Three die in cruise ship engine room fire

Three people died – two contractors and a crewmember – when fire broke out in the engine room of cruise ship Insignia today.

The incident happened in port at Castries, on the Caribbean island of St Lucia. None of the 656 passengers was hurt, and they have all now been disembarked. The remainder of the ship’s 10-day cruise – which began in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday and was due to end in Miami next Wednesday – has been cancelled.

Insignia owned by Oceania Cruises and is identical to two of the line’s other vessels,  Nautica and Regatta. All three were originally built for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises. In March 2012, another identical ship, Azamara Quest, was crippled by an engine room fire which injured five members of crew. 

Oceania spokesman Jason Lasecki said three crewmembers and the two contractors were taken to hospital following the fire, which occurred at about  9.30 am local time. One crewman was later released, and the other was being treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The passengers are being accommodated in local  hotels until they can be flown to Miami. It is not yet known how many were from the UK.

Oceania Cruises President and Chief Operating Officer Jason Montague, flew to St lucia with a team of guest and crew support and technical personnel. This team is leading the effort to ensure guests and crew are well cared for, as well as working with the ship’s team and authorities to assess the situation. 

Insignia was given a multi-million pound refurbishment earlier this year after returning to Oceania after a two-year charter to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises who operated it as Columbus 2. Together with Regent Seven Seas, Oceania was the subject of a $3 billion takeover by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in September.

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Cruise the Caribbean at Christmas

Spend Christmas in nine exotic locations this year with Broadway Travel on board P&O's Azura. Discover charming new places, experience the volcanic landscape of Tortola and enjoy St Kitts’ deserted beaches and lush greenery.

Caribbean Christmas Cruise, P&O Azura: Spend 14 days at sea sailing across the Caribbean, full board, from £1,199 per person. Beginning and ending in Barbados, the cruise visits St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Grand Turk. Return flights depart London Gatwick on 13 December 2014. Prices based on two sharing.

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Adventure Cruising blog

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Swan Hellenic’s Caribbean Lure

Here's a great opportunity to enjoy a couple of distinctive cruises with Swan Hellenic, with their special Saver Fares and NO single supplement this year.

First, they are offering a 17-day "From the Caribbean to the Canaries" cruise, departing March 29, with the chance to explore historic plantation houses in Barbados, breathtaking views of the famous volcanic Pitons in St Lucia before discovering the little visited Iles des Saintes group of islands in Guadeloupe. Other highlights of this voyage include the stunning Fort de France, Martinique, the Cape Verde Islands and the volcanic island of Tenerife. Prices start from £3,800pp for a balcony cabin and £1,999 for an inside cabin if booked by  February 28.

Or you can save up to £200pp on the "Scandinavian Spring" 12-day cruise, departing April 28. This voyage explores Scandinavia in full bloom in partnership with Royal Horticultural Society Holidays, taking in beautiful gardens in Frederiksborg, Gothenburg and Bergen. Taking in the quaint canals and cobbled streets of historic Gothenburg, Minerva then cruises through the beautiful Southern Archipelago before sailing into the heart of the vibrant city of Oslo and exploring smaller fjords such as Akrafjord. Prices start from £1,980pp for an inside cabin. Solo travellers can also benefit from a 0% Single Supplement on standard outside cabins if booked by February 28.

Prices include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and selected shore excursions.

More info: call 0844 417 1939 or visit www.swanhellenic.com.

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Cruise & Walk In The Caribbean

We know the 'cruise and walk' holidays with Ramblers Worldwide have proved popular here on Time Spent At Sea in the past, so here is another opportunity to try their unique combination with Fred. Olsen Cruises - this time on a pair of fly-cruise trips to the Caribbean early next year.

The Caribbean and Latin America 
This rare 16-night Cruise & Walk opportunity covers three islands in the Eastern Caribbean, three in the Dutch Antilles and three ports in Panama and Colombia. The adventure begins with a flight to Barbados where guests spends a night in a hotel and exploring the island before boarding Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, which then sets sail for Castries, St Lucia. From there, it is on to the Spice Island of Grenada, famed for its production of nutmeg, mace, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Next port of call is Bonaire, the most easterly of the Netherlands Antilles (and just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela), followed by Aruba.

Then it is full steam ahead for the mainland of Latin America calling at Colon close to the Panama Canal, which offers the chance to visit the San Lorenzo National Park, famed for its forests, mangroves and pastureland. Next up are Cartagena and Santa Maria in Colombia and, on the way back to Barbados for the flight home, the ship visits another of the Dutch Antilles islands, Curacao.

