Princess Cruises’ Australia sailings in 2016 on sale

Bookings can now be made on Princess Cruises’ Australia-based voyages in 2016. A total of 69 cruises are on offer, sailing from February to October 2016. They depart from Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle.

The cruises call at destinations including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Hawaii and Singapore.

They feature a 113-day world cruise, split into 20 different itineraries, which will visit destinations as varied as Easter Island, Dubai, Machu Picchu and St Petersburg. Guests booking on the world cruise before 31 August 31 2015 will receive up to £600 on-board credit per person and a stateroom upgrade wherever possible.

Prices start at £1,549 per person for a 15-night sailing from  Australia to New Zealand, £889 per person for 10 nights in the South Pacific and £6,579 per person for the 49-night London to Sydney leg of the world cruise, which travels via New York, the Panama Canal and South America.

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The Project Orient Survey

The intriguing prospect that is Project Orient - a planned new cruise line operating traditional liner-type services between Britain and Australia - has put out an urgent plea for all cruise-goers to respond to its online survey to gauge interest in the potential idea.

It is a genuinely new and novel proposal and the company is continuing to work towards securing funding this year for the long-term dream of resurrecting the classic liner service to Australia.

In case you have not already seen it, Project Orient has a new website at www.sailtoaustralia.com, featuring various press coverage about the project and the all-important Survey, which asks a number of questions about potential interest in taking the traditional 26-day voyage, which would call at the likes of Rome, Suez, Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai, as well as Fremantle, Perth and Sydney.

Project Orient are in the process of building alliances with tourist boards, designers and banks, and aim for a full launch once an equity partner is signed on.

It remains a pipe-dream for now - but with the potential to be a very real and tempting cruise line if the cruise-going world shows sufficient interest. 

And it certainly shows more sign of becoming a reality than the ludicrous Titanic II idea of Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, who has yet to sign anything remotely resembling a ship-building contract more than a year after trumpeting his sea-going nonsense at two high-profile dinners in New York and London that many media outlets bought hook, line and sinker!

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Ponant Heads Down Under

Those looking for a cruise on the more exotic side are increasingly spoiled for choice these days - and that choice is about to get even broader with the latest news from boutique French operator Compagnie du Ponant.

Ponant's new itineraries for the winter 2014/2015 season include seven innovative cruises to Australia and New Zealand, with the new itineraries taking passengers to the South Pacific Ocean and Oceania. Destination highlights include not only Darwin, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania, but also Auckland and Rotorua, cradle of Maori culture.

The voyages will all aboard the sleek and stylish yacht-like cruiser L’Austral, with 132 staterooms and suites, and a high-quality array of public rooms and dining choices.

Highlights of the eye-catching programme Down Under include:
 

• Combining wide open spaces with the delicate “French Touch” on board the latest generation luxury yacht.
• Zodiac® outings with experienced naturalist-guides to explore unspoiled wildlife.
• Expedition programmes designed to explore Australia’s most emblematic sites and meet the Aborigines.
• Snorkelling in the turquoise blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Discovering New Zealand, an archipelago on the edge of the world, and Maori culture.

Ponant offers seven departures between December 12, 2014, and February 2015 on board L’Austral, from just €2,150 per person, cruise only.

More info: call 0800 980 4027 or visit www.ponant.com.

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Seabourn's World Voyage Selections

Luxury cruise line Seabourn has released a selection of terrific offers for those seeking some excitement this winter, based on several sectors of the grand World Cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn (which we highlighted earlier this month on this blog).

 

The two tempting sectors are as follows, with their special pricing (and onboard credit bonus) after each one:

34-day cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney

Itinerary: Los Angeles, California; Hilo, Hawaii; Lahaina, Hawaii; Honolulu, Hawaii; Nawiliwili, Hawaii; crossing the equator; Papeete, French Polynesia; Moorea, French Polyensia; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Cross International Dateline; Auckland, New Zealand; Tauranga, New Zealand; Wellington, New Zealand; Nelson, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia.

• Scenic cities – Auckland & Los Angeles
• Hawaiian gems – Honolulu & Nawiliwili

Prices now start from £10,999pp for fly/cruise, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini-bar. They also include $500 on-board spending.

22-day cruise from Mumbai to Venice

Itinerary: Mumbai, India; Salalah, Oman; Aqaba, Jordan; enter Suez Canal at Suez; daylight transit Suez Canal; exit Suez Canal at Port Said; Ashdod, Israel; Haifa, Israel; Rhodes, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Kerkira, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Triluke Bay, Croatia; Venice, Italy

• Scenic cities – Venice & Mumbai
• Guests can experience the Suez Canal

Prices start from £6,599pp for fly/cruise, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini bar. Price also includes $250 on-board spending.

