MSC wish you a Merry Cruisemas

MSC Cruises is giving families the opportunity to make the most of the festive season this year with sailings available throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Itineraries include:

Western Mediterranean: Seven-night western Med sailing aboard MSC Splendida, departing Genoa, Italy. The ship calls at Civitavecchia, Palermo, Tunis, Barcelona, Marseille, and Genoa. Prices start at £679 per person (21 December departure), including transfers and return flights with British Airways from London. New Year cruise (departs 28 December)  starts at £849 per person.

Eastern Mediterranean: For a longer break, consider this 11-night sailing aboard MSC Fantasia. The ship visits Katakolon (Olympia), Heraklion, Rhodes, Izmir (Ephesus), Piraeus Valletta, Messina, Civitavecchia, and Genoa. Prices start at £969 per person (based on 16 December departure) including return flights with British Airways from London and transfers.

Dubai, the Emirates and Oman: MSC Orchestra offers a seven-night Arabian Sea sailing this winter departing Dubai, UAE. The itinerary features calls at Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Fakkan, Muscat and Khasab and starts at £1,149 per person including return flights with Emirates from London, Manchester or Glasgow and transfers (based on 20 December departure). New Year cruise (departing 27 December)  starts at £1,299 per person.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

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.

Cruise ship sliced in two at start of £160 million Renaissance Project for MSC

Clean cut: MSC Armonia is sliced in two

Work has started on MSC Cruises’ €200 million (£160 million) project to stretch four of the line’s ships. The first, MSC Armonia, was cut in two in a dry dock in Palermo, Sicily, today; over the next few weeks a pre-fabricated 24 metre mid-section will be welded in place, adding extra cabins, public rooms, and crew space.

The Renaissance Project will then repeat the procedure on sister ships MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, and MSC Lirica, all built between 2003 and 2005.  They are each 251 metres long, measuring 60,000 gross tons, and carrying 2,199 passengers.

After the lengthening, they will be 275 metres long, 65,000 gross tons, and with an extra 193 cabins, a total passenger capacity of 2,679.  The work involves each ship being cut in two just forward of the funnel, and then separated to make way for the new section.

Lift and separate: The two sections of the ship are slowly dragged apart

The modifications include installation of passenger cabins in place of a public lounge on Deck 7; installation of balconies for cabins on Deck 9; new lounge, library and teen club on Deck 6; children’s clubs and improvements to the buffet on Deck 11; and a refit of the pool area with a children’s water park on Deck 12.

Each ship will take approximately nine weeks to lengthen and refit. The new-look Armonia is scheduled to leave the dockyard on November 17. Work will start on Sinfonia in January, Opera in May and Lirica in August.

Ready to roll: the new 24-metre mid section 

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.

Grab An MSC Med Bargain Break

Those looking to banish the January blues might well be tempted by the latest offer to hit the World of Cruising inbox, which offers an immediate cure for our miserable winter.

MSC Cruises are featuring a holiday on board their splendid MSC Splendida, cruising the Mediterranean from only £399 per person, with a free upgrade from an inside to a balcony cabin.

This offer is available on selected Med winter sailings, departing from Genoa, from now until February 15.

On board, guests will be treated to the stylish surrounds synonymous with the MSC fleet. The ship boasts a variety of restaurants, sports facilities (including a fully fitted gym and squash courts) and the award-winning Aurea spa, as well as an exclusive solarium to soak up some winter sun.

MSC Splendida also hosts the luxurious MSC Yacht Club. A ship within a ship, the Yacht Club offers luxury and privacy, with exclusive services including 24-hour Butler service, a Sun Deck Complex only for Yacht Club guests and luxurious designer suites.

Ports of call on the cruise include Marseille, Barcelona, La Goulette, Palermo and Civitavecchia (for Rome), with a variety of interesting excursions on offer. From the bustling Provencal markets of Marseille to the vibrant sights and sounds of Barcelona, there is something to suit every taste.

Book a cruise now to enjoy this exclusive late availability offer.

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

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a 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!

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.

