Luxury Cruising - At A Bargain Price

Today's latest offer needs no real introduction - it is just a chance to sample sea-going luxury at a great price as Seabourn has released a selection of eye-catching offers for those seeking some excitement this summer. 

Take your pick from:

7-Day Adriatic & Greek Isles, departing August 23: A 7-day cruise on Seabourn Odyssey from Venice to Athens calling at Sibenik, Kotor, Bay of Kotor, Corfu, Fiscardo, Gythion, and Rethymnon on Crete. A complimentary upgrade is available from Ocean View to Veranda stateroom.

Prices start from £1,899pp for cruise only, with fly/cruise prices from £2,619, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini bar.

7-Day St. Petersburg & The Baltic departing June 29: A 7-day cruise on Seabourn Quest from Copenhagen to Stockholm, calling at Tallinn, St Petersburg and Helsinki. Again, a complimentary upgrade is available from Ocean View to Veranda stateroom.

Prices start from £1,999pp for cruise only, with fly/cruise prices from £2,429, based on two people sharing a suite, fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and fully stocked mini bar.

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

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Princess Unveil All-Inclusive Packages

Princess Cruises has broken the mould of modern, big-ship cruising by announcing an ‘all inclusive’ package on one of its UK-based ships for the first time.

The offer, which forms part of the Princess Cruises 2015 Europe programme, will be available on 10 sailings in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on board Caribbean Princess (above). The 3,000-passenger ship will set sail from the UK during spring and summer next year and include a fully inclusive drinks package for all guests who book within the special promotional period.

Other 2015 highlights include a reduced deposit of £99 per person on all Europe cruises and an increased number of sailings across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The cruise line has also revealed that Royal Princess, which was launched by HRH the Duchess of Cambridge last year, will return to the UK for spring and summer 2015. The ship will sail out of Southampton for a series of British Isles round-trips, including calls at Liverpool, Edinburgh and Belfast. She will additionally tour the Baltic on a 12-night tour in June of next year, including visits to Copenhagen, Stockholm and St Petersburg.

Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises managing director UK and Europe, said: “2015 is all about choice as our Europe-based ships will make 150 departures and visit over 120 destinations. European cruises are booming in popularity and as such we’ve provided something for everyone, including destinations and packages to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets.

“It is particularly fitting that Royal Princess will sail round-trips of the UK, as it will give people across the country the opportunity to welcome a ship that was so warmly received here last year."

The 2015 cruises will go on sale on March 11 at 3pm. The complimentary drinks package and £99 deposit are available on all 2015 cruises booked before June 30.

Caribbean Princess

The Caribbean Princess will spend the summer (Apr-Sep 2015) on ten sailings from Southampton to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with the complimentary drinks package on all bookings made between March 11 and June 30, 2014.

Programme highlights include:

• Four 14-night Mediterranean Adventurer cruises, sailing round-trip from Southampton to the Western Mediterranean.
• One 14-night North Cape and Summer Solstice departure in June which sails north to the Arctic Circle during the peak Midnight Sun period.
• One 7-night Scandinavia cruise, departing from Southampton via Copenhagen.

Prices start from just £979pp.

More info: visit www.princess.com or call 0843 373 0333. 

 

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Fred Olsen's 'All-Inclusive' Appeal

All-inclusive holidays have been a major part of the holiday landscape for more than 30 years, and is a concept most people can relate to easily and effectively.

 

Cruising has also long been an 'all-inclusive' holiday in many ways, in that it includes all your transport, meals, accommodation and entertainment, all under one roof, so to speak.

 

But it hasn't always been apparent to those who have never cruised before (even though the inherent extra value of a trip at sea is obvious once you're tried it), hence Fred Olsen Cruise Lines have launched a new brochure aimed at trying to simplify things and underline the greater 'inclusivity' involved.

 

Called 'All-Inclusive Holidays', the new brochure is targeted specifically at the 'yet to cruise' market. It has simple, all-inclusive pricing, based on one cabin type, and tackles some of the perceived challenges of booking a cruise head on, using more familiar mainstream vocabulary, such as 'Ocean View Room' rather than 'Outside Cabin'.

Itineraries in the new great-value ‘All-Inclusive Holidays’ brochure include:

• Braemar’s 10-night ‘Canary Islands & Madeira’ cruise, from London Gatwick and Manchester on April 23. Prices start from £685 per person (cruise only), based on two adults sharing a twin Interior Room.
• Black Watch’s 11-night ‘Highlands & Islands’ cruise, from Rosyth on August 23. Prices start from £1,190 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin Interior Room.
• Balmoral’s 10-night ‘Waterways & Cities of Europe’ cruise, from Southampton on October 24. Prices start from £820 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin Interior Room.  

