Discover Iceland, from all corners of the UK with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2014

 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to explore ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ on not one, not two, but four incredible exploration cruises to Iceland. Sailing from four regional departure ports – Southampton, Bristol (Avonmouth), Liverpool and Newcastle – from May to August 2014, on board Black Watch, Boudicca or Balmoral, guests living all over the UK will have ample opportunity to uncover the wonders of this ‘must-see’ destination.

Fred. Olsen is offering the following four Iceland cruises in 2014:

 Balmoral’s 14-night L1406 ‘Blue Lagoons & White Water’ cruise, ex Southampton on May 31  2014. Prices start from £1,149 per person.

The first Fred. Olsen cruise to Iceland in 2014 calls at Reykjavik (Iceland) – for an overnight stay – Akureyri (Iceland), Olden (Norway), Bergen (Norway) and Stavanger (Norway).

Boudicca’s 14-night D1409 ‘Discover Iceland & Norway’ cruise, ex Bristol (Avonmouth) on June 14. Prices start from £1,149 per person.

Ports of call are Reykjavik (Iceland), Ísafjörđur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Olden (Norway), Flåm (Norway) and Bergen (Norway).

Black Watch’s 11-night W1408 ‘Puffins, Waterfalls & Geysers’ cruise, ex Newcastle on July 20  Prices start from £999 per person.

Visits Reykjavik (Iceland) – for an overnight stay – Akureyri (Iceland) -  for a second overnight stay – Eskifjorđur (Iceland) and Runavik (Faroe Islands).

Boudicca’s 11-night D1414 ‘Icelandic Wildlife & Waterfalls’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 17^th August 2014. Prices start from £999 per person.

Ports of call on Fred. Olsen’s final 2014 cruise to Iceland are Reykjavik (Iceland) – for an overnight stay – Akureyri (Iceland) and Eskifjorđur (Iceland). 

Prices listed for these cruises are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues. Solo travellers can benefit from no single supplement on selected cruises and cabins* and all guests can also choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £10 per person, per night*.

More info: 0800 0355 242  www.fredolsencruises.com  

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Quark New Arctic Season Offers 14 Arctic Circle Voyages

The new edition of World of Cruising has a feature on Arctic adventure cruising. Incredible wildlife, legendary routes, ice-filled fjords, culture and history all feature prominently in Quark Expeditions Arctic 2015 expedition line-up. The company begins its Arctic season May 28, 2015, at the onset of the Arctic summer, on three ice-strengthened small expedition ships.

New destinations include:   

Northwest Passage: Franklin’s Legend – Aboard the nimble small ship the Sea Adventurer, Quark returns to the fabled Northwest Passage in August. This 18-day voyage visits Thule and Inuit communities of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. 

Iceland Circumnavigation: Ultimate Fire and Ice – This 11-day voyage features all the highlights of the island of fire and ice. Departing from the capital city of Reykjavik.  Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and the island’s birdlife also feature largely on this itinerary. Prices start from £4,245 departing 18^th August  2015. 

Greenland’s Far North: Ultimate Thule–A 14-day voyage that explores the Thule region, synonymous with ‘the true Greenland’ for its untouched icescapes and sparsely populated Inuit communities. Prices start from £5,455 departing on 4^th August^, 2015.


Book by  May 30, and receive up to 25% saving as an early booking incentive.  

More info: 0808 120 2333  www.quarkexpeditions.com  

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Crystal's New Wine & Food-Themed Cruises

Crystal Cruises has set four new Wine & Food-themed luxury cruises for 2014, to include new guest chef-prepared Vintage Room dinners on each of the four sailings - in Asia, the South Pacific, Trans-Atlantic and the US/Caribbean – as well as a new microbrew theme on the last of the voyages.

All of Crystal’s culinary Experiences of Discovery voyages include complimentary hands-on cooking classes, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, mixology lessons and a guest chef dinner for all guests in the Crystal Dining Room. 

In addition, in 2014, each culinary-themed cruise will feature an optional intimate, guest chef-created dinner for 12-14 in Crystal’s Vintage Room, with seven courses featuring local flavours of the region and extraordinary wine pairings selected by the guest wine expert. Building upon the success of Crystal’s recently-added Connoisseur Beer menu, the new microbrew-themed cruise will offer beer pairings, instead of wine, for the dinner, as well as craft beer enrichment and sampling throughout the voyage. 

