Experience Culinary Delights In ‘Norway’s Coastal Kitchen’

Hurtigruten, who offer voyages along the Norwegian coast, have enlisted the help of a celebrated Norwegian food expert to offer a unique and exciting culinary journey along almost the entire length of the country, from Bergen in the South, to Kirkenes high up in the Arctic Circle.

Andreas Viestad will be helping to develop new restaurant and café concepts on all 11 of Hurtigruten’s ships that sail along the Norwegian coast, with a focus on local food of the highest quality. Menus will be developed with ingredients and themes that reflect the waters and areas that the ships sail through. To add to the culinary experience, telling the story of the local specialities will be a key aspect of Viestad’s work.

More than 80% of the food and drink served on the Hurtigruten voyage is already produced in Norway, with menus focusing on seasonal delicacies of the regions visited. However, the company has also been identifying smaller food suppliers along the coast with whom it would like to work, and, through a partnership with Innovation Norway & the Norwegian Government is helping them grow their business enough to be able to supply the ships on a regular basis.

A brand new Spring ‘Arctic Awakening’ menu is launching in April, with much of this local produce taking pride of place. For example, passengers will enjoy cured leg of lamb from Hellesylt, a town near the Geirangerfjord; baked Arctic char from the Sigerfjord near Vesterålen, with gulløye potatoes from Tromsø; or roast reindeer from Finnmark.

Other specialities include sea buckthorn and aquavit ice cream produced by the Gangstad Gårdsysteri dairy in Nord-Trøndelag and a fresh organic cheese hailing from the Grøndalen farm, served with a berry compote. There is no shortage of traditional Norwegian treats on the menu, including kvæfjordkake, a special cake made of meringue, vanilla cream and almonds, which can trace its origins to a small café in Harstad in Vesterålen.

Prices for a seven day ’Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen to Kirkenes departing in April start from £810 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit.www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Catch The Arctic Awakening With Hurtigruten

Springtime is an incredible time of year to visit Norway. As the sun returns to rejuvenate the Norwegian shores and temperatures begin rising, life returns to the land. This year it is even more accessible, with Hurtigruten offering free direct flights and a £250 saving on their 12-day 'Classic Round Voyage' along the Norwegian coast, departing in April.

At this time of year, there are great contrasts along the Norwegian coast. You can travel from a Spring climate in Bergen and head into the Arctic Circle, where signs of Winter are slower to disappear and snow caps still decorate the mountain tops. Travel as far north as Kirkenes on the Russian border and visitors can still participate in winter excursions such as a ‘Husky Sledge Adventure’ or ‘Snowmobile Safari’.

Those joining the voyage will be among the first of Hurtigruten’s customers to enjoy a trip into the Lyngenfjord. Flanked by the mighty, tall and steep peaks of the Lyngen Alps, the area offers natural contrasts with deep blue water, bubbling waterfalls and green banks in some areas, while elsewhere it shows its dramatic side with glaciers that reach from the steep banks to the fjord, rugged cliffs and deep canyons.

Depart on April 1 or 12  from London Gatwick or April 23  from Manchester and join the voyage from Bergen up to Kirkenes and back, stopping at 34 ports along the way. Prices now start from £1,043 per person for the April 1 departure, including direct return flights, transfers and the 12 day voyage on full board basis, based on two people sharing an inside cabin (subject to availability). 

More info: call Hurtigruten on 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Sample A Fjord Spring With Holland America

Here's a great idea to sample a spring break in the fjords this May as Holland America Line are featuring a one-off cruise at a great price.

Their Norwegian Fjords cruise sets sail round-trip from Dover on May 10 and features a chance to to see the glorious blossoming of the fruit trees Prices start from £499pp for an Inside Stateroom and just £599 for an Ocean View Stateroom.

Setting off from the Kent port, guests can start their holiday the moment they step on board without the hassle of airport queues or baggage allowances. The first port of call is cultural Oslo, where open-air music concerts can be enjoyed throughout spring and summer. The ship then cruises through the scenic Oslo Fjord and up the Norwegian coast to the fjords further north. 

