Cape Verde Part 4

World of Cruising's arch-blogger Steve Newman continues his latest trip, an adventurous cruise into the Atlantic with Noble Caledonia...

Up at 6am as we left port to sail the 18 miles to the island of Maio.  This is unique as we are the first cruise ship to visit the island by tying up to the jetty, so the Mayoral party came to greet us. 

Fantastic watching the sun come up as we scanned the ocean for the Cape Verde humpbacks and dolphins. 

The expedition team helping us with identification of the birds are itching to see whales. We had a really good lecture this afternoon on whales and dolphins so we are all ready tomorrow to identify them from the bow.

Maio has quiet dunes and secret beaches but the little town is fascinating to explore with its pastel houses. The birders walked over to the salt flats and back along the white sand beach while the shoppers headed to the town and then the beaches for a swim.   

None of us had seen water so clear and so inviting. The people are even more laid back here than on Santiago! 4pm saw an ice cream social event in the bar - a great relief to those of us coming back to the ship!

For more information on Noble Caledonia cruises, follow this link to The Cruise Line the UK’s luxury adventure cruise specialist. 

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.

Unleash Your Inner Artist With Star Clippers

New `learn to’ type cruises are all the rage this year, and tall-ship specialist Star Clippers is definitely one to watch for this style of holiday as they be providing guests with the opportunity to unleash their inner artist on three art-themed sailing voyages in 2012, with the first departure on May 5.

Guests can learn to sketch and paint in the company of successful British artist Richard Nichols against a backdrop of a beautiful tall ship under full sail, in some of the world’s most stunning locations, including the Greek Islands, Spain, Morocco and the Caribbean. The week-long, sailings cost from £1,499pp, including art tuition and equipment, all meals on board, return UK flights and transfers.

Suffolk-born Nichols specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes and will run workshops on each cruise encompassing a variety of media, from sketching to water-colours, aimed at all levels of experience. Included in the price of the cruise is a special artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, water-colours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment.

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

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

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

Carnival's Caribbean Cruise Bonus

Cruise the Eastern Caribbean and see some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world with Carnival Cruise Lines this year. From stunning Grand Turk, the largest of the Turks & Caicos islands to the idyllic sun-drenched island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau, one of the most beautiful and popular ports in the Caribbean, this is a taste of the Caribbean at its most laid-back.

The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle also features something for everyone. A marvel of modern cruise engineering, most of her staterooms have ocean views and the majority of have private balconies. Highlighted by the 11-story Metropolis atrium with a ruby-red glass ceiling, Miracle also features great dining, including a reservations-recommended steakhouse, plus superb entertainment options and Spa pampering that make for a truly special onboard experience.

This 9-night Eastern Caribbean fly/cruise starts from just £1,189 per person, departing on May 13 and including scheduled flights between London and New York and a 9-night cruise, full board basis per person, based on an inside stateroom.

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

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

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

Save On Luxury River Voyages With AmaWaterways

It's always great to start the week with some major cruise savings - and these are especially noteworthy from AmaWaterways, for their grand Mekong River voyages in Vietnam and Cambodia, the wine regions of France and the Danube:

19^th March: Mekong cruise, £1,295pp, saving £328pp

From exotic floating markets to bustling cities, AmaWaterways’ cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City meanders along Asia’s magnificent Mekong, taking in life along its banks with daily included excursions to temples, markets, cities and riverside villages. A week's stay on board the majestic La Marguerite, the most luxurious ship on the river, now costs £1,295pp on March 19, a saving of £328pp. The price includes all meals on board, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily excursions and nightly entertainment on board.

29th March: Wine-themed cruise with £389pp saving
 
Take a wine-filled voyage from Arles to Lyon through some of France’s most renowned wine regions, inclusive of complimentary wine-themed shore excursions and winery visits; onboard lectures, wine tastings and wine pairings at meals. Highlights are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Arles and Avignon; the beautiful villages of Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trévoux and excursions to the Beaujolais wine region. The week-long cruise now costs from £1,265pp (a saving of £389pp), including all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, complimentary daily tours, free wi-fi and complimentary use of onboard bicycles.

