Seadream Yacht Club shore side casuals in the Caribbean

SeaDream Yacht Club announces ‘crew-led’ excursions for the Autumn and Winter 2014/2015 season in the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. Known as “shore-side casuals” among past guests, the crew onboard the 112-guest twin yachts lead complimentary shore tours to their favourite spots on the islands, accessible by SeaDream I and SeaDream II, where larger ships, with their more formal tours, can seldom venture.

A walk through Old San Juan to the El Morro Fortress offers guests the chance to explore the region’s rich history, while a circumnavigation bike ride on the tiny island paradise of Nevis is one of many ways for guests to enjoy the unspoiled serenity of natural Caribbean settings.

  

One of the many highlights of shore side casuals includes a hike on the tiny island of Culebrita.  Part of a wildlife refuge and located approximately one mile east of the island of Culebra, this tiny island is a nature lover’s paradise.  

Fully-inclusive yachting fares lead in at £1,844pp, based on double occupancy, for a 6-night voyage aboard SeaDream II, departing on 30 November 2014, sailing from San Juan to St Thomas.

Alternatively for a 7-night voyage aboard SeaDream I, departing 6 December 2014, sailing round-trip from St Thomas, fares lead in at £1,995pp, based on double occupancy.

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.

Seadream's Spectacular Summer Specials

True luxury all-inclusive line SeaDream Yacht Club has announced the introduction of exceptional new fares applying to a selection of five Mediterranean voyages in July and August – an ideal opportunity for those wishing to try the SeaDream experience for the first time.

The five, 7-night voyages offering these stunning fares - representing up to 65% savings on the standard published fares - are as follows:

• 27 July: sailing aboard SeaDream II from Venice-Dubrovnik, from only £2,750 per person
• 3 August: sailing aboard SeaDream I from Athens round-trip, from only £2,419 per person
• 3 August: sailing aboard SeaDream II from Dubrovnik-Rome, from only £2,750 per person
• 10 August: sailing aboard SeaDream I from Athens-Istanbul, from only £2,750 per person
• 10 August: sailing aboard SeaDream II from Rome round-trip, from only £2,750 per person

All the voyage-only fares quoted above are based on 2 people sharing a Yacht Club Deck 2 sea-view stateroom, and include: accommodation, all meals on board, complimentary champagne and open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, together with gratuities, use of recreational and water sports toys (subject to local conditions) and Government, port and handling fees. Must be booked this week.

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

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.

Seadream Set Sail For Papua New Guinea

Few areas in the world are as exotic and stunning as Papua New Guinea. The land's vibrant culture is still thriving and its natural beauty makes the territory a truly untouched tropical paradise. Departing from Cairns, Queensland, on February 1, SeaDream II of the award-winning SeaDream Yacht Club, will set sail on an exclusive voyage led by a team of expedition experts. Visiting a virtually inaccessible part of the world, guests will travel on far-off traditional cruising routes and venture into areas rarely visited by outsiders.   

Sailing from Australia's north-west coastal city of Cairns, the 14-night voyage will arrive in Bali (Benoa) after visiting include Alotau, Milne Bay; Kitava, Trobriand Islands; Tami Island; Sepik River and Watam Village; Jayapura; Banda Neira; the Moluccas; Larantuka; and Komodo Island.  

Guests will be transported by a fleet of nimble, go-anywhere Zodiacs, landing directly on the beaches of these coastal villages to begin exploration. An added bonus will be professional wildlife photographer Sue Flood being on board, documenting the expedition and sharing tips for taking the perfect photo. 

Highlights and shore excursion options include: 

• Introduction to Papua New Guinea culture in Alotau in the Milne Bay Province, meeting charming locals and touring the coast. Travellers will have the option to venture into the jungle to revisit a key World War II site. For those interested in natural history, guides will lead guests on hikes and bird watching tours from the beach.
• Exploring the Trobriand Islands, one of the island's most culturally intact destinations. Guests will experience colourful and powerful performances of young warriors and local maidens dancing directly on the beach before touring the gardens and thatched roof homes of the villagers. The day will conclude with a beachside barbecue in this unspoiled paradise.
• Discovering the tiny islands of Tami, comprised of uplifted coral atolls less than a kilometre in length. Locals will greet guests with indigenous dances and tours of their villages, observing traditions dating back thousands of years.
• Visiting the mighty Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, which is home to the villages of Watam and Kopara. Villagers will display local customs and dances, allowing a direct look back in time to a culture that measures its existence in thousands of years. 