A New-Look Wind

Silversea Cruises' Silver Wind has just completed a comprehensive refurbishment during a two-week dry dock in Palermo, Italy, this month.

Major enhancements have been made to the dining venues and public spaces, with renovations in terms of new carpets, upholstery and other soft goods in an overall colour palette of warm earth tones. The Bar, in particular, features all new furniture and furnishings in a contrasting colour scheme of cooler shades of teal mixed with neutral tones of brown and beige.

 

Other highlights include brand new tiling and deck furniture in the pool area and a redesigned buffet area in the speciality restaurant La Terrazza. 

Speciality restaurant Le Champagne, the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea, has also undergone a complete refurbishment. This popular dining venue has been transformed with an upgraded entrance design, the addition of backlit wine displays, a redesigned seating layout, new wood flooring and new fabrics and window dressings. 

Completing the refurbishment was a fresh reconditioning and polishing of teak decks and woodwork. The ship also underwent thorough maintenance on mechanical and propulsion systems.

More info: visit www.silversea.com or call 0844 251 0837.

 

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 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.

Christmas Comes Early With MSC

Until October 31, MSC Cruises is offering an amazing early Christmas gift for young and old alike, with free return flights, onboard credits and upgrades ALL on offer for Mediterranean cruises this Christmas.

Why not treat your loved ones to the ultimate Christmas getaway and book a Mediterranean Cruise on board MSC Splendida or MSC Fantasia this December?

Guests can choose one of these early Christmas treats:

Free return flights from London and transfers to and from the port for the first two passengers in the cabin.
£200 free onboard credit per person for the first two passengers in the cabin.
Free ‘Allegrissimo’ drinks package plus tips for the first two adults in the cabin.
Free upgrade to a balcony cabin. 

 

      The ‘Pick Your Gift’ offer applies to bookings made on board Splendida (7-night Mediterranean cruise departing 21 December) or Fantasia (11-night Mediterranean cruise departing 17 December).

MSC Splendida’s itinerary will take in the Mediterranean ports of Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, La Goulette, Palermo and Civitavecchia (for Rome), returning to Genoa. Cruise-only prices start from just £719 per person with return flights available on request at an additional £290 per person.

Meanwhile, MSC Fantasia will visit the ports of Genoa, Katakolon, Heraklon, Haifa, Piraeus and Civitavecchia (for Rome), returning to Genoa. Cruise-only prices start from just £899 per person with return flights once again available upon request at an additional £290 per person.

On board both ships, guests will be treated to all the festive trimmings, from lavishly-decorated trees and Yuletide presents to carol singing and traditional Christmas masses. Meanwhile, MSC’s experienced chefs will be busy in the kitchen conjuring up a dazzling array of traditional seasonal favourites.

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

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 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.

Now You Can Save With MSC

It's definitely cruise bargain time at the moment, and here's a good one from MSC Cruises, especially for fans of their onboard Yacht Club style...

MSC Cruises is offering complimentary flights to MSC Yacht Club guests, with savings of up to £460 per couple on ALL summer sailings of MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, if booked before 18 June 2013.

From just £1,639 per person (based on double occupancy), MSC Yacht Club guests can enjoy a week’s cruise in surroundings comparable to sailing on a luxury yacht. Guests are treated to 24-hour butler service, complimentary drinks, exclusive private restaurant and dedicated pool and can also enjoy exclusive access to the Top Sail Lounge and The One Pool Area (which includes swimming pool, spa bath and solarium).  At the same time, Yacht Club guests enjoy full access to the fantastic facilities that only a large ship can offer.

MSC Splendida offers seven-night cruises from now to November calling at Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Palermo, Civitavecchia (for Rome) and back to Genoa, while MSC Fantasia also offers one-week voyages, round-trip from Venice to Bari, Katakolon, Santorini, Piraeus (for Athens) and Kotor.

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

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.

HAL's Autumn Med Bargain

Holland America Line is offering a seven-night luxury “Mediterranean Glamour” fly-cruise from just £739 per person this September. 