Held on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, the cruises will feature local tastes of:

• The South Pacific: Sailing 20th January from Papeete to Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Tonga, Fiji and Auckland (overnight).
• Asia/China: Sailing 9th April from Hong Kong (overnight) to Xiamen, Shanghai (two overnights) and Dalian, with three days ashore in Beijing included.
• Atlantic, including Iceland and New England: Sailing 5th September from Southampton to the Channel Islands, Waterford, Dublin, Belfast, Reykjavik (overnight), Halifax, Bar Harbor and Boston.
• The US East Coast & Caribbean: Sailing 5th November from New York (overnight) to Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Turks & Caicos, Curaçao, Aruba and Miami.

While exact programming details are still being finalised, food experts scheduled thus far include Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, recent Icelandic Chef of the Year and Bocuse d’Or finalist; Stephen Beaumont, co-author of The World Atlas of Beer; Aldo Sohm, Wine Director at New York’s Le Bernadin restaurant and the first-ever representative from America to win “Best Sommelier in the World”; Shailesh Naidu, the only native five-star executive chef in Fiji; and Serge Dansereau, Australian celebrity chef, fresh food movement pioneer and owner of the iconic Bathers’ Pavilion restaurant in New South Wales. 

“Book now” fares for the Wine & Food cruise series start at £2,461 per person cruise only and are only guaranteed until October 31.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal holiday. Crystal’s extensive, innovative choices for dining include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars overseen by onboard sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea or in Nobu and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants.

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

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Royal Caribbean's Cool Summer Cruise

For hot springs, cool culture and stunning views, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas is featuring a fabulous 13-night Iceland & Norway cruise this summer, with prices from only £969 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom), with the bonus of wine while you dine and free soft drinks for kids. 

The price includes the full 13-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 30 and calling at Reykjavik and Akureyri (Iceland), then Trondheim, Alesund, Molde, Olden and Stavanger (Norway) before returning to Southampton. It also includes all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Offer valid until October 21.

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

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Hapag-Lloyd's International Expeditions For 2014/15

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced the arrival of its 2014-2015 expeditions brochure, offering 11 itineraries operated in English and German. 

The small and beautifully-appointed expedition ships Hanseatic and Bremen will be travelling to Siberia, the Chukchi Peninsula and Wrangel Island, Antarctica, the Chilean Fjords, Cape Verde, the Amazon, Alaska and the “small” Northwest Passage. The 184-passenger Hanseatic (above), the world’s only 5-star expedition ship, and the 4-star Bremen, carrying 164 guests, were built to provide intensive explorations in the most elegant surroundings.

Three outstanding sample itineraries are as follows:

New itinerary and destination – Expedition Siberia

During an expedition on the Hanseatic, guests will explore the region of Primorye. This unique itinerary makes stops in Pusan/Republic of Korea, various stops in Siberia/Russia, such as Rimsky Islands, Vladivostok, Petrov Island, and ends in Otaru/Japan. The Hanseatic is one of the few non-Russian ships to set out on this cruising adventure along the Siberian coast. This 15-night itinerary is from May 11-26, 2014, from Shanghai/China to Otaru/Japan, and rates start at £6,090 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-only. 

The Pursuit of The “Small” Northwest Passage 

This 19-night itinerary on board Bremen is from August 18 to September 6, 2014, from Kangerlussuaq/Greenland to Reykjavik/Iceland and rates for this voyage through the High Arctic and the islands of Canada start at £8,010 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-only. 

Discovering Antarctica and the Australia/New Zealand Sub Antarctic Region

This 26-night itinerary on Hanseatic is from January 25 to February 21, 2014, from Ushuaia/Argentina to Bluff/New Zealand, with stops in Macquarie Island/Australia and Auckland Island/New Zealand (includes charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia). Rates start at £13,360 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-only. 

