Explore the civilisations of the Mediterranean with Voyages to Antiquity

Discover the cradle of civilisation to the birthplace of democracy, embark on a cruise with Voyages to Antiquity to the places which shaped our modern-day society.

With three nights in a hotel in Cairo, two nights in Athens and 13 shore excursions included, the cruise departs on 7 November. 

During the cruise, passengers will visit the Norman Cathedral of Monreale, a short drive from Palermo in Sicily,  and explore the architectural heritage of Malta. Also on the itinerary are the ruins of Minoan Knossos, in Crete, and the ruins of Carthage, in Tunisia.

The 17-day trip starts with a 3-night hotel stay at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza hotel in Cairo. Fares from  £2,195 pp

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Costa Offer 'Slow Cruising'

We're already seen the 'Slow Food' movement and its efforts to promote traditional and regional cuisine, and 'Slow Travel,' with the chance to holiday like a local in places like Italy. Well now Costa Cruises are introducing Slow Cruising.
 

Available on board Costa’s smaller ships bound for destinations off the beaten track, the first of these cruises this April will be combined with the Festival of Mediterranean Cuisine, a special programme devised in collaboration with the renowned Università di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo (in Cuneo, Italy), as a tribute to the extraordinary Mediterranean gastronomic heritage.

This academic institution was set up by Carlo Petrini, the founder of Slow Food, a global grassroots movement created to counter the rise of fast food and to work towards goals of sustainable foods and promotion of local small-scale producers that safeguard local traditions and high quality products.

The Festival of Mediterranean Cuisine will be held from April 11 to May 25 in conjunction with the 12-day Hidden Treasures of the Mediterranean cruises on Costa neoRiviera (above). It promises a unique gastronomic journey in pursuit of authentic taste sensations in the heart of the Mediterranean, in the very places where these culinary treats were first conceived: from Liguria (Savona) to Provence (Toulon), Catalonia (Barcelona), Sicily (Porto Empedocle), Malta (La Valletta) and Campania (Salerno).

On board Costa neoRiviera, the Festival offers guests different events linked to the appreciation of typical local food and wine; staples of the Mediterranean tradition. There are food and wine seminars and tasting of PDO (protected designation of origin) olive oil from five Italian regions, preserves made from local orchard produce, as well as wines and sweets typical of the coastal areas and islands visited. In Salerno, pasta makers from the Amalfi Coast will give a practical demonstration of the traditional method of preparing fusilli.

The homage to Mediterranean taste also involves all the à la carte restaurants and buffets on board, with offerings including moscardini alla ligure (baby squid), traditional Provencal bouillabaisse, stoccafisso alla livornese (stockfish), coniglio all’ischitana (rabbit), crema catalana (low fat crème brûlée) and cassata al forno (cake made with ricotta).

The menus consist of dishes and recipes selected in partnership with the Università di Scienze and are designed to foster the regional traditions of the destinations visited by using local produce and specific ingredients protected by Slow Food Presidia, such as Cetara anchovies and Conio beans.
 

The Festival of Mediterranean Cuisine programme gives guests the chance to indulge in food & wine tasting, dinners in typical local restaurants and exclusive shoreside excursions for small groups of less than 25 people, specially devised in line with Costa’s new slow cruising philosophy. 

 

More info: call 0800 389 0622 or visit www.costacruises.co.uk.

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Fred. Olsen's British Bonanza

Fred. Olsen’s 2014/15 cruise programme will see it sailing from an amazing variety of UK ports, with all of Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Greenock (for Glasgow), Belfast and the newly-added ports of Tilbury and Avonmouth now on their Brit-list, further enhancing the line's reputation as the ‘local, global cruise line.'

In 2014/15, they will also be making even more overnight stops in spectacular cities worldwide, in response to guests’ desire to spend more time ashore in the ports they visit. Fred. Olsen will also be working with destination ports to create an even greater link between its cruises and local events, such as the Baltic Festivals of Kieler Woche in Kiel, Germany, and the world-renowned Jazz Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Highlights of the new cruise season include:

• The Undiscovered Adriatic from Avonmouth, a 28-night cruise departing on May 17, taking in Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Koper (Slovenia), as well as Venice and Athens.

