Showing posts with label The Cruise Line Ltd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Cruise Line Ltd. Show all posts

Sunday, 24 March 2013

A Nordic Summer Dream

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ship Europa sets sail in June and July for the far north of Scandinavia - and a real Nordic dream of a summer cruise.

The Arctic will provide the backdrop for the fifth “Stella Maris” singing competition, in which eight talented young singers from famous opera houses will vie for glory on the ship in the Lieder, opera and oratorio categories. Along the way, musical and scenic highlights galore await guests as the ship sails from Hamburg to Iceland through the fjords of Norway and on to Spitsbergen. There will also be opportunities to take off in a manoeuvrable Zodiac to discover the region north of the Arctic Circle during the hours between the performances. 

The various concerts accompanying the “Stella Maris” competition will showcase the classical singing skills of a host of talented young artists. For the fifth time, Europa will be transformed into a festival stage, under the artistic leadership of chamber singer and tenor Michael Schade. The audience will play an active part in the musical event, choosing the winner, who can look forward to a 15,000 euro prize courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd cruises. 

A Nordic Summer Dream
After setting sail from Hamburg on June 30, the ship will head past Iceland up towards Spitsbergen and then spend three days along Norway’s “Cold Coast”. Guests will also be able to marvel at the cliffs of the Faroe Islands, the geysers of Iceland and the idyllic Lofoten Islands dotted with ancient fishing villages. And there’s more for families too: for example, the itinerary also includes a number of outings such as the communal bathing in the Blue Lagoon under the skies of Reykjavik. 

The 18-day voyage costs from £5,460 per person, cruise only, including accommodation in the category booked; full board on the ship; mini-bar in the suite; a different entertainment programme each day; port fees; travel cancellation insurance; and share of ship fuel costs. 

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

Sunday, 10 March 2013

Tauck's Two For 2014

Tauck has revealed the names of its two new riverboats that will debut next year, and announced that the duo will each be considerably longer than the four sister-ships currently in the company’s fleet. 

The newcomers will be MS Inspire and MS Savor,and will measure 443ft long, compared to Tauck’s existing ships which each measure 361ft. But, despite being 23% longer, the two newbuilds will only accommodate 130 guests each, or just 10% more than its current fleet (like MS Swiss Emerald, above). 
 
CEO Dan Mahar explained: “Our existing riverboats – what we’re now calling our Jewel Class vessels – already have the lowest passenger-to-ship-length ratio on Europe’s rivers. The two new riverboats – our Inspiration Class vessels – actually raise the bar even higher.
 
“When these ships launch next year they’ll each have just 130 guests aboard, whereas other major lines carry up to 190 on the same length ships. That’s an additional 46% more passengers aboard ships of the same length.  You simply can’t deliver the same relaxed, intimate atmosphere when you put nearly 50% more passengers into the same space.” 
 
Even though Tauck’s newbuilds will have far fewer guests aboard, the the company says they will nonetheless be staffed with more service personnel than any other river cruise line. Mahar added:  “Each Inspiration Class riverboat will have a Tauck Cruise Director and three Tauck Directors aboard to attend to guests’ needs and provide exemplary service. By contrast, other ships carrying more guests are often staffed by just a single cruise director.”
 
The Tauck Directors will also accompany shore excursions, according to Mahar, where they’ll divide guests into small groups of no more than 25, with each group personally guided by a local expert.  “River cruises offer incredible opportunities for authentic, in-depth explorations of each destination, so we place tremendous emphasis on ensuring our shore excursions – all of which are included in our prices – are absolutely world-class.
 
For more info, call Tauck at 1800 468 2825, or visit www.tauck.com. In the UK, contact the leading river-cruise agent specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd, on 0800 008 6677.

Monday, 24 December 2012

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.

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Take A Hike With Voyages of Discovery

Voyages of Discovery, which is renowned for its themed cruises, is offering a unique 'Footloose' programme of guided hikes on its 9-day Celtic Treasures cruise next May. The details are as follows:

Itinerary: Cruise from £1,099 per person, departing from Portsmouth on May 25 and calling at Foynes, Killybegs, Portrush, Dublin, Cobh and St Peter Port (Guernsey)  before returning to Portsmouth.

