Savings on Titan’s 2015 best river cruises

Titan in exclusive partnership with Uniworld, has launched the second edition of its 2015 river cruise brochure with savings of up to £1,400 per person on bookings made before 31 December.

With 36 itineraries showcased, offering more choice than ever before, guests can look forward to sailing some of the grandest and most scenic waterways of Europe, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The 5-star boats have an average capacity of 130 guests and carry original works of art, antiques and elegant furnishings.

Some of the most impressive savings can be found on the 17-day cruise and tour to explore the Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong. It now costs from £3,949 per person based on 17 March 2015 departure (saving £1,350 per person if booked by 31 December.

Closer to home, but still offering a saving is the European Serenade itinerary, a 14-day cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam from £3,229 per person based on 12 June 2015 departure, saving £1,000 per person if booked by 31 December.

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Aqua Expeditions launching third luxury vessel on the Mekong River

Aqua Expeditions is launching its third luxury vessel in October, on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam. Aqua Mekong will be in keeping with the style of the company’s Peruvian vessels – Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon – with just 20-suites and beautiful, local designs - small enough to be intimate but equally spacious and luxurious.

Aqua Mekong has been designed by renowned Saigon-based architectural firm Noor Design. Measuring 62.4m in length, she will have 20 outward-facing design suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for guests to relax and watch the scenery float by.

Upstairs on the Observation Deck, guests will be able to slide onto sleek, contemporary interpretations of the region’s cane planters chairs, unwind on cushioned loungers or ease into the river-facing plunge pool.

Dishes include local ingredients such as Khmer Kampot Pepper and Mekong River Prawns.  Aqua Mekong’s bar will showcase the flavours, colours and cultures of the Mekong River Basin along with the leisurely and romantic drinking rituals of colonial Indochina.

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Conversation-piece war museum and countless motor scooters charm cruise visitors to Ho Chi Minh City

Conversation piece: the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

• Third in a series of guest blogs by Zoe Bromley-Fox, Land Programmes Manager of cruise line Voyages to Antiquity. The line’s one ship, Aegean Odyssey, returns to south-east Asia this winter for the first time since the winter of 2012-13. Zoe looks forward to the forthcoming visit by recalling highlights of the journey two years ago.

Anyone who travels to South East Asia has Vietnam high on the list – and Voyages to Antiquity gives you a chance to visit one of Asia’s greatest cities – Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

The excursion in Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) was probably one of the most moving experiences for some passengers who were on board for our Vietnam cruise. The tour visited various city highlights, but the focus was the War Remnants Museum. Some argue that it is a one-sided propaganda attraction with the sentiment still being overwhelmingly anti-American.  The visit was extremely thought-provoking and prompted heart-felt debates over dinner for days after. This tour will feature again this year as part of our ‘choice of’ excursions programme operated in Ho Chi Minh.

Don’t forget that Aegean Odyssey’s size means that she can sail right up the Saigon River, a truly memorable experience before we even go out on excursion! Anyone on board for this sailing should make sure they spend the morning out on deck. In some parts it is astonishing how close the jungle-like banks are from the side of the ship and as you get closer to the city itself you already start to sense the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City from the water.  But nothing will prepare you for the number of motor scooters in this city …

More details of Aegean Odyssey’s cruises visiting Vietnam in 2015 on Voyages to Antiquity's website. Which is also where you can read Zoe’s blog in full, together with her pick of the top excursions in south-east Asia.

Street life: Never a dull moment in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City

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Farewell Season For Celebrity Century

Back in 1995, the all-new Century marked a distinct upmarket arrival for the fledgling Celebrity Cruises (formerly Chandris Lines). Next year, the Celebrity Century will leave the fleet - but not before a ' farewell season' of special events, including a newly introduced “President's 'Celebration of the Century' Cruise,” during a year featuring a record number of ports of call and 17 new destinations for the brand. 

The farewell season will also feature exclusive onboard programming and special offers before Century sails off to new owners in April 2015.

