Virgin Cruises winter late deals from just £699

Seven night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Jade from £699pp

Virgin Holidays Cruises offers seven night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise onboard ‘Norwegian Jade’ from Venice, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Olympia and Venice. Price is per person based on two adults travelling, sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis with flights from London Gatwick and transfers. Offer is subject to availability and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Based on departures 18 October.

Seven night Orlando Stay and Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Sensation from £699pp

Virgin Holidays Cruises offers three nights at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando on a room only basis, before joining ‘Carnival Sensation’ for four nights from port Canaveral, calling at Freeport and Nassau. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick. Offer is subject to availability and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Based on departure date 27 November.

14 night Orlando Stay and Caribbean Cruise on Freedom of the Seas from £1,199pp – FREE All inclusive upgrade

Virgin Holidays Cruises offers seven nights at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando on a room only basis, before joining ‘Freedom of the Seas’ for seven nights from Port Canaveral calling at Labadee (Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica), George Town (Grand Cayman) and Cozumel. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick and car hire. Offer is subject to availability and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Based on departure date 27 November.

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.

Head east for late Mediterranean sun, advises Bolsover Cruise Club

It’s not too late to sail away on a Mediterranean cruise, says Bolsover Cruise Club. who have confirmed that there is good availability this autumn for tours of the warmer Eastern Mediterranean.

Here are three deals for October still available to book through Bolsover Cruise Club:

Celebrity Reflection

Departs: 6 October 2014 for 11 nights. Flights: Return from Manchester to Rome.

Route: Rome, Santorini, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens, Mykonos and Naples.

Prices: Inside £999; Ocean view £1,299; Balcony £1,879.

Celebrity Silhouette (Above )

Departs: 18 October 2014 for 14 nights. Flights: Return from Birmingham to Rome.

Route: Rome, Valletta, Argostoli, Jerusalem (Ashdod, overnight in port), Haifa, Ephesus, Athens, Catania  and Naples.

Prices: Inside £1,125; Ocean view £1,425; Balcony £1,535.

Cunard, Queen Elizabeth

Departs: 31 October 2014 for 7 nights. Flights: Return from London to Venice.

Route: Venice, Korcula, Heraklion, Rhodes, Ephesus and Athens.

Prices: Inside £799; Outside £849; Balcony £999.

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.

Term-time cruises for parents, with voyages from £1,099 per person

With the school term well underway Cruise 1st has packaged up some of its best deals from Celebrity Cruises for this year and 2015 especially for the grown-ups. Whether it’s a Caribbean voyage, an eastern Mediterranean adventure or a New York and Bermuda trip, there are bargains to be had outside the school term.

Under £1,100

15 nights stay and cruise with Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse: New York and Bermuda special – £1,099 per person

Departing 9 November 2014 from Southampton, guests can enjoy six nights onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse (Above) and indulge in treatments at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub or relax at the ice-topped Martini Bar and Crush. On arrival in the States, guests will then spend two nights exploring the bright lights of New York City followed by another night at sea before arriving at Kings Wharf in Bermuda. 

Price is based on two sharing a deluxe ocean view stateroom with veranda. The cruise is on a full board basis and also includes flights from Miami to London Heathrow. Manchester and Birmingham airports are available at a supplement of £60 per person and includes a free coach transfer to Southampton.

Under £1,200

10 nights stay and cruise with Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox: Eastern Mediterranean with Athens stay and tour – £1,199 per person

Departing 10 June 2015, guests will spend three nights in Athens and enjoy a city tour before stepping onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox for a seven night tour of the Mediterranean. Highlights include the quintessential Greek island of Santorini and Istanbul the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey. Additional highlights include the Greek islands of Mykonos and Rhodes, as well as Kusadasi in Turkey.

Price is based on two sharing an interior room on a full board basis. Price also includes return flights to Athens from London Heathrow.

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.

