Grand voyages to the Far East with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced its 2015-2016 Winter Collection, revealing a line-up that features a variety of destination-rich itineraries in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.  In total, the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet will visit more than 150 ports in 50 different countries with its Winter Collection, including several overnight stays.

For sailings in the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa, the company is introducing new options for its complimentary pre- and post-cruise land programmes which include a free three-night hotel stay, complemented by guided tours.  For example, guests booked on voyages beginning or ending in Bangkok or Singapore can discover the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and explore the jungle while enjoying the comforts of six-star hospitality. 

The line has also introduced eight new Grand Voyages, ranging from a 35-night Cape Town to Miami sailing, all the way up to a 72-night South American roundtrip Miami cruise.  The 49-night Singapore to Tokyo Grand Voyage introduces two new ports of call for Regent Seven Seas with: Boracay Island, known for its award winning beaches and Jeju, South Korea, home to Hallasan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   

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Adventure Cruising blog

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Regent's World Heritage Site Bonanza

Now then, if you like your culture and architectural heritage, then here at World of Cruising we thought this might interest you.

 

On Regent Seven Seas' 10-night 'Mediterranean Composition' sailing from Athens to Barcelona, you can experience no less than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the historic city of Avignon and the Amalfi Coastline.

 

Fares start from just £2,799 per person for the 7-night cultural discovery and include:

 

• Return flights and transfers
• A 1-night pre-cruise hotel package (for guests staying in Concierge Suites or higher)
• Free, unlimited shore excursions
• Free Business Class upgrades on ALL Mediterranean and Baltic cruises (C-MS suites)
• All fine and speciality dining, beverages and gratuities. 

An alternative 10-night cruise sails on August 27, Athens to Barcelona, at £3,999 per person.

 

More info: call  023 8068 2280 or visit

www.rssc.com.

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!

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Regent's Deals Of The Week

Some great offers from Regent Seven Seas today, including a great Alaska cruise next May. It's all about booking early, you see...

MIAMI TO MIAMI on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on February 23 for £1,999pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability).

The highlights of the cruise include Miami, Key West, Belize City, Roatan and Cozumel, with up to 30 free excursions plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Miami (Concierge Suites and above).

VANCOUVER TO VANCOUVER on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on 21. For £2,299pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell and Prince Rupert Sound, with up to 31 free excursions, plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Vancouver (Concierge Suites and above).

As ever with Regent, it is a truly all-inclusive luxury experience:

• FREE flights and transfers.
• FREE 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package.
• FREE unlimited shore excursions on every cruise.
• ALL inclusive onboard: fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment.

More info: call 023 8068 2280 or visit www.rssc.com.

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!

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Christmas All Wrapped Up With Regent

This December, guests on each of Regent Seven Seas stunning all-suite ships will be able to enjoy both the Christmas and New Year occasions on one sailing. Each of the line's three ships offers a Christmas and New Year sailing, away from Europe, in very different parts of the world.

HOLIDAY SAILINGS Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro - Seven Seas Mariner Dec 20 | 15-nights from £5,359pp • Includes a Pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Stay in Buenos Aires • Overnight stay in Port in Montevideo & Rio de Janeiro Singapore to Sydney - Seven Seas Voyager  Dec 22 | 16-nights from £6,459pp • Overnight stay in Bali on Christmas Day • Opportunity to see the world famous Komodo Dragons Miami round-trip - Seven Seas Navigator  December 23 | 12-nights from £4,959pp

Reflecting the international guests onboard, Regent acknowledge the many different traditions celebrated at this time, from across the world. Children will be able to prepare and decorate Christmas cookies; afternoon tea will feature mince pies and German stolen and special menus will be created to observe Hanukkah and the eight-day celebration of the festival of lights. For Europeans, where Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve, the Compass Rose will invite guests to sample a perfectly portioned European tasting menu complete with roasted goose and traditional French dessert, Bûche de Noël. Christmas Day will see the traditional roast Turkey and American pumpkin pie on the menu in the Compass Rose.

A delectable six-course Gala Dinner usually lasting well into the night and outside for a Deck Party will be served up before a countdown to midnight. Of course, being the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, guests can enjoy as much free Champagne as they wish as well as a midnight snack buffet featuring caviar and chocolate-dipped strawberries!

