The Grand Tour revisited by Voyages to Antiquity

This cruise from Voyages to Antiquity echoes the idea of the Grand Tour.  Then, as now, Rome and Venice were not to be missed, and Florence and the ruins of Pompeii were also popular.  As well as the "Grand Tour" favourites, this cruise also takes you to the  Roman Palace of Diocletian in Split, and the Greek theatre at Taormina  . 

After a two-night hotel stay in Venice, Aegean Odyssey will cruise along the Adriatic to Sicily. Visit the Greek theatre at Taormina and then onwards to Sorrento and Rome, visiting historic sites on mainland Italy, including the ruins of Pompeii (above) and Herculaneum. Sail along the French Riviera to Marseilles from where you will travel to the Papal Palace at Avignon and the Roman amphitheater at Nimes. Your final destination is Villefranche where you can pop along to Monte Carlo for the evening.

16 days  £2,695  Departs from Venice 20 May 2015.

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Azamara Offer Free Shore Excursions

The imminent arrival of the New Year and the famous 'Wave Season' of cruise bookings and special offers is already well under way, and the latest news to hit the World of Cruising Inbox is a very tempting deal from Azamara Cruises, with the lure of free excursions on one of their Mediterranean voyages in 2014.

The offer is for the line's Azamara Quest on a seven-night Corsica and Amalfi Coast fly/cruise sailing April 30, which is offered from just £1,955 per person (based on two sharing an ocean view stateroom).

The price includes flights from London Heathrow, transfers and the 7-night cruise departing from Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and calling at Porto-Vecchio, Siracusa, Giardini and Sorrento before returning to Civitavecchia for the flight home. The cruise also includes selected standard spirits, wines and international beers; complimentary bottled water; soft drinks; speciality teas and coffees; meals and room service; housekeeping and dining gratuities; a bespoke AzAmazing Evenings event; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, as well as the free excursions.

More info: 0844 493 4016 or visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk.

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Voyages to Antiquity's Big Med Savers

At World of Cruising we like to have a good geographical spread of voyages. And, after the recent run of Arctic/Antarctic/Norway features, we thought you might need warming up a bit, so here are a couple of nice cruises in the sunny Mediterranean for you, courtesy of Voyages to Antiquity.

Take your pick from either one - and benefit from a generous £600 per cabin saving if you book this month:

Monumental Sicily, Herculaneum & Pompeii, Classical Greece and more: This 17-day cruise tour takes passengers from Istanbul to Rome, and from historical era to historical era. Shore excursions are included in 10 of the 11 ports visited, plus there is a choice of included sightseeing in five of them - Izmir, Athens, Nauplia, Taormina and Sorrento. It sails May 8, with prices from £2,595

Jerusalem and the Treasures of the Aegean: This new itinerary provides ample time to explore the iconic city of Jerusalem before setting sail for the Crusader strongholds in the Southern Mediterranean and some of the finest Roman and Hellenistic remains in Europe. It lasts 17 days and covers 11 ports, including three nights in Jerusalem, sailing on April 2 and with prices from £2,345pp.

For both these cruises, book by December 31 for cabin savings up to £600 and a single supplement of just 15 per cent.

More info: 0845 4379737 or visit http://www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

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Three More Of A Kind!

It's another three-for-the-price-of-one in today's Special Offer category, with each of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises featuring some great deals, for the short-term only.

Take your pick from:

Family fun in the Fjords with Royal Caribbean

Get active next summer by exploring the Norwegian mountains as well as scaling the onboard rock-climbing wall, enjoying a round of golf and hitting the basketball court on Adventure of the Seas on a week-long Norway cruise (above) from £749 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom).

The price includes the seven-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 23 and calling at Kristiansand, Alesund, Flam and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; plus all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

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

Discover Scandinavia & Eastern Europe with Celebrity

Join Celebrity Cruises and explore the beauty of the Baltic's most renowned capital cities on board Celebrity Eclipse on a 14-night cruise from only £1,421 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom).