Prices are from £2,850 per person, departing on January 25  2015.

Islands in the Caribbean
This 16-night Cruise & Walk option begins in Barbados after a night on this exotic island on board Braemar. Then the ship sets sail for Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and thence to Havana, Cuba, for two tantalising days. Next is Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos Islands followed by St Kitts, St Maarten and Antigua (for two days), before returning to Barbados for the homeward flight.

Prices are from £2,590 per person, departing February 8, 2015.

All of the above prices include all meals, an exclusive welcome party on one evening and a traditional afternoon tea with waiter service on a sea day, guided walking tours, shore visits, sightseeing programmes, on-board entertainment and restaurant tips plus the services of a dedicated tour leader.

More Info: call 01707 386767 or visit www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk.

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Fred Olsen & The Amazon

Wildlife enthusiasts (and we know we have quite a few here at Time Spent At Sea!) will be intrigued by a rare opportunity from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ to take an extended voyage along the Amazon River this March, which promises to deliver an in-depth experience into this amazing region, sailing round-trip from the UK.

The 35-night ‘Amazon River & Beaches of the Caribbean’ cruise departs from Southampton on Boudicca on March 22 and will take guests deep into the heart of the rainforest, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. It will also visit some of the world’s finest islands in the Caribbean, including Barbados, St. Lucia and Dominica, offering beautiful beaches and the chance for some welcome relaxation in the sun.

Very few cruise lines are able to offer this sort of in-depth Amazon voyaging but, as Boudicca is a smaller-sized ship, she can take guests further up the River, where the people, culture and colourful wildlife never fail to inspire.

More info: 800 0355 242 www.fredolsencruises.com.
 

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Valentine's Day - Love It Or Hate It

Love it or loath it, Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. So, whether cupid gets you hot under the collar or leaves you completely cold, the holiday companies are keen to grab your attention with fun St Valentine's ideas at this time of year.

 

And clever old P&O Cruises have come up with  a choice of holidays, whether you love the idea of celebrating the occasion - or simply want to avoid it all costs! On the one hand, you can jet away and sip cocktails with your loved one in the Caribbean or skip the date entirely by crossing the international dateline.

 

Here are P&O's ideas for lovers and haters.

Love it: Swap the dreary local restaurant and spend February 14 with your loved one toasting mojitos in St Maarten and relaxing with a couple’s massage on an island-hopping adventure round the Caribbean. It’s the winter sun holiday, which can be renamed as the most romantic gesture ever!

A 14-night Caribbean cruise departing February 7 on Azura starts from £1,399pp for a Getaway Fare with return flights. Starting from and returning to Barbados, ports of call include Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, St Maarten (for Valentine’s Day), Tortola, Curacao and Bonaire. For added romance, book a couple’s massage in the Oasis Spa or sample British/Indian fine dining in Sindhu restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar (cover charge applies).

Loath it: if the mere mention of Valentine's Day triggers cold sweats, red vision, nausea or fits of rage, then just skip the date. That’s right, omit the date entirely. Go to bed on February 13 and wake up on February 15. P&O has a cruise which crosses the international dateline on February 14 so it fast-forwards a day and doesn’t happen!

An 18-night cruise from Los Angeles to Auckland departing February 2 on Arcadia starts from £1,499pp for a Getaway Fare. Starting from Los Angeles, ports of call include Papeete, Bora Bora, Suva, Bay of Islands and Auckland. Flights and transfers from £1,000pp.

Cruises are based on an inside cabin and include full board meals, daily afternoon tea and on board entertainment.

More info: call 0843 374 0111 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk.

 

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Bag Some Credit With Oceania

Yes, it's still 'Wave' Season, and yes, there are still some great cruise deals to be had in the first few weeks of the New Year.

Like this one from Oceania Cruises, who are offering $200 onboard credit for all cruises booked by next Monday, January 13.

The offer is applicable for ALL sailings on the line’s five luxury ships, Riviera, Marina, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. All cruises include return UK flights, all meals, no supplement for speciality dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

Like these two wonderful sailings (with guaranteed sunshine!): 

March 28: 10-night Caribbean cruise for £1899 (saving £1290pp)

This voyage feature a new lower fare (was £3,189) and free gratuities, plus the bonus of $200 onboard credit to spend in the ship’s boutiques and spa. It is a round-trip sailing from Miami on Riviera (above), taking in the Caribbean islands of Antigua, St Barts, Barbados, Tortola and St Lucia.