Departing from Barcelona, this price includes return flights from London, all transfers and seven nights’ full board accommodation on the line's signature-class Nieuw Amsterdam in an inside stateroom. Guests can upgrade to an Ocean View stateroom for just £50 per person, while third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom with two adults pay just £389 per person. 

This round trip from Barcelona sails on September 20 straight to La Goulette (for Tunis) where guests can explore the Tunisian capital and the nearby historic city of Carthage. The ship then calls at Palermo in Sicily before sailing to Civitavecchia, where guests can spend a full day enjoying the delights of Rome. 

The return leg of the cruise will call at Santa Margherita on the Ligurian coast of Italy, offering a chance to discover the picturesque fishing village of Portofino, before paying one final stop in glitzy Monte Carlo on the way back to Barcelona. While at sea, guests can take advantage of the Culinary Arts Theatre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Nieuw Amsterdam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges and luxurious Greenhouse Spa & Salon. 

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

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.

Discover New Experiences With Celebrity Silhouette

Be among the inaugural cruise season crowd aboard Celebrity Cruises’ brand new ship Celebrity Silhouette on a 12-night Holy Land fly/cruise from just £1,072 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

Silhouette offers a host of brand new onboard venues and experiences including the interactive “Lawn Club Grill,” where guests can select and grill their own meats alongside expert chefs; “The Alcoves” relaxing, private, Wi-Fi-equipped cabanas on the real grass lawn; and “The Hideaway” with private tree-houses available where guests can read, listen to music and surf the net.

The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers and a 12-night cruise departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) en route to Palermo (Sicily), Haifa (Israel), Ashdod (for Jerusalem), Mykonos (Greece) and Naples/Capri (Italy) before returning to Civitavecchia; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.
Price is based on an October 10 departure.

For more info, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk. or, for bookings, consult the specialist cruise travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

Great Offers From Oceania

Those looking for a real cruise bargain this month could do a lot worse than consider these eight special offers from Oceania Cruises for the autumn:

7th September: Venice to Istanbul, 12 nights from £1,799

Oceania has a saving of up to £1,451pp off a 12-night cruise through the Mediterranean from Venice to Istanbul on board Marina, the company’s new, luxury ship, plus a credit of $1,000 per stateroom. The sailing now costs from £1,799pp or upgrade to a Penthouse suite for £2,399pp (saving £2,245pp). Prices in all cases are based on two sharing and include gourmet dining in a choice of six restaurants at no supplement, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, but exclude flights.

19th September: 12 night Greek island cruise from £1,499pp

Marina has a spectacular 12-night sailing from Istanbul to Athens (plus $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit) with a saving of £1,327pp. The voyage embarks from Istanbul and visits Rhodes, Limassol, Haifa, Jerusalem, Crete, Patmos and Volos before disembarking in Athens.

1st October: 14 nights Istanbul to Barcelona from £1,399pp

Cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona via Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, Marmaris, Alanya, Limassol, Haifa and Valletta on board Oceania's mid-sized luxury cruise ship Nautica. The 14-night sailing now costs from £1,399 per person with $1,000 on board credit, saving up to £1,467 per person.

3rd October: 12 nights from Venice to Istanbul saving £1,061

Oceania has a saving of up to £1,618 off this Med cruise from Venice to Istanbul on board mid-sized Insignia, plus a credit of $1000 per stateroom. The sailing now costs from £1,199pp (was £2260, saving £1,061), with Penthouse suites from £2,399pp (was £4,017).

15th October: Mediterranean Rhapsody 14-night Med cruise from £1,749pp

Cruise through the magical Aegean Sea on a 14-night Insignia cruise, saving up to £1,420 per person. The sailing from Istanbul to Barcelona offers a $1,000 on board credit per stateroom and visits Kavalla, Ephesus, Rhodes, Santorini, Taormina, Amalfi, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Monaco and Marseille before disembarking in Barcelona.