Description: The discovery cruise line offers guided ‘Footloose programmes’ where passengers can experience off-the-beaten-track routes in a number of inspiring and rarely visited locations – which only small ships such as Voyager can access. Keen walkers can join the ship’s experienced ‘Footloose’ guides to discover some of Ireland’s most picturesque landscapes including Glenveagh National Park, the rugged Causeway Coastline and Antrim’s Glens. The final port of call, St Peter’s Port, will also give passengers the opportunity to explore its cobbled streets, mammoth cliffs and hidden coves.

Or how about a two-week Themed Music Cruise on sister ship Discovery?

A Baltic Symphony: 14-day cruise departing May 22, from £1,699 per person:

Itinerary: Departs from Harwich and calls at Copenhagen, Turku, Tallinn, St Petersburg (overnight), Gdynia and Warnemunde

Description: Copenhagen – a delightful overture on this voyage featuring a score of fascinating Baltic cities. Enjoy the relaxed tempo of Turku before medieval Tallinn – Estonia’s legacy of the Hanseatic League. The intriguing composition of Poland’s ‘tri-cities’ is a delightful prelude to Warnemünde – a Baltic gateway to Berlin. Taking centre stage on this classical cruise, St Petersburg is irresistible to lovers of the arts, history and architecture

What’s included: Price includes transfers (where applicable), all on board gratuities, service charges and port taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board. In addition, Voyages of Discovery has also introduced a new complimentary chauffeur service to the airport or port of departure for every guest choosing a higher grade cabin on Summer 2013 bookings.

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


Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Mövenpick's New Nile Style

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce new options for travellers wishing to explore the magical River Nile in Egypt. Adding five new Nile cruisers to its fleet - SS Misr, once the royal yacht of Egypt’s former King Farouk; the boutique luxury sail boat Mövenpick SB Feddya; and the long cruise vessel Mövenpick MS Hamees, as well as the Mövenpick MS Darakum and Mövenpick MS Sunray - the Swiss hotel company is now the largest international operator on Egypt’s River Nile, with a total of eight boats.

The SS Misr is undeniably the fleet’s flagship and is the only internationally managed steamship in Egypt. Built in the United Kingdom nearly 100 years ago, it is a ‘floating time capsule’ from the reign of King Farouk, who converted it to his private yacht in 1938 and used it especially for his birthday celebrations.

On-board facilities include a swimming pool on the sun deck with recreation and bar, reading and play rooms, a large restaurant and lounge, bar, gift shop and a clinic to add to the guests’ care and comfort.

The five new vessels all now fly the Mövenpick flag alongside the existing Mövenpick MS Royal Lotus, Mövenpick MS Royal Lily and Lake Nasser cruiser Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas, to give the company an unrivalled variety for travellers looking for that unique blend of Egyptian warmth and hospitality infused with Swiss service and heritage. 

For more on Nile river-cruising, be sure to contact The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury river-cruise experts.

Friday, 23 November 2012

St Petersburg, Venice & A Total Eclipse With Star Clippers

Tall-ship specialist Star Clippers has launched its 2013/14 brochure, showcasing romantic and exciting sailing voyages in the Baltic, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Central America on the line’s three head-turning sailing ships, Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper

The schedule features St Petersburg in Russia, the classic port of Venice and even a total eclipse of the sun in November, 2013.

Baltic Cruises on Star Flyer
Star Flyer will offer a wide variety of cruises in the Baltic, varying from a three-day taster voyage for the Hamburg Sailing Parade, a spectacular gathering of tall ships, to a 13-night Grand Voyage, from Hamburg to Stockholm, taking in unusual ports around Sweden’s beautiful southern coast. There will be also be six 10 and 11-night round-trip voyages from Stockholm, via St Petersburg, where the ship overnights. 

Prices: from £702pp, cruise-only, for a four-night Northern Europe sample cruise on August 24, Hamburg to Texel (Netherlands), Ijmuiden and Ostend. Or, for a longer, flight-inclusive stay, sail round-trip from Stockholm on July 8 from £2,799pp, including flights, transfers, two nights in a four-star city centre hotel, a Stockholm Pass and 11 nights’ full board on Star Flyer, which sails to St Petersburg for an overnight in port. 

Cuba 
For the second half of the 2013/14 winter season, Star Flyer will reposition to Cuba to offer a series of seven-night cruises from the historic southern town of Cienfueguos, calling at Trinidad, Cayo Largo, Archipielago de los Canarreos and the Cayman Islands.  