This price includes meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, while the voyage departs from Southampton on June 7 and calls at Copenhagen on an overnight stay, Stockholm, Tallinn St. Petersburg on an overnight stay, Klaipeda (Lithuania) and Gdansk (for Gdynia in Poland) before returning to Southampton.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

Italian festivities with Azamara

Guests will be treated to a private “Festival Piedigrotta” at the Agrumeto Gardens in Sorrento, with singers, actors and musicians bringing old Naples to life as part of the Azamazing Evenings event on Azamara Quest's 11-night Mediterranean Easter fly/cruise from £2,735 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). The event is included in the cruise price.

The price also includes flights from London Heathrow, transfers and selected standard spirits, wines and international beers; complimentary bottled water; soft drinks; speciality teas and coffees; housekeeping and dining gratuities; the bespoke AzAmazing Evenings event; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. It departs from Nice on April 11 and calls at Civitavecchia (for Rome), Sorrento, Siracusa, Valletta, Trapani and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa) before returning to Nice for the flight home.

More info: call 0844 493 4016 or visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk.

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Star Clippers Offering Free Cabin Upgrades

To celebrate National Cruise Week, which runs from September 21 to 29, tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering free cabin upgrades for all bookings made during that period.

Book any Star Clippers voyage to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Cuba during this special promotional week, or one of the longer ocean crossings, and the cabin paid for will be upgraded by one category.

All Star Clippers cabins have twin or double beds, TV, marble-lined bathroom and plenty of storage, becoming more spacious according to the level of the category. All sailings on all three of the line’s graceful square-riggers are included in this fantastic offer.

Savings include:

Mediterranean

Round-trip Rome on Royal Clipper, departing May 10 and calling at Ponza, Sorrento, Amalfi, Taormina, Lipari and Stromboli. It costs £1,470 in a category 6 cabin; save £75 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Cuba

Round trip Cienfuegos (Cuba) on Star Flyer, departing December 7, 2014, and calling at beautiful beaches and bays in southern Cuba as well as the Cayman Islands It costs £1,115 in a category 6 cabin; save £115 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Caribbean

Round-trip Philipsburg (St Maarten) on Star Clipper, departing November 30 and calling at Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and St Barths It costs £1,080 in a category 6 cabin, saving £155 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Note: The maximum upgrade included in this offer is category 3 to category 2.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury 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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Grab A Crystal Deal

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

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

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

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

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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.

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New Sampler Cruises From Oceania

Oceania Cruises is offering two new 'taster' cruises on board the company’s brand new mid-sized, luxury cruise ship Riviera. 

The six-night sailings, which depart on November3 and 9, cost from £1,026 per person, and include a $300 shipboard credit per stateroom, free return UK flights, all meals, soft drinks and bottled water. In addition, the first 20 bookings made will receive a free upgrade from a Veranda stateroom to a Concierge Level Veranda, which includes complimentary champagne on arrival and free use of the exclusive Concierge Lounge. 

By offering the two new shorter sailings, the company is providing first-time cruisers and those who haven’t previously experienced the high-quality Oceania fleet the opportunity to sample the company’s legendary cuisine, to take a cookery lesson in the only hands-on cookery school at sea, enjoy complimentary crafts and digital photography courses in the `Artist’s Loft’, food and wine pairing and tastings in La Reserve wine-tasting centre or the opportunity to relax in the Canyon Ranch Spa. 

The first of the taster cruises embarks with an overnight stay in Venice and calls into Dubrovnik, Corfu, Messina, Sorrento and Capri before arriving into Civitavecchia on November 9. The second sector embarks in Civitavecchia and calls into Livorno for Florence and Pisa, then Monte Carlo, Marseille and Barcelona, where guests disembark on November 15 after a full day and overnight in the city. 

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

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Star Clippers Solo Sailing Boost

Star Clippers, which operates three of the world’s most spectacular tall ships, is offering sailings with no single supplements for select spring 2012 European cruises on board the 170-passenger four-masted Star Clipper and Star Flyer and the 228-passenger five-masted Royal Clipper.