Captain's Club loyalty members and holidaymakers can join Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, on the Celebration of the Century Cruise in Asia, a 14-night sailing from Singapore departing on March 8, 2015, and visiting Vietnam and the Philippines. Further special events and exclusive onboard programming will be announced shortly.

From this March to April 2015, Century will visit 77 ports across 32 countries, the most destinations worldwide of any ship in the Celebrity fleet. New exotic destinations include Manila and Boracay (Philippines), Bandar Seri Begawan (Muara, Brunei) and Yangon (Rangoon, Myanmar). Guests can take their pick from culture-rich experiences in Asia, Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Coast and South Pacific.

Since its inaugural sailing in 1995, guests have enjoyed Century’s ahead-of-its-time design, indulgent Spa and dining experiences, as it was the first ship to have the now hugely popular Martini Bar and Murano, the award-winning speciality restaurant.

As a special incentive for all bookings until April 30, guests can receive up to $200 per stateroom in onboard credit for spa treatments, shore excursions, speciality dining and more. Captain’s Club members can choose between the onboard credit or an exclusive savings offer. And, until February 28, both offers are combinable with Celebrity's 123go! offer.

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

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Crystal Highlight Best Of Asia By Land

When it comes to destination-focused cruising, here at World of Cruising we like to think we have our finger firmly on the pulse. And it seems several cruise lines share our passion for destinations, judging by this latest idea for Far East touring from Crystal Cruises.

From February through April, Crystal is offering its largest collection of Overland Adventures in Asia. A total of 15 one- and two-night optional, mid-cruise journeys will take guests far from the ports of Yangon, Shanghai, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Xiamen and Chan May for in-depth, intimate explorations of renowned sites, history, culture and nature.

All Overland Adventures include air, shuttle and/or boat transport to and from ports; meals, featuring traditional fare such as Peking Duck or a Myanmar-style royal dinner and show; and luxury accommodations such as Bangkok’s Peninsula, Siem Reap’s Sokha Hotel and Myanmar’s Aureum Palace Hotel.

Next winter, spring and autumn, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sail through China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and India on 31 five- to 29-night itineraries, including shorter Crystal Getaways and extended combination cruises. Cruise only fares for the 2014 Asia itineraries start from £1,070 per person if booked by January 3. Asian Overland Adventures fares start from $869 per person, double occupancy.

More info: 020 7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk.

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Crystal's Far East Extravaganza

Crystal Cruises is expanding its presence in the Far East next year, with a choice of some 34 cruises in the region, and a great-value 'Book Now' bonus for early bookings.

The countries of China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Brunei will all be on the Crystal menu in 2014 and the 34 voyages (compared with just four in 2012), varying from five to 29-nights, offer a host of itinerary firsts and varied options. The Book Now bonus savings can be as much as £1,613 per person for bookings made by August 30.

New for the 2014 Asia season are:

• Two ships in the region – Both the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be sailing the region in winter, spring and autumn 2014.
• New itineraries – Brand new routes include Crystal’s first-ever cruises that begin or end in Bangkok and a two-week voyage round-trip from Singapore. Bali, introduced as a “turnaround” port in 2013, begins or ends four cruises in 2014 (compared with two in 2013).
• New destinations – Crystal will make maiden visits to Malacca, Malaysia; Lombok, Makassar/Ujung Pandang; and Surabaya, Indonesia.
• Return to less visited destinations – The expanded itineraries feature calls in ports visited infrequently or not in several years, including returns to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei; Jakarta and Komodo Island, Indonesia; Yangon, Myanmar; Koh Samui, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Okinawa and Tokyo, Japan.
• China & Japan Focus – For the first time in 5 years, two voyages will explore more of Japan, as well as China, like Crystal Symphony’s Beijing-Tokyo voyage including Osaka, Nagasaki and Shimizu; Shanghai and Dalian; and a complimentary Beijing land package.