Fully-inclusive, voyage-only yachting fares lead in at £7,272 per person, based on double occupancy. SeaDream II will be sailing a series of 17 voyages in Asia from October to April. Itineraries include Myanmar, Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Northern Australia and Malaysia.  

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.

Finding The Perfect Luxury Cruise

Finding a cruise these days isn't difficult. There are adverts and commercials for cruise lines almost everywhere you look, and special offers abound online. Type in 'Cruise Sale' in Google and you will get roughly a bazillion responses (OK, so it was only 173,000,000, but what's a gazillion or two between friends?).

So it's certainly not a question of not being able to find anything these days.

The question of finding the RIGHT cruise for you is far more relevant, though, especially as cruise ships now number more than 200, and lines vary from the 5,000-passenger behemoths of Royal Caribbean to the boutique vessels of the likes of Hebridean Island Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club and UnCruise Adventures carrying a mere handful (as few as 30 or 40 in some cases).

In particular, the word 'luxury' is bandied around with utter abandon by just about everyone, including media sources that should know better.

The likes of Carnival and P&O Cruises may offer a great-value product, but they are far from a deluxe experience in most cases. And even some of the high-quality mid-range lines, like Princess, Holland America and Celebrity, while featuring some genuinely upscale touches, are still not the full six-star item.

It's like having a great stay at a Marriott Hotel and insisting it is on a par with Four Seasons or the Waldorf-Astoria. It's good, but it just isn't the pinnacle of holiday luxury.

Happily, there are still a handful of specialist agents that DO make a habit of featuring only the best and most luxurious cruise options and it is worth seeking these out for advice, customer service and - very often - the best deals on the 5 and 6-star lines.

It's interesting to see a company like The Cruise Line, based in Sussex and a company we know well, going one further and introducing their new Luxury Cruise Quiz.

As well as being good online fun, it provides some great insight into the true deluxe companies and genuinely produces the ideal matches for those who take the time to take it seriously and search through the various combinations and choices.

I've been playing around with it quite a bit this week, looking at the various permutations and seeing at how accurately it matches me with my various cruise 'wish list' ideas, and I'm impressed at how well it produces a valid end result. It offers a serious of images that you pick from in eight categories and it builds up to an 'ideal' match, as well as several alternatives.

It's fun and informative, so why not give it a try on this link: http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/Luxury-Cruise-Quiz.

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.

SeaDream Set For First Costa Rica Season

We're excited to see this new programme from SeaDream Yacht Club in 2013/14, their first voyages around Costa Rica, including several Panama Canal transits. Here's what they say:

This autumn sees the launch of SeaDream's Costa Rica programme, with SeaDream I’s first-ever sailing across the “top” of South America, its first visit to Gatun Lake and first visits to Nicaragua, Costa Rica itself and inaugural sailings through the great Panama Canal. Typical SeaDream I voyages in November and December, such as a 7-night Caldera round-trip “Costa Rica & Panama Discovery” sailing on November 30, start from £2,417 per person, including government fees, handling and port tax.

Costa Rica conjures up images of surfers, hikers, coconut palms and tranquil eco-spas. It is fitting that locals use the phrase "Pura Vida" as both a greeting and a lifestyle philosophy. Pura Vida means 'Pure life', and, for Costa Ricans, it expresses their sense of community, perseverance and resilience, while enjoying life slowly and celebrating good fortune.

For such a small country, it has a big plant and animal population. SeaDream guests may visit Tortuguero National Park, located on the Northern Caribbean side; referred to as the "little Amazon". It is one of the most important places in the world for the protection of the green turtle and home of other fascinating species such as the Gaspar fish, which is considered a living fossil. Majestic birds are abundant, such as the Great Blue Heron and the Northern Jacana.