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

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Quark's New Arctic Explorations

Quark Expeditions has launched the company’s Arctic 2014 line-up, with an enticing season featuring 15 voyages that include three new Canadian Arctic expedition itineraries exploring the immense territory and majestic scenery of the final frontier, its indigenous peoples, history and diverse wildlife. 

The new 'Canadian Arctic & West Greenland' voyages are also aboard a new ship in Quark’s fleet, the 114-guest Sea Explorer (formerly Corinthian II, sister ship to Quark’s Sea Spirit). This ice-strengthened small luxury expedition ship features spacious ocean-facing cabins, all-inclusive bar and beverages and optional sea-kayaking adventures.

Three New Itineraries: 

• Arctic Quest: Greenland to Churchill – This new 16-day voyage in July and August ventures into the Arctic's far reaches, home of polar bears and walrus, where Inuit communities still maintain traditional ways of life. Explore the fjords of Greenland by ship and Zodiac and navigate the eastern-most channel of Canada’s historic Northwest Passage. Prices start from £5,095 per person for 15 nights (16 days) with three meals a day, all inclusive beverages, shore landings and on-board lectures.
• In the Footsteps of Franklin: Greenland & Canada’s High Arctic – Explore the best of Greenland’s west coast on this 13-day voyage in August and September, including Illulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. Crossing into Canadian waters en route to Resolute, cruise by spectacular limestone cliffs first sighted by explorer in the 18^th Century. Explore, on foot and by Zodiac, Beechey Island, landing site of the Franklin Expedition and the most notable landmark in the history of exploration of the Canadian Arctic. Prices start from £3,865 per person, including one night's accommodation pre and post-cruise in Reykjavik and Toronto, all inclusive beverages, shore landings and on-board lectures.
• Epic High Arctic: Baffin Island Explorer via Fury & Hecla – Follow a truly epic route explored by very few on this 13-day High Arctic voyage in September that will navigate the challenging Fury and Hecla Strait between Resolute and Iqaluit. Visit with world-renowned Inuit carvers and artists at Cape Dorset, marvel at the bird cliffs and spot walrus and polar bears while Zodiac cruising around Akpatok and Monumental Islands. Prices start from £3,525 per person for 12 nights (13 days), including one night's accommodation pre and post-cruise in Toronto and Montreal, all inclusive beverages, shore landings and on-board lectures.

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

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Grab A Crystal Deal

Between now and February 28, savings of up to £1,629 per person are available on a selection of Crystal Cruises’ 2013 itineraries, with prices starting from just £1,918 per person for a seven-night all-inclusive luxury cruise in northern Europe. These savings are available on the following 12 cruises:

• April 21: 11-night cruise from Barcelona to Venice on Crystal Serenity visiting Monte Carlo, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Sicily and Trogir. All inclusive prices from £2,825 per person (saving up to £1,151).
• May 2: seven-night cruise from Venice to Rome on Crystal Serenity visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Taormina and Sorrento. All inclusive prices from £2,128pp (saving up to £627 per person).
• May 9: nine-night cruise from Rome to Istanbul on Crystal Serenity visiting Sorrento, Taormina, Santorini, Kusadasi and Canakkale. All inclusive prices from £2,437pp (saving up to £1,029).
• May 23: 12-night cruise from New York to Reykjavik on Crystal Symphony visiting Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax and St John’s. All inclusive prices from £3,332pp, including one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in New York (saving up to £1,482).
• June 8: seven-night cruise from Dover to Copenhagen on Crystal Serenity visiting Zeebrugge, Amsterdam, Oslo and Helsingborg. All inclusive prices from £1,918pp (saving  up to £932 per person).
• June 24: 10-night cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen on Crystal Serenity visiting Tallinn, St Petersburg (2 nights), Helsinki and Berlin. All inclusive prices from £2,893pp (saving up to £1,629).
• July 6: seven-night cruise from Istanbul to Rome on Crystal Symphony visiting Kusadasi, Mykonos, Sicily and Sorrento. All inclusive prices from £2,050pp (saving up to £923).
• July 20: 10-night cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen on Crystal Serenity visiting Tallinn, St Petersburg (2 nights), Helsinki and Berlin. All inclusive prices from £2,890pp (saving up to £1,629). 
• July 25: nine-night cruise from Istanbul to Rome on Crystal Symphony visiting Canakkale, Kusadasi, Valletta, Sicily and Sorrento. All inclusive prices from £2,680pp (saving up to £1,015).
• July 30: 10-night cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm on Crystal Serenity visiting Berlin, Helsinki, St Petersburg (2 nights) and Tallinn. All inclusive prices from £2,890pp (saving up to £1,629).