Early Debut For Regal Princess

Princess Cruises has announced that the new Regal Princess will make her debut next year earlier than originally announced, with two additional Mediterranean sailings added to her maiden schedule in May. 

The ship’s first voyage, which was previously scheduled for June 2, will now be May 20, with the choice of two additional week-long Mediterranean cruises travelling between Venice and Athens. The new voyages are:

• May 20, (new maiden voyage) – Seven-day cruise from Venice to Athens including stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul.
• May 27, six-day cruise from Athens to Venice including calls to Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Santorini, Katakolon (for Olympia) and Dubrovnik.

Both voyages can be combined into a 13-day Grand Adventure or added on to the previously announced June 2 cruise for a full 20-day Mediterranean escape.

To ensure passengers previously booked on Regal Princess’ maiden voyage continue to have the option to sail on the ship’s first cruise, each of these passengers will automatically receive a duplicate booking on the new May 20 maiden voyage. They have until November 15 to decide if they want to take the new cruise instead of, or in addition to, their existing reservation.

Regal Princess will join sister ship Royal Princess in Europe next summer, as Princess Cruises’ two newest and largest ships sailing in the fleet. Regal will sail her inaugural season in the Mediterranean on a series of 12-night Grand Mediterranean cruises between Venice and Barcelona while Royal will sail her first season to Scandinavia & Russia featuring an overnight in St Petersburg.  

Like her sister, Regal Princess will offer its 3,560 passengers a variety of enticing features, including a soaring atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28ft beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas; the Princess Live! television studio; a dedicated pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

More Info: visit www.princess.com.

Head over to our subscriptions page now!  For great offers on World of Cruising magazine, including a 50% saving for new subscribers AND the chance to WIN a grand 7-day Oceania Cruises voyage in 2014.

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.

Sample A SeaDream In The Med (And Save)

SeaDream Yacht Club - rated by the authoritative Berlitz Guide to Cruising as the ‘Best Boutique Cruise Line in the World’ (for 11 successive years) - has announced the introduction of exceptional fares for two Mediterranean voyages next month, providing an ideal opportunity for those wishing to try the SeaDream experience for the first time.

The two 7-night voyages offering these stunning fares - representing significant savings on the standard published fares - are:

June 22, sailing aboard SeaDream II from Monte Carlo to Rome, calling at Pampelonne Beach, St Tropez; Calvi and Bonifacio, Corsica; Amalfi, Sorento and Capri, Italy.
 

June 29, sailing aboard SeaDream I from Istanbul to Athens, calling at Kepez and Kusadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Parikia, Santorini and Hydra, Greece.

The "Book Today" inclusive voyage-only fares applying to both of the sailings is now at a special rate from only £2,199 per person, which represents almost a 65% saving on published brochure fares (based on 2 people sharing) and includes: accommodation in a luxury Yacht Club Deck 2 sea-view stateroom, all meals on board, complimentary champagne and open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, gratuities, use of recreational and water sports toys (subject to local conditions) and Government, port and handling fees.

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.

Tackle A Cyclades Cruise-And-Stay With Star Clippers

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has introduced a stay-and-cruise package for the school holidays this summer, combining a week on the Greek island of Rhodes with a sailing voyage round-trip from Athens, through the Cyclades islands.

Spend a week soaking up the summer sunshine at the award-winning five-star Rodos Palladium Hotel, situated on a wide, sandy beach at Kallithea, close to Rhodes Town, the island’s capital. As well as a stunning, lagoon-shaped pool, there are three restaurants and four bars, a lavish spa and a children’s club. Laze on the beach or explore the medieval centre of Rhodes Town, which was built by the Knights of St John.

After a week, fly the short distance to Athens to join the 170-passenger Star Clipper for a seven-night odyssey through the Greek Islands. The ports on this cruise are ideal for families, with plenty of beaches to explore, and complimentary water sports activities masterminded by the ship’s sports team. Calls include the Turkish resort of Bodrum, the beautiful Dalyan River, and the islands of Santorini and Hydra.