A paradise for walkers, guests can explore the beautiful hills, rustic towns and quaint villages of Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Ulvik before experiencing the breathtaking scenery of the Hardangerfjord.

Hardangerfjord is known as the Orchard of Norway as it is the main fruit producing region and May is the perfect time to catch the blossoming of the trees. One final day at sea gives guests the opportunity to relax and indulge in some onboard pampering before the ship arrives back in Dover.

More info: call 0843 374 2300 or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk.

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Saga's Spellbinding Norway

It's the final day of our fabulous Cruise Week with Saga Cruises, sailing their world and enjoying their cruise style and destinations. To conclude, we have a final journey to epic, beautiful Norway...

We make no bones about it - Norway is one of the most amazing countries to visit, especially by cruise ship, and this voyage just about has the lot.

Set sail on Saga Sapphire from Dover in July and you can visit quaint villages, historic ports and experience the UNESCO-protected landscape of Norway’s stunning fjords. In the evenings, guests can also get into the 1960s groove with the Steve Love Band and, to continue the theme, a 60s culture speaker will also be on board to bring back memories of the ‘Make love, not war’ era.

And then there are the ports. Old Stavanger (above left) is characterised by white-boarded houses, fantastic gardens and cobbled streets. Extremely quaint and dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, these houses are still lived in today and make for a fascinating tour. You can also explore the beautiful Lysefjord, where the cliff walls rise more than 300ft out of the still, blue waters for a distance of more than two miles.

The cruise then calls in at Flam deep in the Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by picturesque scenery of meadows, orchards and imposing mountains. Here, guests can enjoy a choice of several excursions, including include a ride on the Flåm Railway - one of the most dramatic train journeys in Europe.

Next up, the impossibly pretty village of Olden stands at the end of the beautiful Nordfjord,

with its quaint wooden homes, miles of forest and simple way of life. You can visit the Briksdal Glacier (right) on a guided hike or the Norwegian Glacier Centre, where you can learn about how glaciers are formed.

Finally, the Sapphire calls into the quintessential Norwegian port, Bergen. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, the waterside city has one of the most spectacular settings in all of Scandinavia and is a guaranteed hit with passengers. There has been a settlement here since Medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic Wharf, known as the Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history.

Saga's 7-night Spellbinding Norway voyage costs from £909 per person, departing Dover on July 24 and calling at Stavanger, Flam, Olden and Bergen.

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

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Happy 50th, MS Lofoten!

It's not often you hear about a ship celebrating its 50th birthday, but that will definitely be the case up in Norway in March, when Norwegian coastal specialists Hurtigruten will be saluting the half-century mark of the oldest and smallest ship in the fleet - the popular vintage vessel MS Lofoten. 

The ship made its maiden voyage from Bergen with Hurtigruten on March 5, 1964, and its birthday will be celebrated with a range of activities on board, including celebratory meals, special anniversary stamps and fishing directly from the ship, as well as special booking offers for those wishing to join in the celebrations.

By it’s 50th birthday, the Lofoten will have travelled almost three million nautical miles, transported 1.25 million passengers and docked over 75,000 times in the Hurtigruten ports. The smallest and oldest of the line's ships has been protected by a preservation order since 2011 and its traditional charm and unique character have earned it a large community of fans among passengers.

The anniversary voyage, setting out from Bergen on March 2, will be the prelude to the festivities. Numerous well-wishers and visitors are expected in the larger Hurtigruten ports, while traditional Norwegian dancing and music will also mark the occasion.

A host of other activities will also be available on board during the anniversary voyage and throughout 2014, including an exhibition of photos of the ship over the past 50 years, while passengers will also learn fascinating facts about this vintage vessel and the history of Hurtigruten in lively lectures. On the southbound route, passengers can even try their luck at fishing directly from MS Lofoten’s weather deck.

Anyone born in 1964 and therefore sharing a 50th birthday year with the ship will have a special reason to book during 2014, as they will travel at half-price when accompanied by another passenger. Other available offers include a free excursion for those booking selected cabin types.

Hurtigruten, is on a special quest for personal memories, stories, anecdotes and photos that passengers, enthusiasts or former crew members have collected about the ship. Those who submit their memories to mslofoten@hurtigruten.com by February 28 will be entered into a draw to win a Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes for two people including flights.