• A 32-night Canada & New York cruise, departing from Southampton on September 1, visiting Canada’s eastern seaboard when the Fall foliage will be at its best, with overnight stays in Quebec, Boston and New York.

• A very different Caribbean cruise, of 34 nights, with an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba, as well as stopovers in Bermuda, the Bahamas and Grand Turk, plus plenty of other favourites.

• Two fabulous 28-night Black Sea cruises, one from Liverpool in October and the other from Southampton in June, both with visits to Athens, overnight stays in Istanbul, and cruising deep into the Black Sea and the Crimea.

• Five ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruises to Norway in February and March, and Fred. Olsen’s first winter season in its historic homeland, in November and December, to give guests the chance to marvel at one of Nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, the Northern Lights.

Fred. Olsen will be offering many new destinations in 2014/15, which promise a wealth of unforgettable holiday experiences. For instance, there will be an impressive 13 maiden calls on Balmoral’s Asia Grand Voyage in 2015: Galle (Sri Lanka), Ujang Pandang (Indonesia), Naha (Okinawa, Japan), Tokyo, Nagasaki, Jeju City (South Korea), Dalian (China), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Nathon (Thailand), Malacca (Malaysia), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Utheemu (North Thiladhunmathee Atoll, Maldives) and Uligamu (Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, Maldives).

More info: www.fredolsencruises.com for full terms and conditions.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Zegrahm's Sicily Spectacular

Zegrahm Expeditions has become especially well known for their circumnavigations of some of the world’s more fascinating archipelagos and, in 2014, the company is pleased to announce their journey around the Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily, departing August 29. This 13-day expedition combines visits to the isle’s amazing archaeological wonders with a tasty immersion into the region’s famed food and wine.

Beginning in Malta, guests will explore the 5,000-year-old Tarxien Temples at Hagar Qim and the architectural wonders of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, travellers board the intimate 100-guest Island Sky to trace Sicily’s scenic coastline. Stops include exploring the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte, Segesta, and Morgantina; the Roman theaters and villas of Taormina, Piazza Armerina, and Lipari; and the ornate architecture of Norman-Arab castles and cathedrals in Cefalú, Palermo, and Monreale.

In addition to exploring Sicily’s amazing archaeological legacy, the gastronomical culture here is sure to impress, with a wealth of coastal ingredients and savoury array of fresh, local produce. To better appreciate the local flavours, Zegrahm travellers have the opportunity to stop at several vineyards for wine tastings, participate in hands-on cooking classes, and relish the wonderful cuisine at traditional restaurants throughout the voyage.

Says Zegrahm president Edwin Blythe: “After the resounding success of our first circumnavigation of Sicily in 2011, we are excited to return to this magnificent isle and offer new opportunities for guests to savour Sicilian culture and cuisine. Guests will spend one afternoon cooking with a local chef and another learning how to make pizza at a local pizzeria. Plus, several evenings are free for travellers to dine ashore on their own.”

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

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Sushi Maestro On Board With Crystal

One of the world’s greatest culinary artists, Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is visiting his luxury cruise partner, Crystal Cruises, this summer to teach, mingle, dine and cook for guests. The famed sushi maestro, and mastermind behind the line’s exclusive Silk Road and The Sushi Bar restaurants, will join Crystal Symphony’s 12-night Rome to Istanbul Black Sea voyage beginning July 13. 

Accompanied by Fumio Hazu, the Sake Master behind Nobu’s exclusive, 140-year-old sake brand, the two will showcase their expertise during several intimate gourmet experiences, including:

• Two Omakase or Chef’s Choice dinners in Silk Road, limited to just 70 guests and featuring some of Nobu’s finest dishes and connoisseur items such as white sturgeon caviar and Hokusetsu “Musical Sake”.
• Sake tasting sessions, including insight into Hazu’s unique “live” sake brewing processes which include playing Japanese music to bottles for three years to create a smoother taste from vibrations.
• Live cooking demonstrations during which Nobu will share the secrets behind his renowned dishes.
• Silk Road and The Sushi Bar appearances during regular dinner hours to welcome guests and enhance the enjoyment of their meal.
• Cookbook signings and photo opportunities throughout the voyage.