 
13^th April: Black Sea cruise, £1175, saving £479pp

Cruise from Budapest along the Danube through Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria to the Bulgarian port of Rousse, including passing through the 'Iron Gates’, the narrow divide between the Balkans and Carpathian mountains, to conclude the cruise with an excursion to Bucharest. The week-long luxury voyage costs from £1,175 per person (was £1654pp), with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of onboard bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury river-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

Save Big On On The Mekong With AmaWaterways

Here's another great saving worth highlighting for those who enjoy the luxury river cruise scene:

From exotic floating markets to bustling cities, AmaWaterways cruise from Siam Reap to Ho Chi Minh City meanders along Asia’s magnificent Mekong River, taking in life along its banks with daily included excursions to temples, markets, cities and riverside villages. 

A week's stay on board the majestic La Marguerite, the most luxurious ship on the river, now costs from just £1,295 per person on the March 19 sailing, a generous saving of £328pp. The price includes all meals on board, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily excursions and nightly entertainment on board.

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

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

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

Hapag-Lloyd's Epic Trip To Russian Far East

Here's something to pique the curiosity of even the most jaded cruiser, a genuinely rare itinerary that takes in some of the most exotic cruise territory in the world. Circumnavigating the Sea of Okhotsk, with stops in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will offer their first cruise through the Russian Far East on their 5-star expedition vessel MS Hanseatic this year.

The itinerary will be fully bilingual, departing Otaru, Japan, on June 13, and concluding in Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, on June 30. The 17-day expedition voyage will lead through the Sea of Okhotsk on a route rarely travelled by cruise ships, one of the last great unexplored sea expeditions in the world. The wildlife on the many remote islands is some of the richest in the world and the scenery of snow-capped volcanoes, dense forest, tundra and meadow is truly spectacular.

The on-board Zodiacs (small inflatable boats) will take guests ashore to observe wildlife such as Stellar Sea Lions, songbirds, birds of prey, seals and sea otters, up close. The mostly uninhabited Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia’s easternmost province, is a dramatic landscape of fire and ice, and the distant and isolated Kuril Islands have mesmerised explorers and traders for centuries.

Excursion options on this itinerary include a helicopter flight to the Valley of the Geysers, considered one of the greatest miracles of nature that can only be visited by air; a Zodiac ride to Cape Utholoskiy, to hopefully view the brown bear; and a walk around Atlasova, an uninhibited island in the Kuril Islands, with the largest active volcano in the area. 

This itinerary starts at £6,448 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin.

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

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

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

Stay and Cruise In Sea of Cortes With American Safari Cruises

Travellers needing an escape to sunny Baja have one more reason to book a luxury Sea of Cortés yacht adventure with American Safari Cruises. All new reservations for cruises departing by April 14 receive one complimentary hotel stay at Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The 22-guest, upscale yacht Safari Quest sails week-long 'Aquarium of the World' adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico, through April.

The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo. The Safari Quest package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the award-winning European-style Casa Natalia. Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle. 

Sailing round-trip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in the Sea of Cortés. The itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife, including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions, which are all prevalent in the wildlife-rich waters.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempurpedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1.

For booking details, be sure to check with the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd, on 0800 008 6677 or www.cruiseline.co.uk.

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.

It's A New York Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round home port of New York City to the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean during her inaugural winter season next year.

Following a summer inaugural season sailing seven-night cruises from New York to Bermuda, Breakaway will embark on a series of 25 seven-night cruises to the Bahamas & Florida beginning on October 13, 2013. The ship will also sail two 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries on January 5 and 19, 2014. 

Her ports of call will include stops in Nassau, NCL's private island in the Bahamas, (Great Stirrup Cay) and Port Canaveral in Florida along with three relaxing days at sea. These sailings run to April 27, 2014.

The ship’s 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises weill include Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados and St. Kitts, along with five sea days. Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013.

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

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

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

Along the Mekong - AmaWaterways’ Land-Cruise

Interested in the grand way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, with time to explore on land as well as along the magnificent waterways of this part of the world? Look no further. AmaWaterways' Riches of the Mekong 15-night land-cruise includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight stay aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.

This wonderful tour then continues, via a short flight, to Siem Reap (Cambodia), the gateway to the amazing Angkor Archeological Park to experience tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayon and the newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

The journey continues with a 7-night voyage along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), calling into the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and numerous points of historical and scenic interest, including Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be.

Along the way, guests visit floating markets, rainforests and Buddhist monasteries; ride an oxcart and a trishaw and participate in the delicate craft of rice-paper making.