A ‘Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen to Kirkenes, departing on MS Lofoten on April 4 costs from £834 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin on full board basis. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

More info: call 0208 846 2666 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Saga and Fjordland Melodies

Think “Norway” and you’re thinking of one the most visually spectacular places in the world. Winding fjords lined by snow-capped mountains with waterfalls thundering down thousand-foot cliffs to the still waters below while eagles waft lazily across the bow of your ship.

The fjords may be stunning but there is plenty to more to enjoy in this scenic part of the world as the towns and cities with their architecture frozen in time and exquisite seafood-based cuisine are complemented by the people being so friendly.

And Saga's Fjordland Memories voyage will encapsutale much of it, spending three leisurely days cruising the Hardangerfjord during the unique Hardanger Music Festival, with musicians from the festival performing on board against a backdrop of breath-taking scenery.

The voyage starts in picturesque Bergen (above), however, where there will be a chance to visit composer Edvard Greig’s former home at Troldhaugen. After exploring the old town,

it's back on to the ship for a leisurely drink in the bar as Saga Sapphire sets sail out of the lovely harbour.

Passengers will then be able to fully enjoy the Music Festival and the local natural beauty, just at the time the fruit orchards are in bloom. But you can’t come to Norway without seeing the fjords and this cruise takes in one of the finest, with the classic vista of precipitous cliffs and waterfalls, plus the small settlement of Eidfjord, as the gateway to Norway’s largest National Park. Here, the clear blue sky sets the off the snow-capped mountains perfectly and it is a wonderful place to disembark and just wander the fabulous pathways.

The colossus of Hardangerfjord also gives rise to the lesser-visited Sorfjord (below) at one end, with the traditional town of Odda set at the foot of the mountains. Here, guests can view the beautiful waterfalls of the Odda Valley on a panoramic drive or perhaps take in the interesting Tyssedal Hydropower Museum.

Saga's 7-night Fjordland Memories cruise costs from £909 and departs Dover on June 2,

calling at Bergen, Ulvik, Eidfjord and Odda.

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

For a fuller version of this feature, see our website on this link.

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Saga's 'Last Chance' Arctic Explorer

Feb. 12.- It's Day Two of Saga Week on World of Cruising magazine, with a series of stories, features and special offers from the classic British cruise line. Today - a rare chance to visit exclusive Arctic destinations... 

Magdalena Bay is one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are no cars, no shops, no houses and no roads in this pristine, glistening fjord. The only trace of human life comes in the form of centuries-old whalers’ graves and the remains of whaling vats in this north-westerly region of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago (above, at sunrise).

And Saga Cruises' Saga Pearl II will dock here for the last time during its Arctic Explorer voyage, departing June 22, when passengers will wake up surrounded by snow-capped mountains and giant glaciers.

The ORCA charity team will also be on board to help passengers watch for wildlife and record sightings. On the ship’s last visit to the region, more than 400 mammals were seen, including blue whales and humpback whales.

Nearby Ny-Ålesund will also become a final port of call, also as a result of the heavy oil ban from January 1, 2015, which means no conventional ships can sail within the borders of Svalbard’s national parks on the east and west coast of the archipelago. Polar bear

numbers equal people in Ny-Ålesund’s shimmering, icy landscape, which is the world’s most northerly inhabited settlement. Wildflowers clothe the landscape in June as warmth from the midnight sun brings them to life after the long, dark polar winter nights.

Saga Pearl II will also call in at Longyearbyen, the largest and oldest settlement on Spitsbergen, where passengers can join a glacier hike or dog-sledding trips. During the sailing to Spitsbergen, the ship will visit the Lofoten Islands, where sea eagles make their home and Tromso, with the world’s most northerly botanic garden, as well as Stavanger, Geirangerfjord and  Bergen on a historic cruise, which promises holiday memories that can never be repeated.

This amazing 15-night cruise costs from £3,099 per person, departing Dover on June 22, and includes Saga's standard VIP door-to-door travel service, all meals, 24-hour room service, all gratuities, porterage, travel insurance and cancellation cover.