The offer saves up to £682 for sole occupancy of a cabin for two. Star Clippers’ cruises are a great environment for single travellers, with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere on board, open seating dining and a convivial social scene at the al fresco Tropical Bar, the setting for cocktails, talks and evening entertainment. Many single travellers come back time and time again as lasting friendships are formed on board.

The singles savings offer includes a choice of eight sailing dates:

· Athens-Athens on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing May 5 and calling at Kusadasi, Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos, Monemvasia; now from £1,370pp for sole occupancy of a double cabin, saving £610.

· Southampton-Hamburg on Star Flyer, five nights, departing May 5 and calling at Amsterdam, from £1,035pp for sole occupancy of a double cabin, saving £426.50.

· Hamburg-Oslo on Star Flyer, seven nights departing May 19 and calling at List, Esbjerg, Kristiansand, Arendal and Stromstad; now from £1,490pp for sole occupancy of a double cabin, saving £667.50.

· Oslo-Copenhagen on Star Flyer, seven nights departing May 26 and calling at Marstrand, Goteborg, Halmstad, Kalundborg and Helsingborg; now from £1,490pp for sole occupancy of a double cabin, saving £667.50.

· Malaga-Rome on Royal Clipper, five nights departing April 23 and calling at Palma de Mallorca and Mahon; now from £1,080pp for sole occupancy of a double cabin, saving £487.50.

· Rome-Rome on Royal Clipper, seven nights departing April 28, May 5 and May 12 and calling at Ponza, Sorrento, Amalfi, Taormina, Lipari and Stromboli (scenic cruising); now from £1,515pp for sole occupancy of a double cabin, saving £682.50. All prices include full board on the ship and port taxes. 

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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It's The New-Look Minerva

Here's a chance to be among the first to sail aboard the new-look Minerva of Swan Hellenic - head to the Med aboard the newly refurbished ship on a 14-day 'Postcard from the Mediterranean' fly-cruise from just £1,495 per person (based on inside cabin accommodation). Highlights include visits to history-rich Rome, Athens and Istanbul, all of which can now be enjoyed via the breathtaking views from the ship’s new observation lounge.

Guests can also discover the delights of Sorrento (Italy), pick up some gems in the bustling medina in Sousse (Tunisia) or learn something new from one of Minerva’s experienced Guest Speakers on topics such as wine, music and ancient history.

The price includes return flights from London, transfers and the 14-day voyage departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) and calling at Naples (overnight), Sorrento, Palermo, Sousse, Valletta (Malta, overnight) and Piraeus (for Athens) before arriving at Istanbul for another overnight stay. It also includes includes a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent guest speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, on a March 29 departure.

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

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Oriana Returns After Major Refit

P&O Cruises welcomed Oriana back into Southampton recently after a month-long dry-dock refurbishment which transformed the ship so it is exclusively for adults. The refit saw the addition of 27 new cabins and the introduction of an Ocean Grill restaurant by Marco Pierre White, now proving very popular on P&O's Adonia.

The multi-million pound overhaul to the ship named by HM The Queen in 1995, also includes the addition of Sorrento, the new Italian restaurant concept also launched on Adonia, but this time with an outdoor dining area; a newly designed aft deck with bar; refreshed decoration in the public areas and Oasis Spa, which also now features thermal loungers and a dedicated aerobics floor; and a new look to the Al Fresco Mediterranean cafe. Oriana departed on her latest 97-night world cruise yesterday (January 5).

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

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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.

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Great Offers From Oceania

Those looking for a real cruise bargain this month could do a lot worse than consider these eight special offers from Oceania Cruises for the autumn:

7th September: Venice to Istanbul, 12 nights from £1,799

Oceania has a saving of up to £1,451pp off a 12-night cruise through the Mediterranean from Venice to Istanbul on board Marina, the company’s new, luxury ship, plus a credit of $1,000 per stateroom. The sailing now costs from £1,799pp or upgrade to a Penthouse suite for £2,399pp (saving £2,245pp). Prices in all cases are based on two sharing and include gourmet dining in a choice of six restaurants at no supplement, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, but exclude flights.