Costa Rica native and naturalist Christopher Chaves will be aboard as the expert guide. He will lead a variety of nature-based activities and lecture on subjects, including Costa Rica's history, culture, ecology and diversity of its birds, mammals, reptiles, tropical plants and more.

In keeping with the Pura Vida philosophy, SeaDream's Spa has customised each voyage with special emphasis on health and well-being. SeaDreamers can enjoy:

• Complimentary Daily Sunrise Yoga and Daily Afternoon Tai-Chi on deck (or the beach when possible). 
• SeaDream's delicious Raw Food menu, available for breakfast, lunch & dinner. All ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no fish, meat, eggs or dairy), and nothing is heated above 118°F in order to retain all the healthy micro nutrients.
• Freshly-juiced vegetables and fruits at each meal. Ingredients like ginger root are said to have a variety of medicinal properties, or try Cucumber Juice and Wheatgrass for a detox breakfast.
• A complimentary mountain bike ashore for exploration or the chance to join the crew-led hikes.
• Staying hydrated with assorted, homemade chilled fruit teas throughout the day.
• Workouts in SeaDream's complimentary fitness centre, featuring an expansive ocean view.
• And the ship's many water toys, including complimentary kayaks and SUPs.

It all comes with the inimitable SeaDream style and six-star service ethic, along with the truly personal experience that only small-ship cruising can provide. 

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.

SeaDream's New Brochure Bonus

SeaDream Yacht Club has introduced a newly-designed, full-colour, 80-page brochure reflecting their yachting lifestyle and featuring the 2013/14 voyage programme of their chic, twin vessels SeaDream I and SeaDream II. For the first time, all voyages are shown in pounds sterling.

The highlights are as follows:

The all-new autumn 2013 Costa Rica programme sees SeaDream’s first sailings across the “top” of South America, its first visit to Gatun Lake and Nicaragua, Costa Rica, itself, with inaugural sailings through the great Panama Canal. Typical voyages such as SeaDream I’s 7-night Caldera round-trip 'Costa Rica & Panama Discovery' sailing on November 30 start from £2,266pp, including all fees, handling and port tax.

The brand new autumn/spring 2013/14 Asia programme aboard SeaDream II features 18 different departures, and visits almost every nation with a coast in Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong. Sailings range from 7 to 14 nights and the programme kicks off with an inaugural trans-Suez and a trans-Indian Ocean sailing.

A typical 7-night itinerary such as 'Asian Fantasia' round-trip from Singapore on April 4, 2014, costs from £3,095pp, while a typical longer voyage such as her 14-night 'Voyage of the Warrors' sailing from Cairns to Bali departing on February 1, 2014, costs from £5,995pp.

An exciting highlight of the summer 2014 Northern Europe season sees SeaDream operating its first cruise from Britain, a 14-night Baltic Capitals voyage departing on August 30 round-trip from Dover, with lead-in early booking fares starting from £6,655pp. After the inaugural round-trip UK sailing, SeaDream I heads for Lisbon, then Rome and on to Athens to join her sister ship in the Mediterranean through to the end of the summer.

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.

World of Cruising - Winter Edition

Phew! Well the 'Big Push' to get our Winter issue finished and off to the printers in the immediate aftermath of our amazing trip to Hawaii has paid dividends, as everything was done and dusted yesterday and is now awaiting the finished article.

We aim to have copies back and our to all our subscribers by December 20 - just in time for Christmas! - and there is a LOT for readers to enjoy, over and above the 8-page special on the Hawaiian islands (sunset, above) with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Just to start with, we have our annual Cruise Planner, our look at ALL the lines and ALL their ships, that has now become a cruise industry standard and is essential reading for anyone planning a cruise anytime soon. This year's version is up to a bumper 12 pages as there is more info than ever before to pack into this Planner.