More info: call 0800 056 8986 or click on this link.

For a longer version of this story see our News pages at the World of Cruising website, presented by Saga Cruises, on this link.

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Saga Opera in the Fjords

It's Saga Week all this week on Time Spent At Sea and World of Cruising magazine, with a series of stories, features and special offers from the classic British cruise line...

Soprano Lesley Garrett (above) will give a performance on board Saga Cruises' star quality opera-themed cruise visiting Norway's fjords and and ancient cities on the Saga Sapphire this September. 

Passengers will also be given behind-the-scenes insights from Royal Opera House tour manager Barry Stewart and look forward to a memorable night at Kristiansund’s opera house, the oldest in Norway. 

Guests will travel down the incredible Geirangerfjord with its 1,000ft high cliffs and stunning Seven Sisters waterfall, providing a marked contrast with a visit Norway’s fascinating ancient capital of Bergen. The jewel in the crown here is the ancient row of Hanseatic League warehouses with their brightly coloured frontages.

A short walk from the ship brings you to the funicular railway which takes you up to Mount Flojen with amazing panoramic views of the city and the mountains that surround it. 

Saga's 9-night "Nordic Notes" cruise costs from £1,136 per person, departing Dover on September 2 and calling at Bergen, Kristiansund, Molde, Geiranger, Floro and Stavanger. 

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

For a longer version of this story, don't forget to check out our Ocean News pages on our main website. 

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 

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Take In Northern Cape With Voyages of Discovery

Any cruise that takes in beautiful Norway is always going to get our attention, and here's one with that - and a bit more.

Book now and you can also  take advantage of the Voyages of Discovery "Summer Solstice & Northern Cape" 15-day cruise that departs on June 14. Explore the rugged islands, inlets and yawning fjords that characterise Norway’s fissured coastline on this itinerary that takes in the highlights of the country.

From the city of Bergen, famed for its colourful waterfront houses, to Honningsvåg, which is the gateway to Europe’s most northerly point, passengers will enjoy numerous breathtaking vistas on this voyage to the majestic North Cape and the Land of the Midnight Sun. Prices start from just £1,839pp, plus early bookers can enjoy up to £200 on board credit on balcony cabins if booked by February 28.

Voyages of Discovery is also offering Book Early Fares, featuring savings of up to £250 per person, on their 14-day "Natural Wonders & Wildlife" cruise, departing May 17. This exciting itinerary promises nature, wilderness, wildlife and natural wonders as it takes guests on a journey to the Shetland Islands, Iceland, Faroe Islands and Orkney s. From the remote and staggering landscape of the Shetland Islands to the white glaciers and snow-capped mountains of Iceland, this is the ultimate holiday for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts. Prices start from just £1,839 per person, plus up to £200 onboard credit on balcony cabins. Book by February 28.

 

Prices for all cruises include return flights to/from the UK, gratuities onboard and ashore; all relevant overseas transfers; all meals; a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks; and selected shore excursions.

More info: call 0844 417 2471 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.

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More Norway From Hurtigruten

Norway continues to be a popular and highly aspirational cruise region for British holidaymakers (hence our big feature on Norwegian cruises in the current issue of World of Cruising).

And those looking for more options should definitely check out Hurtigruten’s new preview brochure for 2015/16 that showcases key Norwegian and Explorer voyages and includes more direct flight charters as well as a new coastal itinerary and ex-UK ‘Fjord Highlights’ Explorer Voyage.

Discounts of up to 25% are available on selected Coastal Voyage bookings made by September 30 and Explorer Voyages made by June 30.

Coastal Voyages

Voyage-only prices start from just £819 per person for the six-day Classic Voyage South for departures from January to March 2015, on a full board basis.  

A number of new regional flying options have been added to the programme, with direct charters to Norway now offered from five new regional airports: East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Dublin and Jersey. Additional charters have also been included from existing regional departure airports, with 69 planned in total for 2015.