More info: call 0800 0355 242 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

 

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? Our new edition is just out and we have SO much to offer in 2014. Check out the special rates on this link!

 

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Seven Seas Voyager's Dramatic Refurbishment

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced that Seven Seas Voyager has emerged from her scheduled dry-dock with a dramatic, breathtaking new interior decor and refreshed exterior decks. The all-balcony, all-suite 700-guest capacity vessel unveiled her new look on October 23 when she set sail on a 10-night cruise from Rome to Venice. 

As part of the ship’s refurbishment, all Penthouse Suites (above) received stunning new décor with custom-crafted elegant furnishings, plush carpeting, curtains, wall coverings, furniture, lighting, original artwork and outdoor furniture. 

Horizons, the ship’s nightclub and bar, and the Observation Lounge each underwent a complete, radical transformation. The venues now sport distinctive new bars, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting throughout. 

The Constellation Theatre, the ship’s two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was rejuvenated with new carpeting, all new upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chair. 

Guests can still choose from up to four, open-seating gourmet restaurants, including Compass Rose, serving an exceptional variety of European-inspired Continental cuisine; Prime 7, a contemporary American steakhouse; Signatures, a classic French dining experience that rivals the finest Parisian restaurants; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, which offers an extensive menu of authentic Italian specialties. 

With some of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry, accommodations include such requisite amenities as down comforters, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen television, DVD players and Wi-Fi access. Penthouse and higher-category suites aboard all three ships are equipped with iPads.

More info: call 02380 682280 or visit www.rssc.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Regent's Deals Of The Week

Some great offers from Regent Seven Seas today, including a great Alaska cruise next May. It's all about booking early, you see...

MIAMI TO MIAMI on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on February 23 for £1,999pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability).

The highlights of the cruise include Miami, Key West, Belize City, Roatan and Cozumel, with up to 30 free excursions plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Miami (Concierge Suites and above).

VANCOUVER TO VANCOUVER on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on 21. For £2,299pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell and Prince Rupert Sound, with up to 31 free excursions, plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Vancouver (Concierge Suites and above).

As ever with Regent, it is a truly all-inclusive luxury experience:

• FREE flights and transfers.
• FREE 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package.
• FREE unlimited shore excursions on every cruise.
• ALL inclusive onboard: fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment.

More info: call 023 8068 2280 or visit www.rssc.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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

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Set Sail For Mystery With Saga!

One of the most popular voyages in the Saga Cruises calendar is the Mystery Cruise, with passengers putting their holiday in the hands of the ship’s captain. And, with all-inclusive drinks, there’s bound be a party atmosphere adventure!

Saga Sapphire’s Captain Philip Rentell (above) is a favourite among passengers and he has devised a magical, mystery tour to seven ports, in a minimum of three countries, for his fun Mystery Cruise.

Capt Rentell promises there will be three maiden ports of call, so even well-travelled passengers can rest assured they will be visiting places where Saga Sapphire has never docked before.

Only Captain Rentell and his Chief Purser will be privy to the secret destinations – and they will not accept bribes under any circumstances!

The ports will be announced once the ship has berthed and a half-day surprise tour will be included at each port. No cheating will be allowed and all passenger electronic charts will be turned off to ensure that destinations are really is a surprise!

This all-inclusive 16-night cruise, set to leave Southampton on December 1, is sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas and there will be opportunities to buy gifts ashore and duty free items on board.

The fun, full programme of activities will also mean there will be plenty more mysteries to solve during the cruise...

Want to know more? Call free on 0800 056 8986 or visit saga.co.uk/cruises.

Prices are from £2,299, departing Southampton on December 1 and returning December 16.

The holiday includes all house-brand spirits, cocktails, beer, mixers and soft drinks, a return chauffeur service up to 250 miles each way, travel insurance, all meals onboard, including 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party and Captain’s Dinner, unlimited tea and coffee, entertainment and activities, all on-board gratuities, port taxes and visas and porterage.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Regent's New Winter Collection

Regent Seven Seas has introduced its 2014-2015 Winter Collection featuring voyages to Asia, Africa, South America, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. In total, the line’s award-winning, all-suite vessels will sail 48 itineraries and 19 Grand Voyages to more than 200 destinations in 75 countries. The collection, which features cruises from November 2014 to May 2015, includes 23 new destinations from Busan, South Korea to Zadar, Croatia.

