Cruise to the Canary Islands this October with Royal Caribbean International

Experience the best of the Canary Islands this October with Royal Caribbean International.

Join Independence of the Seas on a 12-night Canaries cruise from £1,049 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). 

Price includes a 12-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Vigo, Lisbon , Lanzarote , Gran Canaria, Tenerife , Madeira, and La Coruna before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees..

Price is based on 13 October departure.

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Port Of Tyne On The Map

We like to include Ports here too at World of Cruising!Passengers can expect a fantastic welcome at the Port of Tyne, according to the latest news out of the ambitious north-east port, which is enjoying something of a cruise boom in recent years with the growth of round-Britain cruises.  

Acclaimed the UK’s Best Port of Call, and ‘One of Europe's Secret Capitals', feedback from visitors coming into this historic port and experiencing what North East England has to offer is beyond expectation.

And it is no wonder, with the iconic world heritage sites of Durham Cathedral and Hadrian’s Wall, Harry Potter’s Alnwick Castle, Holy Island (the cradle of Christianity), outstanding coast and countryside, all alongside some of the liveliest city centres with great shopping and cultural attractions.

At the same time, the market for turnaround cruises at Port of Tyne is ever growing as it can draw upon the markets of Scotland, the North West and the Midlands with excellent connectivity by rail, road and air.

Last year, more than over 623,000 cruise and ferry passengers passed through the Port’s International Passenger Terminal, with more expected during 2014.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages, Fred. Olsen and Thomson Cruises will all operate turnaround calls from the Port of Tyne in 2014, with two new companies coming in the shape of the new Portuscale Cruises with the Azores and V-Ships with the Artania.   German cruise line Peter Deilmann is returning on a transit call with Deutschland, along with Hapag-Lloyd’s inaugural call of Hanseatic and Swan Hellenic revisiting with exclusive cruise ship Minerva.

In total, 31 cruise calls will be welcomed during the year, including ten transit calls and 21 turnarounds. 

More info: visit www.portoftyne.com.

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Saga, The Canaries and Moorish Morocco

We're up to Day 6 of our marvellous Saga Week here on Time Spent At Sea and on the World of Cruising website, and we have some super spring sunshine to deliver today...

Saga Pearl II is one of Britain's most popular ships, and her classy array of amenities really come into their own on longer voyages. Like this one to the Canaries and Morocco, with plenty of wonderful sea time, in April, 2015.

Sailing from Southampton, the first port of call is beautiful Funchal in Madeira. The island is famous for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. 

Following Madeira, Saga Pearl II heads for the Canaries and four superbly contrasting ports of call, from Santa Cruz on 'the beautiful isle' of La Palma; San Sebastian on the rugged, cone-shaped island of La Gomera; and Santa Cruz on the mountainous main isle of Tenerife; to the volcanic scenery of Arrecife on Lanzarote. It is an in-depth and up-close look at this amazing island range.

Next stop will be Agadir on the Morrocan coast. The city itself was largely destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s so today it is filled with broad, palm-lined avenues edged by cafés and blossoming parks. The city is still a real mixture of old and new, though, as you wander

past the modern restaurants and shops and encounter colourful bazaars, spice-scented souks (left) and lofty minarets.

On the return journey, the ship calls in at vibrant Lisbon, where the Portuguese capital is a true treat for cruise visitors. Set on the famous Seven Hills surrounding the River Tagus, it is strewn with majestic architecture, old wooden trams, historic Moorish features and more than 20 centuries of history.

For your mobile home for this two-week maritime adventure, the ship itself offers a range of dining options, while you can also treat yourself to a massage or sauna, a few lengths in the indoor pool, soak up the sun on the ample open deck space and then enjoy a drink in the small and intimate Sundowner bar.

 
The 14-night Canaries and Moorish Morocco cruise departs from Southampton on April 4, 2015, and calls at Funchal, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Agadir and Lisbon before returning to Southampton. It costs from £1,784 per person.

More info: call 0800 096 0074 or visit http://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/ocean-cruises.aspx.