 

More info: call  0843 373 2000 or visit www.seabourn.co.uk.

 

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P&O's World In 2015

P&O Cruises is offering two amazing world cruises for 2015, collectively visiting 69 unique destinations in 38 different countries and covering some 61,470 nautical miles.  

Arcadia is sailing a 106-night full World Circumnavigation exclusively for adults with single cabins available, and Aurora is sailing a 105-night South America and Pacific Adventure for families, couples and solo travellers alike. Both sail round-trip from Southampton and are now on sale.

At 106 nights with lead-in Vantage Fares from £9,999 per person, Arcadia’s cruise is a classic world voyage, with the destination and port-rich cruise featuring five maiden calls, to Bitung (Indonesia), Darwin (Australia), Lahaina (Maui, Hawaiian Islands), Manila (Philippines) and Sanya (Hainan, China). It also features extended calls in San Francisco, Honolulu, Sydney (above), Hong Kong, Dubai, Safaga and Sokhna (Egypt) to enable passengers to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences in these ports, from tours of ancient civilisations visiting lavish tombs, temples and palaces in Egypt to the hustle-bustle of modern city life in Hong Kong.

Aurora’s South America and Pacific Adventure is family friendly with more time spent in New Zealand, including a cruise through its famed Milford Sound. The cruise features three maiden calls for the ship, to Akaroa (New Zealand), Rarotonga (Cook Islands) and Moorea (French Polynesia). Lead-in Vantage Fares for this cruise start from £9,299 per person.

Extended calls on Aurora will be in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Sydney and San Francisco so passengers can take in these cities’ breathtaking sights during the day as well as into the night.

P&O managing director Carol Marlow said: “A world cruise offers so much more than an extended holiday, it’s an experience of a lifetime, an adventure on an epic scale. How else can you visit so many destinations around the globe, enjoy a whole host of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and immerse yourself in new cultures, countries and sights while travelling in consistent style and comfort?

“Our two world cruises for 2015 are no exception and offer excellent value for money. With prices from £89 per person, per night for our South America and Pacific Adventure on Aurora, it’s a fantastic way to see the world without having to compromise on home comforts. Booking early also means passengers receive the best value, with our Price Promise protection, and they can enjoy all the benefits that booking early affords, such as being able to secure their preferred choice of cabin and dining option.” 

 

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

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Christmas All Wrapped Up With Regent

This December, guests on each of Regent Seven Seas stunning all-suite ships will be able to enjoy both the Christmas and New Year occasions on one sailing. Each of the line's three ships offers a Christmas and New Year sailing, away from Europe, in very different parts of the world.

HOLIDAY SAILINGS Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro - Seven Seas Mariner Dec 20 | 15-nights from £5,359pp • Includes a Pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Stay in Buenos Aires • Overnight stay in Port in Montevideo & Rio de Janeiro Singapore to Sydney - Seven Seas Voyager  Dec 22 | 16-nights from £6,459pp • Overnight stay in Bali on Christmas Day • Opportunity to see the world famous Komodo Dragons Miami round-trip - Seven Seas Navigator  December 23 | 12-nights from £4,959pp

Reflecting the international guests onboard, Regent acknowledge the many different traditions celebrated at this time, from across the world. Children will be able to prepare and decorate Christmas cookies; afternoon tea will feature mince pies and German stolen and special menus will be created to observe Hanukkah and the eight-day celebration of the festival of lights. For Europeans, where Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve, the Compass Rose will invite guests to sample a perfectly portioned European tasting menu complete with roasted goose and traditional French dessert, Bûche de Noël. Christmas Day will see the traditional roast Turkey and American pumpkin pie on the menu in the Compass Rose.

A delectable six-course Gala Dinner usually lasting well into the night and outside for a Deck Party will be served up before a countdown to midnight. Of course, being the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, guests can enjoy as much free Champagne as they wish as well as a midnight snack buffet featuring caviar and chocolate-dipped strawberries!

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

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Regent's Big Deal Down Under

Regent Seven Cruises have passed on some great special offers so far this year, but this latest one is a real eye-opener, especially if you are interested in a cruise in New Zealand waters, with a lot of extras.