Crystal’s Nobu-cuisine restaurants, the only ones of their kind at sea, feature his personally-trained chefs, signature dishes, Nobu sake and his own line of dinnerware. Complimentary and open almost every evening of every cruise, the restaurants offer mouth-watering dishes that are also available via room service in Crystal’s butler-serviced Penthouse accommodations.

The 12-night “Bounties of the Black Sea” itinerary starts in Rome’s port of Civitavecchia and visits Sorrento, Sicily, Constanţa, Odessa (overnight), Yalta and Sochi before finishing with an overnight in Istanbul. All-inclusive “Book Now” fly/cruise fares start from £4,148 per person, if booked by February 28. 

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

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Live La Dolce Vita with Star Clippers

 

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering special package prices on three culture and romance-packed itineraries this summer, departing in July and August and exploring the exquisite coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu and southern Italy.

Each cruise, either from Venice to Rome or Rome to Venice, is aboard the cruise line’s flagship, the graceful, five-masted Royal Clipper, calling at chic yachting ports along the Croatian coast, as well as beautiful Kotor in Montenegro, the lush Greek island of Corfu and several ports in Italy, among them romantic Taormina in Sicily; the jetset island of Capri; and Ponza, a popular weekend retreat for yachting fans. The July 31 departure also visits Piran in Slovenia, a port undiscovered by most cruise lines.

The length of each voyage, 11 days, allows for plenty of time to relax on the sun-warmed teak decks, gazing up at thousands of feet of wind-filled sails, sipping a cocktail in the al fresco Tropical Bar, or sprawling in the bowsprit nets, keeping a lookout for dolphins. Each itinerary includes a day at sea, too, during which guests can try activities like mast climbing. 

The three sailing dates are:

• Royal Clipper, July 14, Rome/Venice: 11 nights from £2,059pp
• Royal Clipper, July 31, Venice/Rome: 11 nights from £1,879pp
• Royal Clipper, August 18, Rome/Venice: 11 nights from £2,149pp

Prices include return British Airways flights from London, transfers, 11 nights’ full board on the ship in a Category 6 cabin and watersports where possible at beach stops.

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

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Save Big With Four Oceania Voyages

Oceania Cruises has added four new departures to its summer 2012 offers, giving clients savings of up to 63% off published prices and a $500 per stateroom credit to spend in the onboard shops, the spa and bars.

24th May – Barcelona to Copenhagen, 16 nights now from £1,349pp: cruise from Barcelona around the entire coast of Spain and Portugal, calling into Casablanca en-route, and then up the west coast of France and on to Bruges, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. This magnificent sailing on 650-guest Nautica now saves from £1,829-£2,258pp, and guests will also receive a $500 credit. Prices include all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water. Excludes flights.

26th May – Athens to Barcelona, 10 nights now from £999pp: this cruise is offering a saving of more than 50% on brand new luxury ship Riviera. The itinerary takes in the coastlines of southern France, western Italy, with a visit to Taormina (Sicily), Santorini and Kusadasi (Turkey). Prices range from £999 for an inside cabin to £1,799 for a Penthouse suite (saving £2,312), and include a $500 credit per stateroom. Price excludes flights.

13th August – Venice to Rome, 10 nights from £899pp, saving up to £2,485pp: this luxury 'foodie' cruise was originally from £2,223 and offers fine dining at sea at its best as Riviera cruises from Venice via Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu, Sicily, Sardinia, Monte Carlo and Florence to Rome (Civitavecchia). Upgrade to a Penthouse suite for £1,749pp, (was £4,284). Price excludes flights.