Included in the cost of the cruise are return scheduled flights, overseas transfers and accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, port taxes and gratuities.

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

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Lindblad's New Voyages For 2013

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will mark the fifth anniversary in 2013 of its flagship, National Geographic Explorer, with five new itineraries that will put you in the explorer’s seat and connect you to incredible places, cultures, and people around the world. 

The expeditions have been designed to provide one-of-a-kind moments, whether you’re spotting the legendary pink dolphins of the Orinoco, encountering the Inuit people who thrive at the Arctic’s edge or meeting former President of Poland, Lech Walesa, during our expedition in the Baltic. All voyages are set aboard the Explorer, a 148-guest state-of-the-art expedition ship. The new 2013 itineraries include: 

Epic South America - Jungle Rivers, Rain Forests & Colonial Coast: One of the most ambitious expeditions Lindblad has ever offered, the journey will begin in Trinidad and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina, visiting eight countries. Explore three legendary rivers—the Orinoco, Amazon and Essequibo—and experience the region’s exuberant cultures. Voyage the diverse coastlines and visit colonial towns such as Ilhéus and Parati, vibrant cities including Montevideo and Buenos Aires, and spend two full days in exhilarating Rio de Janeiro. A special focus on the region’s varied musical styles and cultural heritage will be woven into the voyage. The 38-day epic adventure departs September 18, 2013. Rates begin at $34,730 per person, based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

A Circumnavigation of Iceland: Cruise among magnificent icebergs in Jokulsarlon, and spend a day on the Arctic Circle spotting rich birdlife. Kayak into fjords and serene bays, and go hiking on spectacular and remote stretches of the coast. Explore Europe’s largest ice cap and discover the lava-sculpted landscapes of the Westman Islands. Soak in hot springs, and see boiling mud pots and the thundering Godafoss Waterfall. Go whale-watching on the shores of Iceland and its surrounding isles. Cap off the adventure with a soak in Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon. Joining the voyage is Andrew Evans, National Geographic travel writer and author of the Bradt Travel Guide: Iceland. Departs July 10, for 10 days/8 nights, rates begin at $7,990.

Along the Viking Trail – From Iceland to Greenland: Follow in the wake of legendary explorers as you discover the dramatic landscapes and rich traditions of Greenland and Iceland. Explore Iceland’s western fjords by Zodiac; kayak among the magnificent icebergs of East Greenland and hike amid charming northern hamlets. Along the way, get immersed in Nordic history on visits to fascinating Viking sites and settlements with our experts. Joining the voyage is author and adventurer Tim Severin, one of the last traditional style explorers. Departs July 18, for 12 days/10 nights. Rates begin at $9,620. 

Arctic Quest: Greenland & Canadian High Arctic: Venture deep into the far reaches of the Arctic, where we will trace the rugged fjords of Greenland and navigate the mouth of Canada’s legendary Northwest Passage. Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, spot polar bears on the pack ice, and watch for a wide variety of whales—from minke and killer whales to the rare narwhal. We will explore Uummannaq, site of Greenland’s impressive mummy find, and visit the historic Inuit village of Sermermiut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Joining the voyage is Henning Thing, Ph.D, an arctic wildlife ecologist. The 17-day expedition departs July 27 and August 10 and rates begin at $16,160. 

A Circumnavigation of the Baltic Sea: Discover the nine countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fascinating cultures and histories. Meet former President Lech Walesa in his hometown of Gdansk, Poland. Stroll through the medieval Old Towns of Lübeck, Riga, and Tallinn, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, visit the great maritime capital of Stockholm and explore the tiny islands along the Finnish and Swedish coasts by kayak or on nature walks. Then view one of the world’s greatest art collections at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. Departs May 10 for 16 days/14 nights. Rates begin at $13,990. 