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MSC Introduces The Canary Islands

As the British winter slowly settles in, why not escape to sunnier climes with MSC Cruises? The Mediterranean cruise line is now offering the choice between two itineraries in the Canary Islands departing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the largest island in the archipelago, from just £449pp for a seven-night cruise, including flights. And now is the time to book to benefit from this incredible offer - and ensure some vital vitamin D!

With calls in Las Palmas, San Sebastian, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Palma, MSC Armonia's (above) first itinerary explores the best of the Canaries, including great shopping and beach opportunities as well as blissful encounters with nature at its best. Highlights include the National Park Caldera de Taburiente in La Palma, home of one of the biggest craters in the world, and Las Cañadas, the famous circular mountain range in Tenerife.

In addition to ports of call in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Palma and Lanzarote, Armonia’s second itinerary also includes stopovers in two of Morocco’s iconic cities, Casablanca and Agadir, where guests will be able to visit sacred mosques and magical souks but also take the chance to travel further afield to the vibrant city of Marrakech. In Agadir, Morocco's surfers' paradise, pleasure seekers can relax on the beach whilst the more adventurous can venture off into the region's stunning surroundings, the majestic Anti-Atlas mountains and awe-inspiring Sahara desert.

The two itineraries can also be easily combined to offer guests an exceptional 14-night voyage.

More info: visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955. 

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MSC's Canary Island Delights

This winter, MSC Cruises' smart mid-sized cruiser MSC Armonia will be based in the Canary Islands, offering guests two exciting new itineraries departing from Tenerife. With a series of seven-night cruises from only £639 per person, including return flights from London Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow, there has never been a better time to get away for some winter sun. 

From November 8 until March 21, Armonia will be calling in Santa Cruz Tenerife, Las Palmas, San Sebastián de la Gomera, Funchal, Santa Cruz de La Palma and back to Tenerife, while the second itinerary features Tenerife, Las Palmas, Agadir, Casablanca and Arrecife de Lanzarote.

The two itineraries will provide the opportunity to discover the best of the Canary Isles, encompassing a blend of shopping, beaches and tourist towns, all surrounded by striking natural scenery. Highlights include visits to the National Park Caldera de Taburiente from La Palma, where guests are able to explore one of the biggest craters in the world, and the circular Las Cañadas mountain range in Tenerife.

With calls in Casablanca and Agadir, Armonia will also take in two of the most popular destinations in mystical Morocco as well as the scenic highlights of the Canaries. 

Visiting sacred mosques and magical bazaars, or simply being 'on location' in iconic Casablanca offers guests a rare experience, as well as the chance to travel further afield to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Another highlight of this itinerary is Agadir, Morocco's surfer’s paradise, where sun seekers can relax on the beach and the more adventurous can embark on an exploration of the region's rugged surroundings, the majestic Anti-Atlas mountains and the awe-inspiring Sahara desert.

A seven- night starts from just £639 per person, departing Decembe 13 or January 10, including return flights from London Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow. The two itineraries can also be combined to offer a unique 14-night voyage.

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

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Fred Olsen's Chocoholic Treat

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be hosting a Canaries cruise on board Boudicca in November to tickle the taste buds of any chocoholic! 

The cruise line will be offering guests the chance to learn all there is to know about this most tempting of treats from renowned chocolatier, Gerry Wilton, as part of the award-winning Vistas onboard enrichment programme. This special 14-night ‘Portugal, Madeira & the Canaries’ cruise, sailing from Portsmouth on November 4, features a theme of ‘The Chocolate Experience’, and guests will learn about the history of chocolate, as well as being able to participate in hands-on chocolate-making classes whilst on board.

The cruise visits the ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira before taking in some more winter sunshine in the Canary Islands of La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Vibrant Lisbon, Portugal’s colourful capital, is the ship’s next port of call, followed by Leixoes for tours to the bustling city of Oporto, before returning to Portsmouth.

Prices start from £899, for two adults sharing a twin-bedded cabin, Grade ‘I’, and include all meals and accommodation, entertainment – including ‘The Chocolate Experience’ – and port taxes.

