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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Cunard adds itineraries for 175th anniversary year

As Cunard prepares to celebrate its 175^th anniversary in style next year, three new cruises on board its flagship liner, Queen Mary 2 (above) have been announced for November 2015.   Two seven day Transatlantic crossings and a brand new 13-night Caribbean itinerary are now available.  

New sailings:

5-12 November 2015 Transatlantic  – this seven night transatlantic crossing with Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton on 5 November and sails into New York one week later. Prices start from £1,129pp including transfers and the return flight to the UK.

12-25 November 2015 Caribbean – this new Queen Mary 2 13 night winter sun holiday sails from New York calling at St Thomas, St Maarten, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Tortola and the Dominican Republic before arriving back in New York.  Prices start from £1,999pp including transfers and transatlantic flights to and from New York.

25 November-3 December 2015 Transatlantic  - this east-bound Transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 departs New York on 25 November arriving in Southampton eight days later. Prices start from £1,299 per person including outward flight to New York and transfers.

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Norwegian Plan A Miami Escape

Here at World of Cruising we've heard that  Norwegian Cruise Line's brand new ship for 2015, Norwegian Escape, will make its home in Miami, sailing year-round to the eastern Caribbean.

As well as revealing the ship's new hull artwork (above), NCL declated that, like this year's newcomer Norwegian Getaway, the Escape will homeport in the South Florida port and take on the Getaway's Caribbean itinerary, calling at St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Nassau in the Bahamas, as well as offering three days at sea.

The Getaway will herself move to a new 7-day Caribbean itinerary - Norwegian's private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios in Jamaica; George Town in Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

With these two ships sailing year-round from Miami, this will allow their previous flagship, Norwegian Epic, to be part of a 2015/16 deployment (as already announced) sailing from Barcelona year-round.

The line’s full deployment for winter next year also includes its return to South America cruises, a larger Jewel-class ship sailing to the Mexican Riviera, as well as the addition of Port Canaveral, Florida as a seasonal home-port.

The 20156/16 opens for booking on March 26.

More Info: call 0785 201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk.

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British Virgin Islands Firmly On Cruise Map

The wonderful Caribbean retreat of the British Virgin Islands will be firmly on the cruise map like never before from mid-2015 after the island government signed new long-term contracts with Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line.

The two companies have got together to guarantee a total of at least 425,000 passengers a year, a deal BVI Premier Orlando Smith says paves the way for the islands to be among the leading players of the Caribbean cruise industry.

The agreements, which grant preferential berthing to the two lines, were inked by Karl Holz, DCL president, and Colin Murphy, VP destination and strategic development for Norwegian, who will guarantee 350,000 passengers a year on top of Disney's 75,000.

The lines will pay a head tax of $15 starting in May next year that is subject to increase after five years based on a set formula that takes into account factors including inflation. The tax, much higher than the current rate, will help pay for a major upgrade and expansion of the cruise berth and landside facilities at Road Town, Tortola.

In a statement, the Premier said the Norwegian-Disney agreements mark the first time BVI has a guaranteed, year-round number of cruise passengers. He called the extension of the cruise pier and its associated landside development "the most fundamental" of decisions related to growing tourism through the cruise sector. He added: "By signing this berthing agreement, we are demonstrating, as a territory, that we are moving forward on the road of progress. The agreement is about the future sustainability of our cruise tourism sector."

Mr Smith added that the infrastructure improvements will enable BVI to accommodate the latest mega-ships such as Disney Dream and Norwegian Getaway, which is scheduled to replace St. Maarten with Tortola on its seven-day eastern Caribbean programmer starting in summer 2015.

The plans for Tortola involve dredging to expand the turning basin, navigation channels and berthing on both sides of the pier, lengthening the dock from 230 meters to 396 and widening it from 9.9 meters to 13.7. Additional mooring dolphins will be built along both sides, a new deck will be added to the widened pier, and landside development includes a visitor centre, restrooms, shopping village and a transportation staging area.

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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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More Oceania Offers

It's the New Year, so the cruise offers are rolling in thick and fast. Here are the latest from Oceania Cruises, with some great savings on a selection of exotic voyages. 

February 2: Caribbean hideaway, 10 nights £1502, saving £1266 
Escape the British winter and spend 10 nights cruising the Caribbean on board the new, food-lovers cruise ship, Riviera. The 1250-guest, mid-sized luxury ship will be sailing a round-trip cruise from Miami to the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Barts, including a $500 shipboard credit per stateroom. 

February 26: 16 nights Australia/New Zealand, £3589, saving £1975
 This 'Splendours Down Under' cruise is on the 1250-guest 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. 

March 10: 25-night Oriental Grand Cruise, £3222pp, saving £3441pp
 Cruise from Beijing to Bangkok in the spring, visiting Korea, Japan, Taiwain, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand on board Oceania's mid-sized Nautica, now with a $500 shipboard credit per stateroom. 

March 28: Caribbean Hideaways, 10 nights £1809, saving £959
 Cruise the Caribbean islands of Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Barts on board Riviera, and receive a $300 per stateroom credit to spend in the ship’s bars, spa and boutiques. 

April 20: 19-night cruise with a Panama Canal transit and £1692pp saving
 Oceania's long cruise from Miami to San Francisco, on the mid-sized Regatta travels through the Caribbean Sea and along the west coast of Mexico via a magnificent Panama Canal transit, including a $500 per stateroom credit to spend on board. 