The full 15-night land-cruise costs from £2,422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer, local spirits and soft drinks with meals on board, while the seven-night cruise-only option costs from £1,060 per person, including excursions and drinks.

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

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

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

Voyages of Discovery Down Under

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

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

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

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

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

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.

New Voyages To St Helena

A series of new voyages departing in 2012 to the far-flung British outpost of St Helena have been introduced by St Helena Line.

Lying 1,500 miles north-west of Cape Town, the island has a rich history and dramatic natural beauty, and bookings are now being taken for the new 18-night Hideaway Tour, which departs Cape Town on May 7, 2012, on board one of the world’s last working Royal Mail ships, the 128-berth RMS St Helena (above).

Leading the tour will be Colin Lewis, Professor Emeritus of Rhodes University (South Africa), hugely knowledgeable about St Helena – its history and natural environment. Prof. Lewis will offer a special insight into this British outcrop, which was the place of Napoleon’s exile.

After a relaxing five-night voyage on board the part passenger, part cargo ship, passengers will arrive at St Helena on May 12, where they’ll be joined by island residents Basil George and Vanessa Thomas for a fascinating and diverse eight-day itinerary. Highlights include a trip to Napoleon’s last residence, Longwood House (arguably one of the finest Napoleonic museums in the world), plus other sites of historic importance, including Napoleon’s Tomb.

A boat trip, tour of the grounds at Plantation House where the Governor resides, an evening talk from the National Trust of St Helena and a walking tour of the capital, Jamestown, are also included. A Botanical Day will allow the chance to uncover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna, plus the opportunity to spot the endemic Wirebird. The RMS arrives back in Cape Town on May 25.

The Hideaway Tour costs from £2,765 per person based on two sharing an A deck cabin. The price includes eight nights’ B&B accommodation on St Helena, entry fees and guide costs, all meals on the RMS and some meals in St Helena. Return international flights to Cape Town are not included.

For more booking details, be sure to check with the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

Jilly Goolden Joins Fred. Olsen's Vistas programme

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to announce that wine expert Jilly Goolden (above) will be joining a Balmoral cruise to Iberia in 2012, hosting a theme of ‘Wines of Iberia’ as part of its cruise enhancement programme, Vistas. The 10-night cruise departs from Southampton on October 3, 2012, and visits Lisbon and Portimao (both Portugal), then Casablanca (Morocco), Cadiz, and La Coruna (both Spain), before returning to Southampton.

Goolden will host wine-tastings and give talks during the cruise, specialising in wines from the region, so the theme dovetails perfectly with the very attractive cruise itinerary.

Prices for this cruise start from £1,049 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. There is no charge for attending Jilly’s talks, as part of the Vistas programme, but there may be a small charge for wines used in tastings.

For more details, visit www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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.

New 'Chill and Cruise' Yoga Sailings

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has added two new dates to its programme of yoga and meditation themed cruises this summer. Yoga expert Christel Vollmer will now be on board the head-turning tall ship Star Flyer this October in the western Mediterranen as well as August, when cruising the Greek Islands and Turkey’s coastline.

The two new yoga cruises are the `Tyrhennian’, departing Monte Carlo on October 1 and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Giglio (Italy), Lerici (for Florence) and St Tropez, ending in Cannes. And `Spain and the Balearic Islands’, departing Cannes on October 8 and calling at Mahon, Pollenca, Formentera and Cartagena. This itinerary includes two days at sea for extra relaxation and contemplation.

Prices for all four yoga cruises are from £1,295 per person, including port taxes, all yoga classes and all meals on board. Prices exclude flights.

All four cruises include free daily Astanga (power) yoga and meditation sessions on deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before sunset, including meditation. They are hosted by Christel Vollmer, who will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home. For those on a diet, Star Clippers’ sumptuous breakfast buffets, piled with fresh fruits, and magnificent arrays of salads at lunchtime will be available, as well as vegetarian choices at dinner.

Astanga yoga is a dynamic and powerful style of yoga based on a sequence of easy-to-learn movements called asanas. Christel’s classes, which take place in English, will be suitable for all levels and no prior experience is required. There is no upper age limit for practicing yoga; Christel herself is in her fifties, with many years of teaching experience, having trained under West Coast-based Bryan Kest, yoga guru to stars including Madonna, Cindy Crawford and Sting.

