Exclusive National Cruise Week offers from Seabourn

Seabourn will be offering customers a range of added extras including free upgrades to Veranda Suites as part of National Cruise Week.

Seabourn customers can make the most of the National Cruise Week exclusives on offer as part of the luxury holiday experience including complimentary upgrades to a Veranda Suite on sailings to destinations including Australia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Antarctica. Guests can also enjoy complimentary marina days and private watersports at Croatia’s idyllic Triluke Bay and Bandol on the Côte d'Azur in the south of France, as part of their Seabourn experience. 

Those keen to explore Antarctica can visit in style onboard Seabourn’s six-star Seabourn Quest. The 17 strong team, led by adventurer and explorer, Robin West will ensure guests make the most of their time in the region with Zodiac landings each day and the iconic ‘Caviar on the Ice’ experience.

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Adventure Cruising blog

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Sunset visit to Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda is the highlight of Voyages to Antiquity's Asian Odyssey

Glimmering gold grandeur - the Shwedagon Pagoda is a highlight of Rangoon

• Introducing a series of guest blogs by Zoe Bromley-Fox, Land Programmes Manager of cruise line Voyages to Antiquity. The line’s one ship, Aegean Odyssey, returns to south-east Asia this winter for the first time since the winter of 2012-13. Zoe looks forward to the forthcoming visit by recalling highlights of the journey two years ago.

When remembering our first Asia season, I must start with a personal highlight – the evening excursion in Yangon, Burma (Myanmar), which was included for every passenger

Visiting the Shwedagon pagoda as the sun went down was a fairy-tale experience that our passengers would never forget. Without the heat of the midday sun when most groups visit the pagoda, everyone could really appreciate the unique ambience of this sacred Buddhist site. Not to mention being able to stand on the ground quite comfortably with no shoes on! When on this excursion, admire the glimmering gold as the lights are turned on and ask your guide to show you the unique spot where you can watch the diamond change colour as you view it from different angles…

Aegean Odyssey returns to Burma in January, on a 21-day cruise departing from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and also visiting Chennai (Madras), Phuket in Thailand, and Penang and Malacca, Malaysia, before reaching Singapore.

Fares from £3,995 pp (two sharing) and a single supplement of 20 per cent. Guest speakers include Prof Ian Brown of the London School of Oriental and African Studies; Robert A. E. Gordon, president of the Britain-Burma Society, and Pamela Gordon of the Diplomatic Service Families Association.

The ship returns in March, during a 30-night grand voyage from Bangkok to Singapore with fares from £5,750 pp (single supplement 15 per cent).

Click here to read Zoe's blog in full, with details of Aegean Odyssey's voyages and the excursions available.

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Michelle Bernstein Highlights New Sanctuary Ananda

Here at World of Cruising we are always ready to highlight a great cruise food story, especially when it features a celebrity chef tie-up with a deluxe travel brand.


In this case, it features luxury cruise and safari specialist Sanctuary Retreats, who have just announced an exclusive partnership with the high-profile American chef Michelle Bernstein, who will be creating a selection of Signature ‘Burmese Fusion’ dishes on board its luxurious new 21-suite Myanmar river cruiser Sanctuary Ananda.

Named after the beautiful Ananda Temple in Bagan, Ananda also translates in Sanskrit as 'extreme happiness' - one of the highest states of being.  Due to set sail for the first time in November, Sanctuary Ananda will offer a choice of six itineraries ranging from 3 and 4-night shorter trips (which can be booked as part of a wider Myanmar tour) to longer exploration cruises for river-cruise lovers, such as a 10-night Chindwin River itinerary. It will offer an authentically Burmese, yet exclusive experience, in line with Sanctuary Retreats’ philosophy of 'Luxury Naturally.'

Bernstein is well known for her appearances on Iron Chef and other top TV culinary shows, as well as her restaurants in Miami that are lauded as some of the best if America and feature a Latin-fusion style. She will bring a unique range of menus to the Sanctuary Ananada, which will also feature Burmese design throughout, with local Myanmar fabrics and artefacts as well as specially commissioned art.  

There are plenty of public areas to relax in, from the stylish Talifoo restaurant, to the spacious Sundeck, and air conditioned Kansi panorama lounge, where guests will be able to enjoy stunning views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, whilst enjoying afternoon tea, or perhaps a sundowner cocktail from the Burma Bar.

Prices start at £1,350 per person, based on two people sharing a Suite including all sightseeing as stated in cruise itinerary, all meals, soft drinks and local beer. Price valid for November 19 and 26, December 3, 10 and 17 sailings on a 3-night itinerary.  

More info: visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com.

