Oceania Cruises Unveils 2015 Summer Collection

Here at World of Cruising we know you like  to like to look ahead and plan in advance and be sure of a great cruise deal (as many of the best are now reserved for those who book sooner rather than later), Oceania Cruises has just announced its 2015 Summer Collection, featuring voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, Asia and Africa.

The chic, upscale 5-ship fleet will offer a diverse collection of itineraries, with 24 new ports of call on four continents during the 2015 summer season. Among the new ports are Luanda, Paamiut, Trois-Rivières, Archangel, Skiathos, Londonderry, Wismar and Palamós. Also new is a series of Grand Voyages in Europe, ranging in length from 20 to 70 days, and offering multiple opportunities for extended exploration during the summer.
All voyages feature Free Airfare. Additionally, Oceania is offering 50% off deposits on all stateroom categories and free gratuities for guests staying in Veranda Staterooms and above, while all Grand Voyages feature exclusive Prestige Package amenities that may include a 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay; visa package; round-trip transfers; laundry service; unlimited internet and free gratuities in all stateroom and suite categories. Reservations must be booked by June 30.

More info: call 0845 505 1920 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

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Crystal's Overland Gorilla Adventure

Locking eyes with an almost-500 pound silverback mountain gorilla, with just a few feet of African forest standing in between, might not the thing most people would expect from a luxury cruise.

But Crystal Cruises are increasingly pushing back the boundaries of what's possible on a voyage, and the Gorilla Adventure is the latest possibility in their impressive Overland Adventure portfolio.

With just 600 mountain gorillas left in the world, and only a handful of active guests permitted on the excursion, Crystal’s new “Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tracking Experience” is an ultimate bucket list trip. The five-night journey is available only to guests sailing back-to-back on two of Crystal Serenity’s 2014 World Cruise segments: an 18-night March 10 voyage from Singapore to Cape Town and the following 21-night March 28 cruise from Cape Town to Southampton. From South Africa’s port of Durban, outing participants will travel deep into Uganda, then re-join the ship in Cape Town.

On non-tracking days, the group will also learn about Uganda’s wetland, savannah and forest eco-systems at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, and participate in a mock Batwa Pygmy (considered the “keepers of the forest” for more than 5,000 years) hunting party, including tribal singing and dancing. Luxury accommodation includes two nights at The Lake Victoria Serena Resort, set on the world’s largest tropical lake, and three nights at the silver-service Sanctuary Gorilla Camp.

The Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tracking Experience costs from $11,676 per person. The combined, 39-night cruise itinerary calls in Singapore (overnight); Jakarta, Mauritius/Port Louis, Durban, Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Luanda (maiden call), Bom Bom Island/São Tomé, Takoradi, Dakar, Agadir, Lisbon and Southampton.

Crystal is also offering 10 other Overland Adventures (shore excursions where guests stay inland overnight during a cruise) in Africa next year, taking guests to Nelson Mandela’s former home, through the countryside by Victorian-era railcar and on multiple safaris in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.

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

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A Spirited Adventure off the West African Coast.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

If you’re one of those who feels they don’t want to go to the bigger companies for a cruise of a lifetime, then take a look at Spirit of Adventure, which has just one small ship – MV Spirit of Adventure (above). Due to her small size, it means the ship can get in to exciting off-the-beaten track ports that the larger cruise ships can’t reach.

Therefore, the company’s itineraries always include fascinating destinations. For example, in February next year Spirit will set out from Cape Town on a 17-day cruise calling at such small ports as Luderitz and Walvis Bay in Namibia and Douala in Cameroon. Spirit of Adventure voyages include excursions in the price as well, so it’s ideal for those who want to get off and explore.

The ship has a capacity of 350 and a crew of 170 and novel features include films being shown in the open air on Sun Deck (weather permitting). The light and airy Verandah restuarant provides informal dining with buffet meals and the opportunity to dine al fresco when the weather is fine.

There is one sitting in the nautically themed dining room and the open dining policy allows you to sit where you like.

All in all, the ship will visit seven countries along the lesser-known west coast of Africa. You will be able to enjoy stunning landscapes and wildlife-watching trips and get closer to the cultural traditions as you discover the villages and bustling cities of this enigmatic region.

Highlights include looking out for the dolphins and seals of Walvis Bay and calls to lesser-visited ports, including Luanda in Angola and Cotonou in Benin

Price includes return scheduled flights, all gratuities on board, excursions and travel to and from your UK departure points.

Spirit of Adventure will also be exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham NEC in October.

For further details, please visit http://www.spiritofadventure.co.uk/

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