Look up more at www.starclippers.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

Big South Pacific Savings With Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering fabulous savings of up to £1,584 per couple on a selection of late 2011 South Pacific voyages booked before July 15. Savings are available on the following seven-night Society Island voyages round trip from Papeete:

· 20th August - prices from £3,119 per person fly/cruise with a saving of £1,584 per couple.

· 5th November – prices from £3,119 per person fly/cruise with a saving of £1,116 per couple.

· 12th November – prices from £3,119 per person fly/cruise with a saving of £1,116 per couple.

· 3rd December – prices from £3,119 per person fly/cruise with a saving of £916 per couple.

· 21st December – prices from £3,379 per person fly/cruise with a saving of £1,116 per couple.

Prices include return scheduled flights, transfers and seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For more info, visit www.pgcruises.com or contact the luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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.

Win A Star Clippers Cruise with Silver Travel Advisor

Over-50s website the Silver Travel Advisor, which features the experiences and recollections of older holidaymakers, is offering a magnificent tall-ship cruise in a prize draw this month for posting a travel or holiday review.

Silver Travel Advisor offers mature travellers free travel advice from travel industry professionals and hosts impartial travel, restaurant and days-out reviews from its thousands of members, all of whom are aged 50 or older.

The prize draw is for a week-long cruise of the Greek islands and Turkey on board the magnificent Star Clipper, one of three historically-styled full-rigged tall ships in the Star Clippers fleet. Passengers enjoy all meals, a week-long itinerary of sailing to some of the least visited ports in the Med - many inaccessible by larger cruise vessels - and the thrill of cruising on board one of the most head-turning ships on the sea.

Every member posting a review at http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/ will be automatically entered into the prize draw for two, travelling in August, and every additional travel review entitles the member to another entry into the draw.

Silver Travel Advisor’s managing director Debbie Marshall explained: “We’re really delighted Star Clippers are partnering us in this exciting prize draw. Silver Travel Advisor recognises the value of older travellers’ experiences by offering a forum for people to share their travel recommendations and reviews. We’re constantly surprised to read of how adventurous our members are with their holidays and we know they’ll love the idea of a tall-ship cruise.”

Visit http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/ for more info, or for more on Star Clippers or cruising in general, go to The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

'Anything Goes' On Crystal's Film & Theatre Voyage

Broadway greats both current and classic will be featured in more than two dozen performances and presentations on Crystal Cruises’ “Film and Theatre”-themed voyage from San Francisco and Tinseltown to the Big Apple departing August 25 on Crystal Symphony.

Present musical revival, Tony-nominated hits “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and cruise ship-set “Anything Goes” will be honoured with special guest lecturers and an exclusive alliance with the Roundabout Theatre Company, donating Broadway show tickets and merchandise for guests.

The star of the original “How to Succeed…,” Michele Lee, and theatre impresario John Loesser, the son of the play’s composer/lyricist, will be featured guest presenters. Performance highlights include the late Zero Mostel and Ethel Merman reincarnated on stage by actors Jim Brochu and Rita McKenzie in their respective hit biographical shows about the stars.

Guest vocalists will pay musical homage to celluloid memories using authentic costumes from Hollywood legends and screening room matinees with live introductions and post-film discussions are scheduled in the ship’s surround-sound Hollywood Theatre. Guests can also watch exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews from Broadway’s “Anything Goes” (now at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre) from the comfort of their staterooms.

The 19-night “Sea to Shining Sea” voyage starts in San Francisco on August 25 and visits Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Caldera, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Miami and Charleston before arriving in New York. It will also transit the Panama Canal. Prices are from £4,997 per person including return scheduled flights, transfers, 19 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

Great Azamara Offer

Join Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey for a seven-night Spain & Portugal fly/cruise from just £1,618 per person this June (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers and a seven-night Spain & Portugal cruise departing from Lisbon and calling at Bilbao, St. Jean De Luz, St. Malo and St. Peter Port (Guernsey) before arriving in Rouen (for Paris); meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on June 25 departure.

For more info, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

This Summer's Arctic Scramble

Hurtigruten's Arctic Cruises on board the MV Fram this summer are seeing a massive surge in bookings due to the Arctic Exploration vessel MV Polar Star's owner Karlsen Shipping co. of Halifax, Nova Scotia, being placed into receivership. Polar Star had recently undergone repairs, in the Canary Islands, after a grounding in the Antarctic on January.