31st August – Copenhagen to Dover, 12 nights from £1,099: this sailing from Denmark visits the north and west coast of the UK, visiting the Shetland Islands, Scotland, Ireland and Falmouth (Cornwall) before arriving at Dover. Savings of up to £2,891 are now available off the cost of a Penthouse Suite, or cruise for just £1,099 for an inside stateroom (was £2,789). All cabin categories come with a $500/stateroom onboard credit to spend in the shops, spa, bars and cafes, while the cruise again includes all meals, including fine dining and complimentary soft drinks and bottled water. Excludes flights.

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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Crystal's Maiden Slovenia Call

With 2011 marking the 20th anniversary of Slovenia’s foundation as an independent nation, it’s only fitting that Crystal Cruises is making a maiden call there this autumn.

As part of its November 16 “Italian Splendour” sailing, ultra-luxury Crystal Serenity (above) will visit medieval Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal town. Six new shore excursions, spread throughout the tiny Italo-Slavic nation, provide an in-depth exploration of the history and culture well beyond the Adriatic port.

Fairytale castles, oenophile indulgences, coastal hamlets and underground geological wonders are all part of the authentic local experiences planned. Guests can explore Koper, full of historical charm from centuries of Venetian rule…or join a Crystal Adventure to:

Ljubljana: The country’s picturesque capital and a former centre of Yugoslavian music and arts, full of cobblestone streets and architecture ranging from the Baroque to the neo-classical of famed local architect Joze Plecnik.

Bled & Miramare Castles: Two majestic, storybook castles - one, the oldest in Slovenia (dating to 1011); the other, a 19th century Austro-Hungarian relic of the Habsburg era.

Postojna Cave: Twelve miles of underground stalactite-filled passages, galleries and cathedral-like chambers, with the world’s only operating cave train.

Wine Region: A wine-tasting visit to Slovenia’s most prominent winemaker (out of 40,000 in the country), where the vines pre-date those of Italy, France and Spain.

Piran: A quaint, Mediterranean-style coastal town, full of Venetian Gothic buildings and narrow, atmospheric streets.

Portorož: A modern, beachside resort hub for sunbathing, swimming and thermal spas.

Trieste: A crossroads of Germanic, Latin, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic trade and culture, situated just over Slovenia’s border in Italy.

This 11-night “Italian Splendour” sailing starts with an overnight in Venice on November 16 and visits Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Naples, Rome and Florence before finishing with an overnight in Barcelona. Prices start from £1,854 per person (a saving of £419 per person) including return economy flights from London, overseas transfers, 11 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.

For further information, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Oceania's New European Itineraries For 2012

Oceania Cruises has announced its 2012 European cruise collection and, following the launch of two new ships in 2011 and '12, for the first time the company will operate four ships in Europe including Marina (above), which launched in January and sister Riviera, due to debut in April next year.

The 2012 European season includes more than 72 sailings from April through to December. Other exciting firsts include a complimentary hotel stay before every voyage, an overnight stay on every itinerary, more late-night departures and the addition of three seven-night voyages.

Featuring 41 distinct itineraries, Regatta, Nautica, Marina and Riviera will cover the entire continent, calling at 145 different ports of call, 12 of which are new for 2012.

Marina, Oceania's first new-build, will spend most of the summer sailing the Mediterranean visiting classic port like St Tropez and Monte Carlo. From May 12-22, Jacques Pépin, Oceania’s executive culinary director, will join her 10-day Tuscan Artistry itinerary to host cooking demonstrations, lead on-shore market tours and oversee the operations in his namesake onboard restaurant, Jacques. Beginning in June, Marina will join Nautica in Northern Europe, visiting Dublin, Reykjavik, Oslo and Copenhagen.

The 12 new ports of call include Akureyri, Iceland; Cephalonia for Argostoli, Greece; Batumi, Georgia; Cartagena, Spain; Cherbourg, France; Motril for Granada, Spain; Horta, Azores; Qaqortoq, Greenland; La Palma, Canary Islands; Vigo for Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Tasiilaq for Ammassalik Island, Greenland; and Trapani, Sicily.