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

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South American Splendour With Regent

Anyone looking for some Latin cruise adventure and excitement this winter should look no further than the latest South American offers from luxury line Regent Seven Seas.

Not only do Regent have a proper all-inclusive policy, where genuinely everything is included, they have just launched some outstanding deals for voyages to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and the majestic Amazon River in December and January.

Take your pick from: 

Rio to Buenos Aires
Aboard  Seven Seas Mariner, this 12-night voyages sails on December 8 and is now priced from £4,569pp (based on two sharing an H category suite and subject to availability). The cruise starts at Rio (for an overnight visit) and then calls at Buzios, Ilha Grande, Paraty, Santos, Porto Belo, Rio Grande, Montevideo, Punta Del Este and Buenos Aires (overnight). It includes return flights and transfers, vernight stays in Rio and Buenos Aires, up to 19 free shore excursions to choose from, a 2 or 3-night pre or post-cruise land programme for £198pp, a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rio and all-inclusive on board.

Rio To Miami
Take Seven Seas Mariner for 21 nights sailing on January 4, now from £7,769pp (based on two people sharing an H category suite and subject to availability). Highlights are Salvador de Bahia, Fortaleza, cruising the Amazon River, Alter do Chao, Boca de Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Santarem, Devil’s Island, Bridgetown, Gustavia and San Juan. It includes return flights and transfers, up to 44 free shore excursions, free pre or post-cruise land programme and a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rio, as well as all-inclusive on board.

Buenos Aires to Rio
This 10-night voyage on Seven Seas Mariner sails on February 28 and now costs from £5,269pp (based on two sharing an H category suite and subject to availability). It calls at Montevideo, Punta del Este, Rio Grande, Porto Belo, Santos, Ilha Grande, Paraty and Buzios before arriving in Rio and includes return flights and transfers, up to 18 free excursions to choose from, free pre-cruise land programme, a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Buenos Aires and all-inclusive on board.

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

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Regent Line Up Med Deals

For anyone looking for an autumn Mediterranean cruise bargain, they can do a lot worse than the latest offers from luxury all-inclusive line Regent Seven Seas, who have three extremely tempting deals. 

Barcelona to Rome; 10 nights sailing September 26

This cruise on Seven Seas Voyager is now priced at a bargain £3,999pp based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Port Vendres, Provence, Monte Carlo (overnight), Portofino and Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), with up to 52 free excursions, free return business class flights and a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Barcelona.

Rome to Monte Carlo; 7 nights sailing October 17

Seven Seas Mariner is featuring this chic autumn  voyage from just £2,173pp based on two people sharing an F category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Capri, Amalfi, Porto Vecchio, Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Portofino and St Tropez, with up to 33 free excursions and a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.

Rome to Barcelona; 10 nights sailing November 10
This classic Med voyage is now priced from just £2,318pp based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Ajaccio, Genoa, Monte Carlo (overnight), Provence, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia, with up to 52 free excursions, plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome. 

 

And, as with all Regent cruises, it all comes with free flights and transfers, unlimited shore excursions on every cruise and all-inclusive onboard, with fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment all included. 

 

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

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Grab A Regent Bargain

It's definitely bargain time again this week, and the latest round of special offers come from luxury all-inclusive line Regent Seven Seas, who have a series of well-priced deals for some late-summer and early autumn voyages.

Take your pick from this fabulous selection of four Mediterranean cruises:

Rome to Venice
On Seven Seas Mariner, 10-nights sailing August 29. New price from £3,149 per person based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Rome, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Capri, Taormina, Valletta, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Venice (overnight), with up to 35 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.
 

Rome to Monte Carlo
On Seven Seas Mariner, 7-night cruise sailing October 17 now from £2,332pp based on two sharing a G category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Rome, Capri, Amalfi, Porto Vecchio, Florence/Pisa, Portofino, St Tropez and Monte Carlo with up to 33 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.

Venice to Rome
Also aboard Seven Seas Mariner, this 10-night voyage sails on October 31 and is now priced from £2,599 pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Venice, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Valletta, Taormina, Capri, Florence/Pisa, Monte Carlo, Portofino and Rome, with up to 36 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Venice.

Rome to Barcelona
On November 10, Seven Seas Mariner sails a 10-night cruise that is now priced from £2,551pp based on two sharing a G category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Rome, Florence/Pisa, Ajaccio, Genoa, Monte Carlo (overnight), Provence, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona, with up to 52 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.