For a seasonal treat we have a look at Christmas cruising - or Santa at Sea, as we call it - while there is also an in-depth preview of the forthcoming (June 2013) Royal Princess of Princess Cruises. Contrbuting editor Gary Buchanan also casts his eye over the ultra-deluxe style of SeaDream Yacht Club, and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

For destination features, we have the Adriatic coast of Croatia and a trip to Bangkok, while there is also a distinctive journey along the Ganges in India with Assam Bengal Navigation Co. Our man Steve Newman  takes a trip with The Majestic Line in Scotland and historian Peter Newall details the amazing Heritage Collection of P&O. 

For those looking for some winter sun, we offer the blissful South Seas style of Paul Gauguin Cruises in and around Tahiti and we also have a special Passenger Perspective on the foodie cruise style of Oceania Cruises.

Of course, there is also our usual array of news, views and comment from our unrivalled range of columnists, including Captain Greybeard, Cruise Radio, the Admiral and, making a very welcome debut for us, Stewart Chiron, aka, The Cruise Guy.

With our regular World of Spas section, taking a look at the benefits of Yoga, among other things, it all adds up to the best read on cruising anywhere in the world. Just make sure your subscription is up to date...!

PS: Our day-by-day Blog of our grand Hawaii expedition will return tomorrow!

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.

Something To Look Forward To This Winter

We are now in full planning stages for our Winter edition (publishing December 20) and have a fine array of enticing features to look forward to, which should help to stave off the winter cold.

With some winter sun in mind, we will be heading first to Hawaii (above), for a look at what makes these islands such a special cruise destination in the company of Norwegian Cruise Line (the only line to sail among the islands year-round). It should be the ideal winter warmer and we look forward to making this our Cover Story for the new edition.

Tahiti and the South Seas are also on the menu, along with the blissful style of SeaDream Yacht Club on the French Riviera and the unique Ganges River voyages of Assam Bengal Navigation.

For more river-cruising style, we take a classic Rhine voyage with AMA Waterways, while we also take a look at the sparkling Adriatic coast of Croatia and visit Bangkok for an overnight stay.

When it comes to cruise ship style, cruising's No 1 writer Gary Buchanan will offer a detailed preview of 2013's Royal Princess of Princess Cruises and Steve Newman will sample the distinctive closer-to-home style of The Majestic Line in Scotland.

Of course, there will be lots more in the way of ship features, cruise news, reviews and all your views and comment. But hopefully this whets your appetite for the months ahead. Just be sure to have your subscription up to date!

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.

SeaDream's Asia Debut

SeaDream Yacht Club has announced that, for the first time, they will deploy one of their twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II, to Asia for the winter season 2013/14 after the completion of her advertised summer Mediterranean season.

The first of her Asia programme departures is “Passage to the Far East”, which will depart Athens on October 12 and include a transit of the Suez Canal, excursions to Egypt’s fascinating archeological sites (accompanied by an Egyptologist) en route to Mumbai, India. Prices for this epic 15-night voyage start from £4,050 per person, including all fees and port taxes. 

 

From Mumbai, she will sail onwards via Cochin, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands to Thailand, before dropping down to Singapore. This 13-night trans-Indian Ocean sailing costs from £3,995 per person, including fees and taxes.

Thereafter, SeaDream II will visit almost every coastal country in South East Asia, as well as visiting Northern Australia during a six-month programme featuring Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong.

Offering 18 unique sailings in total, each voyage offers unique and exciting ports of call, each ranging from seven to fifteen nights duration. Most may be combined to create longer back-to-back holidays. Typical 7-night itineraries such as the “Asian New Year Celebration Cruise” from Phuket to Singapore on December 28, cost from £3,645 per person while a typical longer voyage such as the 14-night “Voyage of the Warrors” sailing from Cairns to Bali on February 1, 2014, costs from £5,995.

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.

SeaDream Head For Costa Rica

SeaDream Yacht Club has released its 2013 year-end voyage schedule, featuring its first Panama Canal transit and season sailing along the “rich coast” of Costa Rica.