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New Asian Adventures For Crystal

Those looking for the truly exotic shore excursions, would be well advised to pay attention to the latest range of possibilities from Crystal Cruises, who have just announced a new series of Crystal Adventures for their Asian voyages this year.

From drinks with former headhunters in Brunei to a monk induction ceremony in Myanmar, the ultra-luxury line has crafted an exciting schedule of excursions in this wonderful part of the world. Monasteries, rainforests, royal residences and tuk-tuks are among the 40 new shoreside outings showcasing both off-the-beaten-path port calls and major urban centres in Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan and India. 

Both Crystal Symphony and the recently-redesigned Crystal Serenity will be sailing 14 voyages in the region – twice as many as 2013 – this spring, with Symphony returning in late autumn. In all, Crystal is offering nearly 200 Adventures throughout Asia, with options to book them with Private Car and Driver in most ports.

 

Excursion highlights include:

• Bandar Seri Begawan: Be astounded by Brunei’s varied lifestyles, from the Sultan’s Palace - the world’s largest residential palace (above) - to more traditional homes, such as that of an over-water village and a longhouse, where former headhunting Ibans will welcome you with drinks, music and dance.
• Yangon: Witness the Novitiation Ceremony that inducts 1,000 male “Novices” into Buddhist monk-hood at the Kalaywa Monastery.
• Kota Kinabalu: Trek the rainforest of Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park; crab fish from a thatch-roofed raft while cruising through mangroves; or learn island traditions such as making robes from tree bark or a Malay bread called roti canai. 
• Lombok: At Bali’s less-visited sister island, learn about the local craftsmanship of ikat dyed fabrics and pearl production or visit a traditional Sasak village, where men still sleep outside their thatched houses to protect their daughters from being kidnapped into marriage. 
• Makassar: Travel to a 17^th-century king’s traditional adat house for food and dance from local villagers, visit the Dutch East India Company’s Fort Rotterdam or sightsee via pedicab. 
• Andaman Islands: Tuk-tuk to Britain’s former jail for Indian revolutionaries or learn about local agricultural arts at a spice farm and rubber plantation. 
• Penang: Stroll the 130-year-old Waterfall Gardens, then enjoy a cocktail at the prestigious Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the precursor to Singapore’s famed Raffles Hotel. 
• Tokyo: Participate in eastern Asian shodo handwriting and a traditional sado tea ceremony at a Japanese garden or tour sites of more recent history, such as Nissan’s Global HQ and the Cup Noodles Museum.

 

In addition to the day trips, two new multi-night Overland Adventures are offered from Shanghai and Chan May, visiting Xi-an and Beijing on the first and Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City on the latter.

 

In 2014, five- to 15-night all-inclusive voyages are available to/from Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki and Shanghai starting from £1,836 per person, cruise only, if booked by February 28.  

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

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AMA Take To The Irrawaddy

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has announced a new ship and new river cruise programme on Burma’s Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, starting in November 2014.

Two itineraries will be on offer: the 10-night Golden Treasures of Myanmar and 14-night Hidden Wonders of Myanmar, both detailed in a new brochure. All voyages start in Yangon and include pre-cruise hotel accommodation in the city. The first departure is on November 24.

One of the world’s most secretive, mysterious and fascinating places, Burma has a unique, centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders, including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems, and these two new itineraries are designed to take in all the highlights:
 

• Bagan – A cultural treasure trove of more than 2,200 temples, stupas and pagodas, on par with Cambodia’s massive Angkor Wat temple complex.
• Mandalay – The country’s last royal capital and second largest city, the “Golden City” of Mandalay is regarded as Myanmar’s cultural heart, renowned for its master craftsmen and its patronage of the arts.
• Mount Popa – The stunning shrine perched at the top of Mt. Popa is considered the legendary home of spirit gods worshipped by Burmese Buddhists.
• Ancient Royal Cities – Inwa (Ava) was the capital of Burma for more than 400 years; Amarapura has the world’s longest teak bridge; Sagaing is famous for its tranquil atmosphere; and Mingun has many historic sites to explore.
• Yangon (Rangoon) – The “Garden City of the East,” retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestoned streets, tree-lined avenues and Victorian architecture.

Guests will cruise the Ayeyarwady aboard the all-suite AmaPura (above), a 56-passenger vessel furnished with a combination of modern and traditional motifs. All 28 suites feature a balcony (a French balcony, step-out full balcony or twin balconies), a well-appointed en suite bathroom and many other deluxe amenities. The public areas include a restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, refreshing pool and a Sun Deck perfect for lounging, enjoying a cool drink, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery.

An optional four-night post-cruise land extension is available on both itineraries, featuring three nights in Inle Lake and one further night in Yangon.