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

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Take A 'Secret Retreat' To Asia

The Floating World of Asia - Sojourn the Seas in Search of Mystery, Adventure, Dragons and Mythical Wonder

Travel like the explorers of centuries past who sailed the seas of the Far East eager to discover the great unknown. Embark on a voyage to Eastern Indonesia, where you will find the famous Spice Islands or encounter the primeval looking Komodo Dragons. Experience the exotic cultures of South East Asia as you cruise along the Mekong that runs through China's Yunnan province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Savour a slice of Kashmiri lifestyle on board a luxury houseboat on Dal Lake and approach the "venerable city" of Srinagar. All these experiences are possible with the deluxe touch of Secret Retreats, who invite guests on a journey of adventure and mythical wonder as they explore the floating worlds of Asia. Silolona Sojourns - Indonesia The Silolona is a modern incarnation of Indonesia's majestic sailing ships which were used by the Bugis people for centuries. Made from tropical hardwoods and constructed using the indigenous methods of the Konjo people of Sulawesi, the Silolona offers the discerning traveller comforts of the highest standard while preserving the charm and elegance of timeless travel. Special Offer: Solely operating on charter basis, Silolona is generously offering individual travellers the opportunity to experience their beautiful vessel from June 1-6 for a "Cruise throughout the Komodo Archipelago." The voyage starts from Labuanbajo, sailing north up the eastern coast of Komodo Island to Sabolon Island, the Rinca island park to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, then the Padar for sea kayaking, water skiing, diving and snorkeling, Batu Muncul for some stunning crescent-shaped beaches with pristine white sand and Banta Island known for its large population of giant turtles and manta rays. And finally back to Labuanbajo. Rates are $2,136 per day/person in the Master Cabin or $1,495 per day/person (all taxes included). The Jahan - Mekong River Cruise A product of a hopelessly romantic tale, the Jahan was the original name of a boatin which the mesmerising Lady Kashmira and British poet Lord Byron eloped when their love was not accepted by her aristocratic ancestors. A harmonious blend of luxury, elegance and sensuality, it is hard not to feel of noble descent as you are served your Royal High Tea, prepared to perfection every afternoon. Special Offer: Get 30% off public rate in June and July by booking via Secret Retreats, now from $2,800 for 7 nights, with additional benefits, including FREE upgrade from Superior to Deluxe (subject to availability); $100 redit voucher per cabin for Spa treatments; a 10% discount on bar bills. And for August 2013: Get 20% off public rate by booking via Secret Retreats, from $3,140 for 7 nights, with free upgrade from Superior, Deluxe to higher category (subject to availability) and $100 credit voucher per cabin for Spa treatments. Sukoon Houseboat - Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley, India Sukoon, a Sufi term for an elevated state of mind that combines peace, wisdom, and contentment, is Kashmir's first ecological houseboat, created as a haven where you can relax and revitalise. Surrounded by lotuses and the pristine mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Sukoon is moored on the tranquil Dal Lake in the heart of Kashmir Valley. Lotus Houseboat - Kerala Backwaters, India The Lotus houseboat offers you serenity and relaxation while cruising through the languid backwaters of Malabar, the undiscovered jewel of northern Kerala. Embark on a blissful journey that offers an exceptional combination of four days at Neeleshwar Hermitage, a stylish retreat on a peaceful palm-fringed beach, and a two-day cruise through the tranquil Malabar backwaters. For more info, visit www.secret-retreats.com; for more luxury river and adventure cruising, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

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Tauck’s Treasures of South-East Asia

Tauck has announced a new 16-day land and sea exploration of Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore centered around an 11-day cruise aboard the new luxury small ship, Le Soléal. Scheduled to launch this summer in Italy, the 466ft ship has a capacity of 264 passengers and will also be featured on selected 2013 sailings of Tauck’s cruise exploration of Iceland.

Tauck’s new “Treasures of South-East Asia” itinerary will kick-off with an included two-night exploration of Hong Kong featuring accommodations at the Kowloon Shangri-La and guided sightseeing, and it will conclude with a two-night stay in Singapore (also with in-depth guided sightseeing) and accommodations at the Marina Bay Sands.