And, as with all Regent voyages, it is all included, with free flights and transfers, free pre-cruise hotel stay, free shore excursions, all-inclusive on board (with no supplements for alternative dining and all drinks complimentary) and all gratuities included.

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

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Regent Announce "Most Luxurious" New Ship

Luxury all-inclusive line Regent Seven Seas has signed a definitive contract with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard to build "the most luxurious cruise ship in the era of modern cruising." The new all-suite, all-balcony ship will be named Seven Seas Explorer with delivery scheduled for Summer 2016.

At 54,000 gross-registered tons and accommodating just 738 guests, Seven Seas Explorer will be the largest vessel in the Regent fleet. The ship will also boast one of the highest space ratios and staff-to-guest ratios ever seen in modern cruise ship design, in keeping with the company's high levels of personalised service and individual experiences.

 
The new ship order is also part of Regent's growth strategy in the luxury market since 2008. Seven Seas Explorer will feature spacious and sophisticated designer suites, ultra-elegant public areas, a wide-range of dining options with six gourmet restaurants, an expansive Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Regent's signature nine-deck atrium, the two-story Explorer Theater and many other amenities all created with the personality, warmth and soul of classic, timeless design.

In their press release about the new release, Regent insisted: "The moment our guests step on board, they'll know they have arrived somewhere special. The use of exotic stones and polished woods, designer furniture, rich fabrics and sophisticated lighting combined with what promises to be a museum-quality eclectic art collection will clearly position Seven Seas Explorer as the new standard in luxury cruising."

Further details about the new vessel will be announced in the coming months.

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Summer Edition Now Here!

Our feature-packed Summer issue is now back from the printer's and going to distribution, so our subscribers can afford to sit back and await the arrival of the latest edition of Europe's leading cruise publication.

Providing our Cover Story this summer is a look at the majestic Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam as Lauren Price takes a memorable journey with AMA Waterways.

From there, we go cruising in the luxury style of Regent Seven Seas as Gary Buchanan provides a look inside their Seven Seas Mariner. For more deluxe sailing, we also have the Zodiac Approach from Steve Newman, looking at how the upmarket adventure-cruise lines provide their up-close encounters.

Next there are destination features of Iceland - a cruise spot that is capturing a lot of attention - and Mauritius, while we also head for the Panama Canal, with an in-depth look at a typical round-trip voyage to this amazing engineering feat in Central America.

For our usual ship features, we take readers on board the new MSC Preziosa of MSC Cruises and the classic traditional liner Saga Ruby in her farewell season for Saga Cruises.There is also a special feature by Carol Wright on how the different lines look after passengers both Pre- and Post-Cruise, with some great tips for maximising your cruise enjoyment.

Of course, there is our essential World of Spas section, which in this issue takes a look at the fabulous Canyon Ranch Spa Club aboard the Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line, as well as the latest news from spas worldwide.

And our regular columnists have plenty of say, with Captain Greybeard offering thoughts on Azamara Club Cruises; Cruise Radio looking at the new Norwegian Breakaway; Stewart Chiron, aka The Cruise Guy, examining issues involved with staying connected at sea; and The Admiral getting wistful about travel in a bygone age.

Then there are our usual contributions from our readers on the Letters page, and our unequalled News pages, with stories on all the latest cruise launches from the likes of Viking River Cruises, CroisiEurope, Princess Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd, as well as forthcoming new lines Viking Ocean Cruises and Pearl Seas Cruises.

As ever, it all adds up to the best read on the high seas, for a bargain price and with the best style. And, if you haven't subscribed yet (what's keeping you!), just follow this link.

Happy cruising now...!

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Regent's Big Deal Down Under

Regent Seven Cruises have passed on some great special offers so far this year, but this latest one is a real eye-opener, especially if you are interested in a cruise in New Zealand waters, with a lot of extras.

Here's what they have to offer:

Sydney to Auckland

Take a cruise on Seven Seas Voyager (above) and enjoy a specially-priced voyage, with a night's luxury hotel stay pre-cruise, 10 nights aboard the all-inclusive six-star ship and the chance to enjoy a pre or post-cruise land tour.