For more information about the new 2012 European collection, visit Oceania Cruises at www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or call the luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Grab An Early Booking Discount With Star Clippers

By Steve Newman

Book by January 31 and receive up to 20% early-booking discount with tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers, who are offering the spectacular saving off all 2011 cruises in the Mediterranean PLUS all 2011 sailings in the Caribbean and Central America if booked by April 30.

You can save £177 per person on a six-night Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on the 170-passenger Star Clipper, departing St Maarten on December 17 and calling at some of the smaller, more exclusive Caribbean ports inaccessible to big ships. The itinerary includes either Nevis or Saba (depending on the wind), Iles des Saintes, Falmouth Harbour in Antigua and St Barths. Now from £708 per person, cruise only.

Save £206 per person on a seven-night Costa Rica sailing on the 170-passenger Star Flyer, departing Puerto Caldera on December 11 and exploring rainforested islands, remote bays and beautiful beaches, with plenty of chance to spot the incredibly diverse wildlife of the region. The ship calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa del Coco, Costa Rica; National Park of Santa Rosa; Samara; Puerto Carillo; National Reserve of Curu; and Isla Tortuga. Now from £824 per person, cruise only.

Save £168 per person on a short break, five-night Mediterranean sailing on board Star Clipper, departing Athens on October 8, and calling at the unspoilt Greek ports of Monemvasia and Pilos; Siracusa in Sicily; and Valletta, Malta. Now from £672 per person, cruise only.

All prices exclude port charges.

Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.

For more information, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or check with the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Early Booking Discount with Star Clippers

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering up to 20% off 2011 cruises in the Mediterranean for bookings made by January 31, and 2011 sailings in the Caribbean and Central America for bookings made before April 30.

Save £177 per person on a six-night Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on the 170-passenger Star Clipper, departing St Maarten on December 17 and calling at some of the smaller, more exclusive Caribbean ports inaccessible to big ships. The itinerary includes either Nevis or Saba (depending on the wind), Iles des Saintes, Falmouth Harbour in Antigua and St Barths. Now from £708 per person (was £895), including all meals and a 6-night sailing itinerary.

Save £206 per person on a seven-night Costa Rica sailing on the 170-passenger Star Flyer, departing Puerto Caldera on December 19, 2011, and exploring rainforested islands, remote bays and beautiful beaches, with plenty of chances to spot the incredibly diverse wildlife of the region. The ship calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa del Coco, Costa Rica; National Park of Santa Rosa; Samara; Puerto Carillo; National Reserve of Curu; and Isla Tortuga. Now from £824 per person (was £1030), including all meals and a 7-night sailing itinerary..

Save £168 per person on a short break, five-night Mediterranean sailing on board Star Clipper, departing Athens on October 8, 2011, and calling at the unspoilt Greek ports of Monemvasia and Pilos; Siracusa in Sicily; and Valletta, Malta. Now from £672 per person (was £840), including all meals and a 5-night sailing itinerary.

For more information, visit http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or contact the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Circumnavigate with Zegrahm!

Zegrahm Expeditions Embarks on Five Hallmark Circumnavigations in 2011

SEATTLE, WA, OCTOBER 20, 2010—In addition to their expert leaders and unique expeditionary style of travel, Zegrahm Expeditions has perhaps become best known for their circumnavigations of some of the world’s most interesting, and, often times, obscure, archipelagos. In fact, the 20-year-old company was the first to circumnavigate Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic and New Guinea in the western South Pacific. Zegrahm believes linking together all the fascinating locales within a single destination by small-ship offers travellers an in-depth and uncompromised view of the local culture, history and natural environment. Plus, many of the areas that Zegrahm visits have little to no infrastructure in place, so travelling by small ship is the only way to go.