Prices: from £1,305, cruise-only, round-trip from Cienfuegos, departing February 16, 2014.

Mediterranean Cruises on Royal Clipper
The 227-passenger Royal Clipper will sail an assortment of western Mediterranean cruises, with a series of seven-night round-trip Rome cruises in May, June and October, calling at romantic and beautiful ports on the Italian mainland as well as Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. In late June, July and August, the ship will operate 10 and 11-night cruises between Rome and Venice, followed by four new round-trip Venice sailings in September, calling at ports in Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.  

Prices: from £619pp, cruise-only, for a three-night taster cruise from Venice to Rovinj, Croatia and Piran, Slovenia, departing September 4. 

Caribbean
Royal Clipper winters in the warm Caribbean, alternating between Windward Islands and Grenadine Islands itineraries from her base in Barbados

Prices: from £1,105pp, cruise only, for seven nights, round-trip Bridgetown, departing December 7 and calling at St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique. 

Transatlantic voyages – and a Total Eclipse
All three ships offer transatlantic crossings as they move from one cruising area to the other each season. These represent a chance to escape the stresses of daily life and to commune with the sea and the stars, to read and to mingle with fellow travellers. Take the Westbound crossing on Star Flyer on October 26 from Las Palmas to Barbados for a good chance to viewing the Total Solar Eclipse on November 3, which will be visible in the north Atlantic.  

Prices: from £822pp, cruise-only, 15 nights. 

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

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

AMA's Christmas River-Cruise Offers

AMA Waterways have a wonderful selection of special-value Christmas cruises - and others - in their latest press release. See what tempts you from this fab little selection:
12th December 2012, Christmas market cruise on the Danube, saving £583pp
Experience the scents and atmosphere of Europe's best Christmas markets with a 7-night 'Christmas Time Cruise’ on the Danube between Budapest and Nuremberg, departing December 12. The cruise costs from £1,195 per person (was £1,778pp).

13th December 2012, Christmas market cruise on the Rhine, saving £655pp

AMA has a 7-night Christmas cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on luxury river cruiser, AmaCello. The cruise costs from £1,125 per person (was £1,778pp), and includes the opportunity to see and shop in some of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas markets.
 
22nd November 2012, Autumn wine themed river cruise, saving £520pp

This 7-night autumn cruise sails from Arles to Lyon on luxury river cruiser AmaDagio, cruising through legendary wine regions such as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone. The cruise costs from £1,745pp (was £2,265pp), with accommodation in a French balcony cabin. 

1st April, 2013, Luxury river cruise through the tulips and vineyards, saving £100

Plan ahead and take a 7-night cruise along the vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle from Amsterdam round-trip, with exceptional accommodation on board luxury river cruiser AmaDolce, with a complimentary excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens to see the tulips in full bloom, before cruising to Cologne where a late evening departure allows time to visit the Cathedral, (Germany’s most visited site), and discover the city’s old quarters, take a tourist train-ride around the city or visit the tantalizing Lindt’s chocolate museum. The cruise costs £1,499pp (was £1,599pp) for all departures on April 1, 3, 10, 17 and 24 and May 1.
 
All cruises include complimentary daily tours and excursions, all meals, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes.

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

Sunday, 11 November 2012

Meet Shackleton & Scott With Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, has announced Jonathan Shackleton (cousin of Sir Ernest Shackleton) and Falcon Scott (grandson of Robert Falcon Scott) will be guest lecturers aboard their 11-day Antarctic Explorer voyage, departing February 9 from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Shackleton and Scott will join the voyage as part of a unique Expert-in-Residence programme available exclusively aboard the Ocean Diamond featuring noted scientists, photographers and historians, renowned for their expertise in the Polar Regions. Their lectures will add additional insight to the voyage and will afford passengers the opportunity to experience the expedition with them in an intimate and conversational environment as well as within the context of the lecture theatre.

Jonathan Shackleton is a leading expert on the life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton and is author of Shackleton: An Irishman in Antarctica and The Shackletons of Ballitore (1580-1987). Falcon Scott maintains a long-time interest in the Antarctic and his grandfather's expeditions, and recently spent more than a month in Antarctica working with New Zealand’s Antarctic Heritage Trust as a restoration carpenter to weather-proof his grandfather’s famous expedition base hut.