The cruise-stay holiday costs from £1,999 per person, departing July 13, including flights, transfers, half board in the hotel, full board on Star Clipper and all port taxes. Alternative sailing dates that can be combined with the Rodos Palladium Hotel include August 17 (southern Cyclades) and August 10 and 24 (Northern Cyclades sailing round-trip from Athens to Kusadasi, Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos and Monemvasia). To qualify for this offer, bookings need to be made by April 30.

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.

Be AzAmazed With Azamara

As part of Azamara Club Cruises’ 2013 European season, newly refurbished duo Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey will launch AzAmazing Evenings, exclusive, custom-designed events which will immerse guests in the cultures that intrigue them. The inclusive night touring experiences are bespoke and authentic to the destinations in which they take place. 

The new season also marks the inclusion of boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships' restaurants, bars and lounges when open. Travellers eager to experience Europe can also take advantage of up to $2,000 credit per stateroom against the voyage fare when booking flights through the line’s ChoiceAir feature. 

The twin ships will sail European waters through November, calling at familiar favourites such as Monte Carlo, Ibiza and Santorini, as well as some of the more hidden gems such as Sochi in Russia, host to the 2014 Winter Olympics; Cassis in France; and Propriano and Palamos in Spain. For an even more culturally-rich experience, guests can combine two, three or more consecutive sailings that repeat almost no ports and multiply their choices of AzAmazing Evenings and destination immersion.

Throughout the season, guests may also pair their holiday with a sailing that coincides with some of the region’s top cultural events, including the Monaco Grand Prix on 23 May or the British Open on 14 July.  For example, Azamara Quest’s seven-night, Seville April Fair sailing includes an opportunity for guests to experience Seville’s annual spring celebration, including a spectacular midnight fireworks show.  The ship, which sails to many destinations that larger ships cannot get to, docks in the heart of the city, just a short walk from all the festivities.

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.

New Offers From Oceania

Regular readers of Time Spent At Sea will know we are big fans of Oceania Cruises and their wonderful foodie style on board, with a magnificent choice of dining, all with a gourmet style and for no extra supplement. So, when the cruise offers role in, we like to highlight some of the best, and these latest ones from Oceania really take some topping.

Take your pick from:

March 28, 10-night Caribbean cruise, saving £959:
Oceania is offering a big saving on this voyage on their newest mid-sized luxury ship, Riviera. The 1,250 guest veseel will depart a round -rip cruise from Miami and call into the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia and St Barts. The price of £1,809pp (was £2768) also includes return flights from London, a $300 per stateroom onboard credit, all meals, and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. 

May 5, 10-night Mediterranean cruise, saving £1,419:
This voyage also has a $300/stateroom onboard credit as it sails from Venice on Riviera. The ship will cruise down the west coast of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Greece, calling into Santorini and Kusadasi, before cruising the Aegean sea back to Athens. The sailing now costs £1,319pp (was £2,738).

June 28, 7-night Alaska cruise, saving £731pp:
Oceania is offering a $500 onboard credit per stateroom with all Alaska cruises this summer on board 650-guest Regatta. This departure also has a big saving off its 'Coastal Alaska’ itinerary, taking in the region’s most spectacular fjords and glaciers, including the Inside Passage from Seattle. The price of £1,569pp (was £2,300) again includes all meals, no supplement for speciality dining and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. 

August 10, 14-night Baltic cruise, saving £2,465:
Embark the luxury 1,250-guest Marina in Southampton for an ex-UK cruise through Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden) and the Baltics (Estonia and Latvia), with a full three days (two nights) in Russia. The voyage is now  offered at £1,929 (was £4,394), plus a $200 per stateroom on board credit, and with a return flight from Stockholm. 