Here's what they have to offer:

Sydney to Auckland

Take a cruise on Seven Seas Voyager (above) and enjoy a specially-priced voyage, with a night's luxury hotel stay pre-cruise, 10 nights aboard the all-inclusive six-star ship and the chance to enjoy a pre or post-cruise land tour.

The voyage sails on January 7, 2014 and is now priced at just £3,999pp (was £4,789pp), based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Sydney, cruising Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland, with up to 13 FREE excursions, PLUS a 3-night pre or post cruise land programme from just £599 per person. Choose from: Sydney and beyond, including a tour to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley; Luxury retreat in Australian Bush; or New Zealand countryside and wineries.

As ever, Regent promise the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, with free flights and transfers, free 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package (in Concierge Suites and above), unlimited shore excursions on every cruise, and fully inclusive onboard, including fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment. 

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

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Great Offers From Oceania

If you're looking for the perfect New Year cruise bargain, this latest little selection from Oceania Cruises may be just the ticket.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

Feb 26: 16 nights, £3,589, saving £1,975
A $300 per stateroom onboard credit is being offered to guests booking Oceania's `Splendours Down Under’ cruise on the 1,250-guest luxury ship Marina, renowned for its culinary excellence, wine pairing centre and hands-on cookery school. The sailing of New Zealand’s south-eastern coastline concludes in Australia, to call into Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.

CARIBBEAN

March 28: Caribbean Hideaways, 10 nights, from £1,809, saving £959
Cruise the Caribbean islands of Tortola (above), Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Barts on board new luxury cruise ship Riviera, also with a $300 per stateroom credit to spend in the ship’s bars, spa and boutiques. 

MEDITERRANEAN

July 3: 10 nights, Rome to Venice, £1,339, saving £1,590 
Oceania has a saving of £1,590pp off its `Italian Escapade’ cruise from Rome to Venice, calling into Livorno, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Sicily, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Venice. The cruise is on the line's latest luxury vessel, the 1,250-guest Riviera. 

In all cases, the cruise price includes return UK flights, all meals, no supplement for specialty dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

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

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Crystal's Lord of the Rings Adventure

Known for its ingenuity in global adventure, Crystal Cruises is offering an exclusive new dinner experience on the “Hobbiton” set used for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the new prequel film. 

The unique shore-side opportunity will debut just days after The Hobbit opens worldwide when Crystal Symphony calls in Tauranga during a New Zealand/Australia holiday cruise beginning December 20. The Crystal Adventure will also be offered on a January 29 voyage through the region.

The two local cultures of New Zealand and “Middle Earth” will come alive, starting with a private,  after-hours guided tour of the village movie set. From Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ Hobbit holes to the Brandywine Bridge, guests will enter buildings and stroll rolling hills, while learning about the massive efforts undertaken to build the site. On the grounds of the hobbit-frequented Green Dragon Inn, with a beautiful sunset view overlooking the lake and Mill, guests will enjoy a bevy of  extraordinary local wine and beers, a traditional Kiwi barbeque and other fresh dishes served by waiting staff in Lord of the Rings garb.

The cost of the Hobbiton dinner and village exploration is $265/person. A second Lord of the Rings-themed Adventure is also offered on both cruises, visiting Edoras’ home, Mt. Potts Station and Lodge, and New Zealand’s Southern Alps from Christchurch.

The December 20 voyage - which also offers gourmet holiday cuisine, festive décor, a Master Photographer capturing memories and a complimentary New Year’s Eve extravaganza in Sydney Harbour - overnights in Auckland before sailing through Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney (double overnight), Melbourne (overnight) and Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds. All-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the 16-night Christmas/New Year’s sailing start from £7,600 per person. 

The January 29 cruise also stops overnight in Auckland then overnights in Tauranga and proceeds through Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin and the Sounds before concluding with an overnight in Sydney. All-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the 13-night sailing start from £4,672 per person, with £1,563 in savings if booked by December 31.

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

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Seabourn's Luxury 2014 World Cruise

Luxury Seabourn Cruise Line has announced their award-winning Seabourn Sojourn will sail a 116-day world cruise in 2014, encompassing destinations such as Hawaii, the South Pacific, Indonesia, south-east Asia, Australia, India, the Arabian peninsula and the Mediterranean.  

The ship will depart Los Angeles on January 4, 2014, and arrive in Venice on May 1.  Sojourn will stop at 53 ports in 20 countries and, for the first time on a world cruise, will explore Western Australia. 