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent – 11 days from £5,370 for a twin cabin. Quark is currently offering a special promotion on this voyage: book one passenger and the second saves 50% on this voyage or any Quark 2012/13 Antarctic voyage if reserved by November 30

For more info on Antarctica cruises, follow this link The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

Sunday, 4 November 2012

Experience Inuit Life With Hurtigruten

Did you know only two of Greenland’s towns are connected by road? How about that the main mode of transport during the winter is the humble dog-sled? You can find out more about this fascinating island and its unique culture on a series of special voyages with Hurtigruten in 2013. 

This has been the home of the Inuit for more than 5,000 years, and Hurtrigruten takes guests on a truly memorable journey to the very heart of the Greenlandic way of life. Settlements here range from a population of just two to the larger communities of a few thousand, and guests are guaranteed a warm welcome wherever they go. Offering a genuine insight into local culture and traditions, visitors are encouraged to explore, meet and chat with locals and can even join in a friendly football match or cup of ‘Kaffemik’ (Greenlandic coffee) with the natives.

Travelling on MS Fram, guests are transported directly to many small settlements, most of which are accessible only by boat. This makes it easier to mix with local folk, and, in Uummannaq, the ship receives a special greeting by a group of local school children. Other highlights include the seafaring town of Sismiut, Greenland’s second largest; the port of Qeqertarsuaq, home to an Arctic research station; and the impressive three-mile-long glacier front of Eqip Sermia.

Hurtigruten also offers a number of optional excursions, such as a helicopter flight to Ilulissat Glacier, and an exploration of the Viking ruins at Narsaq. Four different itineraries sail between the end of May and September 2013 and early-booking fares offer savings of up to 20% off the brochure price. Here's a typical example:

The Heart of Greenland: This incredible nine-day expedition follows Greenland’s west coast, visiting small settlements accessible only by boat. Available on June 9,16, 23 and 30, prices start at £4,374pp and include seven nights full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by the expedition team. Flights from the UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Based on two sharing.

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

Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Silversea Names New Galapagos Explorer

Silversea has announced Silver Galapagos as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II.

The new name signals the company's intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet and will take effect following a full refurbishment in September 2013. The hull of the all-suite, 100-guest vessel has already been painted the same dark blue as 
Silver Explorer, the company's other expedition ship.

Silver Galapagos
 will be the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important distinction enables Silversea to broaden its portfolio of expedition cruises tailored to tap into the rising interest in green tourism.

The 2013 Galápagos programme will go on sale next month, offering two new 7-day itineraries. These will begin operating in late September, sailing Saturday to Saturday on a round-trip voyage from Baltra Island. The two voyages will be as follows:

Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island
Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.

Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island: 
Silver Galapagos will encompasses the north-east, central and south-east islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española and Plazas Sur.

This new schedule will offer travellers the chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. Through complimentary expeditions, guided by an experienced  expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea guests will experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife, including sun-basking iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

The programme will also offer guests the opportunity to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, guests
enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea, including spacious, ocean-view suites, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, a personalised butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, notably complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, and all gratuities.

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

Friday, 5 October 2012

SeaDream's Asia Debut



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

The first of her Asia programme departures is “Passage to the Far East”, which will depart Athens on October 12 and include a transit of the Suez Canal, excursions to Egypt’s fascinating archeological sites (accompanied by an Egyptologist) en route to Mumbai, India. Prices for this epic 15-night voyage start from £4,050 per person, including all fees and port taxes. 
 
From Mumbai, she will sail onwards via Cochin, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands to Thailand, before dropping down to Singapore. This 13-night trans-Indian Ocean sailing costs from £3,995 per person, including fees and taxes.

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

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

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








Thursday, 4 October 2012

Azamara's 2014 Overnight Bonanza


Offering more late-night and overnight stays in port, Azamara Club Cruises has announced the 2014 deployment of its twin boutique ships Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.

The cruise line’s new 2014 programme enables guests to experience the nightlife of compelling destinations around the world that larger ships cannot reach, and includes a record 45 maiden port calls, such as the UNESCO World Geopark Langkawi, Malaysia; Maura in the Sultanate of Brunei; and the charming island-village Vila do Abraao, a favourite Brazilian getaway.