Explorer Voyages

A one-off ‘Fjords Highlights’ has been added to the programme, departing from Dover on May 1, 2015. The unique 10-day trip on MS Fram sails over to Norway visiting some of the most beautiful fjords, including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,949 per person on a full board basis.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 

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Holland America Feature A Trio Of Savings

Anyone looking to grab some European travel and sunshine this spring and early summer should take note of the latest trio of cruise offers to hit the World of Cruising Inbox, this time from Holland America Line.

 

Take your pick from this tempting threesome:

Save up to £700 on seven-night Norwegian Fjords fly-cruise – now £909pp
This Rotterdam round-trip cruise, departing May 17 on MS Noordam, takes in the best of Norway and its stunning fjords. The first port of call is Oslo, where guests can explore the city’s Viking history, before heading out for scenic cruising of the Oslo Fjord. The ship then visits Kristiansand, home to one of the country’s best fish markets, Stavanger, and Flam. Guests will enjoy a cruise through Sognefjord before returning to Rotterdam. Price is based on two sharing an inside stateroom, and includes return flights from London Gatwick.

Save up to £900 on 12-night Mediterranean fly-cruise – now £1,469pp
Departing on 29 June, this round-trip Venice cruise explores the most interesting ports of the Eastern Mediterranean. First off, MS Nieuw Amsterdam calls in Katakolon, gateway to Olympia, followed by Piraeus from where Athens can be visited. Guests will then be able to enjoy an overnight stop in Istanbul, before the ship moves on to Lesbos, Kusadasi (from which Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, can be visited), Santorini and Argostoli in Greece. The voyage ends with an overnight call in Venice and prices are based on two sharing an inside stateroom, and include return flights from London Gatwick.

11-night Mediterranean cruise from just £80pppn - £899pp in total
This voyage departs from Venice on June 9 on MS Noordam, this cruise takes in a wonderful range of Eastern and Western Mediterranean destinations. The first port of call is Katakolon, from where guests can visit Olympia, followed by Nafplion, the perfect port for visiting Corinth. The ship then moves onto Piraeus (Athens), beautiful Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), World Heritage Site Rhodes, scenic Santorini and Naples, before ending in Civitavecchia (Rome). Price is again based on two sharing an inside stateroom. Fly-cruises are available from £1,199pp

More info: call 0843 374 2300 or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk 

Our new edition is now out - see more on this link! Or, to subscribe with our special limited time rate for 2014, go to our subscriptions page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cruise & Walk Bonus For Singles

Knowing our readers, and their interests in active, thoughtful holidays, we feel sure this latest idea from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays will be of great appeal. And, when it includes a deal specifically for single travellers, we think that's a win-win scenario.

Ramblers Worldwide, in conjunction with Fred. Olsen Cruises, is offering no single cabin supplements on a number of selected Cruise & Walk holidays for bookings between now and February 28.

Available on select sailings only, single clients can book either a D grade (outside twin) or a B grade (superior outside twin) for sole use with no single supplement. Clients who have already booked single cabins for these dates have been offered a reduction in price.

The sailings include:

IBERIA & FRANCE: 12 nights on board Braemar, walking and sightseeing Europe’s Atlantic coast and countryside, embracing Oporto; La Coruna; Aviles; Santander; Getxo and Bordeaux. Prices from £1,250 per person, departing on May 20. 

IBERIA & FRANCE: 11 nights on Black Watch, again with walking and sightseeing along Europe’s Atlantic coast, visiting La Coruña; Vigo; Oporto; Lisbon; and Honfleur. Prices from £1,150 per person, departing on September 28.

FJORDS OF NORWAY: 10 nights on Black Watch amid some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, with highlights including Eidjfjord, Bergen, Flåm, Skjolden, Olden and Alesund. Prices from £1,269 per person, departing on July 31.

All of the above include all meals, an exclusive welcome party on one evening and a traditional afternoon tea with waiter service on a sea day, walking tours, shore visits, sightseeing programmes, on-board entertainment and restaurant tips, plus the services of a dedicated tour leader.

More info: call 01707 331 133 or visit www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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New Year, New World of Cruising!

The brand new re-launch edition of World of Cruising magazine is due for publication next week, and it's time to reveal everything in store for Europe's leading and longest-running cruise publication.