The voyage sails on January 7, 2014 and is now priced at just £3,999pp (was £4,789pp), based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Sydney, cruising Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland, with up to 13 FREE excursions, PLUS a 3-night pre or post cruise land programme from just £599 per person. Choose from: Sydney and beyond, including a tour to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley; Luxury retreat in Australian Bush; or New Zealand countryside and wineries.

As ever, Regent promise the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, with free flights and transfers, free 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package (in Concierge Suites and above), unlimited shore excursions on every cruise, and fully inclusive onboard, including fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment. 

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

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Regent's New Exotic Options

Regent Seven Seas has announced changes to its autumn 2014 itineraries for Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, with 10 new cruises that include sailings to sought-after destinations such as Tahiti and South Africa. 

It has been four years since a Regent ship called in South Africa and almost three since one of its ships visited Tahiti, hence this represents a great opportunity to visit (or re-visit) some of the most exotic p[arts of the cruise world.

The new sailings on Seven Seas Mariner include an 18-night Los Angeles to Papeete trans-Pacific cruise; a 10-night round-trip Papeete voyage; and a 17-night Papeete to Auckland sailing. This will be the first time in the company’s history that Mariner will conduct a turnaround in Tahiti.

For Seven Seas Voyager, the company has added a 30-night Dubai to Cape Town cruise where guests will enjoy breathtaking scenery, discover big game on guided safari tours and relax on luxurious beaches. This exciting itinerary includes overnight calls in Mumbai; the Maldives; the Seychelles; and Cape Town, with other calls at Mombasa, Zanzibar, Maputo, Richards Bay and Durban.

Regent has also created a number of Mediterranean sailings that have a similar itinerary as previously offered. 

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

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Regent's New 'Gift' Promotion

Regent Seven Seas has announced a new cruise booking promotion called ‘A Gift from Regent’. Guests who book any one of the 8 eligible Europe 2013 voyages will receive two exclusive offers of free unlimited Internet and a $300 per suite shipboard credit. The only choice to be made is which cruise to take.

The ‘Gift from Regent’ promotion is available on bookings made from now until May 31 and is valid on the following 2013 sailings:

Seven Seas Mariner

8 September: Adriatic Escape, Venice to Monte Carlo, 10 Nights

17 October: Italian Interlude, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7 Nights

24 October: Princes & Patricians, Monte Carlo to Venice, 7 Nights

10 November: Passage to Iberia, Rome to Barcelona, 10 Nights

20 November: South Atlantic Sojourn, Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, 18 Nights

Seven Seas Voyager

26 September: Classical Visions, Barcelona to Rome, 10 Nights

23 October: Lands of Myths, Seas of Fables, Rome to Venice, 10 Nights

12 November: Red Sea Odyssey, Istanbul to Dubai, 21 Nights

 

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

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Regent's Summer 2014 Collection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its new Summer/Autumn 2014 Collection featuring more than 60 itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, New England, Canada and the Caribbean. The luxury line’s three all-suite ships will visit 17 new ports of call, overnight in 19 popular destinations and sail 23 Extended Voyages from 19 to 44-nights. 

Sailings on all European voyages include free business class upgrades for guests booking a Penthouse suite or higher. All Regent sailings also include flights and transfers, all-suite accommodations, gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, free shore excursions, gratuities and for those in a Concierge Suite or higher, a pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, at no additional cost. 

SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS 

Seven Seas Voyager begins the season in Northern Europe with stops in several new ports including Kristiansand, Norway; Murmansk, Russia and Helsingborg, Sweden; overnight stays in Oslo and Honningsvaag, Norway with a return to the North Cape; Dublin, Ireland; Bordeaux, France; and two-night stays in St. Petersburg, Russia. Additionally the line will operate new embarkations in Olso and Amsterdam providing 10 departure points in Europe, the most in company history. Voyager ends the season in the Mediterranean with a 21-night voyage to Bangkok, Thailand. Extended Voyages from 21-40 nights combine the best of Northern Europe, the British Isles, Western Europe and the Med. 

Seven Seas Mariner spends April-November traversing the coastline of the Med, capping the season with a 44-night Extended Voyage from Rome to Miami. Guests will have the opportunity to explore several new ports, including Antibes, France; Argostoli and Syros, Greece; Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands; and Dakar, Senegal. Extended Voyages from 19-44 nights include overnight stays in Florence, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Alexandria, Egypt, plus two-night stays in Istanbul and Jerusalem. 