August 16, 10-night Mediterranean cruise, saving £1,594:
Take the family on an educational cruise during the school summer holidays, spending three full days (2 nights) in Haifa, and an itinerary that starts in Athens and also visits Crete, Limassol, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Ephasus), arriving into Istanbul, for a final day in the city. The cruise on Riviera now costs £1,319 (was £2,913), including a $300 per stateroom credit. 

For bookings, follow this link to our sponsors, 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.

Crystal's Monaco Grand Prix Experience

Crystal Cruises has announced four new privileged opportunities for guests to experience the fast cars and glamorous events of next spring’s legendary Monaco Grand Prix. 

Three options offer different, intimate ways to watch the world’s most prestigious automobile race from either the uber-exclusive driver/team-prep paddock area; a chic private balcony/residence above the renowned Casino; or the best of the fan grandstands near the start/finish line, overlooking the stunning port. 

A fourth new excursion brings guests to the official Formula One VIP party celebrating the race’s end, where guests can dance ‘til dawn. The four Crystal Adventures were created exclusively for Crystal Serenity’s May 18-30 Esprit du Grand Prix-themed Mediterranean cruise. The itinerary features two days in Monte Carlo, from May 26, race day, to Monday May 27.

In addition to the finest locations for viewing the race, the Grand Prix Adventures include gourmet catered meals and knowledgeable hosts to enlighten guests and escort them to and from the events. Premium champagne, open bar and indoor-outdoor comfort are also offered for the two more private options. The most exclusive “Team Paddock” viewing choice also brings guests shoulder-to-shoulder with Team Ferrari or Team Pirelli, to the pit lanes for driver-eavesdropping, behind-the-scenes to the garage and to a private stand and hospitality area to watch the Driver Parade.

After the cars finish winding through Monte Carlo’s streets, many drivers and audience elite head to the stylish Amber Lounge for the F1 party — and Crystal guests can too, via the fourth Grand Prix Adventure, which offers a VIP table, unlimited Dom Perignon, delicious three-course dinner, cocktails, dancing and a private vehicle to take you “home” whenever you choose.

Prices for the outings range from $829 to $14,199 per person. The 12-night voyage starts with an overnight in Istanbul and visits Mykonos, Santorini, Sorrento, Corsica, Monte Carlo (overnight) and Florence before finishing with an overnight in Barcelona. Until October 31, all-inclusive “Book Now” fares start at £3,530 per person, double occupancy.  

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

Amazing Prices With Regent For 2012

For travellers looking for a truly all-inclusive cruise at unbelievable value in the Mediterranean next spring, Christmas may well have arrived early as six-star ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced some extraordinary fares on three voyages in 2012.

Sailing on the line’s all-suite, all-balcony vessels Seven Sea Voyager and Mariner, the cruises include free flights and transfers, overnights in ancient cities including Safaga, Haifa and Istanbul, as well as all onboard dining, beverages and gratuities.

And, with the privilege of unlimited shore excursions in every port, these itineraries boast up to 38 free excursions for guests to choose from to further enhance their cruise experience. The fares for a Deluxe Balcony Suite on a 10-night Med cruise now start from just £2,153 per person.

Details of the three voyages are: Seven Seas Voyager, Dubai to Athens (17 nights), departing March 30 and calling at Muscat, Salalah, Luxor (from Safaga), Petra, Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo, Ashdod and Haifa; Seven Seas Mariner, Barcelona to Istanbul and Tarragona to Istanbul, departing April 2 and 30 (10 nights) and calling at Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Capri/Sorrento, Taormina, Santorini and Ephesus.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, 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.

Experts Enrich Crystal's Autumn Med Cruises

Atlantis...the “Old City”...Constantinople...the modern Middle East conflict. Throughout time, the eastern Mediterranean has been an epicentre of historic significance. This autumn, former Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, historian and National Geographic author Dr Jean-Pierre Isbouts and Persian winemaker Darioush Khaledi are among the distinguished experts helping to illuminate that significance onboard Crystal Cruises’ October 24 sailing through the region.