This November, SeaDream I will sail from Barbados to Panama City, a 9-night voyage calling at Isla de Margarita and The Los Roques Islands of Venezuela; Curacao; Cartagena, Columbia; and San Blas, Panama (including a transit of the Panama Canal), all of which are “firsts” for SeaDream. From Panama, the boutique ship sails to Caldera, Costa Rica, making it her home port for six consecutive voyages. The last of these voyages spends New Year’s Eve in vibrant Panama City.

Voyage-only fares for the 9-night voyage (departing November 9, 2013) lead in at $5,548 per person, including all fees and handling charges, accommodation, all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yacht's “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting).

SeaDream has arranged for a highly qualified naturalist to sail aboard all Costa Rica voyages. This paradise of active volcanoes and beautiful beaches has abundant wildlife, including 1,000 butterfly species and 1,200 varieties of orchids. The surfing, hiking, rafting, zip lines and deep-sea fishing are among the best in the world.

The itineraries include: 

• Isla de Coiba, Panama - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coiba National Park is one of the last places in Central America the Scarlet Macaw lives in large numbers in the wild.
• Golfito, Costa Rica - Remote and rugged, its home to the beautiful Wilson Botanical Gardens and the natural reserve and wildlife refuge of Piedras Blancas National Park.
• Drake Bay, Costa Rica - One of the most secluded spots in Costa Rica. Its spectacular lagoons and coves are ideal for scuba and snorkelling, plus viewing humpback and killer whales as well as several species of dolphins.
• Isla del Cano, Costa Rica - An amazing marine reserve with fantastic underwater visibility. See sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, manta rays, moray eels and more.
• Quepos, Costa Rica - One of the best places in the world for big-game sport fishing. Manuel Antonio National Park is a major attraction, along with canopy tours, horse riding, kayaking, rafting and surfing.
• Tortuga Islands, Costa Rica - White sand beaches and emerald waters invites absolute tranquility and make it the ideal spot for SeaDream’s trademark Champagne and Caviar Splash.
• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - A quaint fishing village where thatch-roofed restaurants line the long, sandy beach. Visitors will want to see the nearby Masaya Volcano.
• Playa del Coco, Costa Rica - Surrounded by steep hills, this horseshoe shaped bay is among the most well-known beaches in the country, offering great surfing and nightlife.
•  Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica - Perhaps Costa Rica’s most upscale beach destination, ideally situated near the Santa Rosa National Park and the Palo Verde natural reserve.

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.

SeaDream's New Spa Brochure

Luxury cruise line SeaDream Yacht Club has produced a contemporary new brochure for its Spa, featuring a highly-enhanced, extensive list of treatment options and products from the best names in beauty.

Once you enter SeaDream’s Spa, guests are well on their way to a state of relaxed bliss in the only Thai-certified spa of its kind at sea. Each yacht features eight Thai therapists while, with all ocean-view treatment rooms, it ensures the Spa is a thoroughly relaxing environment to let the tensions of everyday life drift away. 

The SeaDream Spa also combines the essence of Asian wellness philosophies with traditional European spa. And, after treatments, guests need only walk a short distance back to the comfort of their stateroom. There, they may continue their relaxed state of well-being, reclining in a plush SeaDream robe, settling into soft Belgium linens and listening to the soothing ocean waves lap outside the window.

The new Spa brochure will be made available in all staterooms aboard SeaDream I and II. Itineraries this year include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Amazon.

For bookings, be sure to 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.

SeaDream Unveils 2013 European Schedule

Luxury line SeaDream Yacht Club have released their 2013 programme of European voyages for the UK market, featuring a variety of new destinations and experiences from May to October.

Their two immaculate super-yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II will sail to Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Portugal, with new destinations including Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia. 

Highlights of the grand 2013 European season include:         

Voyage 11323, Jun 5-16: Yachting the best ports of Turkey, Greece and Croatia in 11-nights. Voyage-only fares from $7,599pp, plus govt fees and handling (approx. £5,335pp inc tax).        

Voyage 11333, Aug 17-30: 13-night full circumnavigation of the Black Sea, including Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia and the north coast of Turkey. Voyage-only fares from $9,299pp plus $868pp fees and handling (approx. £6,559pp inc tax.