19th September: 12 night Greek island cruise from £1,499pp

Marina has a spectacular 12-night sailing from Istanbul to Athens (plus $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit) with a saving of £1,327pp. The voyage embarks from Istanbul and visits Rhodes, Limassol, Haifa, Jerusalem, Crete, Patmos and Volos before disembarking in Athens.

1st October: 14 nights Istanbul to Barcelona from £1,399pp

Cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona via Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, Marmaris, Alanya, Limassol, Haifa and Valletta on board Oceania's mid-sized luxury cruise ship Nautica. The 14-night sailing now costs from £1,399 per person with $1,000 on board credit, saving up to £1,467 per person.

3rd October: 12 nights from Venice to Istanbul saving £1,061

Oceania has a saving of up to £1,618 off this Med cruise from Venice to Istanbul on board mid-sized Insignia, plus a credit of $1000 per stateroom. The sailing now costs from £1,199pp (was £2260, saving £1,061), with Penthouse suites from £2,399pp (was £4,017).

15th October: Mediterranean Rhapsody 14-night Med cruise from £1,749pp

Cruise through the magical Aegean Sea on a 14-night Insignia cruise, saving up to £1,420 per person. The sailing from Istanbul to Barcelona offers a $1,000 on board credit per stateroom and visits Kavalla, Ephesus, Rhodes, Santorini, Taormina, Amalfi, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Monaco and Marseille before disembarking in Barcelona.

1st October: Venice to Athens, just £999pp

Cruise from Venice to Athens along Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, visiting Kotor, Corfu, Kusadasi in Turkey and the Greek islands. This 10-night sailing on Marina was £1,890, and also offers a $1,000 per stateroom credit for onboard purchases.

25th October: Rome to Athens, £999pp

A 10-night sailing from Rome to Athens, along Italy’s west coast, visiting Sicily, Sardinia, mainland Greece and Kusadasi in Turkey can be booked for just £999 per person, with a $1,000 per stateroom credit for onboard purchases.

21st October: `Legacies of Antiquity’, 12-night Med cruise from £1,499pp

Marina sets sail from Rome to Istanbul with prices from £1,499 per person and a $1,000 on board credit, saving £1,185 per person. The voyage embarks from Rome and continues up Italy’s west coast to Istanbul via Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Corsica, Sardinia, Sorrento, Palermo, Malta, Athens, Volos and Ephesus.

For more info, see www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact the UK's luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Lin Ltd.

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Crystal's 2012 Programme Now on Sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Regent's Mediterranean Discoveries

Why not take a cruise on Seven Seas Voyager with luxury line Regent Seven Seas from May 17 for seven nights? They now have balcony suites on this sailing from a bargain £2,435 per person (with alternative suite categories also available). Highlights of this voyage include Cairo (Port Said), Ashdod (overnight, for Jerusalem), Haifa, Capri (Sorrento) and Rome (Civitavecchia). They also include Regent's trademark unlimited FREE shore excursions. Take a look at this range of examples from the Voyager cruise:

Tel Aviv Orientation & Jaffa, Ashdod; originally £66, now FREE; Jerusalem Old City, Ashdod; originally £86, now FREE; Panoramic Jerusalem, Haifa; originally £86, now FREE; Nazareth & the Sea of Galilee, Haifa; originally £86, now FREE; Scenic Riviera & Taste of Sorrento; originally £66, now FREE. Total saving: £390pp (or£780 per couple!)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Free return Economy flights & transfers on every cruise; unlimited FREE shore excursions in every port; exquisite choice of fine dining, with no extra charge for speciality restaurants; fine wines, premium spirits, cocktails and selected Champagnes; speciality tea, coffee, afternoon snacks and light refreshment at any time of the day; exceptional personal service, with all gratuities included; and 24-hour room service & in-suite dining served course-by-course.