All Regent's sailings include round-trip air and transfers, unlimited shore excursions, premium spirits and fine wines and gratuities as well as a pre-cruise luxury hotel package, complimentary Wi-Fi and free land programmes on select sailings in Africa and Asia for those who book concierge-level and higher suites.

Out of Africa and into the Med on Seven Seas Voyager

The 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager begins its season in Dubai, travelling to Cape Town and then to Singapore. Maiden ports of call explored from November through December 2014 include Maputo, Mozambique; Langkawi, Malaysia; Nosy Be/Nosy Komba, Madagascar; and Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

From mid-January to April 2015, Voyager visits Asia and the Pacific on six itineraries ranging from 14 to 21 nights, calling on Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. For the first time, the line is calling on Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Busan, South Korea; and Ishigaki and Kagoshima, Japan.

May 2015 is spent in the Mediterranean with three itineraries, beginning with a 20-night journey from Dubai to Barcelona, followed by two seven-night sailings from Barcelona to Lisbon and then Lisbon to Southampton. Highlighted ports include Petra, Jordan; Rhodes, Greece; Málaga, Spain; Oporto, Portugal; and Bordeaux, France.

Tahiti & South Pacific to New Zealand & Australia on Seven Seas Mariner

The South Pacific is the featured region for Seven Seas Mariner’s winter offerings. The 700-guest, all suite, all-balcony ship opens the season with the choice of a 16-night itinerary from Miami to Los Angeles or a 34-night voyage from Miami to Papeete, French Polynesia. New ports of call include Corinto, Nicaragua; Nawiliwili (Kauai) and Kahului (Maui), Hawaii; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands; and Fakarava, French Polynesia.

Mariner then makes her way to New Zealand and Australia, discovering new ports along the way such as Raiatea, French Polynesia; Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Champagne Bay (Espiritu Santo), Vanuatu; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Huahine, French Polynesia.

From March to mid-April 2015, she explores South America, with three itineraries from Lima, to Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro; and Rio to Barcelona. For the first time, the line calls on Natal, Brazil known for its blend of stunning beaches and historical monuments.

From the Caribbean to the Fjords of Alaska on Seven Seas Navigator

Accommodating 490 guests, the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator starts the season with 16 Miami round-trip sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. From eco-tourism adventures in Belize City to the ultra-chic vibe of St Barts, guests will be charmed and captivated by island life. Of note is the 24-night Eastern Caribbean/Amazon River itinerary that begins on November 23 and includes calls on Santarém, Boca da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter do Chão, Brazil along the Amazon River.

In April 2015, Navigator makes a 10-night Miami round-trip to Bermuda with stops in Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Charleston. Later that month, she sails west to San Francisco calling on Key West; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and San Diego, transiting the Panama Canal along the way.

The ship returns to Alaska in May 2015 with two seven and one nine- and one 14-night itinerary. Ports include Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Victoria in British Columbia; Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Anchorage, Skagway in Alaska; and Astoria, Oregon.
 

More info: for a brochure, contact Reservations on 02380 682280 or go to www.rssc.com

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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.

Regent's Wi-Fi Bonus

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced an expansion to its fabulous all-inclusive product by offering free Wi-Fi across its fleet. Beginning with the line’s Winter 2014-2015 sailings, concierge-level and higher guests will receive up to 500 minutes of free Wi-Fi.

Regent will also make a multi-million dollar investment to upgrade its fleet’s onboard Internet offering. This will include:
 

• Doubling the satellite bandwidth to provide considerable improvements in both the quality and speed of the guest’s online experience.
• Expanding the Wi-Fi signal’s range, making Wi-Fi available throughout the entirety of the ships including all suites, public rooms and outdoor decks.
• Replacing all onboard hardware such as the modems, routers and bandwidth compression equipment with advanced technology.

These upgrades will be completed by the end of this year, significantly enhancing the Internet experience for all guests.

According to Regent president Kunal S. Kamlani,  the addition of free Wi-Fi is a natural evolution of the brand’s all-inclusive product offering, which is unmatched in the travel industry. He said: “It’s all included on Regent, from flights, ground transfers and unlimited shore excursions to gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, and gratuities. 

"Coupled with our hallmark personalised service and spacious all-suite accommodations, we provide a luxury cruise experience like no other for those who want to explore the world without compromise. And we know staying in touch with family and friends is of paramount importance. Our fleet-wide Internet upgrade will ensure our guests have an exceptional experience whenever or wherever they connect on board.”