1st October: Venice to Athens, just £999pp

Cruise from Venice to Athens along Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, visiting Kotor, Corfu, Kusadasi in Turkey and the Greek islands. This 10-night sailing on Marina was £1,890, and also offers a $1,000 per stateroom credit for onboard purchases.

25th October: Rome to Athens, £999pp

A 10-night sailing from Rome to Athens, along Italy’s west coast, visiting Sicily, Sardinia, mainland Greece and Kusadasi in Turkey can be booked for just £999 per person, with a $1,000 per stateroom credit for onboard purchases.

21st October: `Legacies of Antiquity’, 12-night Med cruise from £1,499pp

Marina sets sail from Rome to Istanbul with prices from £1,499 per person and a $1,000 on board credit, saving £1,185 per person. The voyage embarks from Rome and continues up Italy’s west coast to Istanbul via Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Corsica, Sardinia, Sorrento, Palermo, Malta, Athens, Volos and Ephesus.

For more info, see www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact the UK's luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Lin Ltd.

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.

The Med's Top 10

I thought this press release, ahead of the April launch of the new Voyages to Antiquity operation (using the former Aegean I, heavily rebuilt as Aegean Odyssey), was worth repeating for those who like to enjoy the classical side of the Mediterranean.

With the new operation - which is being pioneered by Gerry Herrod, the man who created Orient Lines and Discovery Cruises (now Voyages of Discovery) - now just 2 months away, the company asked its historical advisor and author John Julius Norwich (aka Lord Norwich) to select his Top 10 historical sites from around the Med.

Here's what he said:

“To list one’s 10 favourite places in the Mediterranean and its hinterland is a tall order indeed. No other area on earth possesses a tenth of the quantity of superb historical sites to be found between the Pillars of Hercules and the coast of the Levant; and if we extend our range – as Voyages to Antiquity does – to cover Upper Egypt and St Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, Petra and Palmyra, the task becomes more difficult still.”

However, Lord Norwich has been able to complete the task, and his 10 ‘never-to-be-forgotten’ sites are listed below. More importantly, all the destinations are offered in Voyages to Antiquity's inaugural season (personally, I'd have Istanbul No 1, but I'm not going to quibble!):

1. Palermo, Sicily - Visit the Sicilian capital to experience the dazzling Palatine Chapel and the Cathedral of Monreale, with its almost unbelievable 12th-century mosaics and equally magical cloister.

2. Cefalu, Sicily - The mosaic of the Pantocrator in the apse of Cefalu Cathedral is among the greatest portraits of Jesus in all Christian art.

3. Istanbul, Turkey - Istanbul is home to the Church of St Sophia, one of the greatest buildings in the world. And don’t miss the Harrowing of Hell fresco in the 14th-century Church of St Saviour in Chora.

4. Venice, Italy - You could single out St Mark’s Square or any one of a number of churches, but the ultimate miracle is the city itself.

5. Petra, Jordan - To come upon the ‘Treasury’ – a spectacular example of rock-cut architecture probably dating from the first century BC – is one of the great coups de theatre that the world has to offer.

6. Palmyra, Syria (pictured above) - The ruined capital of Queen Zenobia, far out in the Syrian desert, is a site as mysterious as it is beautiful.

7. Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - The most complete Crusader castle to be found anywhere, and the most impressive. To step into this fortress atop a 650-metre-high hill is to return to the 11th century.

8. Aphrodisias, Turkey - Thanks to its remoteness in the hills surrounding the valley of the Meander River, this remarkable ancient city is relatively free of tourists and utterly unspoilt.

9. Luxor and Karnak, Egypt - Ancient Egypt exerts an extraordinary spell on all visitors. The temples open at 6am, so get up early and enjoy the cool of the morning. (You will also have them virtually to yourselves.)

10. Leptis Magna, Libya - Roman ruins don’t come more magnificent than these – and they remain utterly unspoilt by the modern world.

Cruise note: The 382-passenger Aegean Odyssey will be sailing around the Mediterranean from May to November 2010. Fares start from £1,995 for a 15-day cruise, including shore excursions, gratuities, wine with dinner and scheduled flights on British Airways.

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.