Ventura Cruise - Monte Carlo & Eze

Guest blogger Danielle Fear, aka Cruise Miss, continues her Mediterranean voyage aboard the Ventura of P&O Cruises...

Yesterday we spent the day in good old Monaco. This was my fifth visit to Monte Carlo and, before leaving for the cruise, I had decided it would be nice to do a tour here this time and take in a little more of what this beautiful - and rich - port has to offer. During my Caribbean voyage, I booked an excursion with The Shore Excursions Group and had such a wonderful experience I decided to use them in Monaco.

After I booked the trip, I realised we would not get ashore until after the tour meeting time. I informed Shore Ex and they went to every length to alter our meeting time. Perfect! Our guide met us just yards from where the tender boats dropped us off and, by luck, it turned out we were the only people on the tour. Our guide mentioned the sights the tour took in and said we could alter it if we wished as there were just two of us, so we cut one or two bits out and custom-made it to suit us.

Our first stop was the stunning medieval town of Eze. The views were breathtaking and there were gorgeous gardens emitting the most delicious floral scents. I wish I could have bottled it - never have I smelled such fragrances from flowers. The streets were narrow and steep, it was rich in its own little history and the kind of place I love to visit during my travels. It actually reminded me of Savoca in Sicily, without the Godfather connection of course.

From here we worked our way back down into Monaco, again stopping to digest the views from above, and arrived at the Palace just in time for the changing of the guard. There were tourists everywhere and it was quite difficult to get close enough to see what was going on but the atmosphere alone was thrilling. Once the excitement calmed and the crowd dispersed, we grabbed a few pictures of the view across Monte Carlo then made our way down towards the Cathedral. 

 

I have visited some stunning churches in my time but this one is extra special. It was pristine

on the outside and, as soon as you stepped through the door, you felt so peaceful. At the back there is the tomb of Princess Grace Kelly. It was touching to see but also very sad. There were fresh flowers laid, along with a few other trinkets. Our guide had left us here to do our own thing for an hour, and, when we were ready to continue, she was there waiting.

Next came the world famous Monte Carlo Casino. To be honest, after visiting here several times already, I am more excited by the seemingly never-ending array of top-of-the-range and custom-designed Bentleys, Rolls Royce Phantoms, Ferraris and other fancy cars. It provides an amazing glimpse of how the other half live!

Our guide was wonderful, with an answer for every question. I was interested to learn more about the Prince and his family, and she told us the Prince was in the palace yesterday because the flag was flying. She told us more about Grace Kelly and her accident and then showed us the properties that belonged to her daughters, even giving us a brief outline of where they are today. From one viewpoint she mentioned we were actually in France; below us was the Principality of Monaco and just a stone’s throw to our left was Italy. She also pointed out that one particular building was an apartment complex where the rent is 120,000 euros - a month. Residents can drive their cars into custom-built elevators to take them directly to the floor on which they live. Can you imagine!

Today we are in one of my favourite countries, Italy, and It is another scorcher of a day!

More soon....

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Oceania's Free Internet Lure

Oceania Cruises is offering guests unlimited free internet access on 10 sailings on  the line's mid-sized luxury cruise ships this year. The company has a fully staffed internet centre, Oceania@Sea, with wireless internet access for guests to use their own laptops, or the PC workstations, while all guests in Suites and Concierge Veranda staterooms also have the use of an iPad throughout the voyage and exclusive use of PCs in the Executive Lounges.

Free internet is being offered on four sailings on board the newest ship in the fleet, the 1,250-guest Riviera, and four on sister ship, Marina, as well as a Mediterranean cruise on board the 684-guest Nautica and a Panama Canal transit on her sister ship Regatta. The company is also offering a $300 onboard credit per stateroom on these sailings, to spend in the bars, restaurants, spa and boutiques.

Example cruises with free internet include the September 29 `Romance and Rivieras’ sailing on Riviera from Lisbon to Monaco, calling into nine ports along the southern Mediterranean coasts of Spain, France and Italy, between Lisbon and Rome, before disembarkation in Monaco. The cruise costs from £1,489pp, including return flights, all meals, no supplement for speciality dining, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, free internet use and a $300 US onboard credit per stateroom.

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

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Singles Save With Star Clippers

Tall-ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering savings of up to £500 per person for solo travellers booking a double cabin (for single occupancy) on a choice of two escorted art-themed cruises in the Mediterranean in 2013. Guests on the two sailings can enjoy art tuition and the company of like-minded aspiring artists in some of the most beautiful settings of the Mediterranean: the French and Italian Rivieras in April or the coast of Croatia in September.