Details on the free Wi-Fi programme can be found here. Details of the 2014-2015 Winter Collection will be announced on October 9.

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

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Christmas All Wrapped Up With Regent

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

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

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

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

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

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South American Splendour With Regent

Anyone looking for some Latin cruise adventure and excitement this winter should look no further than the latest South American offers from luxury line Regent Seven Seas.

Not only do Regent have a proper all-inclusive policy, where genuinely everything is included, they have just launched some outstanding deals for voyages to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and the majestic Amazon River in December and January.

Take your pick from: 

Rio to Buenos Aires
Aboard  Seven Seas Mariner, this 12-night voyages sails on December 8 and is now priced from £4,569pp (based on two sharing an H category suite and subject to availability). The cruise starts at Rio (for an overnight visit) and then calls at Buzios, Ilha Grande, Paraty, Santos, Porto Belo, Rio Grande, Montevideo, Punta Del Este and Buenos Aires (overnight). It includes return flights and transfers, vernight stays in Rio and Buenos Aires, up to 19 free shore excursions to choose from, a 2 or 3-night pre or post-cruise land programme for £198pp, a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rio and all-inclusive on board.

Rio To Miami
Take Seven Seas Mariner for 21 nights sailing on January 4, now from £7,769pp (based on two people sharing an H category suite and subject to availability). Highlights are Salvador de Bahia, Fortaleza, cruising the Amazon River, Alter do Chao, Boca de Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Santarem, Devil’s Island, Bridgetown, Gustavia and San Juan. It includes return flights and transfers, up to 44 free shore excursions, free pre or post-cruise land programme and a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rio, as well as all-inclusive on board.

Buenos Aires to Rio
This 10-night voyage on Seven Seas Mariner sails on February 28 and now costs from £5,269pp (based on two sharing an H category suite and subject to availability). It calls at Montevideo, Punta del Este, Rio Grande, Porto Belo, Santos, Ilha Grande, Paraty and Buzios before arriving in Rio and includes return flights and transfers, up to 18 free excursions to choose from, free pre-cruise land programme, a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Buenos Aires and all-inclusive on board.

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

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Grab An Azamara Upgrade

Azamara Club Cruises’ are offering a new 'Double Upgrade' bonus to add even more value to their destination-immersive style that delves into the rich history of Europe, fascinating cultures of Asia and bustling, metropolitan cities of South America. 

In addition, guests can enjoy up to 50 per cent savings on brochure rates, 25 per cent savings on most Land Discoveries (shore excursions) when booked online prior to the sailing, and a whopping $1,000 ChoiceAir credit for air travel booked by September 30.

Azamara's distinct destination-immersive experiences appeal especially to more up-market travellers. The cruise line features sailings with longer stays and more overnights at ports to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring at some of the most compelling destinations of the areas they sail in.

On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and the line’s authentic, exclusive and bespoke AzAmazing Evenings events that showcase the unexpected colours and flavours of a destination. Guests also enjoy fine cuisine, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities, complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits, bottled water, soft drinks, speciality coffee and teas, as well as complimentary self-service laundry, an English Butler service for suite guests and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available.

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

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Trusting Silversea

Last week's news that deluxe all-inclusive line Silversea failed - in epic fashion - their snap CDC sanitation inspection aboard the six-star Silver Shadow (above) has caused major ripples in the cruise world.

The fact one of the luxury cruising fleet could be caught out in this way was the initial shocker, followed by the details behind the case, which included galley crew hastily moving trolleys with food waste items and other dirty leftovers into crew cabins to try to hide them from the CDC inspectors.

The overall episode, which resulted in a score of 82 - where anything below 86 is marked as failing an inspection - has caused many media outlets to question Silversea's viability as a cruise line, amid lurid headlines and the usual array of criticism, much of it from lawyers eager to make a buck or two out of it by persuading passengers to sue (yawn).

Silversea have certainly and unforgivably dropped the ball on this occasion, but there are other facts that need to be outlined about this incident:

• Had a Silversea ship ever failed a CDC inspection before in the 20-year history of the line? No.
• Was passenger safety or health compromised by this bungled episode? No.
• Has the line been honest and up front in admitting what happened? Yes.
• Have they taken steps to ensure this won't happen again? Yes.

All in all, it is a chastening experience for the line and a real eye-opener for the industry. Failed scores can - and do - happen from time to time, including the Golden Princess in February and even one of the SeaDream vessels in January. CDC inspectations are rigorous and all-encompassing, and every ship is tested on a random basis twice a year, and some failing marks are on distinct technicalities that are highly unlikely that passengers would even notice. 