Seven Seas Navigator will spend May to August in Alaska with 13 seven-night voyages between Anchorage and Vancouver and a 12-night positioning cruise between Vancouver and San Francisco. In the autumn, she returns to New England and Canada for three 10-night cruises between New York and Montreal and a 15-night cruise from Montréal to Miami, ending the season in the Caribbean and the Amazon. Three Extended Voyages from 31-43 days offer coast-to-coast exploration. 

An example of lead-in fares is as follows:

• Seven Seas Mariner, 7-nights, 12 May 2014, Istanbul to Athens: £2,899 per person (H grade).
• Seven Seas Voyager, 16-nights, 10 July 2014, Oslo to Copenhagen: £7,449 per person (H grade); 10-nights, 26 July 2014, Copenhagen to Stockholm: £4,949 per person (H grade).
• Seven Seas Navigator, 7-nights, 21 May 2014, Vancouver to Vancouver: £2,999 per person (H grade); 10-nights, 12 October 2014, New York to Montreal: £4,179 per person (H grade).

The line’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner and Voyager were refurbished in 2011 and Navigator in 2012.

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

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Regent's Verona Opera Cruise

Regent Seven Seas has announced news of an exclusive Verona Opera experience this summer featuring a stunning operatic performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida at the world-famous Arena di Verona in Italy.

As Verona’s internationally acclaimed Roman amphitheatre prepares to celebrate its Centennial year, Regent has reserved prestigious Gold Tickets providing discerning travellers with the opportunity of a lifetime to experience Verdi’s lyrical work within this unforgettable setting. The 12-night cruise is complimented with a luxurious 2-night pre-cruise stay at the legendary Due Torri Hotel, Verona’s most renowned palatial 5-star hotel prior to joining Seven Seas Mariner for an all-inclusive 10-night sailing from Venice to Athens.

This unique experience comprises:

• Return flights from London
• 2-night stay at the Due Torri Hotel, Verona (B&B basis)
• Gold Tickets for Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Aida’ at the Arena di Verona
• 2-hour guided walking tour of Verona
• Transfers (from airport to hotel, hotel to ship, ship to airport)
• 10-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Seven Seas Mariner from Venice to Athens with all Regent’s usual inclusions onboard (unlimited free excursions, all fine dining, including speciality restaurants, all beverages and gratuities).

The 12-night Verona Opera & Cruise package departs the UK on June 26. Fares start from £3,895 per person (based on 2 people sharing an H category suite) subject to availability. 

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

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Free Wi-Fi With Regent

Among the welter of deals in what is called the 'Wave' season for cruise bookings in the early stages of the New Year, there's a really interesting one that caught our eye from the all-inclusive luxury line of Regent Seven Seas.

Regent have already published some pretty eye-catching savings for a number of cruises this year and, as they already come with free flights, shore excursions, gratuities and most drinks on board, it is hard to imagine what else they could add to make themselves more attractive. But they have.

So, just in time for the 'Wave' season promotions, guests making a brand new booking on any of Regent's selected voyages from today through to March 31 will receive FREE INTERNET access for the entirety of their voyage. The special promotion is valid on the following 2013 sailings on two of their ships:

Seven Seas Mariner 
24 April: Mediterranean Odyssey, Istanbul to Barcelona, 10-nights 
1 June: Italian Interlude, Venice to Rome, 10-nights 
28 June: Aegean Sojourn, Venice to Athens, 10-nights 
29 August: Venetian Dreams, Rome to Venice, 10-nights 

Seven Seas Voyager 
6 October: Mediterranean Melody, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7-nights 

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

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Cruise Cowards?

Silversea Cruises is the latest line to pull out of cruise calls to the Falkland Islands following threats of intimidation at Argentine ports.

They join a list of companies, including Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises and German Aida Cruises who have all cancelled Falklands visits after being told their "safety" couldn't be guaranteed at the likes of Ushuaia and Buenos Aires if they also called at Port Stanley.

Excuse me? The safety of ships visiting Argentinean ports can't be guaranteed, so you cancel calls to the Falklands?

Doesn't that sound totally twisted in terms of logic? Moral cowardice, even?

If Argentina can't guarantee ship safety at their ports (and somehow makes it a Falklands issue), isn't the answer not to go to Argentina? Exactly like P&O Cruises announced, by cancelling their visits to Argentina.