May 9: Gatweay to Alaska, £1749pp, with £1028 saving 
Cruise from San Francisco along the west coast of the USA and Alaska, to arrive into Vancouver 9 nights later, on the 650-guest Regatta, and including a $500 per stateroom credit to spend on board.

All fares include return UK flights, all meals, no supplement for speciality dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

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

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Paul Gauguin Unveils Shore Excursions For New Ship

Paul Gauguin Cruises has revealed an enticing array of shore excursion options for guests on seven-night Caribbean and 13 and 14-night Panama Canal voyages on board the new Tere Moana in 2013.

With options to suit most interests, guests can discover the beauty, rich history and culture of the destinations they visit on a variety of shore excursions on Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. Guests can pre-reserve standard shore excursions and enjoy each with no more than 13 fellow travellers. Or, for a more intimate experience, pre-paid tours are also available for two to six guests which include private transportation with a personal driver/guide.

Tere Moana’s Caribbean voyages cruise round-trip from St Martin and visit Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Basseterre, Les Saintes and St Barts. Eight departures are offered on December 29, 2012; March 9, 16 and 23; November 30; and December 07, 14 and 21, 2013, with cruise-only fares starting from £1,983 per person.

Shore excursion options for Caribbean voyages include: 

• Tortola: Dolphin Royal Swim; Certified SCUBA; and Eco-Snorkel & Kayaking.
• Jost Van Dyke: Hike & Beach Tour; and Certified SCUBA 
• Virgin Gorda: Best of Virgin Gorda; Baths Tour; and Certified SCUBA 
• Basseterre: Day at the Beach; Best of St Kitts - Full Island Tour; Best of St. Kitts - Full Island Private Tour; Private Yacht Tour; and Private SCUBA Diving Tour. 
• St Barts: St Barts Island Tour; Yellow Submarine Tour; ATV Adventure; BLUE CAT Snorkelling Tour; and BLUE CAT Snorkelling & One-Tank Dive Tour.

Tere Moana’s Panama Canal voyages cruise between St Martin and Puerto Caldera and visit St Barts, English Harbour, Les Saintes, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Cartagena, Panama Canal (transit), Isla de Coiba and Corcovado National Park (Marenco). Two departures are offered on January 5 and February 24, with cruise-only fares starting from £3,759pp.

Shore excursion options for Panama Canal voyages include: 

• Marenco: Corcovado National Park Hiking Tour; Horseback Riding to the Last Frontier; and Marine Wildlife Safari. 
• Cartagena: Cartagena City Tour; Rumba Tour by Chiva Bus; La Boquilla Mangrove Canoe Tour; and Cartagena City Walk.  
• English Harbour: Beach Deluxe Tour; Antiguan Crusoe Island Tour; Golf in Antigua; Segway Tour; Yacht Racing; and Antiguan Canopy Tour.
• Oranjestad: The Best of Aruba; and Aruba’s Treasures.
• Willemstad: Willemstad Walking Tour; Jewish Heritage Tour; and Curaçao Sea Aquarium Tour.

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

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SeaDream Opens for Early 2013 Bookings

SeaDream Yacht Club - with its mega-yachts SeaDream I & II, rated as the top Boutique Ships in the world by the 2011 Berlitz Guide - has released its early 2013 itineraries.

The twin, 112-guest vessels will spend January-April 2013 sailing the Caribbean, visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be sailing the Amazon River in February and March.

2013 Amazon Highlights

SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages; Bridgetown, Barbados, to Iquitos, Peru, and the return. Ports of call include Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Panelas, Brazil; Leticia, Colombia, and more.

A naturalist will be aboard the Amazon voyages providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness. Excursions will feature the jungle’s exotic plants and animals, Amazonian tribes, museums and markets. On one of Brazil’s best beaches, in Alter do Chao, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™. Optional pre and post-voyage over-land adventures feature one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Voyage-only fares for the two 20-night Amazon voyages, departing Bridgetown on February 10, 2013, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; and departing Iquitos on March 23, returning to Bridgetown, lead in at $16,999 per person with $1,220pp govt/port taxes.

2013 Caribbean Highlights

SeaDream II offers voyages in the lush & unspoiled Grenadines, including the islands of Mayreau and Bequia.

There are new calls in Puerto Rico to Fajardo Bay (calm, coral-rich water), Ponce (beautiful neoclassical buildings) and Caja de Muertos (superb snorkelling); more calls to Tortola and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; visits to the ports of La Samana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; and continued overnight stays in St. Barts, where guests enjoy the island’s entertainment after dark.

Caribbean, 7-night voyage-only fares lead in at $3,199 per person, plus $392pp govt/port taxes, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico to San Juan.

These voyage-only fares above are based on two people sharing Yacht Club Deck 2 accommodation and include all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts' “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting).

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or the UK's leading luxury cruise experts of 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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Silversea February Caribbean Cruise

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The Caribbean will always be one of the most popular cruise destinations.

So it is no surprise that Silversea's
Silver Cloud departs 17 February 2011 on a 9 day voyage (#1106), from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados, with calls in Tortola, St. Martin, Antigua, St Lucia, the Grenadines and Grenada. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at £2,298 per person. $500 complimentary onboard spending credit is awarded to each suite.
For more in formation log on to their site at www.silversea.com or cruise specialists The Cruiseline.

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