Guests can choose among 72 new voyages, ranging from four to 17 nights and visiting 240 destinations in 66 countries throughout Europe, the Far East, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Western U.S. coast.
 
Most of Azamara's voyages are designed so travellers can combine two or more consecutive voyages for an extended travel experience and not repeat a port call. Some of the 2014 highlights include:
 
  • Azamara Journey will sail 12 to 17-night voyages throughout the East and South China seas from January to April, alternating departures from Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai and Chennai. On these sailings, guests will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Halong Bay, Borobudur, Parambanan and Sangiran, and enjoy the nightlife of Tokyo, Shanghai and Bangkok to name a few, during their overnight stays. The ship then repositions via the Indian Ocean and Suez Canal to arrive for its European season in May.
  • Azamara Quest will offer a pair of trans-Panama Canal voyages between Miami and Costa Rica, plus a new series of Sea of Cortez and Central America sailings, ranging from 10 to 14-nights. Quest will also sail an 11-night voyage to less-trodden islands of the Caribbean, such as St. John’s, St. Barth’s and Virgin Gorda, before returning to Europe in April.
  • In late November, Azamara Journey will depart from Spain’s Costa del Sol to beautiful Brazil via the Canary Islands. Guests can celebrate Christmas and the New Year as they sail from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Azamara Quest will retrace the Spice Route to the Far East and ring in the New Year in Hong Kong.

Prices start from £1,073 for a four-night Monaco Grand Prix sailing on May 22 on Azamara Quest (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom), cruise only.
 
For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Star Clippers New Taster Cruises


To enable guests to try out their unique tall-ship experience in the Baltic, Star Clippers have added some more ‘taster’ cruises in 2013, with four-night break breaks from Amsterdam to Hamburg in May and Hamburg to Ostend in August.
 
There are also two opportunities to join the famous sailing parades of Germany’s Hanseatic League ports; a three-night stay in Hamburg, and an eight-night round-trip from Travemunde, during which Star Flyer participates in the Rostock Sailing Parade, a magnificent procession of tall ships from all over the world.
 
Because Star Flyer is much smaller than conventional cruise ships, itineraries include charming, out-of-the-way ports like Karlskrona and Sandhamm in Sweden, where big ships will never go, creating a real feeling of immersion in the destination.
 
A three-night experience of the Hamburg Sailing Parade on Star Flyer starts from £690, including port charges, cruise only, departing May 9, 2013.
 
For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Antarctic Whale Watching

One Ocean Expeditions has developed a new marine mammals itinerary for this coming season that offers a unique opportunity to join an Antarctic expedition to study humpback, Minke and killer whales.

The 10-day trip, embarking in Ushuaia on the March 16, will be accompanied by Dr Ari Friedlaender, a research scientist at Duke University, who has been to the Antarctic nearly 20 times on scientific voyages and whose work focuses on the feeding behaviour and movement patterns of marine mammals around the world.

Dr Friedlander, who is actively studying how climate change and global warming are affecting whales and other krill predators, is currently leading a project to track the long-term movement patterns of humpback whales around the Antarctic Peninsula to understand how they are being affected by changes to their environment.

Humpbacks are the most abundant whales around the Peninsula and there is growing evidence that, while many migrate to tropical breeding grounds, some remain in ice-free areas for longer periods due to warming climates. One Ocean will survey several bays that are the focus of long-term research projects to determine how the abundance of humpbacks changes throughout the course of the Antarctic summer.

Participants will learn how to record whale numbers, help to conduct photo surveys, determine movement patterns and identify individual animals. They will also locate and document behaviour of whales that have previously been fitted with satellite tracking devices.

Els Vermeulen, international marine consultant and founder of the Marybio Foundation, which aims to contribute to the conservation of marine mammals in Argentinean Patagonia, will also join the voyage. He is scientific advisor to the Belgian delegation in the International Whaling Commissio, and is the perfect companion to have on board during this special interest expedition.    

NB: Photo, Marius Coetzee.

For more on adventure cruising, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's cruise specialists. For One Ocean, see www.oneoceanexpeditions.com.

Monday, 1 October 2012

Hurtigruten's Weddell Sea Savings

Hurtigruten is offering savings of more than £1,400 per person for a very special departure to Antarctica this January, following in the footsteps of polar explorer James Weddell, the first man to reach 74 degrees south, on the aptly named 'Weddell Sea Expedition.'