Fares are guaranteed until March 31 (terms and conditions apply). Please see www.rssc.com or visit the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Windstar's Stunning Italian Shore Excursion Line-Up

Windstar Cruises has announced that it will be offering 64 shore excursions on its 2011 seven-night Italian voyages sailing between Venice and Rome, round-trip from Rome and Nice and Rome.

Designed to explore Italy intimately, the shore excursions encompass land and sea adventures, cultural and historical experiences, food and wine tours, and walking journeys.

Highlighted 2011 Italy Shore Excursions include:

• Amalfi, Italy: Ancient Pompeii – explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii which was buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius before it was re-discovered in the 1500s. Guided tour through Pompeii’s baths, theatres, temples, markets and forum which showcases Roman life from ancient times.
• Capri, Italy: Blue Grotto – step onboard a small rowing boat to enter The Blue Grotto, a sea cave that is famous for its brilliant blue light created by sunlight reflecting through the water.
• Livorno, Italy: Wine Tasting and Carriage Ride at Lari – wine tasting at Torre a Cenaia winery, a Tuscan wine cellar, before enjoying a romantic carriage ride.
• Livorno, Italy: The Leaning Tower of Pisa – journey to Pisa, which is located 20 miles from Livorno, and view the Leaning Tower, the Piazza de Miracoli, the Baptistry and the historical churchyard.
• Sorrento, Italy: Boat Tour to Positano – a private motorboat ride along the coast to Positano, once a sleepy fishing village and home to renowned artists, featuring Moorish-style houses set in luxurious gardens.
• Portoferraio, Italy: Countryside Drive and Wine Tasting – visit the enchanting village of Porto Azzurro and enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard frequented by Emperor Napoleon.
• Rome, Italy: Private Vatican Tour – explore Porta di Bronzo on Viale Vaticano, special sections of the Vatican Museums, Cappella Niccolina (private worship place of the Pope), artwork masterpieces, the Sala degli Ori displaying precious Etruscan jewels and St Peter’s treasure.
• Rome, Italy: Rome Highlights – panoramic drive passing the Pyramid, the Circus Maximus, Imperial Avenue, Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Venice Square, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Borghese Gardens, Aurelian Walls, Sant’Angelo Fortress, the ancient Hadrian Mausoleum and a visit to St Peter’s Square (Vatican City).
• Venice, Italy: Venice Essential Sights – with a local guide, explore St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Cathedral, Doge’s Palace, Golden Staircase, St Mark’s Basin and the Bridge of Sighs.

Prices for Windstar's 2011 Italy voyages start from £1,992 per person based on Wind Surf’s seven-night voyage from Rome to Venice departing June 4. Price includes return scheduled flights and seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes.

Call Windstar Cruises on 020 7292 2369 or visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading cruise travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Oceania Cruises offers up to $1000 onboard credit

By guest blogger Steve Newman

For selected departures between April and July 2011 on three of its upper premium luxury ships, Oceania Cruises is offering $1,000 of onboard credit per booking. Included among the offer sailings are:-

23rd April: Wonders of the Ancients – 14-night cruise on Insignia (above), embarking in Civitavecchia (Rome) and cruising to Sorrento, Taormina, Zakynthos, Alexandria, Cairo, Haifa, Jerusalem, Limassol, Tartous, Alanya, Ephesus and Athens. The price of £2,571 per guest is based on 2 sharing and includes all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, as well as the $1,000 credit per stateroom (excludes flights).

27th May: Gems of Europe – this 15-night voyage on Insignia now comes with a $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom and is priced from £2,690 per guest, including all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water (excluding fights). The cruise sails from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Marseille, taking in Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Lisbon, Oporto, La Coruna, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Lorient before completing the voyage in Greenwich.

Other sailings with the enticing $1,000 onboard credit include in Alaska on Regatta and winter 2011/12 voyages on Nautica.

To find out more, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ or check with the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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