And, 2011 is no exception. Zegrahm’s travel year commences with the first of the following five highly-anticipated circumnavigations, two of which are brand-new itineraries for Zegrahm:

· Circumnavigation of Sumatra: Zegrahm celebrates the start of the New Year with an inaugural 18-day sojourn around Western Indonesia’s equator-straddling island of Sumatra. Travellers will be amazed by orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park (above), spectacular Krakatoa Island and stone-jumping super-humans on Nias Island, plus the region’s incredible array of wildlife, unspoiled wilderness and more than a dozen ethnic groups.

· Circumnavigation of Sicily: Zegrahm’s first-ever April expedition circling the Mediterranean’s largest island combines visits to amazing archaeological wonders — from the Roman theatres and villas of Taormina and Lipari to the ornate Norman-Arab castles and cathedrals in Cefalu, Palermo and Monreale — with a tasty immersion into the region’s famed viticulture and cuisine.

· Circumnavigation of Iceland: This 14-day expedition reveals the element-sculpted landscapes and volcanic wizardry that have made the Land of Fire and Ice famous. Travellers search for breeding whooper swans; ride snowmobiles across Europe's largest glacier; walk among ruins that recall the heyday of Viking exploration; and explore the fabled Golden Circle — Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Center.

· Circumnavigation of Ireland: The Emerald Isle truly sparkles on this fascinating August voyage that brings history to life as Zegrahm explores the Neolithic burial site of Newgrange; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and the 18th-century English architecture in Dublin, Cork and Killarney. No less spectacular are the rolling green glens of the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula's dramatic cliffs and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway.

· Circumnavigation of the Black Sea: Eurasia’s most intriguing destinations are revealed —Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria — on a 15-day expedition where beautiful landscapes are enhanced only by the stunning architecture and archaeological sites that travellers experience on one of two September departures. This itinerary is a long-time favourite among Zegrahm travellers.

To learn more about each of these itineraries, plus read accounts of past circumnavigation expeditions, visit http://www.zeco.com/. To book in the UK, be sure to contact specialist agents The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Global Adventure, All the Stars of The Zodiac

By guest blogger Steve Newman

One of the fastest growing areas of cruising is the eco-adventure sector, with some companies offering you the chance to be literally the first human to land on particular places for possibly hundreds of years.

So, if you like adventure, untouched wilderness, expertly operated tours, and lecturers and leaders rich in field experience, then do have a look at Zegrahm. From small-ship expedition cruises through the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica to tropical adventures in the South Pacific, this company offers what comes close to the ultimate expedition travel experience.

You’ll need to be reasonably fit but age is no barrier. Their policy is that if they see something of interest, they will actually stop the ship and give you the chance to hop into the zodiacs and go and see it up close.

Onboard amenities include spacious lounges, fine dining and ocean-view cabins, ranging from 16- to 110-passenger capacities. The other good thing about these trips is you can eat as much as you like in the five-star vessels as you know you’re going to burn it off anyway!

The company has a great mix of natural history and cultural destinations for 2011. Their ships will be covering destinations around the Pacific and exploring new ports in the Arabian, Mediterranean, and North Seas.

They are are also introducing several new expeditions, including circumnavigations of islands such as Sicily’s archaeological wonders and famed cuisine, and Sumatra’s abundant wildlife and diverse landscape.

Zegrahm’s expeditions to Antarctica offer the opportunity of treading where no one may have been before as they ride Zodiacs through waters populated by whales and seals to land amid the cacophony of penguins or albatross colonies, or negotiating pack ice and tabular icebergs aboard an icebreaker.

With this company you can find yourself in Zodiacs in the islands of the South Pacific or the North Atlantic (above).

Expeditions range from two to three weeks in length, ensuring an in-depth look at the regions. Keeping the number of travellers on each expedition small also allows members personal contact with the leaders and naturalist experts.

Zegrahm will also be exhibiting at the Cruise Show at London's Olympia in April, so you can find out more about them in person.

In the meantime, for more info go to http://www.zeco.com/

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Vintage Cruising

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

Fine wines and elegant dining have always been part of the cruising experience but now Oceania have taken that tradition a step further with their new luxury ship Marina due to launch in January next year.