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

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A Grand Voyage To The Fjords

There’s still time to plan a last-minute break to the mighty fjords of Norway and Iceland this summer with Voyages of Discovery, and from just £879 per person.

For those with a sense of adventure, the 'Nordic Natural Wonders' cruise offers a footloose programme designed for seasoned hikers and amateur ramblers alike, giving them the opportunity to get off the beaten track to explore untamed landscapes such as Mount Fløien in Bergen and hike in Flam with the chance to see its famous railways.

The cruise, sailing July 12, starts from £879 per person and the price includes the 14-day voyage departing from Harwich and calling at Bergen and Flam (Norway), then Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Reykjavik (all Iceland) and Torshavn (Faroe Islands) before returning to Harwich.

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

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Fred Olsen's Summer Sale

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just launched a special selection of cruises for summer 2012, offering great savings on brochure prices. There are sailings from a range of regional UK ports, to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Arctic, Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as several mini=cruises. 

All offer exceptional value for money, with prices starting from £64 per person per night, and savings on brochure prices of up to £1,500 per cabin. Guests booking two or more cabins at the same time may also be eligible for an extra saving of 10% on the ‘Special-saver’ price.

Departure ports include Dover, Southampton, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow) and Rosyth (Edinburgh), with the PortLink coach service available from 42 pick up points nationwide. Some sample cruises include :
 

• Black Watch ‘Majestic Fjords’ cruise, a seven-night cruise from Dover to the Norwegian fjords, on September 2, with ports including Bergen, Stavanger, Flam and Eidfjord. Prices start from £629 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin (brochure price £819). 
• Boudicca ‘Waterfalls & Volcanoes’ cruise, a 10-night cruise to Iceland from Rosyth on July 31 that includes an overnight stay in Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, and well as a call into the Faroe Islands. Prices start from £849 per person, reduced from £1,169, saving £320 per person.
• Balmoral’s ‘Portugal & Spain with Barcelona’ cruise, a 14-night cruise from Southampton on  August 11, with ports that include Gibraltar and Lisbon as well as vibrant Barcelona. Prices start from £1,079 per person, formerly £1,589.
• Black Watch mini cruise, a three-night cruise departing from Dover on September 9 and calling at Rouen (France) for an overnight stay. Prices start from £229 per person (formerly £339).

All prices are per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’ and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

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

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Celebrity's Summer Savings

Celebrity Cruises is offering a range of phenomenal cruise holiday prices to showcase the many diverse destinations that can be reached when sailing out of Southampton on Celebrity Eclipse this year.

The savings – some up to £1,000 per stateroom - are being offered on a wide selection of sailings during spring and summer 2012.

Dubbed ‘The Eclipse Sale,’ the offer is available on a broad selection of voyages, including a huge £1,000 off a balcony stateroom on a 14-night Iceland & Fjords cruise. With balcony staterooms starting from an incredible £999 per person, savvy travellers are encouraged to book now as these incredible prices won’t be around for long.

Offers are available on a number of selected itineraries, including:

A 14-night Iceland & Fjords cruise now available from £1,549 per person (based on two people sharing a balcony stateroom) and calling at Reykjavik in Iceland and Olden and Bergen in Norway. Price is based on an August 4 departure.

Save £800 on a 14-night Scandinavia & Russia cruise, now available from £1,499 per person (based on two sharing a balcony stateroom) and calling at destinations such as St Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Price is based on a June 23 departure.

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

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Get A Balcony Upgrade With Celebrity

The offers are coming in thick and fast this week - and some more pre-Christmas cheer! How about this one: join Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse on a 14-night Iceland and Fjords cruise from just £2,473 per person (based on two people sharing an oceanview stateroom) this summer.

This price includes a free upgrade from an oceanview to a balcony stateroom (if booked by January 31) and a 14-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Reykjavik (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Klaksvik (Faroe Islands), Geiranger (Norway), Molde (Norway), Flam (Norway) and Bergen (Norway) before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Plus, guests receive FREE car parking in Southampton port or a complimentary coach transfer to the port, if booked by January 31. Price is based on a July 7 departure.