Voyage 11334, Aug 30-Sep 7: An educational, 8-night voyage visiting ancient Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields in Turkey and Greece’s archaeological site of Mycenae. Voyage-only fares from $5,699pp, plus $488pp fees and handling (approx. £3,990pp inc tax).

Voyage 11335, Sep 7-13: “Mamma Mia” comes to life with calls to Skiathos Island, Volos, Kayala and Thassos in Greece. Voyage-only fares from $4,299pp, plus $441pp fees and handling (approx. £3,055pp inc tax).

Voyage 11338, Oct 2-12: 10-nights, featuring fabulous Greek Islands, Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast and a rare call to the island of Cyprus. Voyage-only fares from $6,999pp plus $610pp fees and handling (approx. £4,310pp inc tax).

For 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.

A Golfing SeaDream

The Caribbean has some of the world's most beautiful and challenging golf courses and SeaDream Yacht Club has designed a December itinerary with the golf enthusiast in mind, sailing for 7 nights aboard SeaDream I, from December 2-9.

This voyage departs St John’s, Antigua, on December 2 and golfers may wish to arrive on the island early to play 18 holes at Cedar Valley, a course that offers panoramic coastline views. The yacht will be at anchor off Charlestown, Nevis, on December 4 and golfers will certainly want to play the Four Seasons Pinney’s Beach. This 18-hole course is designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and winds around the slopes of the dormant Mount Nevis volcano. 

On December 6, SeaDream I will be in Anguilla, where  18 holes at The Course at Cuisinart Resort is a must. This $50million Greg Norman signature-designed championship course offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea. The voyage ends in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 9. Golfers may wish to extend their stay ashore to play any of the nearly 30 courses on the island. A favourite is Arthur Hills Golf Course at El Conquistador Resort. This par-72 course is as challenging as it is lovely.

Other ports of call included during this voyage are Montserrat, St Barts, Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Guests can keep their game at its best, by making use of the complimentary Golf Simulator onboard featuring 30 different courses. Sore muscles can be eased after an arduous game by visiting the SeaDream Spa, with its eight Thai-certified, massage therapists.

 

Voyage-only fares lead in at $2,999 per person, excluding golf fees, and $392 in government, port and handling fees. The holiday can be extended with SeaDream’s pre and post-voyage land packages, which include hotel, greens fees, meals and transfers. The concierge is on hand to book the tee-times and guests can either bring their own clubs or hire at the respective golf clubs en route.

 

For booking details, be sure to check this link with the UK's leading 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.

SeaDream Taps Into The Hippocrates Health Institute

SeaDream Yacht Club is taking wellness and well-being holidays a step further with a unique programme in conjunction with The Hippocrates Health Institute, introducing the first of its kind at sea, a “Raw Food” menu option. 

A once-radical form of vegetarianism called the “raw foods” or “living foods” movement is creeping into mainstream. Now, aboard the twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, gourmet raw food is offered in addition to the regular menu.

The Hippocrates Health Institute was created over five decades ago. Over the years, it has developed the Life Transformation Programme into the definitive blueprint for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. SeaDream’s Corporate Chef, Sudesh Kishore (above) shares dishes and beverages such as Watercress Tang (a liquid mélange of watercress, Anjou pear, lime and pineapple) and the Blood Apple Blaster (a blend of apple, ginger, red beet, lime juice and agave). Salad options include Asian-style Cashew Curry Salad (crunchy and slightly spicy) while an entrée such as Vegetable Lasagna uses pasta-like noodles made from spinach leaves and coconut meat, layered between a spicy cauliflower mash topped with a sun-dried tomato marinara.

A sample 7-night Mediterranean voyage aboard SeaDream I (including the new Raw Food menu options), sailing May 12 from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Monte Carlo now costs from $3,999, representing a saving of 55%.

A sample 7-night Caribbean voyage aboard SeaDream II (also including the new Raw Food options), sailing March 31 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, now costs from $2,899, a brochure saving of 58%.

These cruise-only fares include: accommodation, all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather permitting).

For 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.