Teaming up with Wine Spectator magazine the company have incorporated into the design a specially designed wine tasting centre where guests can sample some of the world's finest vintages as chosen by the magazine's connoisseur experts.

Quaffing wines from the region where you are anchored does sound eminently appealing, plus the lectures given on the production, history and ethos of the wines should ensure you enjoy them that much more - and help get the tastebuds into top gear.

It doesn't stop there either as Oceania have set up seven-course (yes, 7!) tasting menus to help you appreciate the wines that much more, while the magazine's editors will also recommend reds and whites to accompany the evening menus.

As with all Oceania's cruises, there are ample choices when it comes to dining areas, - it's something they are renowned for.

So, if sipping one of those unique red wines from Ajaccio, watching the sunset bathe the Corsican hillside in that beautiful orange light, or raising a glass of Bianco D'Alcamo as you sail gently pass Sicily appeals, then why not find out more?

The only trouble I can see is that it's not the cruise line but the waistline that's going to be the problem. Great, isn't it!

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Louis Cruises let the train take the strain

With a dozen different cruise itineraries sailing from Marseille this year Louis Cruises reports that more of their passengers are choosing the train to reach their embarkation point.

“A London to Marseille journey by Eurostar and TGV can take less than seven hours, making rail a genuine alternative to flying – and a great deal more civilised,” says the cruise line’s Peter Adamou.

Louis Cruises are always sold on a ‘cruise only’ basis allowing travellers to tailor-make their own journey to Marseille, Genoa and Athens – the embarkation points for the line’s variety of Mediterranean cruises.

For example, a seven-day/six-night ‘Mediterranean Highlights’ cruise on the Louis Majesty sails from Marseille on 29 August, 29 September and 10 October (with the option to depart a day earlier in each case from Genoa). The ship visits the islands of Menorca, Malta and Sicily as well as Tunisia during the cruise.

Prices for this cruise start at just £319 per person based on two sharing a Standard Inside Stateroom. This includes full board accommodation, on-board entertainment and all port taxes and charges but not drinks or shore excursions.

Other sailings from Marseille include an eight-day ‘Spanish Odyssey & Tangier’ itinerary on the Louis Majesty (from £349 per person) and an 11-day ‘Adriatic Coast, Italy and Ionian’ cruise on the Orient Queen from £519 per person.

NB: Eurostar.com is currently advertising return travel to Marseille from £119 return.

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A Classic Frenzy!

It never rains but it pours. That 18th century saying is usually used to express bad things happening, at regular intervals. But it is also relevant to the sudden - and welcome - creation of new cruise lines pandering to the more cerebral and, perhaps, more mature passenger.

Hot on the heels of the new Cruise & Maritime Voyages announcement (see the next entry in Time Spent At Sea) comes news of another start-up cruise line offering a more distinctive, small-scale and even traditional experience.

Voyages to Antiquity will start in May 4, 2010, as a one-ship, classic cruise operation, featuring destination intensive voyages in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, taking in the Middle East, Aegean and Adriatic. They will offer a heavily lecture-based onboard programme, with a focus on the ancient civilisations of the area (hence the line's title) and definitely aimed at an English-speaking audience.

The vessel will be the extensively-revamped Aegean I, which has been laid up in port following an ownership dispute for several years, and which will be reborn (after a multi-million pound facelift) as the Aegean Odyssey.

She will carry just 380 passengers and offer single-occupancy cabins as well as some new balcony cabins, with voyages varying from 14 to 29 nights (May-Nov). They also intend to get off the beaten cruise track where possible, and visit some out-of-the-way ports like Kotor (Montenegro) and Syracuse (Sicily).

Under the helm of Gerry Herrod, who started the original Orient Lines in the early 90s, this promises to be a thoughtful and educational cruise offering. So expect lots of seriously high-brow guests lecturers and a really in-depth focus on the destinations, their history and culture.

They are still several weeks away from launching their website and sales line, but, for those who really enjoy the classic cruise experience, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

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