From Athens to Istanbul, the 12-night Crystal Serenity sailing visits Santorini and Mykonos in Greece; Ashdod, Israel (overnight); Limassol, Cyprus; Iraklion, Crete; and Kusadasi, Turkey. As a Wine and Food Festival cruise, the sailing also boasts an impressive line-up of gastronomic pros sharing their trade

Prices for this 12-night Epicurean Discoveries voyage start from £2,176 per person, including return scheduled flights, overseas transfers, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window, all meals and soft drinks, and port taxes.

For further info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the UK's luxury cruise specialists 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.

Crystal's New Autumn Med Cruises

Following its introduction of three and four-night sampler cruises last month, ultra-luxury cruise operator Crystal Cruises has added a further three shorter voyages, ideal for those who can’t be away from home (or the office) for too long.

These new six and seven-night Mediterranean voyages onboard Crystal Serenity are high in port content and value but low in hassle and cost, and feature some of Europe’s most fascinating ports.

October 17: seven-night voyage from Monte Carlo to Athens visiting Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Kusadasi and Mykonos. Prices from £2,252 per person (all based on two people sharing) including return economy class flights from London, overseas transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.

November 10: six-night voyage from Athens to Venice visiting Santorini, Kotor and Dubrovnik. Prices from £1,875 per person.

November 17: seven-night voyage from Venice to Rome visiting Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily and Naples. Prices from £2,146 per person.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists 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.

P&O Cruises ‘Getaway’ Fares For Adonia

P&O Cruises is now offering ‘Getaway’ prices and inclusive flights on selected Adonia Mediterranean fly-cruises.

The ‘Fly Med Getaway’ promotion applies to cruises from 10-14 nights in duration that depart between October 29, 2011, and January 3, 2012. Prices are inclusive of flights and fuel supplement. Bookings must be made by in June or July.

Named last month by global singing star, Dame Shirley Basey, Adonia is exclusively for adults and carries just 710 passengers. On board there are eight bars, including P&O Cruises signature ‘Crow’s Nest’, a library, Oasis Spa and gym, classic dining room and two speciality restaurants: Sorrento Italian and Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White.

Sample Cruise:

D114. 3 -13 January 2012, seven nights.

Ports of call include Trieste, Venice, Koper, Hvar, Bari, Katakolon, Nauplia, Istanbul, Mytilene, Ephesus (from Kusadasi), Rhodes, Santorini, and Athens (from Piraeus).

‘Getaway’ fares from £1,452 (based on two adults sharing an inside cabin). This includes return flights, all accommodation, main meals and entertainment.

Bookings must be made by July 31, 2011. For more info, see www.pocruises.co.uk or the specialist cruise 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.

Head For The Sunshine with Celebrity

Join Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation for a sunshine-laden 12-night Greek Isles & Turkey fly/cruise from just £1,294 per person (based on two sharing an inside stateroom) this autumn.

The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers and the 12-night Greek Isleas & Turkey cruise departing Istanbul and calling at Ephesus, Bodrum, Marmaris, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos and Chania (Crete), before returning to Istanbul; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on September 19 departure.

For more info, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or contact the cruise-agent specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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.

Free Flights With Star Clippers

Niche tall ship cruise operator Star Clippers is offering free flights up to £400pp with bookings for tall-ship cruises from Athens, through the Greek islands, this August. Sailings include all meals and a choice of two superb itineraries, the Southern Cyclades (August 6 and 20) and the Northern Cyclades (August 13 and 27), on board the 170-passenger, 4-masted Star Clipper.

The cruise costs from £1295 per person, based on two sharing, for bookings made by June 30. Guests on the August 6 and 20 departures can also enjoy complimentary instruction from yoga teacher Christel Vollmer who will be holding daily sessions of Astanga yoga on deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before sunset, including meditation. Christel will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home.