SeaDream Yacht Club's New Brochure For 2012/13

SeaDream Yacht Club has introduced a newly-designed, glossy, 64-page brochure reflecting SeaDream’s yachting lifestyle and featuring the 2012/13 voyage schedule, destination information, pricing and a comprehensive look at the chic, twin, 344ft vessels SeaDream I and II.

The new brochure details SeaDream’s Caribbean, Mediterranean, Amazon, Black Sea and Trans-Atlantic voyages. In 2012, the deluxe line will feature 102 different ports in the Mediterranean, with 17 in Greece alone. SeaDream’s onboard amenities include all gourmet dining, open bar with select premium brands, gratuities, golf simulator, complimentary mountain bikes and a water sports marina with motorised and non-motorised water toys.

Popular Mediterranean itineraries commence in May with the 112-guest, SeaDream I sailing the French & Italian Rivera itinerary, while her twin, SeaDream II starts the summer with sailings in the Greek Islands. 

The 2012/13 brochure also details a number of new voyages. Among them are: the Amazon River, with SeaDream II sailing from Barbados to Iquitos, Peru, round-trip on two 20-night voyages beginning February 13, 2012. SeaDream II returns to the Amazon in 2013 and offers a shorter, 7-night upper-Amazon itinerary sailing Iquitos round-trip. Additionally, the brochure highlights expanded ports of call in Turkey (10 ports) and Croatia (11). This year also includes calls to Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Albania and Russia.

For 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.

One Week To The New Edition!

The Winter edition of World of Cruising magazine goes to the printers this week and should be back with us next Monday (Dec 19) for distribution to all our subscribers - just in time for a good Christmas read!

The latest issue is absolutely packed with the exotic and the desirable; long-distance cruising and closer-to-home varieties; winter ideas and festive touches. It journeys from Japan to Alaska and the Caribbean to the Med. And all in the inimitable style and high-quality design you have come to expect from Europe's leading cruise publication.

Our cover story is a unique close-up look at Alaska, through the twin perspectives of Princess Cruises and the new Alaskan Dream Cruises, with some fabulous photography and brilliant story-telling. Then we take a Viking voyage in the company of Fred. Olsen Cruises and head to the FarEast to look at the growing cruise destination of South Korea.

Need some winter sunshine? Go straight to out feature on Caribbean voyaging with SeaDream Yacht Club, a real tropical tonic. Or how about another look at the Asian Far East, this time with Orion Expedition Cruises and their first ever visit to Japan?


Back on home ground, we have a feature-length look at Swan Hellenic's Minerva from her new home base of Portsmouth (and just prior to her big winter re-fit), and then head north again for a look at the Norwegian Arctic of Hurtigruten in the region of Spitsbergen, truly one of cruising's great adventure frontiers.

For river cruising, we head to Russia and a unique journey from Moscow to St Petersburg with Uniworld, while we add a touch of pure luxury aboard Azamara Club Cruises and their unique President's Cruise. We also fofer two Passenger Perspective pieces, looking at Azamara and Cunard's Queen Victoria.

All our regular features are, of course, firmly front and centre, from the inimitable blogging style of Captain Greybeard and the inimitable Admiral, to our Aft View section, the expert Fashion pages, the essential World of Spas section, Readers Letters and the essential Cruise Planner, our annual review of ALL the ships with ALL the lines, so you can sit and plan your next voyage in perfect style.

It is all here, capped off by the best writers on the subject, from Gary Buchanan and Yvonne Horn to cruise historian Peter Newall and adventuring supremo Steve Newman.

As ever, World of Cruising is subscription-only, so, to be sure of your copy, make sure you visit our subscription page - Here!

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.

Join SeaDream For The Monaco Grand Prix 2012

Luxurious accommodation can be enjoyed aboard the 112-guest mega-yacht, SeaDream I while taking in the one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world in 2012, with fewer than 250 days before the commencement of the 70th Grand Prix of Monaco!

Taking place from May 24-27, the race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes, tight corners and a tunnel, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race.