May 5: 10-night Turkey, Holy Land and Greek Islands cruise for £2,109pp

Enjoy free gratuities, internet, and an amazing £1,647pp saving, as well as the bonus $200 onboard credit for this `Historic Holy Lands’ sailing, from Istanbul to Athens. In addition to the Greek islands of Rhodes and Patmos, Riviera visits Kusadasi, Cyprus and Haifa, where a two-night stay enables guests to discover the Holy Land with a range of optional excursions.

More info: call 0845 505 1920 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com.

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Balmoral Boost For Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic port city of Santo Domingo has set out to make itself a major Caribbean cruise destination in the months and years to come, and it seems the cruising world is taking notice.

 

Only last month, we reported here on Time Spent At Sea about a major conference by the country's tourism leaders to boost their cruise profile and attract new traffic, highlighting the many attractions of the city and its tour options.

 

And, while they have a long way to go, with only a handful of cruise lines currently scheduled to call, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are the latest to arrive, with an inaugural visit from their classic ship Balmoral (above).

 

The call was marked with a traditional Plaque & Key event, with the exchange protocol being made by Victor Stoica (Balmoral's captain) and Sharon Mei, the Commercial Director of Santo Domingo's Sans Souci Ports organization, as well as other executives of the Port and the shipping agency Maritima Dominicana.

During the event, Ms Mei, gave a formal welcome to the boat authorities at the same time giving a big vote of confidence in Santo Domingo as a cruise destination, where MSC

Cruises' MSC Musica is already a regular visitor (right).

Balmoral made its first call at the Sansouci Terminal, bringing some 1,175 visitors from the UK and 515 crew members. This cruise is scheduled to visit Ponta Delgada, St. Maarten, Tortola, Grand Turk, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent, Granada, Barbados and Madeira as well as Santo Domingo.

More info: for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0845 421 2661; for Santo Domingo, visit www.godominicanrepublic.com.

And don't miss our new-look January issue when we'll have more about Santo Domingo and it's many attractions.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 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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The Andes & Caribbean With Swan Hellenic

               

Destination specialists Swan Hellenic are offering a fabulous chance to explore the Caribbean AND the Andean mountains in one extended voyage in the New Year.

Swan's "Discover the Wonders of the Andes & Atacama" 25-day cruise departs on January 5, taking passengers through the Caribbean and along the Panama Canal to explore the highlights of Ecuador, Peru and Chile. 

Along the way, guests will get to admire the best Pre Columbian and Incan gold and pottery artefacts in Lima’s fine museums; discover the Santa Catalina Convent in the Peruvian ‘White City’ of Arequipa; and savour the fine wines of Chile’s Casablanca Valley. New Saver Fares start from £3,685 per person for an inside cabin and £4,735 for an outside cabin. With limited availability, early booker can now take advantage of fantastic savings of up to £1,015 per person.

Alternatively, the "Caribbean to the Canaries" journey is a 17-day cruise departing on March 29. Passengers will be able to step back in time to explore an historic Plantation House in Barbados; admire the natural beauty of the towering Pitons on the lush, volcanic island of St Lucia; and explore the undiscovered Iles des Saintes. The final port of call on this fascinating itinerary is the volcanic island of Tenerife, where the lava fields of Mount Teide await discovery. As part of an Autumn Sale, prices for this cruise start from £1,734 per person for an inside cabin and £2,256 for an outside cabin if booked by November 11.

Prices for both cruises include return flights to/from the UK, gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and selected shore excursions. 

 

More info: visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 488 1048.

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More Caribbean From Fred Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has introduced a fourth Caribbean fly-cruise in 2015 to satisfy increased demand to the great winter sun destination. 

The 16-night ‘Caribbean Transatlantic Fly-Cruise’ offers guests a chance to fly to Bridgetown (Barbados) from London Gatwick or Manchester on February 23, 2015, to join 929 guest-ship Braemar. This delightful sunshine cruise will then take in the beautiful destinations of Castries (St. Lucia), St. John’s (Antigua), Basseterre (St. Kitts), Philipsburg (St. Maarten) and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel, Azores) before cruising back to Dover.

Fred. Olsen introduced three new Caribbean fly-cruise itineraries last month after its customers had lobbied for the return of this popular programme, and this fourth option is indicative of the continuing huge demand in voyages to the region.

The cruise is now on sale and details are as follows:

Joining Braemar in Barbados, guests will have ample opportunity to soak up the Caribbean sunshine before arriving at the first port of call, Castries. This vibrant destination offers a chance to relax on the white sand beaches or explore the tropical rainforest.