The Northern Cyclades itinerary departs from Athens and calls into Camlimani and Kusadasi (for the antiquities at Ephesus) in Turkey, and Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos and Monemvasia in Greece. The August 13 departure has a qualified yoga teacher on board and also offers complimentary talks, classes and guided meditation.

The Southern Cyclades itinerary is a round-trip from Athens, calling at Rhodes; Bodrum and Dalyan in Turkey; and dramatic Santorini and Hydra, haunt of many artists. The August 6 departure has a qualified yoga teacher on board and also offers complimentary talks, classes and guided meditation.

For more info, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists 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.

Go Yoga Cruising With Star Clippers!

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is offering guests free daily yoga and meditation in August as part of two yoga-themed cruises in the Aegean Sea on board the 170-passenger tall ship Star Clipper.

With settings including the emerald and turquoise coastline of Turkey, or the dramatic, black volcanic cliffs of Santorini as a background, yoga classes will take place in the open air, on Star Clipper’s sun-warmed teak decks, under thousands of square feet of billowing sails – the ultimate relaxation for body and soul, enhanced by the fresh sea air.

Qualified yoga teacher Christel Vollmer will be holding the daily sessions of Astanga yoga, also known as power yoga, on deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before sunset, including meditation. Christel will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home.

For those who want to follow a healthy or vegetarian diet during the cruise, Star Clippers’ usual sumptuous breakfast buffets, piled with fresh, seasonal fruits, and magnificent arrays of salads at lunchtime will be available, as well as vegetarian choices at dinner.

Astanga yoga is a dynamic and powerful style of yoga based on a sequence of easy-to-learn movements called asanas. Christel’s classes, which take place in English, will be suitable for all levels and no prior experience is required. There is no upper age limit for practicing yoga; Christel herself is in her fifties, with many years of teaching experience, having trained under West Coast-based Bryan Kest, yoga guru to stars including Madonna, Cindy Crawford and Sting.

There are two yoga cruises to choose between. 'Southern Cyclades' departs Athens on August 6 and calls at Rhodes, Bodrum, the Dalyan River, Santorini and Hydra. 'Northern Cyclades', also on Star Clipper, departs Athens on August 13 and calls at Kusadasi, Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos and Monemvasia. Each itinerary includes a day at sea for extra relaxation and contemplation.

Prices start from £1,160 per person, including flights from London (to the value of £350 per person), port taxes and full board on the ship (transfers are extra).

For more info, see www.starclippers.co.uk or the adventure-cruise specialists 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.

Regent's New Med Offers

FREE FLIGHTS - FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS - ALL-INCLUSIVE

And Now: FREE Business Class Air on Penthouse Suite and higher!

Regent Seven Seas has the following new deals for select Mediterranean cruises this year:

ROME TO ATHENS
Seven Seas Mariner June 7, 10 nights; highlights, Rome (Civitavecchia), Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Amalfi/Positano, Taormina (Sicily), Valletta, Monemvasia, Santorini, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Athens (Piraeus); D Balcony Suite was £5,129pp, NOW £3,334pp.

ISTANBUL TO VENICE
Seven Seas Mariner July 16, 10 nights: highlights, Istanbul (overnight), Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Zakinthos, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Venice (overnight); E Balcony Suite was £5,249pp, NOW £3,412pp.

ATHENS TO BARCELONA
Seven Seas Mariner August 24, 10 nights: highlights, Athens (Piraeus), Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Zakinthos, Taormina (Sicily), Amalfi/Positano, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Monte Carlo, Provence (Marseille), Barcelona; F Balcony Suite was £4,999pp, NOW £3,255pp. Alternative suite categories available.

All-inclusive with Regent are FREE return flights & transfers, FREE unlimited shore excursions, ALL fine dining, ALL drinks & beverages, ALL gratuities & ALL activities onboard. Fares guaranteed until March 31. Terms and conditions apply. Please see http://www.rssc.co.uk/ or call the luxury cruise specialists 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.