First of all, as Time Spent At Sea readers will already know, we have new owners in the shape of Real Response Media, with ambitious plans to take the magazine to a whole new level in terms of profile, design and content. Among their initial innovations are SIX issues a year (instead of four), and a glossy year-end Cruise Directory, which will provide a comprehensive list of every cruise line and every ship, as well as providing a preview of the year ahead.

We also have a sharp new design team, who have revamped the look and style of our pages in keeping with the promise of a New Year. There are new columnists and new features, including some eye-catching destination stories that are sure to have you saying ‘I want to go THERE!’ like our Cover Story on Alaska (above).

We also feature an update on the Queen Elizabeth of Cunard and a full review of 2013's new Europa 2 of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and take a unique river journey on the Spirit of Chartwell with Titan Tours on the River Douro in Portugal.

For adventure-cruise fans, we travel to Norway with our blogger-in-chief Steve Newman, while for a mouth-watering cruise cuisine feature we feature Windstar Cruises. 

New features include Three Of A Kind - a special look at a trio of regional ports, in this case A Coruna, Bilbao and Santander of Spain's Costa Verde - and Being There, which is a photo highlight of a current 'hot' cruise destination, in this case the Canary Islands. And, following on from there, Where Next is a view of an up-and-coming port of call, with our first one taking a look at Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

For new columnists, we have Andy Harmer, the Director of CLIA UK & Ireland, and Silver Travel Advisor, the essential website for mature traveller advice.
 

Our features line-up is also more obviously demarcated, so readers can immediately see the difference between our Ocean, River, Adventure and Luxury cruising sections, as well as enjoying a new-look News section, which remains the market leader in cruise terms. Our essential Cruise Planner remains a part of the mix, though.

If that is the Big Picture in our wide World of Cruising, there is a huge amount of detail to follow, and we are sure you are going to want to stay with us for the full voyage. More and more people will be seeing our publication as the whole story of cruising goes widescreen and technicolour this year, with new ships, new places to see and new ways to see them.

No-one has our cruise know-how or our depth of cruise knowledge, and no-one provides the unparalleled range of stories and insight that we do. It all starts anew with Issue 61, so make sure you’re aboard! This is your Captain, setting sail…

Simon Veness

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New Incentives From Royal Caribbean

It's definitely 'Cruise Offer' season as we approach the New Year, and you can expect a welter of special incentives and new offers in the coming days and weeks. 

Really quick off the mark are Royal Caribbean, who are offering a great family holiday exploring the best of Norway while enjoying FREE parking and up to £200 off per stateroom on their Independence of the Seas next May.

The eight-night ex-UK cruise now costs from just £699 per person (based on two  sharing an interior stateroom) and departs from Southampton on May 17, calling at Skjolden, Flam, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton The price includes all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees and the offer is valid until February 28.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

It is the FINAL DAY of our special New Subscription offer for all new readers of World of Cruising magazine. If you subscribe before the end of the day, you will receive 50% off the normal one-year price AND be entered in a prize draw to WIN a cruise! See all the details on this link.

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Hurtigruten’s Big 2015 Preview

Working on the theory it is never too soon to start thinking of a cruise in 2015, we have a fabulous early look at Hurtigruten’s advance programme, showcasing their key Norwegian and Explorer voyages with more direct flight charters as well as a new coastal itinerary and an ex-UK ‘Fjord Highlights’ Explorer Voyage. 

 

More importantly, for early bookers there are discounts of up to 25% available on selected Coastal Voyage bookings made by September 30 and Explorer Voyages made by June 30. Here are some of the highlights:

Coastal Voyages
Cruise-only prices start from just £819 per person for the six-day Classic Voyage South for departures from January to March 2015 on full board basis. 

A number of new regional flying options have been added to the programme, with direct charters to Norway now offered from five new regional airports - East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Dublin and Jersey. Additional charters have also been included from existing regional departure airports, with 69 planned in total for 2015.