The Karlsen vessel would have been sailing in the Arctic until September. However, with her being unable to sail, anyone considering a cruise in this region this summer is advised to contact Arctic expedition companies such as Hurtigruten (www.hurtigruten.co.uk) or, for a more detailed list of operators with vacancies, adventure-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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

The 'Fairytale Ship' Completes Sea Trials

Costa Favolosa, the new Costa Cruises flagship, has successfully completed her official sea trials. The ship, the 15th in Costa’s fleet, completed her first crossing during which tests were conducted to verify the correct operation of the various systems, equipment and engines.

During the tests at sea, Favolosa was brought up to her maximum speed (more than 23 knots or 40km/h) which was maintained for eight consecutive hours to test the ship’s endurance. There was also a “crash stop”, meaning a complete stop at maximum speed to determine in how many metres the ship comes to a stop during an emergency.

During the test known as the “UMS”, Favolosa sailed for six straight hours only using the automatic energy and propulsion system controls. Finally, with the “blackout” test, the electric power was cut off to check that all ship functions automatically returned to normal when the power was restored.

After completing her trials, the ship returned to the shipyard in Marghera, Italy, to complete the fitting-out of the interiors prior to being placed into active service. Costa Favolosa will be ready for delivery on June 30, while the naming ceremony will take place two days later in Trieste.

Costa Favolosa - The Fairytale Ship

As her name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairytale”), Favolosa is a veritable “fairytale ship”, a “contemporary enchanted castle” with a perfect combination of fabulous atmosphere and state-of-the-art hi-tech fun. The main innovations on board include:

Six new veranda suites with their own Jacuzzis

A new entertainment area for teenagers with 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, and a bar with ice-cream, drinks and popcorn

A new children’s open-air Aqua Park water playground with its own pirate galleon

The Samsara Spa, one of the largest and most exclusive wellness centres ever built on a cruise ship

A large central lido extending over two decks, with a sliding glass roof and giant movie screen

A Grand Prix driving simulator

A golf simulator

In addition, the shipboard gym will offer all the latest state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, including machines with Internet access, so you can surf the Internet while guests work out.

The brand new pool area will be particularly large and inviting, with 1,000sq m of space dedicated to relaxation and entertainment, 160 sun loungers and whirlpool tubs and an invigorating waterfall.

Costa Favolosa is set to make her debut on a three-day vernissage cruise departing from Venice on July 4, and calling at Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Koper (Slovenia). This will be followed by her grand inaugural cruise on July 7, an 11-day itinerary taking in Greece, Turkey and Croatia with stopovers in Bari, Izmir, Istanbul, Mykonos, Athens, Olympia and Dubrovnik. Throughout the summer, Favolosa will be offering seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari to Olympia, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik

For more info, visit www.costacruises.com or The Cruise Line

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.

Fred. Olsen's Weekend ‘Summer Sale’

For a limited period over the Bank Holiday period, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be offering special reduced prices on six summer cruises, with durations ranging from 7 to 16 nights, to a variety of exciting destinations. These deals will be available from Friday 27th to Monday 30th May 2011 inclusive, and offer, amongst others, the chance to view the volcanic region of Iceland from the comfort and safety of a cruise ship!

Available from a choice of convenient regional UK departure ports – Southampton, Rosyth (Edinburgh) and Dover – these great prices start from just £56 per person per night, representing incredible value, with sale fares available across a range of cabin types.

The cruises selected for the special sale are:

· M1114 – a 13-night cruise to the Baltic, departing Dover July 2, priced from £799 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin.

· D1115 – a 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland, departing Rosyth (Edinburgh) July 28, from £899 per person.

· M1116 – a 14-night cruise to the Canary Islands, departing Dover July 30, from £849 per person.

· L1111 – a 7-night cruise to France, departing Southampton on August 1, from £599 per person.

· W1112 – a 16-night cruise to Greenland and Iceland, departing Dover on August 11, priced from £899 per person.

· L1113 – a 14-night cruise to the Baltic, departing Southampton on August 18, from £899 per person.

Prices include accommodation, all meals and entertainment, port taxes and any applicable Fuel Supplement. Themes of ‘The History of Weather’ and ‘Classical Music’ are available on cruises W1112 and D1115 respectively through Fred. Olsen’s onboard enrichment programme, Vistas, which is free to guests.

Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the cruise-agent specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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

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