Several new ports are scheduled in the land “down under,” including Geelong, Victoria; Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island; and Bunbury, Geraldton and Exmouth in Western Australia. The itinerary also includes an exciting combination of many of the world’s most popular cities, as well as smaller treasures and charming towns. In addition, there will be overnight calls in many of the world’s greatest cities, such as Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong and Mumbai.

Fares for the full 116-day voyage include a value-packed menu of complimentary benefits and amenities, including:

 

• A pre-cruise Gala Bon Voyage event and luxury overnight stay in Los Angeles.
• Specially created shoreside events and exclusive shore excursions.
• Personal Valet luggage shipping service.
• Shipboard credits of £1,575 per guest.
• Private car transfers.
• Complimentary round-trip business class air or $2,500 air credit.
• Gala onboard celebrations.
• A variety of commemorative gifts.

Rates for the full voyage begin at £35,799 per person, based on double occupancy and including round-trip air and a host of other complimentary amenities. For guests who cannot sail on the entire cruise, shorter segments from 22 to 94 days are also available, with rates starting at £8,899 per person based on double occupancy, including air and certain complimentary amenities.

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

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Complimentary Airfare from Silversea

Leading deluxe cruise operator Silversea, renowned for its ultra-luxurious ships and exotic destinations, has announced a selection of post-Christmas voyages that will include complimentary airfare.

The offer is available on select voyages, including Australian and South African cruises that are sailing in January 2013. These voyages also include generous onboard spending credits of up to $1,000 per suite. The credits can be used towards a wide range of onboard purchases, including shore excursions, spa treatments and premium dining.

Complimentary air fare is offered on the following voyages:

4 Jan, Sydney to Auckland: Silver Shadow (14 days) – From £5,099

5 Jan, Round-trip Cape Town: Silver Wind (10 days) – From £3,799

7 Jan, Valparaiso to Buenos Aires: Silver Cloud (16 days) – From £5,099

17 Jan, Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles: Silver Spirit (15 days) – From £4,599

All-suite accommodation, butler service and all-inclusive indulgences, such as gourmet cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux, combine with itineraries to the most vibrant and intriguing of destinations. Silversea’s smaller ships also provide access to rarely seen harbours off the beaten track and can dock right in the heart of a city rather than anchoring offshore, allowing guests more time to explore.

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

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Crystal's Special Regional Flights Offer

Crystal Cruises has teamed up with Emirates Airlines to offer its guests direct departures from Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham on a selection of Australia/New Zealand voyages this winter.

Flights from these regional airports (via Dubai) are now available for the following cruises: 

December 20: 16-night “Southern Summer Holiday” from Auckland to Melbourne with fly/cruise prices from £7,582 per person (based on ex-Glasgow flight).

January 5: 12-night “Southern Australia Sojourn” from Melbourne to Brisbane with fly/cruise prices from £4,179 per person (based on ex-Newcastle flight).

January 17: 12-night “Koalas & Kiwis” from Brisbane to Auckland with fly/cruise prices from £4,638 per person (based on ex-Birmingham and Manchester flights).

January 29: 13-night voyage from Auckland to Sydney with fly/cruise prices from £4,697 per person (based on ex-Newcastle flight)

All fares are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Prices include return economy flights from Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle or Birmingham with Emirates (via Dubai), overseas transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel stay, post cruise hospitality and onboard accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with picture window, with all meals and soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, gratuities and port taxes.

 

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

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Crystal's VIP Fireworks To Ring In New Year In Sydney

Although it’s only February, Crystal Cruises is reminding travellers it’s never too early to start planning New Year’s Eve by releasing details of an ultra-luxury, private floating party in Sydney Harbour to welcome in 2013. The over-the-top celebration offers exclusive front-row “seats” to the world’s biggest New Year’s fireworks, free for guests of all ages on Crystal Symphony’s culinary-themed seasonal cruise through New Zealand and Australia beginning December 20.

The New Year celebrations unfold onboard two luxury catamarans, sailing past Sydney’s crowd-lined shores in the exclusive, select-vessel Harbour of Light Parade flotilla. Crystal has specially-arranged final VIP stationing under Sydney Harbour Bridge, inside the off-limits Harbour Exclusion Zone, for the pre-eminent fireworks vantage point. The intimate post-dinner soiree includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, premium open bar, music, dancing, midnight champagne countdown, Crystal’s renowned six-star service and spectacular city views, with guests among the globe’s first ringing in 2013.