It's perfectly feasible for ships to miss the likes of Ushuaia and Buenos Aires and instead call at Punta Arenas (Chile), Montevideo (Uruguay), South Georgia and Port Stanley. If they want to.

Why in the name of all that's sane would you go to the "unsafe" ports and cut out the ones that still welcome cruise ships and go out of their way to accommodate them? Isn't that just giving in to a bully?

Silversea's UK general manager, Mike Bonner, in the ultimate example of Orwellian double-speak, insisted: "Due to ongoing political uncertainty, Silversea has taken the decision to cancel scheduled calls at Port Stanley for voyages departing in the coming weeks. These voyages will now include alternate ports of call and, where possible, guests will be notified prior to embarkation. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these schedule changes. The safety of our crew and passengers remains our foremost concern.”

So, "political uncertainty" in Argentina means you still go there? Really? In the same way that, for example, political uncertainty in Egypt means cruise lines cancelling calls to Alexandria. Do you see a difference?

Come on, Mike. That is absolute baloney and you know it. The cruise lines may think they need Argentina, but that is definitely not the case. And, if you tell your customers the real story, I'm sure the majority will back you up.

Boycott Argentina - NOT the Falklands.

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More Great Offers From Regent

Luxury all-inclusive line Regent Seven Seas send in some great periodical special offers and here's another selection that should definitely be worth perusing.

Take your pick from:

                                                  

Eastern Caribbean – Miami round-trip 
Seven Seas Navigator, 10 nights, sailing Jan 27, Feb 26, Mar 22; now priced from £2,999 pp (based on two people sharing an H category suite). Highlights: Miami, Nassau, San Juan, St Barts, Antigua, St Lucia, St Maarten, Miami. Also with up to 37 FREE excursions. 

Western Caribbean – Miami round-trip

Seven Seas Navigator, 10 nights, sailing Apr 1; now priced from £2,999pp. Highlights: Miami, Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize City, Santo Tomas, Roatan, Costa Maya, Miami. Also with up to 56 FREE excursions. 

Rome to Barcelona

Seven Seas Mariner, 7 nights, May 15; now priced from £2,099pp. Highlights: Rome, Florence/Pisa, Portofino, Monte Carlo, St Tropez, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, also with up to 52 FREE excursions.

Vancouver to Vancouver

Seven Seas Navigator, 7 nights, May 22; now priced from £2,299pp. Highlights: Vancouver, Wrangell, Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Cruise the Inside Passage, Vancouver, also with up to 57 FREE excursions.

Vancouver to Seward

Seven Seas Navigator, 7 nights, June 12; now priced from £2,699pp. Highlights: Vancouver, Cruise the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Cruise Hubbard Glacier, also with up to 41 FREE excursions.

Copenhagen to Stockholm

Seven Seas Voyager, 7 nights, July 18; now priced from £2,299pp. Highlights: Copenhagen, Berlin, Tallinn, St Petersburg (overnight), Helsinki, Stockholm, also with up to 39 FREE excursions.

All cruises include FREE flights and transfers, 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package, unlimited shore excursions on every cruise and all-inclusive onboard, with fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment.

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

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Regent's New Winter Collection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a special offer to go with the unveiling of its new Winter Collection for 2013/14, which features voyages to South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.

As part of the launch, the ultra-luxury line is offering a complimentary one-night, post-cruise luxury hotel package on all Winter Collection itineraries booked by December 31. Additional collection highlights include three new ports, five Grand Voyages with exclusive amenities, and special offers on pre and post-cruise land programmes.

Recognised as the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, all Regent sailings also include all-suite accommodations, 97% with private balconies, gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, free shore excursions, gratuities, and a pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, at no additional cost.

2013-2014 Winter Collection Highlights

From November 2013 through to June 2014, the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager visits the South Pacific and Asia (above), with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, China, Japan and India, offering guests a variety of itineraries ranging from 10 – 136-nights including four Grand Voyages.

Regent also offers a specially priced three-night pre or post-cruise land programme for £318pp on select South Pacific and Asia itineraries. These include Angkor Wat, Beijing and the Great Wall of China, Hong Kong and Sydney, as well as Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, two new land programmes.

Seven Seas Mariner returns to South America where guests can sail along the mighty Amazon, cruise around Cape Horn, explore the Panama Canal and visit the largest Magellanic Penguin colony in the world. Sailings range from 10 to 70 nights including the coveted “Circle South America” Grand Voyage.