The new eight-day ‘Arctic Explorer’ itinerary is ideal for those who want to spend as much time as possible within the Arctic Circle. The trip includes direct flights to Bodo from Gatwick or Manchester, a northbound coastal voyage from Bodo up to Kirkenes and then southbound back to Svolvær, where guests will spend two nights before transferring back to Bodo for the flight home.

The ‘Arctic Explorer’ costs from £1,579 per person for the eight-day trip on full board basis including voyage and two nights accommodation in a hotel, as well as a full day Lofoten sightseeing tour and entrance into the Bodo Air Force Museum.

Explorer Voyages
A one-off ‘Fjords Highlights’ has been added to the programme, departing from Dover on May 1, 2015. The 10-day trip on MS Fram sails over to Norway visiting some of the most beautiful fjords, including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,949 per person on full board basis.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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Hurtigruten's 2-For-1 Deal

If a trip into the Arctic Circle to experience the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, why not make your dream a reality in 2014? Norway is a 'hot' destination even when it's cold, and the choice for winter voyages in the region has never been better (it's also one of the reasons we have an Adventure Cruise feature on it in the forthcoming new issue of World of Cruising next month).

With that in mind, Hurtigruten are currently offering two for the price of one on voyages along the Norwegian Coast during January and for selected dates in February.

From Snowmobile Safaris to a Husky Sledge Adventure or even a visit to a Snow Hotel, there are a whole host of amazing experiences that can be added to your voyage to make it the trip of a lifetime.

The discounts are available on the six-day Classic Voyage South, the seven-day Classic Voyage North and 12-day Classic Round Voyage. 

You can join any one of the daily departures during January of the 7-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen up to Kirkenes on the Russian border for just £472 per person (based on two sharing on full board basis). Return international flights and transfers start from an additional £390 per person.

The offer is subject to availability, valid for new bookings made by December 31 and is not combinable with any other offer. It applies to all cabin types, except suites.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Want An A-fjordable Cruise? See These Two!

Inspired by our forthcoming feature on Norway in the new-look January edition of World of Cruising, here are two great offers for cruises to the region next May, one from Royal Caribbean and the other from Celebrity Cruises. Both are well worth considering...

Explore the Fjords with Royal Caribbean

Head to Norway and discover amazing scenery and local culture on board Independence of the Seas on an eight-night cruise from just £669 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The price is based on a May 17 sailing and includes an eight-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Skjolden, Flam, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

 Enjoy Norway extras with Celebrity

Explore the Norwegian fjords while enjoying any TWO of the following special offers: a complimentary drinks package, worth up to $1,400; up to $300 onboard credit; and/or fully-paid gratuities. These bonuses come with Celebrity Eclipse on an eight-night Norway voyage from just £1,199 per person (based on two sharing an ocean view stateroom). The price is based on a May 2 departure and includes the eight-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Bergen, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment onboard; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

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!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Hurtigruten Add Lyngenfjord

                                                                               Ørjan Bertelsen

There is no doubt Norway is one of the 'hottest' cruise destinations around right now (it's one of the reasons we will be featuring it in our Adventure Cruise section of the new-look World of Cruising edition due out on January 10).

 

And, when something new comes along, we are keen to highlight the additional options for visiting this amazing part of the world. Like this one...

In spring of next year, Hurtigruten guests can look forward to a new highlight as the beautiful Lyngenfjord, located east of the Lyngen Alps, will be featured on the southbound Hurtigruten voyage.

New excursions give guests the opportunity to explore Arctic birdlife up close, for example, on a kayak tour near Tromsø or on a trip to the national park on the Varanger Peninsula, home to a vast variety of different bird species.

Lyngenfjord is the latest fjord to be added as a seasonal addition to the regular Hurtigruten route. During the summer months (June to August) the ships will visit the famous Geirangerfjord, while in autumn (September to October) a trip to the imposing Hjørundfjord is a fixture on the sailing plan. The legendary Trollfjord is also visited all year round if weather and snow conditions allow.

The six day ‘Classic Voyage South’ from Kirkenes to Bergen costs from £1,053 per person for departures in April and May. The price includes the voyage on full board basis (5 nights) based on two people sharing. International flights, transfers and one night in a hotel on a B&B basis can be added for an additional £590 per person.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit .www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.