This 16-night Christmas and New Year sailing from Auckland to Melbourne features stunning festive decorations, gourmet Christmas dinner, Chanukah traditions and other seasonal delights during overnights in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney (two nights), plus calls in Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch/Lyttleton and Dunedin. Numerous experts - including guest chefs, mixologist, oenologist, oceanographer, conservation biologist, CBS News correspondent and South African Ambassador - are also scheduled to host enlightening destination-related presentations.

Until February 28, “Book Now” cruise-only fares for the 16-night voyage start at just £8,005 per person, based on two sharing a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis, including fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship plus pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

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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Last-Minute Bargain With Voyages of Discovery

Treat yourself to some last-minute sunshine this month by joining Voyages of Discovery’s MV Discovery on a 26-day Australia & Indonesian Islands cruise, from just £1,999 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Visit the cities of Sydney and Brisbane before exploring the magical Great Barrier Reef and the stunning islands of Bali and Komodo (Indonesia). Price includes return flights from London, transfers and the full 26-day voyage departing from Sydney (overnight) and visiting Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Darwin (overnight), Komodo, Bali (overnight), Semarang, and Singapore.

Based on February 7 departure; price includes all meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

For more booking details, and more on Voyages of Discovery, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Wine Experts To Lead Six Silversea Voyages

Silversea Cruises has chosen renowned wine experts Lyn Farmer and Richard Nurick to host a Wine Series enrichment programme on six voyages this year.

On each wine-themed cruise, discerning travellers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling great vintages and learning about the tradition and art of wine-making in special tastings and lectures. Depending on the itinerary, guests may also have the chance to explore some of the world's most celebrated wine regions on optional guided shore excursions.

The following Wine Series voyages will be hosted by Lyn Farmer: 

Voyage 3203: Silver Shadow departs Auckland February 4 on a 19-day sailing to Fremantle (Perth) with calls in Napier, Wellington, Picton, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, and Albany. Fares start at £6,599.

Voyage 4210: Silver Whisper departs Monte Carlo May 1 on a 12-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Palma de Mallorca, Cadiz, Portimao, La Coruña, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Le Verdon. Fares start at £3,899. 

Voyage 1220: Silver Cloud departs London August 13 on a 14-day sailing to Monte Carlo with calls in Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga and Sete. Fares start at £4,999.

Voyage 1232: Silver Cloud departs Buenos Aires December 22 on a 16-day sailing to Valparaiso (Santiago) with calls in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Stanley (Falkland Islands), Punta Arenas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. Fares start at £6,199.

Richard Nurick will host the following: 

Voyage 4220A: Silver Whisper departs Southampton July 26 on a nine-day sailing to Lisbon with calls in Bordeaux, St. Jean de Luz, Bilbao, Gijon, La Coruña and Vigo. Fares start at £3,899

Voyage 4220B: Silver Whisper departs Lisbon August 4 on a nine-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Oporto (Leixoes), Bilbao, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo and Honfleur. Fares start at £3,899. 

All fares are per person, based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite. Silver Savings is a capacity-controlled programme and subject to availability.

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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Voyages of Discovery Down Under

You know it's the New Year when the cruise sale offers pour in thick and fast. Here's a typical example to start the week:

Guarantee yourself some sunshine this year by joining Voyages of Discovery on a last-minute winter cruise.

South East Asia & Australia - from £1,699 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), a saving of up to £1,370. Price includes return flights from London, transfers and a 23-day voyage departing from Manila (Philippines, overnight) and calling at Sandakan (Borneo, Malaysia), Bitung (Indonesia), Ambon (Indonesia), Darwin, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Brisbane and Newcastle before arriving at Sydney (overnight stay). Price is based on January 21 departure.

Australia & the Indonesian Islands - from £2,199 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), a saving of up to £370. Price includes return flights from London, transfers and a 26-day voyage departing from Sydney and calling at Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Darwin (overnight), Komodo (Indonesia), Bali (Indonesia, overnight) and Semarang (Indonesia) before arriving at Singapore. Price is based on February 7 departure.

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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Celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tour In Royal Style

With members of the Royal family set to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by touring the globe in 2012, why not follow in their footsteps and embark on a majestic adventure of your own with Royal Caribbean? 

Follow in Prince Harry's footsteps and visit The Bahamas on board the world’s biggest cruise ship Allure of the Seas, on a nine-night Eastern Caribbean fly/cruise from £1,516 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a seven-night cruise departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and calling at Nassau (Bahamas), Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) and Philipsburg (St. Maarten) before returning to Fort Lauderdale; all meals and entertainment on board; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, based on a March 4 departure. 

