Head east for late Mediterranean sun, advises Bolsover Cruise Club

It’s not too late to sail away on a Mediterranean cruise, says Bolsover Cruise Club. who have confirmed that there is good availability this autumn for tours of the warmer Eastern Mediterranean.

Here are three deals for October still available to book through Bolsover Cruise Club:

Celebrity Reflection

Departs: 6 October 2014 for 11 nights. Flights: Return from Manchester to Rome.

Route: Rome, Santorini, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens, Mykonos and Naples.

Prices: Inside £999; Ocean view £1,299; Balcony £1,879.

Celebrity Silhouette (Above )

Departs: 18 October 2014 for 14 nights. Flights: Return from Birmingham to Rome.

Route: Rome, Valletta, Argostoli, Jerusalem (Ashdod, overnight in port), Haifa, Ephesus, Athens, Catania  and Naples.

Prices: Inside £1,125; Ocean view £1,425; Balcony £1,535.

Cunard, Queen Elizabeth

Departs: 31 October 2014 for 7 nights. Flights: Return from London to Venice.

Route: Venice, Korcula, Heraklion, Rhodes, Ephesus and Athens.

Prices: Inside £799; Outside £849; Balcony £999.

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Adventure Cruising blog

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Voyages to Antiquity's Big Med Savers

At World of Cruising we like to have a good geographical spread of voyages. And, after the recent run of Arctic/Antarctic/Norway features, we thought you might need warming up a bit, so here are a couple of nice cruises in the sunny Mediterranean for you, courtesy of Voyages to Antiquity.

Take your pick from either one - and benefit from a generous £600 per cabin saving if you book this month:

Monumental Sicily, Herculaneum & Pompeii, Classical Greece and more: This 17-day cruise tour takes passengers from Istanbul to Rome, and from historical era to historical era. Shore excursions are included in 10 of the 11 ports visited, plus there is a choice of included sightseeing in five of them - Izmir, Athens, Nauplia, Taormina and Sorrento. It sails May 8, with prices from £2,595

Jerusalem and the Treasures of the Aegean: This new itinerary provides ample time to explore the iconic city of Jerusalem before setting sail for the Crusader strongholds in the Southern Mediterranean and some of the finest Roman and Hellenistic remains in Europe. It lasts 17 days and covers 11 ports, including three nights in Jerusalem, sailing on April 2 and with prices from £2,345pp.

For both these cruises, book by December 31 for cabin savings up to £600 and a single supplement of just 15 per cent.

More info: 0845 4379737 or visit http://www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 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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The Wide World of Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic's latest brochure introduces seven new itineraries that encompass a range of exciting destinations, including the Far East, India, Israel and the Black Sea, as well as an inaugural cruise to Japan. To celebrate the launch, Swan is offering an early booking offer of a 5% discount plus up to £200 onboard bar credit per cabin when you book by October 21. Passengers looking to book a cruise on existing itineraries can take advantage of a newly launched autumn sale, offering some fantastic new low fares across all categories of cabin on cruises departing throughout 2014.

The 15-day Black Sea Empires cruise takes guests on a historical journey that commemorates 100 years since ANZAC forces landed at Gallipoli. Reflect on poignant reminders of this 1915 campaign as you call at significant ports of call along the way, such as Canakkale, site of a historic battle between Turkish soldiers and Allied Forces. The experience will be further enhanced with fascinating talks on military history by expert Guest Speakers, who will be accompanying the cruise. Other highlights include the Ukrainian city of Odessa, founded by Catherine the Great, and the UNESCO town of Nessebur, famed for its cobbled streets and Byzantine churches. Early booking offer prices for this cruise, departing on April 27, 2015, start at £2,541 per person.

Also new for 2015, The Islands of East Asia cruise reveals a fusion of cultures and takes in the Philippine Archipelago as well as Borneo, Bali, Java, Indonesia and Singapore. See the orang-utans of Borneo (above), sail out of the bustling Hong Kong harbour, discover diverse Indonesian cultures and tribes and visit the Buddhist Temple complex of Borobudur - one of the greatest sights of Southeast Asia. Early booking offer prices for this 22-day cruise, departing on January 24, 2015, start from £4,095.

The 15-day cruise to India and the Malabar Coast explores the diverse land and townscapes of the region, taking in the finest highlights along the way. From the exotic charm of Kerala to the peaceful backwaters of Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin, this inspiring cruise offers a rare insight into Indian rural life. Other highlights include the Pinnawala Elephants of Sri Lanka, the remarkable cave temples and rock carvings of the god Shiva on Mumbai’s Elephanta Island and the impressive Grand Mosque in Muscat. Early booking prices for this cruise, departing on March 15, 2015, start from £2,613.
 