Next stop is the lively port of St. Johns, before moving onto Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, and one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. Braemar then sets sail for the island of St. Maarten, home to gourmet food, world-class duty free shopping, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with a Caribbean twist.

Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, is the last call. This historic centre still has a fishing village feel, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and a waterfront promenade. Braemar then returns to Dover.

Prices for this cruise start from £799 per person (cruise only), based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. One-way flights from London Gatwick or Manchester, including airport taxes and transfers, start from £400 per person. Guests can upgrade to the 'all-inclusive' drinks package for just £6.99 per person, per night. But get in soon – this price is available until September 19 only.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's leading cruise-agent experts.

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P&O's Bargain Caribbean

Famous for its laid-back lifestyle, sugar-soft beaches, turquoise sea and gently swaying palms, any trip to the Caribbean is one that lingers long in the memory. With so many beautiful and diverse islands, there is always somewhere or something new to explore, with days ashore offering the choice of bustling markets or seemingly endless escape-from-it-all beaches.

With all that in mind, P&O Cruises have two fabulous new Caribbean cruise offerings this winter, with special Getaway Fares making them a real bargain.

Take your pick from:
 
Caribbean cruise, 14 nights, £1,399pp
This fabulous voyage on Ventura is now offered from £1,399 per person for a Getaway Fare. Departing November 8, the price includes flights from UK, an inside cabin, all meals, and entertainment. Sailing round-trip from Barbados, the ports of call are St Vincent, Dominica, St Lucia, St Kitts, Antigua, Grand Turk, Tortola and St Maarten.

Christmas Caribbean cruise, 14 nights, £1,499pp
P&O is now offering their two-week Christmas cruise on Azura from just £1,499 per person for a Getaway Fare. Departing December 13, the price includes flights from UK, an inside cabin, all meals and entertainment. Again sailing round-trip from Barbados, the ports of call are Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Tortola, Curacao and Bonaire.

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

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Holiday Like Bond With Voyages of Discovery

The latest James Bond film Skyfall premieres later this month so, as talk turns to martinis, high-speed car chases and code breaking, recollect your favourite 007 moment on a Bond-inspired cruise with Voyages of Discovery.

The film Golden Eye was inspired by creator Ian Fleming’s Jamaica estate – known by the same name – and the films Dr. No and Live and Let Die were also shot nearby in glamorous locations in the Caribbean, and you can visit these destinations for yourself on board MV Voyager on the 'Caribbean Gems' cruise to uncover their colonial history, stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. 

The 17-day voyage is available from £1,999 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin) and departs from Barbados on December 20, calling at St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Grenada, Tobago, Margarita Island and La Guaira (Venezuela), Curacao, Bonaire, Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The price includes return flights from a major London airport and relevant transfers, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all on board gratuities and all relevant port and airport taxes/fees.

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

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Fred Olsen + Portsmouth = Autumn Bliss

After a summer of wet and windy weather, many of us long for warmer climates, before winter sets in. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has two longer cruises, with some fascinating destinations to explore, departing from Portsmouth this autumn. The smart new terminal building and greatly improved road access – due to the new Hindhead Tunnel – plus excellent rail links, make this a superb departure port. 

The first departure is aboard Boudicca, a 23-night cruise to the Mediterranean, focusing on Turkey. Departing October 12, it sails south to southern Portugal, with a first visit to pretty Portimăo, in the Algarve. Another day at sea brings the lovely island of Ibiza, pleasantly sunny and quieter in October, before moving on to another island – Malta - where Boudicca calls into the historic capital, Valletta. An added attraction on this cruise is the distinguished guest speaker, veteran broadcaster Michael Nicholson OBE (above). Michael will be hosting a theme of ‘Reporting the World’ through Fred. Olsen’s exclusive onboard enrichment programme, Vistas.

Prices for this stunning cruise start from £1,399 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin, with a LateSaver deal. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in Vistas activities. 

Another long cruise promising some wonderful weather this autumn is Boudicca’s ‘Caribbean Voyage’. This 28-night cruise departs  Portsmouth on November 18 and features two relaxing days at sea before visiting Funchal on the pretty ‘Garden Isle’ of Madeira. The ship then makes her Atlantic crossing and her first port of call in the Caribbean is Bridgetown, Barbados, one of the most popular islands with British visitors. Next is the lovely harbour of St. George’s in Grenada – known as the ‘Spice Island’ – then Castries, in lush, green St. Lucia. Other islands visited are Antigua, with its 365 beaches (one for every day of the year), St. Kitts, Tortola and tiny St. Maarten, all with their own personalities and glorious scenery, plus a warm Caribbean welcome guaranteed.On the return crossing, Boudicca calls into Ponta Delgada in the Azores, before returning to Portsmouth.