Between their stays in Hong Kong and Singapore, Tauck guests will spend 11 days cruising aboard Le Soléal with ports of call including Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Throughout their journey, guests will enjoy a wide array of unique experiences highlighting the history and culture of South-east Asia, beginning with a dim sum culinary experience, market visits and other activities in Hong Kong.

In Vietnam, guests will travel on a day trip to explore Hanoi, sail on Ha Long Bay aboard a 

traditional junk, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son. There will also be a tour of the Cao Dai Temple in Da Nang, an  experience of daily life at a Vietnamese school and a local farmer’s home, and an exploration of historic, sprawling Ho Chi Minh City. Tauck’s guests will also learn about Singapore’s rich multiculturalism during tours of its Chinatown, Little India and Little Arabia neighborhoods, and explore its history during a visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum.

The Treasures of South-East Asia journey is priced from $9,990 per person (double occupancy, plus air), with southbound departures scheduled for October 28 and November 19, and a reverse-itinerary, northbound departure slated for November 8. Each departure is virtually all-inclusive, with all shore excursions, gratuities, port charges, airport transfers, luggage handling, onboard alcoholic drinks and much more built into the price.

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

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Ponant's Asian Collection

Boutique French cruise line and five-star expedition specialist Compagnie du Ponant has just opened bookings for its brand new Asian Collection itineraries for the winter season 2013-14. From modern empires to ancient kingdoms, passengers are invited to discover Asia’s treasures and explore the diversity of a mysterious and captivating continent.

For the first time, Le Soléal (132 staterooms and suites), the latest addition to the fleet this July, will be sailing for Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. During the cruise, Ponant invites passengers to discover Asia in a more intimate way: mooring as close as possible to the shore to grant unrivalled access to protected sites whilst offering first rate comfort, elegance and 5-star service. Guests onboard will include experts, historians and lecturers ready to share their passion with the passengers.

A comprehensive programme of shore excursions will include some of the world most outstanding UNESCO World Heritage sites, and all 17 Asian itineraries promise to offer much more than a cruise: a genuine travel experience. Sample cruises include:

JAPAN 
Leaving Otaru, Le Soléal sets out to discover Japan’s kaleidoscope of traditions, beliefs and way of life. From Kanazawa to Hiroshima via Busan, the 8-day cruise ends in Osaka, the new beating heart of Japan. Departure, October 15, from £1,882 per person. 

VIETNAM
The 12-day Hong Kong-Singapore cruise takes in the most important sites and exceptional landscapes of Vietnam, with excursions including a junk boat trip to the heart of the majestic and mysterious Ha Long Bay, the discovery of Hanoi, Saigon and the Imperial City of Hue, or sailing down the Cai River. Pre and post-cruise excursions are on offer for those who want to explore Hong Kong and Singapore. Departure October 30, from £3,298 per person. 

INDONESIA
Bali, Gili Islands, Komodo, Brunei and Borneo...this 14-day cruise ventures into the very heart of Indonesia, from wild Sarawak to Sandankan, home of large congresses of orangutans, traditional villages and the cosmopolitan port of Makassar. Departure January 4, 2014, from £3,081 per person.

MYANMAR & SRI LANKA 
Departing on a 9-day voyage from Kuala Lumpur to Colombo via Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, Le Soléal calls at Penang (first British trading post in the Far East in the 19^th century), Phuket, Trincomalee and Hambantota, on a cruise rich in discovery. The itinerary exceptionally includes four days in Yangon to explore the Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan temples, Mandalay, the cultural capital, and the former royal city of Amarapura. Departure March 14, 2014, from £3,036 per person.

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

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Michelin Chef Spices Up Silversea Voyage

Jason Atherton, the award-winning Michelin-starred chef who owns restaurants in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, is to cook for guests on Silversea cruise ship Silver Shadow later this year.

Jason will cook a unique 4-course meal for guests onboard Silver Shadow's voyage from Hong to Singapore on November 25. While the menu remains in development, Jason is known around the world for some amazing signature dishes, including Scallop Sashimi “trip to Japan 2012” and “PBJ,” his twist on a classic peanut butter and jam sandwich.