A cruise on Star Clippers’ graceful tall ships is the perfect holiday for single travellers, due to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere on board. The al fresco Tropical Bar is the ideal place to chat to fellow guests while watching the scenery drift by. Meals are informal, with open seating and the opportunity to sit with other guests, so nobody has to dine alone unless they want to.

On the Art Afloat voyages, the group will have the opportunity to attend daily workshops and spend time sketching and painting ashore together, creating an ideal environment for spending time with people with a shared interest.

Each cruise is escorted by Suffolk-born Richard Nichols, a successful artist who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes. Richard will run workshops covering everything from sketching to watercolours, 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 cruise price is a special lightweight 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.

The ‘Art Afloat’ cruises are:

Monaco round-trip on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing April 27, and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerici and Santa Margarita (for Portofino). From £2,199 per person including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, sole occupancy of a double cabin, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. Saving: £170 per person.

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 £2,399 per person including flights to Venice, transfers, one night’s B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, sole occupancy of a double cabin, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. Saving: £500 per person.

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

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Crystal's Monaco Grand Prix Experience

Crystal Cruises has announced four new privileged opportunities for guests to experience the fast cars and glamorous events of next spring’s legendary Monaco Grand Prix. 

Three options offer different, intimate ways to watch the world’s most prestigious automobile race from either the uber-exclusive driver/team-prep paddock area; a chic private balcony/residence above the renowned Casino; or the best of the fan grandstands near the start/finish line, overlooking the stunning port. 

A fourth new excursion brings guests to the official Formula One VIP party celebrating the race’s end, where guests can dance ‘til dawn. The four Crystal Adventures were created exclusively for Crystal Serenity’s May 18-30 Esprit du Grand Prix-themed Mediterranean cruise. The itinerary features two days in Monte Carlo, from May 26, race day, to Monday May 27.

In addition to the finest locations for viewing the race, the Grand Prix Adventures include gourmet catered meals and knowledgeable hosts to enlighten guests and escort them to and from the events. Premium champagne, open bar and indoor-outdoor comfort are also offered for the two more private options. The most exclusive “Team Paddock” viewing choice also brings guests shoulder-to-shoulder with Team Ferrari or Team Pirelli, to the pit lanes for driver-eavesdropping, behind-the-scenes to the garage and to a private stand and hospitality area to watch the Driver Parade.

After the cars finish winding through Monte Carlo’s streets, many drivers and audience elite head to the stylish Amber Lounge for the F1 party — and Crystal guests can too, via the fourth Grand Prix Adventure, which offers a VIP table, unlimited Dom Perignon, delicious three-course dinner, cocktails, dancing and a private vehicle to take you “home” whenever you choose.

Prices for the outings range from $829 to $14,199 per person. The 12-night voyage starts with an overnight in Istanbul and visits Mykonos, Santorini, Sorrento, Corsica, Monte Carlo (overnight) and Florence before finishing with an overnight in Barcelona. Until October 31, all-inclusive “Book Now” fares start at £3,530 per person, double occupancy.  

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

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Crystal's Foot-Tapping Cruises

Whether tapping one’s toes to a soulful beat or enjoying a prima ballerina dance high upon hers, guests on three of Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxury European voyages this summer will be treated to some of the richest rising young talent from the performing arts world. 

Continuing its esteemed partnership with The Music Centre – Performing Arts Centre of Los Angeles County, the three “Emerging Artists”-themed North Cape and Mediterranean cruises feature winners of the Music Centre’s annual Spotlight Awards. 

Guests can enjoy rousing performances from the programme’s top musicians, singers and dancers, as well as a rare “sneak peek” into master training classes.

Visiting acclaimed destinations throughout Italy, Monaco, Turkey, Ukraine, Denmark, Norway and more, each sailing features a consortium of artists performing around one musical focus:

• 19^th June: 12-night cruise from Venice to Istanbul on Crystal Serenity – ‘Ballet and the Classics’ with Royal Danish Ballet dancers, opera and classical pieces brought alive.
• 8^th July: 15-night cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm on Crystal Symphony – Jazz-themed repertoire featuring a diversified mix of jazz performers.
• 13^th August: 12-night cruise from Venice to Barcelona on Crystal Serenity – Boasting an international twist, this “world tour” through music and movement features song, guitar and regional folk dancing.