French Riveria and Greek Islands Reductions

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The French Riveria and the Greek Islands have always been major attractions for a cruising holiday, and the chance of late booking reductions can make them even more attractive. With that in mind, why not have a look at two short cruises from luxury Tall Ship sailing company Star Clippers?

Departing from Cannes on 25th September, the company has a 4-night tall-ship cruise along the French Riviera to Calvi, Corsica, Portofino and Cannes for £649pp (was £730), sailing on the head-turning Star Flyer and including all meals on board and free places for up to two children (accompanying two adults) in their own cabin, paying just port taxes of £85 per person.

The Flyer (above) with its four masts and 36,000sq ft of sails is fully stabilised and has two pools; massage and beauty treatments; water sports equipment; library; internet access; indoor/outdoor bar; and a Sloop Shop. The ship has a smart-casual open dining policy and there are seven cabin grades. from the luxurious Owner’s Cabin with whirlpool bath to inside cabins. Fully 81 of the 85 cabins have a porthole or open on to the deck.

The company is also offering a £200 saving off its 3-night 'Cruise & stay’ short break, also on board Star Flyer, departing from Athens on 28th September, sailing the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, now from just £799 per person (was £999), including all meals and a night’s B&B accommodation in Athens at the 5-star St. George Lycabettus Hotel on 28th September.

For more information, log on to http://www.starclippers.co.uk/

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 and snooze, anyone?

Cruise-and-stay holidays are becoming big business. I know, because Thomson Holidays told me so this week in their latest press release:

Cruise and Stay – The Best of Both Worlds

Thomson Celebration’s New Home Port Increases Cruise and Stay Options

In the past decade. the number of British cruisers has increased by over one million per year, and cruise holidays now account for one in 10 package holiday bookings, according to the 2009 PSA review. When comfort and experiences compete with value for money in the holiday decision making process, Brits are searching for ever more ways to make the most of the holiday budget. That’s why the UK ’s second largest cruise line, Thomson Cruises, has introduced Turkey into its ‘cruise and stay’ programme.

This combination of time at sea with time at a beach resort sees Thomson Cruises not only offer great value on their cruise ships, but to go one better. Teaming a week of cruising around the Med, the Aegean or even the Caribbean on a Thomson cruise ship with a week in a stunning beach resort, quite often on an all-inclusive basis, allows customers to budget for a two-week holiday and get so much more.

For the first time, Thomson Cruises has positioned Thomson Celebration in Marmaris, Turkey. Itineraries sail around the Aegean towards the islands of Mykonos and Santorini as well as the historical ports of Canakkale and Istanbul . The ship being based in Turkey means passengers are able to opt to extend the holiday to two weeks and stay at a selection of 3T to 5T hotels in the beautiful resorts of Olu Deniz, Marmaris or Sarigerme from just £1,171 per person*.

With the rise in people seeking experiences above and beyond traditional ‘bucket and spade’ holidays, Thomson Cruises on board offering of West End-style entertainment, fantastic service from attentive and friendly crew (at no extra charge) and great dining options combine with a fabulous array of destinations to create the very best of both worlds.

OK, I'm definitely prepared to buy into the good-value nature of the cruise-and-stay idea (especially with Thomson's patent charter holiday approach), but unless you do the week's 'stay' part of the holiday first, do you see this being anything other than a 'cruise-and-snooze' on the sybaritic beaches of the Med (or Caribbean)?

To be honest, if I'm going to go away for a full 2-week spell (which, admittedly, is highly unlikely these days; where 'highly' translates to about a 150% chance!), I would much rather opt for a full 2-week cruise which includes some relaxing sea days (and only one set of transfers, packing and unpacking) but still affords the ever-changing scenario that cruising provides par excellence.

But maybe I'm wrong. Is cruise-and-stay the wave of the future; am I in the minority; or am I just wrong? Answers on a postcard, please.....!

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.