This amazing 13-day voyage around the spectacular Antarctic Peninsular departs on January 20 with prices leading in at just £4,285pp, based on two sharing an unspecified inside cabin allocated on arrival, and full board on the ship.

Captain James Weddell discovered the Weddell Sea in 1823 and it was also here that Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, became icebound and was crushed in 1915. Guests will sail in comfort on board MS Fram, Hurtigruten’s newest ship built specifically to sail through polar waters. The voyage promises unforgettable viewings of tabular icebergs through the Antarctic Sound, and guests can get closer to the fascinating penguin colonies and ice formations on shore in a series of landings by Polarcirkel boats.

Prices include full board on the ship, flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, transfers in Ushuaia, an excursion to Ushuaia National Park, landings in Polarcirkel boats and lectures by the expedition team. International flights are extra and can be added from £1,392pp.

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

Sunday, 30 September 2012

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.

Saturday, 29 September 2012

Regent's Christmas Crackers


This December, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers guests an extra dash of merriment with all-inclusive festive sailings to the South Pacific and South America. Each ultra-luxury voyage offers the fantastic value of free round-trip air, unlimited complimentary shore excursions and ultra-luxury, all-inclusive offering on board.

Regent's team of talented chefs will serve special European and American tasting menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Sample menu items include lobster and ricotta ravioli, Christmas goose, roasted turkey on chestnut-stuffing, Bûche de Noël, and traditional pumpkin pie. An interdenominational service is also held on Christmas Eve.

Toasting the season, travellers will sail along the mighty Amazon aboard the line’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner for a 22-night cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Miami departing 16. The 'Ultimate Amazon' sailing offers up to 43 free shore excursions and visits eight different ports in Brazil, French Guyana, Barbados (above), St. Barts and Puerto Rico. 

Departing December 19, the 21-night 'South Pacific Secrets' voyage from Bali to Auckland aboard the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager showcases the best of Australia and New Zealand. In addition to the 28 complimentary shore excursions, which include a winery tour in Western Australia, mountain biking in Tasmania and discovering sea lions on Kangaroo Island, guests can also enjoy the choice of a free three-night, pre-cruise land programme in Bali or a three-night, post-cruise hotel programme in Auckland. 

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

Friday, 28 September 2012

Around The World With Silversea


Leading luxury cruise operator Silversea has announced  it will start 2014 - its 20th anniversary year - with an exceptional voyage. The special 113-day 2014 World Cruise will encompass 54 ports in 29 countries, with 12 overnights and eight late departures.

Setting sail from Los Angeles on  January 6, the 382-guest Silver Whisper will circumnavigate the entire globe. Heading first into the Pacific, the ship calls at Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand before a two-day call at Sydney. The three days in Hong Kong and two days in Shanghai that follow will allow an extensive array of Overland Adventures, and a myriad of half and full-day excursions.

Guests will then spend a month exploring Asia calling at Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia before arriving at one of the world’s most intriguing and enigmatic destinations, Myanmar. Silver Whisper will remain at dock in Yangon for three days to allow ample time to discover the colonial architecture of Burma’s largest city, monumental Shwedagon Pagoda, and unforgettable Bagan with its 2,200 temples and pagodas. The antiquities and urban contrasts of India, Oman, Jordan and Egypt are then followed by twin calls in the Holy Land.

The global journey concludes with a sweep of former capitals of empire, notably Istanbul, Athens and Rome and the delights of Messina, Sorrento and Monte Carlo. An overnight in Barcelona will bring the World Cruise to an artistic conclusion.

Options are also available to extend the journey, by adding a pre-cruise Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles (17 days), or extend from Barcelona to Lisbon (7 days) or Southampton (16 days).

Full World Cruise guests will enjoy a number of added benefits, including a gala Bon Voyage evening at the Montage Beverly Hills (or similar), baggage valet service, inclusive air (or air credit), generous onboard spending credits, exclusive shoreside events, such as an overnight visit to Angkor Wat, with dinner in the shadows of Bayon Temple, and a delightful array of surprises.

Prices start from £33,650 per person, based on double occupancy for the 113-day cruise.

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

Thursday, 27 September 2012

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.