Each voyage also includes Master Classes At Sea^®, showcasing the intense mentoring and preparation required for professional career success.

Until June 30, all-inclusive Book Now fares for the Experiences of Discovery voyages start at £3,955 person, based on the 12-night cruise from Venice to Barcelona. Price includes return scheduled flights, overseas transfers and 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals, drinks, gratuities and port taxes.

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

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Enjoy Monaco Grand Prix With Silversea!

For those seeking a unique chance to be part of the world’s most renowned Formula One Race, Silversea’s Silver Spirit sets sail from Barcelona May 24 for a seven-day voyage that will call in the glamorous Principality to take in all the race action. 

A complimentary mid-voyage Silver Shore Collection Land Adventure - 70th Grand Prix de Monaco! - offers guests the chance to see the drivers vie for pole position in qualifying on Saturday May 26, celebrate at an exclusive, invitation–only event hosted by Silversea’s Captain and a former Grand Prix driver, and then watch the official race itself on May 27 from specially-assigned Tribune K seats.

The Silver Shore experience, worth more than £1,000, is now being offered on a complimentary basis to guests booking Silver Spirit's Barcelona to Civatavecchia (Rome) voyage, with fares for this luxury cruise experience starting from £4,199 based on two people sharing a Vista Suite, including flights.

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

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Grab An Early Discount - And More - With Voyages Of Discovery

To coincide with the launch of the summer 2013 brochure, Voyages of Discovery  is offering every passenger a 10 per cent discount on their 2013 summer cruise, as well as free insurance. Plus, every guest choosing a higher grade cabin can enjoy a new complimentary chauffeur service to the airport or port.

The 2013 summer programme sees the line's Discovery visit 15 brand new ports of call, including Monaco (France), Husavik (Iceland) and St Helier (Jersey). Following an extensive upgrade in December 2012, the summer season will see guests able to enjoy refurbished facilities on board the 650-passenger ship.

Voyager, the second and newly added ship in the fleet, will embark on its first summer season sailing to 12 additional new ports of call, including Dikili (Turkey) and Ostende (Belgium), plus sailing through the Corinth Canal.  

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

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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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SeaDream Taps Into The Hippocrates Health Institute

SeaDream Yacht Club is taking wellness and well-being holidays a step further with a unique programme in conjunction with The Hippocrates Health Institute, introducing the first of its kind at sea, a “Raw Food” menu option. 

A once-radical form of vegetarianism called the “raw foods” or “living foods” movement is creeping into mainstream. Now, aboard the twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, gourmet raw food is offered in addition to the regular menu.

The Hippocrates Health Institute was created over five decades ago. Over the years, it has developed the Life Transformation Programme into the definitive blueprint for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. SeaDream’s Corporate Chef, Sudesh Kishore (above) shares dishes and beverages such as Watercress Tang (a liquid mélange of watercress, Anjou pear, lime and pineapple) and the Blood Apple Blaster (a blend of apple, ginger, red beet, lime juice and agave). Salad options include Asian-style Cashew Curry Salad (crunchy and slightly spicy) while an entrée such as Vegetable Lasagna uses pasta-like noodles made from spinach leaves and coconut meat, layered between a spicy cauliflower mash topped with a sun-dried tomato marinara.

A sample 7-night Mediterranean voyage aboard SeaDream I (including the new Raw Food menu options), sailing May 12 from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Monte Carlo now costs from $3,999, representing a saving of 55%.

A sample 7-night Caribbean voyage aboard SeaDream II (also including the new Raw Food options), sailing March 31 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, now costs from $2,899, a brochure saving of 58%.

These cruise-only fares include: accommodation, all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather permitting).

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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Silversea's Monaco Grand Prix Experience

Guests sailing on the nearly sold-out Silver Spirit voyage on May 24, 2012, are in for a special treat. Silversea is offering an optional two-day "70th Grand Prix de Monaco" land package. Spirit guests will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of a Formula One race at Europe's most glamorous motor-race during the ship's overnight visit on May 26.

On Saturday, guests will enjoy witnessing the time trials (practice runs for the drivers and their cars) from Tribune K reserved seats. From this section of the grandstand, guests will see cars racing towards them at tremendous speed, slow down and then accelerate, before making the next turn.