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

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Regent's 'Build Your Own Cruise' Formula

In a first for the world’s most all-inclusive cruise line, Regent Seven Seas is offering guests the exclusive opportunity to create their own, longer voyages with the new ‘Build Your Own Cruise’ concept. And, in addition to the usual all-inclusive benefits included on every Regent cruise (free return flights and transfers; unlimited shore excursions; food, drink and gratuities), guests combining cruises totalling 90-nights or more will enjoy further additional benefits.

Launched this month, guests will be able to personalise their own adventure with sailings onboard Seven Seas Voyager across Asia, Australia and Europe in three ways:

· Combination cruises over 90-nights embarking in either: Auckland, Sydney, Singapore or Dubai and disembarking in either: Rome, Barcelona, Southampton, Reykjavik, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

· Combination cruises from 50-71 nights between November 2011 and March 2012

· Creating their own cruise by choosing from 18 individual segments (ranging from 7-21 nights) sailing across Asia, Australia and Europe from November 2011 to July 2012

The line is also offering guests the opportunity to create their own adventure in South America, onboard Seven Seas Mariner, combining segments or cruising the full 72-night circumnavigation of the continent. Guests sailing the full 72-nights will also enjoy additional benefits including: private care transfer pre and post cruise, free internet access, complimentary phone usage and $600 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit http://www.rssc.com/ or contact the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Greenland & Iceland With Fred. Olsen

As a complete change from the traditional ‘sun and sea’ holiday, a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines summer cruise to Greenland and Iceland offers some spectacular scenery, and the chance to visit some unforgettable ports, in a very different landscape, while you experience the long days in the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’.

Cruising from a northern port saves time at sea, and Boudicca’s 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland (D1115) departs on July 28 from Rosyth (Edinburgh). After a day at sea, the first port of call is Torshavn in the Faroe Islands. The cruise then offers a chance to visit some little-known ports in the south of Greenland - Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq and Nanortalik.

Qaqortoq was founded by Norwegian traders in 1775 and retains some lovely old colonial buildings; it also boasts a magnificent fountain, with carved whales blowing water from their blowholes.

There is a scenic cruise around Cape Farewell, the southernmost tip of Greenland before the voyage reaches Iceland; first, Isafjordur, then Reykjavik, for an overnight stay. This allows time to visit the 'Big Three’ geological wonders of Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, with its steaming plumes of naturally hot water from the earth’s centre, and Thingvellir National Park. Boudicca then returns to Rosyth.

This cruise additionally offers a theme of ‘Classical Music’, through Fred. Olsen’s cruise enhancement programme, Vistas. Guests can join in with this activity at no extra cost.

Prices start from £1,750 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Black Watch has a similar itinerary on her 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland from Dover, departing on August 11, W1112. This voyage also visits the rarely seen ports in southern Greenland and some extraordinary landmarks, including the Mountains of 12 Apostles and Cape Farewell. Like Boudicca, Black Watch has an overnight stay in Reykjavik, before returning to Dover.

The cruise additionally offers a theme of ‘The History of Weather’, hosted by the scientist, physicist and climate-change expert Professor Henry Hutchinson, through Fred. Olsen’s cruise enhancement programme, Vistas. Guests can join in with this activity at no extra cost.

Prices start from £1,729 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

Find out at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the cruise agent specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Crystal's 2012 Programme Now on Sale

Crystal Cruises’ exciting line up of 2012 worldwide itineraries is now on sale with free return flights available on ALL sailings. Plus, as of Spring 2012, all cruises on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will include FREE fine wines and premium spirits in all restaurants, open bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

The complimentary gratuity amenity includes butler service and service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar.

In 2012, Crystal will offer 68 global itineraries onboard their award-winning duo, including:

A 94-night “Epic Islands and Empires” Pacific Rim World Cruise through Hawaii, the South Pacific, eastern and western Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia and San Francisco, including a three-day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing; a maiden call in Newcastle, Australia; and a return to South Korea for the first time since 1994.

Christmas/New Year cruises in Australia/New Zealand; an expanded collection of Mediterranean itineraries, including late Autumn options; and more Baltic and Northern European cruises; more seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean and New England/Canada, as well as a seven-night voyage during Thanksgiving through the Mexican Riviera; and transatlantic cruises from New York to Dover and Miami to Lisbon, which can be combined with European cruises.

