and are now heading south in the open sea. The weather is glorious and everybody is on deck, listening to sails cracking and the spars and rigging groaning in the wind.

I tried out the swimming pool, which was great; no need to change, my costume was dry in about three minutes after getting out.

Then it was off to get a coffee and pastry from the bar (which are free) and watch the Italian mainland slip by. There are also some new lines in the clothing shop on board to check out.

Now it's off now to the Tropical Bar, which becomes the heart of the ship after supper.

Steve Newman

For more info on this cruise, see www.starclippers.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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More Big Savings With Oceania

Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to 57% off selected cruise departures in spring and summer, including sailings on board new Marina, with an onboard credit of $1,000 per stateroom. All prices include all meals and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks but exclude flights.

Route of the Vikings: 14 nights from £1,399 saving £1,829 PLUS $1,000 on board credit.

Departing July 1, Oceania has a 14-night sailing from Copenhagen to London on Marina, crossing the North Sea and Atlantic through Norway, the Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands, Iceland (above) and Ireland before disembarking in London.

Greek Isles Odyssey: 12 nights from £1,499, saving up to £1,235pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit.

Departing July 9, this cruise sails from Istanbul to Athens through some of the Greece’s most beautiful and historic islands on board the mid-sized Nautica, with with savings up to £1,235 per person for an Outside ocean-view stateroom, based on two sharing.

Myths and Legends: 12 nights from £1,199, saving up to £1,160pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit.

Departing July 21, this magnificent sailing from Athens cruises the Greek Islands, Montenegro and Croatia before disembarking in Venice on Nautica, now from £1,199 per person for an Inside stateroom.

Majestic Inspiration: 14 nights from £1,399, saving up to £1,529pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit.

Departing August 2, cruise through the magical Aegean Sea on a 14-night cruise on board Nautica and save up to £1,529pp for an Inside Stateroom, based on two sharing, with a $1,000 credit/stateroom. The sailing departs from Venice and continues into the Aegean Sea cruising through Croatia, Greece, Italy, Monaco and France before disembarking in Barcelona.

For more info, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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European Waterways refurbishes Rick Stein's Barge

Spring time will soon be upon us, and what better place to spend it than cruising through the orchards and vineyards in the South of France? The gorgeous Dutch barge Rosa immerses passengers in a world of picturesque villages, good food and fine wine, sailing on the Canal de la Garonne through Gascony towards Bordeaux.

An old friend and one of their most prized barges, she has been a member of the European Waterways fleet for a number of years, and was loved by celebrity chef Rick Stein on his hugely successful BBC TV series 'French Odyssey'.

Newly refurbished, Rosa now presents an exquisite wood-panelled saloon, occupied by cosy seating and a bar. Passengers can relax on her deck as they bask in the French sun and even enjoy her very own spa pool.

The varied itinerary offers passengers the very essence of Southern France. As they visit historic Montauban, experience ancient abbeys, indulge in wine, armagnac and fois gras tasting and even traverse an impressive 1,000ft aqueduct. Eight passengers can enjoy this experience, staying in one of four double cabins, each air conditioned and with en suite facilities, or a party can charter the whole barge.

Rates for a cruise aboard Rosa are from £2,250 per person sharing a double cabin and from £15,700 for an exclusive charter of the entire vessel for 8 passengers. This is all-inclusive (excl. travel).

The European Waterways hotel barges accommodate between 4 and 20 passengers and are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people or for those wanting a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.

All the vessels across Europe's rivers are fully crewed with a Captain, gourmet chef, hostess and tour guide, with a private air-conditioned mini-bus taking passengers on excursions. There are well-planned and interesting daily itineraries that give passengers the opportunity to visit cultural and historical places of interest, vineyards and markets in each region.

For more information visit European Waterways or contact the UK's leading luxury river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Windstar's Stunning Italian Shore Excursion Line-Up

Windstar Cruises has announced that it will be offering 64 shore excursions on its 2011 seven-night Italian voyages sailing between Venice and Rome, round-trip from Rome and Nice and Rome.

Designed to explore Italy intimately, the shore excursions encompass land and sea adventures, cultural and historical experiences, food and wine tours, and walking journeys.

Highlighted 2011 Italy Shore Excursions include:

• Amalfi, Italy: Ancient Pompeii – explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii which was buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius before it was re-discovered in the 1500s. Guided tour through Pompeii’s baths, theatres, temples, markets and forum which showcases Roman life from ancient times.
• Capri, Italy: Blue Grotto – step onboard a small rowing boat to enter The Blue Grotto, a sea cave that is famous for its brilliant blue light created by sunlight reflecting through the water.
• Livorno, Italy: Wine Tasting and Carriage Ride at Lari – wine tasting at Torre a Cenaia winery, a Tuscan wine cellar, before enjoying a romantic carriage ride.
• Livorno, Italy: The Leaning Tower of Pisa – journey to Pisa, which is located 20 miles from Livorno, and view the Leaning Tower, the Piazza de Miracoli, the Baptistry and the historical churchyard.
• Sorrento, Italy: Boat Tour to Positano – a private motorboat ride along the coast to Positano, once a sleepy fishing village and home to renowned artists, featuring Moorish-style houses set in luxurious gardens.
• Portoferraio, Italy: Countryside Drive and Wine Tasting – visit the enchanting village of Porto Azzurro and enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard frequented by Emperor Napoleon.
• Rome, Italy: Private Vatican Tour – explore Porta di Bronzo on Viale Vaticano, special sections of the Vatican Museums, Cappella Niccolina (private worship place of the Pope), artwork masterpieces, the Sala degli Ori displaying precious Etruscan jewels and St Peter’s treasure.
• Rome, Italy: Rome Highlights – panoramic drive passing the Pyramid, the Circus Maximus, Imperial Avenue, Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Venice Square, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Borghese Gardens, Aurelian Walls, Sant’Angelo Fortress, the ancient Hadrian Mausoleum and a visit to St Peter’s Square (Vatican City).
• Venice, Italy: Venice Essential Sights – with a local guide, explore St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Cathedral, Doge’s Palace, Golden Staircase, St Mark’s Basin and the Bridge of Sighs.

Prices for Windstar's 2011 Italy voyages start from £1,992 per person based on Wind Surf’s seven-night voyage from Rome to Venice departing June 4. Price includes return scheduled flights and seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes.

Call Windstar Cruises on 020 7292 2369 or visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading cruise travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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