In addition to cooking onboard, Jason will be a guest speaker during the voyage and host a group of guests on a unique tour to one of the fresh food markets in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam - one of the man ports of call during the cruise. The 9-day voyage docks in Singapore on December 4 after visiting Chan May, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

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

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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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SeaDream's New Brochure Bonus

SeaDream Yacht Club has introduced a newly-designed, full-colour, 80-page brochure reflecting their yachting lifestyle and featuring the 2013/14 voyage programme of their chic, twin vessels SeaDream I and SeaDream II. For the first time, all voyages are shown in pounds sterling.

The highlights are as follows:

The all-new autumn 2013 Costa Rica programme sees SeaDream’s first sailings across the “top” of South America, its first visit to Gatun Lake and Nicaragua, Costa Rica, itself, with inaugural sailings through the great Panama Canal. Typical voyages such as SeaDream I’s 7-night Caldera round-trip 'Costa Rica & Panama Discovery' sailing on November 30 start from £2,266pp, including all fees, handling and port tax.

The brand new autumn/spring 2013/14 Asia programme aboard SeaDream II features 18 different departures, and visits almost every nation with a coast in Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong. Sailings range from 7 to 14 nights and the programme kicks off with an inaugural trans-Suez and a trans-Indian Ocean sailing.

A typical 7-night itinerary such as 'Asian Fantasia' round-trip from Singapore on April 4, 2014, costs from £3,095pp, while a typical longer voyage such as her 14-night 'Voyage of the Warrors' sailing from Cairns to Bali departing on February 1, 2014, costs from £5,995pp.

An exciting highlight of the summer 2014 Northern Europe season sees SeaDream operating its first cruise from Britain, a 14-night Baltic Capitals voyage departing on August 30 round-trip from Dover, with lead-in early booking fares starting from £6,655pp. After the inaugural round-trip UK sailing, SeaDream I heads for Lisbon, then Rome and on to Athens to join her sister ship in the Mediterranean through to the end of the summer.

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

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Bag A Last-Minute Holiday Cruise With Holland America

Holland America Line is gearing up for some great last-minute bookings for their festive sailings across the Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, New Zealand, China, Vietnam and the Canary Islands. While at sea, guests can choose to participate in a number of festive activities, from special film screenings, a visit from Santa and eggnog in the Atrium, to a delicious Christmas brunch and Santa’s milk-and-cookie late-night snack!

There will also be Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy on-board to perform religious services. Guests can take advantage of Holland America’s fantastic facilities to make it a Christmas to remember, from taking a cookery class at the Culinary Arts Centre and keeping fit at the onboard fitness centre to indulging in a sumptuous treatment at The Greenhouse Spa. 

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

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Winter Far East Special From Holland America

Holland America Line is offering an 11-night luxury cruise of Thailand, Vietnam and China from just £749 per person this winter. 

Departing from Singapore on December 1, the cruise heads for Thailand's spectacular eastern islands and calls at Koh Samui before making an overnight stop at Laem Chabang for two full days exploring the colourful capital of Bangkok. Next port of call is Pho My in Vietnam, where guests can immerse themselves in the bustle of Ho Chi Minh city or even take an authentic Vietnamese cooking course. 

The cruise continues to the port city of Da Nang, perfectly placed for exploring the charming Vietnamese town of Hoi An or the imperial city of Hue. The Volendam then calls at Ha Long Bay, where guests can experience the otherworldly landscape that make this beautiful spot so famous, or head for a day-trip to Hanoi, before sailing to Hong Kong, where the cruise ends.

While at sea, guests can also be pampered in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, experience the Culinary Arts Centre, which features cookery demonstrations, as well as sampling the Volendam’s choice of elegant restaurants and lounges.

This offer is based on two sharing an inside cabin on Holland America’s 'Far East Discovery' cruise, departing Singapore on December 1. The price includes 11 nights’ full board accommodation on Volendam, plus, there is an offer to upgrade to an oceanview stateroom for an extra £50.