There will also be more overnight stays in destinations including Ashdod, Reykjavik, Odessa, Honfleur, Hamburg, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Venice, Sorrento and Bordeaux as well as destinations throughout Asia, Australia and South America.

2012 prices start from just £2,336 per person based on a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Rome departing 8th April. Price includes free return flights from the UK, transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis to include all meals, drinks and gratuities plus port taxes.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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The Land of Ice and Fire

By guest blogger Steve Newman

You can now visit the Northen seas with Saga for 14 nights, departing from Dover on June 28, 2011 from just £2264 per person.

Enjoy a thrilling two-week voyage absorbing the breathtaking landscape of Iceland and returning via Norway. Discover beauty and be mesmerised by the freshness and colours of nature, taking in the puffin colonies and the spectacular Godafoss Falls.

The journey reveals the dramatic geological treasures of Iceland with its frozen coastline, bubbling geysers and beautiful fjords, as well as discovering the thriving capital of Reykjavik. You also call at the Orkney Islands, with their fascinating ancient heritage, and remote Faroe Islands.

Highlights:

• Discovering Iceland’s hot bed of geothermal activity, eerie lava formations, hot springs and glaciers
• Visiting the Laufas Farm Museum and gain an insight into early Icelandic farm life
• Visiting the amazing Godafoss Falls – Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, punctuated with dozens of rainbows.
• The Orkney Islands archaeological sites, including the Stone Age Ring of Brodgar and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae (above)
• Exploring Norway’s cultural city of Bergen, with its colourful gabled houses

Ports of call:

Dover, England – Kirkwell, Orkney Islands – Heimaey, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland - Grundarfjordur, Iceland – Isafjord, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Seydisfjordur, Iceland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Bergen, Norway – Dover, England

Price Includes:

• Travel insurance
• All on-board gratuities
• Entertainment and activities
• Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s Dinner
• All meals onboard, including 24-hour room service
• All port taxes and visas
• UK mainland travel service to your departure point

For further details, look up http://www.sagacruises.co.uk/

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Iceland, Dublin, Faroe Isles and St Kilda

By guest blogger Steve Newman

To many of us, a cruise is made by the amount of wildlife we see from the deck or on land when taking organised excursions. To this end, Swan Hellenic has partnered with Marinelife, the marine conservation research charity, to bring a daily wildlife image blog to cruise passengers and the public alike.

The Marinelife team has been recording all sightings and engaging with passengers on board the Minerva throughout her visit to Iceland with a programme of presentations and deck watches. Marinelife’s team is writing a daily blog on the Swan Hellenic website to keep the general public up to date with a range of spectacular encounters, which include many hundreds of dolphins of multiple species, a Humpback Whale mother-and-calf pair and sightings of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Minerva will be returning to Iceland sailing on a round trip from Portsmouth from 21 July - 05 August 2011. She will be visiting four ports on the “Land of Fire,” including the capital Reykjavik. Iceland is place renowned for its ice fields, volcanic springs and thundering waterfalls. The ship will also call at Dublin and Torshavn in the Faroe Isles.

Apart from elation at the coastal scenery and the wildlife, there is sadness on this trip, too. It rather depends on how it affects you, but I defy anyone not to be moved when you’re on St Kilda. Fifty miles out from the Western Isles, even as you start to approach you wonder how people could have lived here. This feeling is enhanced when you pass where the young men climbed the cliffs to collect seabird eggs in swells they would have regarded as nothing but have many visitors clinging to the rail.

Surviving until the 1930s, when they asked to be evacuated, you wander among their stone houses (above) now numbered and marked with the occupants' names, trying to imagine how they eked out a living here and marvelling at their dry-stone walling skills. The sadness comes when you discover that in just one egg collecting trip, almost half the young men of the island were lost in heavy seas.

Having visited both here and Iceland, I can assure you you’ll be left with memories that will stay with you for ever.

For those wishing to know more, Swan Hellenic will be exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham in October.

For more info in the meantime, go to http://www.swanhellenic.com

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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