Discover holy lands as you sail from the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal and into the Eastern Mediterranean on the 15-day Holy Lands itinerary. Explore the Nabatean city of Petra the ‘rose-red city half as old as time’. Half-built, half-carved into the rock and surrounded by mountains, see for yourself why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Middle East’s most impressive sites. Other highlights include Jerusalem’s sacred Golden Dome of the Rock, Giza’s Great Pyramids and the magnificent Roman city of Ephesus, once a religious centre during early Christianity and where St Paul used to preach. Early booking prices for this voyage, departing April 13, 2015, start from £2,275.

Prices for all cruises include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and a programme of tailor-made shore excursions, worth up to £650 per person.

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

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Celebrity's Expanded Europe In 2014

Celebrity Cruises has announced its European sailings for 2014, with six ships sailing in the region, including two from the UK. Guests can choose from 12 brand new itineraries including new seven-night sailings taking in Mediterranean gems from Barcelona to Venice, 12 and 13-night Classical Mediterranean cruises and 13night Istanbul overnight sailings. Next yeart will also include calls at 102 ports in 30 countries with five new ports of call – Zadar (Croatia), Porto Torres (Sardinia), Almeria (Spain), Sochi (Russia) and Lerwick (Shetlands). 

The cruise line’s newest and most luxurious ships, including recently launched Celebrity Reflection, will all sail their 2014 summer seasons in Europe, with Celebrity Eclipse and Infinity both sailing from UK ports. Celebrity Equinox will also repeat her 12-night Italy and Greek Isles sailings, calling at ports including Rome (Civitavecchia), Santorini and Athens (Piraeus). Fly/cruise prices start from £1,799 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom).

Celebrity Constellation will continue to sail 12-night Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia and Russia, and Arctic Circle sailings from Amsterdam. A new 14-night Amsterdam to Istanbul itinerary includes a new port of call for Celebrity in Almeria. Celebrity Reflection, will again sail a series of 10 and 11-night Eastern Med cruises from Civitavecchia, including her spa-inspired AquaClass Suites and the ultra-luxurious Reflection Suite - the first to include a glass shower extending over the edge of the ship. Celebrity Silhouette will continue 11-night Italy and Croatia and 12-night Adriatic cruises.

The line's new itineraries include: 

• Seven-night Greek Isles cruises from Venice. Fly/cruise prices start from £1,399 per person.
• 12-night Eastern Med and Greek Isles sailings where guests can island hop around Rhodes, Mykonos and Crete (Chania). Fly/cruise prices start from £1,649 per person.
• The 14-night Holy Land cruises head to historic ports of call including Alexandria (Egypt), Jerusalem (Ashdod, Israel) and Haifa (Israel). Fly/cruise prices start from £1,499 per person.

All prices based on two people sharing an interior stateroom. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading specialist cruise agents.

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New Oceania Late Offers

How's this for a great little pair of special offers this week from upmarket Oceania Cruises and their fabulous new ship Marina (above)?

2nd November: Sands of Time 12-night Europe/Asia cruise, from £1,199
For an exceptional cruise through some of Europe and Asia’s most iconic destinations, Oceania is offering a saving of £1,061 per person on board their brand new luxury ship Marina. The sailing from Istanbul to Athens can now be booked from just £1,199 per person for an inside stateroom, PLUS a $1,000 onboard credit. The voyage embarks in Istanbul and continues to Ephesus, Rhodes, Limassol, Haifa, Jerusalem, Crete, Patmos and Volos before disembarking in Athens.

14th November: Splendid Escapes, 10-night Athens to Rome cruise, from £1,499pp
This magnificent sailing through some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and historic islands on board Marina is now from £1,499 per person, based on two sharing, including a $1,000 onboard credit/stateroom, all meals and complimentary soft drinks and bottled water.

For more info, visit www.oceaniacruises.com or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Grab An Autumn Bargain With Oceania

How's this for a great last-minute cruise bargain? We love the idea of Oceania Cruises at the best of times, but this could be THE deal of the autumn:

Departing September 19, Oceania Cruises’ brand new luxury cruise ship Marina (above) has a spectacular 12-night sailing from Istanbul to Athens from just £1,499 per person, PLUS $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit (a saving of £1,327pp).

The voyage embarks from Istanbul and travels to Rhodes, Limassol, Haifa, Jerusalem, Crete, Patmos and Volos before disembarking in Athens.