In March 2014, the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony ship heads back to the Mediterranean with a grand crossing from Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona featuring maiden calls in Dakar, Senegal, and Tangier, Morocco

The newly refurbished, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator explores the tropics, with 16 departures round-trip from Miami to the Caribbean, ranging from seven to 24 nights and including a maiden call in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The ship then departs Miami on April 21 for an 18-night voyage to San Francisco, transiting the Panama Canal to begin its  popular cruises in Alaska.

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

Regent's Christmas Crackers

This December, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers guests an extra dash of merriment with all-inclusive festive sailings to the South Pacific and South America. Each ultra-luxury voyage offers the fantastic value of free round-trip air, unlimited complimentary shore excursions and ultra-luxury, all-inclusive offering on board.

Regent's team of talented chefs will serve special European and American tasting menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Sample menu items include lobster and ricotta ravioli, Christmas goose, roasted turkey on chestnut-stuffing, Bûche de Noël, and traditional pumpkin pie. An interdenominational service is also held on Christmas Eve.

Toasting the season, travellers will sail along the mighty Amazon aboard the line’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner for a 22-night cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Miami departing 16. The 'Ultimate Amazon' sailing offers up to 43 free shore excursions and visits eight different ports in Brazil, French Guyana, Barbados (above), St. Barts and Puerto Rico. 

Departing December 19, the 21-night 'South Pacific Secrets' voyage from Bali to Auckland aboard the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager showcases the best of Australia and New Zealand. In addition to the 28 complimentary shore excursions, which include a winery tour in Western Australia, mountain biking in Tasmania and discovering sea lions on Kangaroo Island, guests can also enjoy the choice of a free three-night, pre-cruise land programme in Bali or a three-night, post-cruise hotel programme in Auckland. 

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

National Cruise Week!

OK, British cruising's big annual sales and marketing bonanza is about to kick off and it's time to pay attention to many of the special deals and other incentives on offer.

Just to start with, National Cruise Week runs from September 15-23 this year, and it is a feature item for all cruise agent specialists and others keen to promote the idea of holidays at sea.

Organised by the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE) and the UK's Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), it is a chance for cruising to really showcase its amazing range of choice and quality, as well as the sheer value for money that a cruise represents.

It all starts this Saturday and, for the ensuing 8 days, there will be a range of special offers, discounts and other added 'extras' for anyone booking a cruise during the week.

William Gibbons, Director of the PSA, says: “This is now the fifth National Cruise Week and it has gained a momentum all of its own. We cannot shy away from the fact the industry has faced a challenging start to the year; however cruising is still continuing to grow in popularity. This is because a cruise offers exceptional value with a huge range of accommodation and destinations from the top-end exclusive, intimate cruise to the family fun holiday, all including meals and entertainment. It is key to the continuing growth of the market that we focus on attracting new people to the cruise concept, and National Cruise Week is promoting the amazing and diverse range of experiences and incredible value that cruising offers.”

We have already highlighted the Cruise Week offers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises on September 9 (see it on this link), but there are certainly others, and it is worth making a note of what's available for your next (or first) cruise:

Inclusive ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas is extending its luxurious ‘gift with purchase’ guest promotion with L’Occitane, the renowned Provencal body and skincare brand offered in the line’s suite bathrooms onboard, for National Cruise Week. Guests who book a 2013 cruise with Regent between 15-23 September will receive a gorgeous ‘his and hers’ gift set from L’Occitane worth £180, including the award-winning ‘Immortelle’ Precious Cream.  

MSC Cruises is offering free onboard credit for any 2013 booking made during NCW 2012 on any ship in the fleet. The amount of credit offered depends on the cabin category booked. Passengers in a Category 1 inside cabin, for example, will receive £10 OBC per person; for a Cateogry 7 outside cabin they will receive £70, rising to £130 for a category 13 Aurea Suite. 

The PSA is also highlighting a chance to have a 'Tea-time cruise talk' with various specialists during the week, and you can find out more on this link. More special offers will be unveiled during the week itself, so be sure to check the PSA link below for all the latest details.

For more information on National Cruise Week, contact ACE on this link, or call 020 7323 7464, or the PSA on this link or 020 7436.

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.