In the evening, guests attend an invitation-only cocktail reception hosted by the ship's captain and a former Grand Prix driver, followed by a themed dinner of Mediterranean and Monegasque cuisine served in La Terrazza. On Sunday, guests return to their same reserved seats for the exciting race itself. The tour includes escorted transfers and a gift package of spectator essentials featuring Bushnell binoculars, an official "70th Grand Prix de Monaco" programme, souvenir drawstring bag, hat, seat cushion and protective earplugs.

Priced at $1,799 per guest, this special two-day, mid-voyage land adventure is only offered on Silver Spirit's May 24 voyage (No. 5213), sailing from Barcelona to Rome. It requires advance booking through Silversea's reservations department by January 24. However, since space is limited, the tour may sell out before the booking deadline.

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

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Unleash Your Inner Picasso on Star Clippers

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers (www.starclippers.co.uk) is offering novice and experienced artists alike the chance to express themselves and refine their technique in the most inspiring of settings, the Mediterranean, on board the 170-passenger Star Flyer, one of the world’s most beautiful and graceful tall ships.

The voyage will be escorted by Suffolk-born Richard Nichols (above), a successful artist who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes. Richard will run workshops on board the seven-night cruise in anything from sketching to watercolours, aimed at all levels of experience.

Included in the cruise price 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.

The cruise departs Cannes on September 24 and calls at Corsica, Elba, Portofino and the Hyeres islands, ending in Monaco – all perfect settings for capturing the colour and vibrancy of the Mediterranean, from the ochres and terracottas of Portofino to the jagged mountains and bottle green pines of Corsica.

The 7-night cruise costs from £1,469 per person, including return flights from London, transfers, seven nights’ full board accommodation on Star Flyer, daily art classes, the artist’s backpack and port charges. Single travellers pay just £1,659.

To book, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Star Clippers New 'Rail & Sail' Offers

Star Clippers has new `Rail & Sail’ departures this summer, allowing guests to take the train directly from the UK to the south of France and join one of its magnificent tall ship sailings, completely avoiding airports and flying.

The company’s tall ship cruises from Cannes or Monaco operate between June and October and new rail-cruise packages cost from £1599 per person, including all meals, return rail travel from London, a night’s B&B pre-cruise accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Monaco or Nice, non-UK transfers to and from the ship and all port taxes.

The sailings are on board Star Clippers’ four-masted Star Flyer, departing from Cannes or Monaco on June 4, September 10 and October 1.

For the June and October departures, the ship sails from Cannes to Calvi (Corsica), the Costa Smeralda (Sardinia), Giglio (Italy) and Lerici (Italy), returning to St. Tropez and Monaco 7 nights later.

In September, Star Flyer departs Monaco for a 7-night sailing to L’Ille Rousse (Corsica), Portoferraio (Elba), Portofino (Italy), Hyeres Island and Sanary-sur-Mer (France) and St. Tropez beach and town, returning to Cannes on September 17.

Find out more by visiting www.starclippers.co.uk or the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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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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Tall Ship Cruise Offers Classic Yacht Race Action

This September, tall ship specialist Star Clippers is offering guests a chance to follow the action of the Voiles de St Tropez, one of the world’s most glamorous classic yacht regattas, from the comfort of the historically styled, square rigger, Star Flyer.

Les Voiles de St Tropez is one of the principal events in the classic yachting race calendar, bringing together magnificent racing boats with world-class crews from all over the world. The regatta runs this year from September 27 to October 2 and the 170-passenger Star Flyer will be in the bay of St Tropez on September 30, perfectly situated for guests to view the racing and admire the yachts from the heart of the action.

Later, the ship moves to St Tropez port, where it will remain until late at night, giving guests the chance to soak up the festive post-race atmosphere, with unrivalled opportunities for boat-spotting and people-watching.

Star Clippers’ Voiles de St Tropez sailing departs Cannes on September 24, calling at some of the Mediterranean’s finest yachting harbours: L’Ile Rousse and Bastia in Corsica; Portoferraio in Elba; Portofino in Italy; and Iles d'Hyères and Sanary-sur-Mer in France, as well as St Tropez for the racing.

The ship will also operate a seven-night Monaco to Cannes sailing, departing October 1, which coincides with the last two days of the Voiles de St Tropez, ideal for anybody wanting to overnight in or near St Tropez to watch the racing prior to joining the ship.

Both sailings cost from £1,295 per person, including full board on the ship and port taxes. Flights are extra.