Or follow the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Down Under on Radiance of the Seas on a 20-night Australia & New Zealand fly/cruise from £2,585.00 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin). This price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers, and an 18-night cruise departing Perth (Australia) and calling at Albany, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart (all Australia), and Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington (all New Zealand) before arriving in Sydney; all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on an October 28 departure.

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

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Go Down Under This Winter With Voyages of Discovery

Here's a great pre-Christmas deal that is worth passing on this week: Save up to £1,370pp and snap up a great deal on Voyages of Discovery’s recently reduced South-East Asia and Australia cruise.

A remarkable melting pot of Asian and Latin cultures thick with history and flavour, Manila promises an exciting start to a voyage inviting you to meet the ‘Wild Man of Borneo’ and immerse yourself in local life on charming Indonesian islands. ‘Tamed’ territory, Darwin is an eclectic blend – modern city, Asian village and frontier town.

‘Untamed’ Australia comes in its rich rainforests and then the underwater riches of the Great Barrier Reef. Sample life on the Gold Coast with its miles of glorious beaches, or stroll along with some of the Hunter Valley’s finest wines before sailing into the ‘Harbour City’ – its twin icons Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge stealing the limelight.

With an itinerary carefully crafted to get the most out of each port of call and bring to life destinations with renowned Guest Speakers and excursions, a cruise with Voyages of Discovery is a cruise you’ll never forget.

This 20-night cruise now costs from as little as £1699 per person (based on two people sharing an inside guarantee cabin). The price includes return flights from London, transfers and the voyage departing from Manila (Philippines, overnight) and calling at Sandakan (Borneo), Bitung (Indonesia), Ambon (Indonesia), Darwin, Port Douglas, Brisbane and Newcastle before arriving at Sydney for another overnight stay. Price is based on a January 21 departure.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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P&O's 175th Anniversary Sale

P&O Cruises is offering a special 175th anniversary discount of up to 10% on its cruise holidays during the peak “wave” period of December, January and February. Prices will start from just £599 for a seven-night voyage, such as Ventura’s March 25 itinerary to Spain and France, and £949 for a 14-night cruise such as Azura’s November 5 cruise to Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

World cruises are also included in the anniversary sale, with onboard credit of up to £1100 available on bookings. Other destinations include the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, Canary Islands, Iceland and Mediterranean. Wave prices also start from £349 for a three-night cruise break to Bruges and Le Havre, up to to £3,059 for a 35-night Caribbean cruise.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise specialist agents, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Crystal's World-Class Guest Speaker List

Television legend Regis Philbin, sporting Hall of Famers Hank Aaron (baseball) and Don Shula (American football), Olympians Dorothy Hamill (ice skating) and Kathy Rigby (gymnastics) and astronauts “Hoot” Gibson and Rhea Seddon join a line-up of political insiders, military leaders and foreign correspondents on Crystal Serenity’s 94-night 2012 World Cruise.

In addition to dozens of guest entertainers, Crystal Cruises has tapped top experts from varied fields to enrich and inspire via complimentary presentations throughout the epic voyage, including:

· General Hugh Shelton - Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under two US Presidents.
· Deborah Fallows - Linguistics expert, whose book, Dreaming in Chinese, was one of Oprah’s 2010 “Books to Watch.”
· Major General Pat Brady - Chief US Army spokesman and top helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
· Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin - Former US Ambassador to Laos and Pakistan who played a key role in the post-9/11 campaign against al Qaeda.
· Tom Faranda - Global trend forecaster who predicted China’s rise.
· Farhana Qazi - Counter-terrorism expert and most prominent American-Muslim woman to study al-Qaeda and Muslim conflicts.
· Shelby Coffey III - LA Times, CNN Business News and ABC News management veteran.
· Neil Leifer - Considered the greatest sports photographer in history.

Also back by popular demand is “Ocean Views,” where noted panellists debate issues of the day.

Departing January 18, 2012, the grand round-trip Los Angeles itinerary consists of five 16-22-night segments through Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Alaska, and Canada, with numerous port overnights (including a 3-night Beijing exploration) en route.

Prices for the full World Cruise start from £33,356 per person, including complimentary World Traveller Plus flights, onboard accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes, complimentary gratuities, a complimentary three-day package to Beijing and $4,000 per person onboard credit.

Prices for the cheapest segment of the World Cruise start from £8,090 per person (based on the 19-night Los Angeles to Sydney leg departing January 18), including return scheduled flights, overnight in Los Angeles pre-cruise, 19 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and $1,000 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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