The Golden Treasures of Myanmar itinerary costs from £4,999pp, including return UK flights from London, two nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise stay in Yangon, transfers to and from the ship, 10 nights on board, all tours, all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, on-board entertainment including cultural shows and lectures, and port charges.   

More info: call 0808 223 5009 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.

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Discover The Irrawaddy With Zegrahm

Zegrahm Expeditions is pleased to present an intimate look at Myanmar, a country once shrouded in mystery and now an up-and-coming adventure travel destination. While some have described Myanmar as a time-warped country, travellers will see the contrast of the bustling cities of Yangon and Mandalay with the peaceful serenity and timeless landscapes of villages along the Irrawaddy River.

Zegrahm began offering travel to Myanmar more than 10 years ago with the belief that the company could do more to help the people of Myanmar by travelling to the country than by not going at all. Each visit makes a point to take visitors to the less glittering parts of the region to see how the people, particularly the children, go about daily living. Additionally, the 15-day itinerary features an archaeological exploration of Mrauk U, the medieval capital of Myanmar; meeting the women of the Chin tribe, who have traditional face tattoos unique to this ethnic minority group; and a 7-day cruise of the Irrawaddy River. 

The expedition is being led by Gary Wintz, a renowned Asia expert who has lectured at esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia and the National Geographic Society. Wintz has been visiting Myanmar since 1977 and has made more than 60 visits to the country since that time.

Myanmar Revealed: Life Along the Irrawaddy River takes place January 2-16, 2014, and is priced from $13,980 per person. 

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

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SeaDream's New Brochure Bonus

SeaDream Yacht Club has introduced a newly-designed, full-colour, 80-page brochure reflecting their yachting lifestyle and featuring the 2013/14 voyage programme of their chic, twin vessels SeaDream I and SeaDream II. For the first time, all voyages are shown in pounds sterling.

The highlights are as follows:

The all-new autumn 2013 Costa Rica programme sees SeaDream’s first sailings across the “top” of South America, its first visit to Gatun Lake and Nicaragua, Costa Rica, itself, with inaugural sailings through the great Panama Canal. Typical voyages such as SeaDream I’s 7-night Caldera round-trip 'Costa Rica & Panama Discovery' sailing on November 30 start from £2,266pp, including all fees, handling and port tax.

The brand new autumn/spring 2013/14 Asia programme aboard SeaDream II features 18 different departures, and visits almost every nation with a coast in Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong. Sailings range from 7 to 14 nights and the programme kicks off with an inaugural trans-Suez and a trans-Indian Ocean sailing.

A typical 7-night itinerary such as 'Asian Fantasia' round-trip from Singapore on April 4, 2014, costs from £3,095pp, while a typical longer voyage such as her 14-night 'Voyage of the Warrors' sailing from Cairns to Bali departing on February 1, 2014, costs from £5,995pp.

An exciting highlight of the summer 2014 Northern Europe season sees SeaDream operating its first cruise from Britain, a 14-night Baltic Capitals voyage departing on August 30 round-trip from Dover, with lead-in early booking fares starting from £6,655pp. After the inaugural round-trip UK sailing, SeaDream I heads for Lisbon, then Rome and on to Athens to join her sister ship in the Mediterranean through to the end of the summer.

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

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SeaDream's Asia Debut

SeaDream Yacht Club has announced that, for the first time, they will deploy one of their twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II, to Asia for the winter season 2013/14 after the completion of her advertised summer Mediterranean season.

The first of her Asia programme departures is “Passage to the Far East”, which will depart Athens on October 12 and include a transit of the Suez Canal, excursions to Egypt’s fascinating archeological sites (accompanied by an Egyptologist) en route to Mumbai, India. Prices for this epic 15-night voyage start from £4,050 per person, including all fees and port taxes. 

 

From Mumbai, she will sail onwards via Cochin, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands to Thailand, before dropping down to Singapore. This 13-night trans-Indian Ocean sailing costs from £3,995 per person, including fees and taxes.

Thereafter, SeaDream II will visit almost every coastal country in South East Asia, as well as visiting Northern Australia during a six-month programme featuring Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong.

Offering 18 unique sailings in total, each voyage offers unique and exciting ports of call, each ranging from seven to fifteen nights duration. Most may be combined to create longer back-to-back holidays. Typical 7-night itineraries such as the “Asian New Year Celebration Cruise” from Phuket to Singapore on December 28, cost from £3,645 per person while a typical longer voyage such as the 14-night “Voyage of the Warrors” sailing from Cairns to Bali on February 1, 2014, costs from £5,995.

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

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