To book, visit www.starclippers.co.uk coontact adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd

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Sailing to Monaco Grand Prix

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Boutique cruise operator Star Clippers, who offer fully crewed sailings on board the world's most spectacular tall ships, has a new 16-night land-cruise package for 2011 that takes in not only the Cannes film festival, but both the time trials and the race itself at the Monaco Grand Prix, combined with 14 nights sailing on the magnificent Star Flyer.

The experience begins on May 19 with two nights at the 4-star Cannes Riviera Hotel, during the final days of the 2011 Cannes film festival, when this stylish resort will be patronized by the rich and famous.

On May 21, guests embark the magnificent Star Flyer en route to 11 different ports during a 14-night sailing that takes in the Monaco Grand Prix on the weekend of May 28-29.

The price of £3,399 per person includes return flights from the UK, transfers, two nights B&B accommodation at the Cannes Riviera Hotel, 14 nights on Star Flyer, with all meals, 'N' Grandstand tickets for the Monaco Grand Prix and a sailing itinerary that includes the French Riviera, Corsica, Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and the north-west coast of Italy.

For more information, contact http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or check with the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Yachts Of Seabourn Offer ends 30th October

By guest blogger Steve Newman

BOOK BY 30th OCTOBER 2010 AND EXPERIENCE SEABOURN FOR JUST £1,999pp

Ultra-luxury cruise line, The Yachts of Seabourn is offering air-inclusive fares from just £1,999 per person on European itineraries on board Seabourn Legend in 2011. For guests who love to experience the enchanting history and culture of Europe, the 7-day itineraries are the perfect introduction to the luxury and adventure that awaits onboard Seabourn.

Itineraries priced from £1,999 per person:

Florence and Bella Italia
Monte Carlo, Monaco – Rome, Italy
Seabourn Legend
7 Days, departures: 10th April and 1st May 2011

Yachtsman’s Riviera
Rome, Italy – Monte Carlo, Monaco
Seabourn Legend
7 Days, departures: 17th April and May 15th 2011

To book, visit http://www.seabourn.co.uk/ or call cruise specialist The Cruis Line on 0800 008 6677.

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Sails in St Tropez

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Ever felt like being part of the jet-set, even if only for a short while? Perhaps after playing a few chukkas in Berkshire, why not nip down to St Tropez for a bit of lazy beach wallowing, followed by watching some top-notch sailing sipping a gin and tonic on your own deck?

Well, thanks to Star Clippers now you can mingle with the A-List by picking up your ship at Monte Carlo and sailing on her to do some serious celebrity watching in St Tropez.

One of the classic events in the international racing calender, Les Voiles de St Tropez, hosts some of the most beautiful yachts in the world and can be seen this year from the deck of your own sailing ship the chic Star Flyer (above). If you're so inclined, you can even help the crew with the rigging.

The 170-passenger square rigger has teak decks, a swimming pool, informal dining and a convivial tropical bar. What you get here is 19th century tall-ship sailing with 21st century luxury.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that if you take the inclusive flight, there's a Eurostar option too, while from the UK you get a helicopter transfer to Monaco (Star Clippers call in here when the Grand Prix is on as well).

The ship sails from Monte Carlo on September 29, calling at L'Ile Rousse in Corsica and returning to Cannes (for more people watching - or maybe they're watching you by now?) on October 2.

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

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The Joys of Sail Cruising

By guest blogger Steve Newman

To be on the deck of cruise ship at dawn as the sun paints the sails in a wonderful orange light is one of the joys of cruising. Add to this the sight of dolphins ridng the bow waves as there is no engine noise to frighten them and you really start to peel away the stress of modern living.

Welcome, then, to the world of Star Clippers, a company that takes you back to the golden age of sailing with five-star luxury and modern technology to make your cruise so memorable.

Star Clippers have three ships in the fleet at the moment - they do have engines but they are used only if the captain deems it necessary - and for most of the time you have only the wind singing through the sails and frigate birds calling to distract you.

Their shallow draft allows them to visit islands and ports that the bigger cruise ships simply can't get to and, with a relaxed dress code, an elegant Edwardian decor and a sit-where-you-like dining policy, the atmosphere amongst the passengers is always friendly and cordial.

All the amenities of a modern cruise ship are here but there is no glitzy broadway entertainment; the social life generated by everyone having a good time and the excellent excursions provided by the ship's tenders more than make up for this.

The company sail to the most exotic locations, from the Caribbean to Thailand, from Monaco to Tahiti, and, if you wish, you can even help the crew with setting the sails and other ship's tasks.

More information can be found on http://www.starclippers.co.uk/

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