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

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Regent's New Winter Collection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a special offer to go with the unveiling of its new Winter Collection for 2013/14, which features voyages to South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.

As part of the launch, the ultra-luxury line is offering a complimentary one-night, post-cruise luxury hotel package on all Winter Collection itineraries booked by December 31. Additional collection highlights include three new ports, five Grand Voyages with exclusive amenities, and special offers on pre and post-cruise land programmes.

Recognised as the most inclusive luxury cruise experience, all Regent sailings also include all-suite accommodations, 97% with private balconies, gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, free shore excursions, gratuities, and a pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, at no additional cost.

2013-2014 Winter Collection Highlights

From November 2013 through to June 2014, the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager visits the South Pacific and Asia (above), with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, China, Japan and India, offering guests a variety of itineraries ranging from 10 – 136-nights including four Grand Voyages.

Regent also offers a specially priced three-night pre or post-cruise land programme for £318pp on select South Pacific and Asia itineraries. These include Angkor Wat, Beijing and the Great Wall of China, Hong Kong and Sydney, as well as Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, two new land programmes.

Seven Seas Mariner returns to South America where guests can sail along the mighty Amazon, cruise around Cape Horn, explore the Panama Canal and visit the largest Magellanic Penguin colony in the world. Sailings range from 10 to 70 nights including the coveted “Circle South America” Grand Voyage.

In March 2014, the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony ship heads back to the Mediterranean with a grand crossing from Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona featuring maiden calls in Dakar, Senegal, and Tangier, Morocco

The newly refurbished, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator explores the tropics, with 16 departures round-trip from Miami to the Caribbean, ranging from seven to 24 nights and including a maiden call in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The ship then departs Miami on April 21 for an 18-night voyage to San Francisco, transiting the Panama Canal to begin its  popular cruises in Alaska.

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

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AMA's Autumn Specials

River-cruise specialists AMA Waterways have three bumper special offers to tempt savvy travellers this autumn, with a diverse choice of eastern Europe, France and Vietnam.

Take your pick from the following tempting trio:

Black Sea Voyage with up to £445pp saving

Cruise the lower Danube through five countries, from Rousse in Bulgaria to Budapest, Hungary, with daily port calls and complimentary tours and excursions on a 7-night voyage on board the luxurious 5-star river cruiser AmaDolce. AMA's Black Sea sailing now costs from just £1,395 per person (was £1,840pp) with all meals, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Autumn wine-themed cruise, saving £499pp

This blissful 7-night voyage sails from Lyon to Arles (and in reverse) on board the luxury river cruiser, AmaDagio, cruising through legendary wine regions such as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone. The cruise departs on October 11 and 18 and costs from £1,591pp (was £2,091), including wine tastings at local vintners, daily tours and excursions, all meals, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Cruise the Mekong  
Experience the exotic villages, towns, markets and temples of the mighty Mekong River on a 7-night river cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City in Cambodia and Vietnam. This 10-night adventure departs on November 10 and includes a night stay in Siem Reap, a 7-night cruise, two overnight UK flights and all necessary transfers. It now costs from just £2,695pp, a saving of some 30 per cent.

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

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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.

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Around The World With Silversea

Leading luxury cruise operator Silversea has announced  it will start 2014 - its 20^th 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.

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Save With AMA This Autumn

Here are a couple of great autumn holiday deals today from AmaWaterways, with their stylish river-cruise offerings featured at savings of up to £500 per person.

Autumn river cruise with £445pp saving

AMAs has a big saving on a 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on board the luxury river cruiser, AmaDagio, cruising through legendary wine regions, producing wines such as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone. The cruise departs on October 4 and now costs from £1,895pp, including wine tastings at local vintners, daily tours and excursions, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Cruise the Mekong, saving up to 500pp 

Experience the exotic villages, towns, markets and temples of the Mekong on a 7-night river cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. This 11-night departure sails on November 12 with a big saving, and includes a two-night stay in Siem Reap, the full 7-night cruise, two overnight UK flights and transfers. Price now from £2,399pp, departing from the UK on November 9. 

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

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.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.