The simple fact is, with hundreds of ships now in the world cruising fleet, these kinds of failures remain a rarity and it therefore creates headlines when they happen.

Experienced commentator and cruise specialist Ralph Grizzle, otherwise known as the Avid Cruiser, has already posted chapter and verse on what happened, why and how Silversea are dealing with it subsequently, and you can see it on his latest blog on this link.

Silversea CEO Enzo Visone has also posted a full account of what happened and the company's reaction to it on their facebook pages, and you can that here: https://www.facebook.com/SilverseaCruises.

It is a surprisingly fulsome and candid apology, along with a rigorous list of how Silversea will go forward and ensure they rebuild their reputation as one of the finest cruise lines out there.

As a final question, it is something I have already been asked by a number of readers, as well as online on our Twitter account: Would you be happy to sail on Silversea again anytime soon?

The answer is a very simple Yes. Firstly because you can be 100 per cent sure the line is now paying maximum attention to the matter of cleanliness and all CDC matters (as, of course, they should), but mainly, because it is such an aberration, I would be extremely confident you just won't see Silversea slipping up on anything like this again.

 

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Grab A Regent Bargain

It's definitely bargain time again this week, and the latest round of special offers come from luxury all-inclusive line Regent Seven Seas, who have a series of well-priced deals for some late-summer and early autumn voyages.

Take your pick from this fabulous selection of four Mediterranean cruises:

Rome to Venice
On Seven Seas Mariner, 10-nights sailing August 29. New price from £3,149 per person based on two people sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Rome, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Capri, Taormina, Valletta, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Venice (overnight), with up to 35 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.
 

Rome to Monte Carlo
On Seven Seas Mariner, 7-night cruise sailing October 17 now from £2,332pp based on two sharing a G category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Rome, Capri, Amalfi, Porto Vecchio, Florence/Pisa, Portofino, St Tropez and Monte Carlo with up to 33 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.

Venice to Rome
Also aboard Seven Seas Mariner, this 10-night voyage sails on October 31 and is now priced from £2,599 pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Venice, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Valletta, Taormina, Capri, Florence/Pisa, Monte Carlo, Portofino and Rome, with up to 36 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Venice.

Rome to Barcelona
On November 10, Seven Seas Mariner sails a 10-night cruise that is now priced from £2,551pp based on two sharing a G category suite (subject to availability). Highlights: Rome, Florence/Pisa, Ajaccio, Genoa, Monte Carlo (overnight), Provence, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona, with up to 52 free excursions PLUS a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Rome.

And, as with all Regent voyages, it is all included, with free flights and transfers, free pre-cruise hotel stay, free shore excursions, all-inclusive on board (with no supplements for alternative dining and all drinks complimentary) and all gratuities included.

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

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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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Un-Cruise Offers New Hawaii Itinerary

This winter, Un-Cruise Adventures’ 36-guest yacht Safari Explorer explores the Hawaiian islands on a new itinerary sailing one-way between Moloka’i and Hawaii, the Big Island or reverse. Week-long 'Luxury Adventure' cruises in Hawaii include activities and tours while exploring four islands - Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui and the Big Island.

New this season, Moloka’i - a quieter, less-visited island - takes centre stage as the beginning or ending point for the line’s cruises. Exclusive cultural activities are included for guests on the island, with the vessel spending an evening at dock to allow for a full day of activities and cultural immersion.

“Moloka’i is like stepping back in time to the Hawaii of yesteryear,” said Dan Blanchard, CEO and principal for Un-Cruise Adventures. “It’s incredibly scenic and values its culture and heritage, which we’re proud to be able to share with our guests.”

Anakala Pilipo invites guests to Moloka’i’s historic and scenic Halawa Valley for a hike to a secluded waterfall or a relaxing day on his land “talking story,” learning the traditions of his family’s ancient taro patch and a visit to a nearby beach. In the evening, an authentic Pa’ina (feast) at the Moloka’i Museum and Cultural Center features local cuisine, including fresh fish, poi, seaweed, sweet potatoes and other staples of the Hawaiian diet. Local musicians join in the celebration along with a kumu hula dancer.

As a bonus with this beautiful cruise option, all bookings made by August 2 for travel for November to April will receive a $700 per couple travel credit. Rates for the Hawaii cruise start at $3,595 per person, double occupancy, inclusive of premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews, all meals featuring local Hawaiian flavours, massage, yoga, guided tours geared toward small groups, from-yacht activities and equipment, whale and dolphin encounters, transfers, lei greeting, and port charges and taxes.

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