Prices for this cruise start from just £1,699 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin, with a LateSaver deal (cabin allocated on embarkation).This price includes all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes, representing great value for money.

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

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Explore The Caribbean Under Sail With Lindblad

For well-travelled cruisers who want to discover the Caribbean by sea, there is not a ship afloat that can match the Sea Cloud’s ambience, illustrious history or the experience she offers. New for 2013, Lindblad Expeditions will introduce three 7-night departures through the Lesser Antilles on this legendary vessel, on February 28 and March 7 and 14.

The world’s most elegant square-rigged tall ship carries just 58 guests. The Sea Cloud flies 30 sails, hoisted the old-fashioned way - by hand - and offers an incomparable mix of sophistication, fine service and informality, the epitome of barefoot elegance. The week-long voyages will explore the “Nature Island” of Dominica, the French-infused cultures of Iles des Saintes, the renowned landscapes of St Lucia, and the idyllic Grenadines.

As the Sea Cloud visits colonial towns, historic forts and botanical gardens, guests will discover a surprising mosaic of French, Dutch, English and Spanish, who all left an indelible imprint on the historic culture and architecture. For those interested in the undersea, there will be several opportunities to learn about reef ecology and to snorkel among colourful corals and tropical fish in the marine reserve of the Tobago Cays and the idyllic Grenadines.

During the voyage, Lindblad and National Geographic’s exemplary staff will illuminate and navigate these cultures, both historic and contemporary, through the expertise of veteran expedition leader Tom O’Brien, naturalist Albert Montaudon (a biologist by training, conservationist by passion and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor) and historian Thomas Heffernan, an expert on Caribbean history and languages. Also joining on the March 14 voyage is Kenny Broad, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and  environmental anthropologist who dives in some of the world’s most challenging underwater caves on scientific missions.

Guests embark and disembark the Sea Cloud in Barbados. Rates begin at $6,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

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

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Holland America's Latest Offers

Here are three superb offers that have just arrived in the World of Cruising Inbox, all for lengthy - and exciting - voyages with Holland America. See what you think:

32-night ex-UK Caribbean Odyssey

Departing Southampton on November 3, this Caribbean Odyssey cruise onboard MS Rotterdam calls at Ponta Delgada (Portugal), Road Town (Tortola), Philipsburg (St Maarten), Castries and Soufriere (St Lucia), Kralendijk (Bonaire), overnight at Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curacao), Port of Spain (Trinidad), Bridgetown (Barbados) and Funchal (Madeira) before returning to Southampton. The 32-night cruise starts from £1,988 per person cruise-only, based on two sharing an inside cabin.

14-night Voyage of the Midnight Sun

Departing Dover on July 20, 2013, this trip goes to the very top of Norway, within the Arctic circle and the Land of the Midnight Sun, onboard the MS Ryndam. Ports of call include Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, Tromso, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Trondheim, Molde and Bergen, with scenic cruising of Sognefjord and Trondheimsfjord. This 14-night cruise starts from £1,599 per person, based on two sharing an outside cabin (currently free upgrades to outside cabins). 

26-night Amazon and Carnival Explorer

Sail on board the MS Maasdam, starting with two nights in Rio de Janeiro on February 10 and 11, 2013, and cruise from there to Armacao dos Buzios, Salvador da Bahia and Fortaleza in Brazil before crossing the Equator and sailing into the Amazon. The cruise then spends just over a week cruising the Amazon, calling at Santarem, Boca da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter Do Chao in Brazil, before sailing to Bridgetown (Barbados), Roseau (Dominica) and Philipsburg (St Maarten), disembarking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 8. The 26-night voyage starts from £4,834 cruise-only, based on two sharing an inside cabin.

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

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A Right Royal Caribbean Winter

Royal Caribbean is featuring a huge Caribbean winter programme in 2013/14, with no less than 630 sailings on board 15 ships, departing from nine different ports and calling at 45 ports across the region. 

In total, the big American line will offer 110 different cruise holiday itineraries throughout the Caribbean for their biggest winter season ever. 