Sail with SeaDream I, embarking in Nice on May 26 and guests can then spend May 27 in Monte Carlo followed by five more days of heavenly Mediterranean yachting. After Monte Carlo this itinerary calls on St. Tropez, Portovenere, Viareggio (gateway to Florence), Portoferraio (Elba), and Portofino, with disembarkation on June 2 back in Monte Carlo.

Voyage-only fares lead in at $4,899 per person (plus $427pp govt, port & handling fees) and include: open bar, all meals, wines at lunch and dinner, complimentary champagne, use of recreation and water sports toys, as well as basic gratuities.

For more info, visit www.seadream.com 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.

SeaDream Opens for Early 2013 Bookings

SeaDream Yacht Club - with its mega-yachts SeaDream I & II, rated as the top Boutique Ships in the world by the 2011 Berlitz Guide - has released its early 2013 itineraries.

The twin, 112-guest vessels will spend January-April 2013 sailing the Caribbean, visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be sailing the Amazon River in February and March.

2013 Amazon Highlights

SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages; Bridgetown, Barbados, to Iquitos, Peru, and the return. Ports of call include Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Panelas, Brazil; Leticia, Colombia, and more.

A naturalist will be aboard the Amazon voyages providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness. Excursions will feature the jungle’s exotic plants and animals, Amazonian tribes, museums and markets. On one of Brazil’s best beaches, in Alter do Chao, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™. Optional pre and post-voyage over-land adventures feature one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Voyage-only fares for the two 20-night Amazon voyages, departing Bridgetown on February 10, 2013, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; and departing Iquitos on March 23, returning to Bridgetown, lead in at $16,999 per person with $1,220pp govt/port taxes.

2013 Caribbean Highlights

SeaDream II offers voyages in the lush & unspoiled Grenadines, including the islands of Mayreau and Bequia.

There are new calls in Puerto Rico to Fajardo Bay (calm, coral-rich water), Ponce (beautiful neoclassical buildings) and Caja de Muertos (superb snorkelling); more calls to Tortola and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; visits to the ports of La Samana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; and continued overnight stays in St. Barts, where guests enjoy the island’s entertainment after dark.

Caribbean, 7-night voyage-only fares lead in at $3,199 per person, plus $392pp govt/port taxes, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico to San Juan.

These voyage-only fares above are based on two people sharing Yacht Club Deck 2 accommodation and include all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting).

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or the UK's leading luxury cruise experts 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.

SeaDream's Star-Studded New Year

SeaDream Yacht Club has announced its two boutique, twin mega-yachts SeaDream I and II will spend New Year's Eve in the glamour haven of St. Barts.

Also known as Saint Barths, this French island offers a unique vibe of laid-back Caribbean meets chic French Riviera. Beaches, shopping, fine dinning and nightlife have made St. Barts a hot spot for billionaires, super models and Hollywood’s Who’s Who. New Year's Eve is the culmination of all things extravagant in the harbour of Gustavia. Expect 100 luxury yachts at anchor, some hosting star-studded private concerts, live music and celebrations across the island with a fireworks display at midnight.

SeaDream I, Voyage #11201, sails from San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 30 for 7 nights, spending December 31 and January 1 in St. Barts. Other islands on this itinerary are Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and St. John. The voyage concludes back in San Juan on January 6, with voyage-only fares from $5,499pp (plus $392pp govt/port charges), including all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yacht's “water toys” and Marina.

SeaDream II, Voyage #21201, sails from St. Thomas, U.S.V.I on December 30 for 7 nights, also spending December 31 and January 1 in St. Barts. Other islands on this itinerary are Saba, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Norman Island and Jost van Dyke. The voyage concludes in San Juan on January 6, with voyage-only fares from $4,699pp (plus $392pp govt/port charges), including all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yacht's “water toys” and Marina.

SeaDream’s Caribbean voyages feature their signature Champagne and Caviar Splash™ beach barbeque and ample opportunity to use the yacht’s Jet Skis, kayaks and other complimentary water toys. The line suggests booking early as space is limited on these voyages.

For more info, visit www.seadream.com or consult the UK's top 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.