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

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Cruise The Canaries With Royal Caribbean (And Save 20%!)

Here's a great weekend offer to get you thinking about some Winter sun: Join Royal Caribbean on a 12-night Spain and Canary Islands cruise-only from £950 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

This bargain price includes a 20 per cent discount on the original brochure price, with the voyage departing from Southampton and calling at Funchal (Madeira), Tenerife, Las Palmas, Lanzarote and Vigo before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

PLUS, you can receive free car parking in Southampton port or a complimentary coach transfer to the port if booked by February 29. Price is based on May 9 departure.

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

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Welcome In The New Year With Royal Caribbean

Join Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (above) for a 12-night Spain & Canary Islands cruise from just £899 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin) this December.

This excellent price includes the full 12-night cruise, departing from Southampton and calling at Vigo, Lisbon, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Tenerife, Funchal (Madeira) and La Coruna, before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on December 29 departure.

For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or the cruising specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

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Gerald Scarfe Joins Fred. Olsen

As part of its growing cruise enhancement programme, Vistas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to announce that the artist and satirical cartoonist, Gerald Scarfe, CBE, RDI, will be joining Braemar’s cruise to the Atlantic Islands next April.

Best known for his biting and highly individual political cartoons, as well as his collaboration with Pink Floyd on their epic production of The Wall, Scarfe was born in St. John’s Wood, North London, in 1936 and started to draw and create models as he recovered from bouts of asthma as a child.

He started drawing cartoons for national newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Sketch, Evening Standard and Punch magazine and was one of the early contributors to Private Eye. His work is also familiar from the opening credits of the 1980s TV series ‘Yes Minister’ and ‘Yes, Prime Minister’. From drawing, he moved into creating papier-mâché models of politicians, and gradually into television, film and other areas of the arts.

Scarfe was awarded the distinction of ‘Royal Designer for Industry’ in 1989, in recognition of his talents as an illustrator. He was then awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2008, remarking: “I am pleased, but surprised, since I’ve spent so much of my professional life being rude to people.”

He will host a ‘Drawing’ theme on Braemar's M1208 cruise to the Atlantic Islands, a 14-night voyage that departs from Dover on April 14, 2012, calling at Lisbon and visiting the islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma in the Canaries, and two ports in the Azores, Praia da Vitoria and Ponta Delgada, before returning to Dover.

Prices start from £1,429 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’, and includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in Gerald’s Vistas workshops.

Find out more about by visiting www.fredolsencruises.com or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Spring sunshine with Royal Caribbean International

By guest blogger Steve Newman

With the average temperature at 23°C in the Canary Islands in May, guarantee yourself some sunshine and join Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas (above) on a 10-night Canaries cruise from just £931 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

The price includes a 10-night cruise-only departing Southampton and calling at Funchal (Madeira, Portugal), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Lanzarote (Canary Islands) and Vigo (Spain) before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Independence of the Seas is brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother and daughter/father and son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf course and shopping.

Price is based on a departure of May 4, 2011.

For more information, see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or talk to the cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Canary Islands a lot "Cheeper"?

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Many of us prefer to take a cruise right at the end of summer to try to hold off those winter blues for a bit longer. October is becoming an ever more popular month to take a cruise and, if you can get to somewhere warm and get there quickly, so much the better.

So why not think about joining Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas for a 10-night Canary Islands cruise from just £699 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin)? That’s Canary Islands cruising for £69 per person per day!

Royal Caribbean are renowned for their high-quality, ultra-modern vessels and, now you can check in online, it saves time and you don't have to fill in any forms at the pier. When you and your party arrive, all you need is your signed SetSail pass, identification documents, and credit card that you register online.

The price for this voyage includes the full 10-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Funchal (Madeira, Portugal), Tenerife, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Lanzarote and Vigo (Spain) before returning to Southampton. Meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees are also fully inclusive.

Independence of the Seas is also brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother-and-daughter/father-and-son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf course and shopping.

Price is based on 29 October 2010 departure.

Royal Caribbean are also exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham this October.

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