For more info, visit www.oceaniacruises.com or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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BIG Savings (And More!) with Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has savings of up to 56% off cruises on board its mid-sized luxury cruise ships, plus an additional $1,000 on board credit per stateroom, allowing guests to make their cruise as inclusive as they want it to be. All prices are quoted per person, based on two guests sharing an inside stateroom and include all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

Check out these examples:

7th September: ‘Jewels of the Aegean’, 12-night cruise Venice to Istanbul from £1,799pp

New ship Marina has a spectacular sailing from Venice with $1,000 onboard credit and a saving of £1,654pp. It cruises through the Aegean Sea via Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu, Patras, Zakynthos and Athens before disembarking in Istanbul.

19th September: `Sands of Time’, 12-night Greek island cruise from £1,199pp

Marina has a spectacular sailing from Istanbul to Athens with $1,000 onboard credit and a saving of £1,264pp. It voyages through Rhodes, Limassol, Haifa, Jerusalem, Crete, Patmos and Volos before disembarking in Athens.

3rd October: ‘Jewels of the Aegean’, 12-night Aegean Sea cruise from £1,999pp

Cruise from Venice to Istanbul through the beautiful Aegean Sea via Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu, Patras, Zakynthos and Athens on mid-sized ship Insignia with a saving of £1,182 per person, plus $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom.

1st October: `Roman Revelations’, 14-night Med cruise from £1,399pp

Cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona via Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, Marmaris, Alanya, Limassol, Haifa, Jerusalem and Valletta on Oceania's Nautica, with $1,000 onboard credit and saving up to £1,467 per person.

For more info, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Crystal Expands World Jewish Culture Exploration

With increased participation in Jewish heritage tours, luxury cruise operator Crystal Cruises is expanding its related programming in 2011. Scheduled are over a dozen Crystal Adventures that explore Jewish life, past and present, around the world in or near Mumbai, Miami, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Berlin, Hamburg, St Petersburg, Rome, Dublin, Jerusalem/Ashdod and Odessa.

Each tour gives an overview of a culture within a culture, while also providing intimate connection with spaces, exhibits, artefacts, traditions and people that bring the international Jewish narrative to life. Among the highlights:

· St Petersburg: Discover how this resilient Russian Jewish community survived Communist oppression, war and hardship to flourish today, as demonstrated through its people, community centres, musi, and an intimate home visit.

· Mumbai: Visit three synagogues ranging from Baghdadi to Bene-Israel congregations.

· Copenhagen: Learn how 99% of Denmark’s Jews survived the Holocaust at the Museum of Danish Resistance.

· Dublin: Take in the social, legal and political contributions of the Irish-Jewish community; see the first dedicated day school and home of Israeli ex-President Chaim Herzog.

· German Concentration Camps: Explore Neuengamme, which housed 100,000 prisoners outside Hamburg, and Berlin’s Sachsenhausen, which became the blueprint for all other camps.

· Rome: Walk through the 2,000-year-old Jewish Quarter of Rome.

While most 2012 excursions are still in development, Crystal is planning a Jewish heritage tour of Shanghai for its 2012 World Cruise.

For reservations, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/ or contact the UK's leading luxury cruises specialist of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Regent's Mediterranean Discoveries

Why not take a cruise on Seven Seas Voyager with luxury line Regent Seven Seas from May 17 for seven nights? They now have balcony suites on this sailing from a bargain £2,435 per person (with alternative suite categories also available). Highlights of this voyage include Cairo (Port Said), Ashdod (overnight, for Jerusalem), Haifa, Capri (Sorrento) and Rome (Civitavecchia). They also include Regent's trademark unlimited FREE shore excursions. Take a look at this range of examples from the Voyager cruise:

Tel Aviv Orientation & Jaffa, Ashdod; originally £66, now FREE; Jerusalem Old City, Ashdod; originally £86, now FREE; Panoramic Jerusalem, Haifa; originally £86, now FREE; Nazareth & the Sea of Galilee, Haifa; originally £86, now FREE; Scenic Riviera & Taste of Sorrento; originally £66, now FREE. Total saving: £390pp (or£780 per couple!)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Free return Economy flights & transfers on every cruise; unlimited FREE shore excursions in every port; exquisite choice of fine dining, with no extra charge for speciality restaurants; fine wines, premium spirits, cocktails and selected Champagnes; speciality tea, coffee, afternoon snacks and light refreshment at any time of the day; exceptional personal service, with all gratuities included; and 24-hour room service & in-suite dining served course-by-course.

Fares are guaranteed until March 31 (terms and conditions apply). Please see www.rssc.com or visit the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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