From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Royal Caribbean will once again offer year-round options aboard Jewel of the Seas, with three southern itineraries in the summer and autumn 2013 seasons, and two itineraries in the winter and spring 2013-14 seasons.

Departing every Saturday, the seven-night round-trip itineraries include calls at a range of exciting ports throughout the Windward and Leeward Islands, including St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, and the US Virgin Islands (above), as well as St. Maarten, Barbados, Aruba and Curacao.

Additionally, Adventure of the Seas returns for the winter 2013-14 season to bolster offerings from San Juan, alternating two seven-night southern Caribbean itineraries. On one itinerary, guests call at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba and Curacao, while the second calls at Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix. These sailings are all now open for sale.

For bookings, follow this link to our sponsors The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise-agent specialists.

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It's A New York Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round home port of New York City to the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean during her inaugural winter season next year.

Following a summer inaugural season sailing seven-night cruises from New York to Bermuda, Breakaway will embark on a series of 25 seven-night cruises to the Bahamas & Florida beginning on October 13, 2013. The ship will also sail two 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries on January 5 and 19, 2014. 

Her ports of call will include stops in Nassau, NCL's private island in the Bahamas, (Great Stirrup Cay) and Port Canaveral in Florida along with three relaxing days at sea. These sailings run to April 27, 2014.

The ship’s 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises weill include Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados and St. Kitts, along with five sea days. Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013.

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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Silversea's 15-Day Caribbean Special

Join Silversea Cruises on a 15-day Transoceanic trip from just £3,213 per person (or £214 per day) on an all-inclusive basis. Departing October 24 from Lisbon (Portugal), Silver Cloud calls at Casablanca (Morocco), Agadir (Morocco), Arrecife (Canary Islands, Spain); Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain); St. John’s (Antigua), Roseau (Dominica) and Castries (St Lucia), before arriving in Bridgetown (Barbados).

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include port charges, government fees and taxes. A $1000 'Passport to Luxury' onbaord credit is offered per suite (approx. £640), based on two people sharing, for use towards additional benefits such as shore excursions, spa treatments, boutiques, or select restaurants. Economy air fare is available from £799 per person.

For more information, visit www.silversea.com or the UK's luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Make it a ‘Caribbean Christmas’ With Fred. Olsen

Christmas is a time for celebration and relaxation, and what better way to do both than on a sunny Caribbean cruise? Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a leisurely 25-night ex-UK ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise aboard Black Watch, departing from Southampton on December 17.

The long Atlantic crossing allows for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many activities and facilities the ship has to offer. Guests can join in quizzes and traditional deck games, read in the peace of the library, swim, work out in the gym, or take part in many other enjoyable activities, as the ship makes her way to the warm Caribbean waters.

Christmas Day sees Black Watch in the middle of her Atlantic crossing, and the day is celebrated at sea in the traditional way – there is a sumptuous feast, a visit from Santa Claus for younger guests, as well as carol singing, festive entertainment, quizzes and, of course, a ship glittering with Christmas trees and decorations.

The first Caribbean port of call is Barbados on December 28 followed by the lovely islands of St Lucia, Antigua, Tortola and St Maarten, while the return crossing includes a visit to the Azores before arriving back in Southampton on January 11.

An extra-special attraction on this festive cruise is live entertainment from two of the best tribute bands around, appearing as part of the exclusive Fred. Olsen's ‘Music & Laughter’ programme. The acts are ‘Bee Gees Magic’ and ‘Abba Magic’, and they will be recreating the great sounds of the Seventies’ super-groups during the cruise.

Prices for this Christmas cruise start from £3,597 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board – including the ‘Music & Laughter’ programme – and port taxes.

Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialst cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

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Windstar Unveils New 2012 Collection

Windstar Cruises, operator of a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, has unveiled its new 2012 collection of luxury voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic, Italy, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, with nine new itineraries and the lowest introductory pricing in years.

In addition, guests who book by June 30 will receive a $200 shipboard credit per cabin. Windstar’s Foremast Members receive an additional 5% discount on all itineraries.

The 2012 programme features a unique collection of islands, highlighting diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. For example, seven-night sailings on Wind Surf round-trip from Philipsburg, St Maarten, visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St Barts, with cruise-only prices from £1,577 per person.

Or how about the Treasures of Northern Europe? Discover six of the region's most captivating countries with 11-night sailings on Wind Surf between Lisbon and Oslo, visiting Le Havre, Dover, Antwerp and Amsterdam and cruise-only prices from £2,376 per person.

Windstar’s 2012 voyages are available to book now. For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.com or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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