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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Subscribe Now And Win A Free Cruise!

By Editor Simon Veness

World of Cruising magazine is getting even bigger and better in 2014 and we have a fabulous DOUBLE offer for all our new subscribers in the next few months.

FIRST - for all those who subscribe and join our ever-growing band of readers before the end of the year, you can save 50 per cent off the year's subscription price. 

That's right, instead of £30 for 12 months of the best insight, info and opinion on the wide world of cruising, it will be just £15 for the full year.

That represents an amazing saving on what continues to be Europe's leading cruise publication and is just our way is saying we are 100 per cent confident that you'll like what you see, and will want more in future.

But that's not all, oh no!

As well as the 50 per cent saving, ALL our new subscribers will be entered into a FREE prize draw to win a grand 7-day Mediterrranean cruise with Oceania Cruises in 2014.

That's right - just for signing up for the best magazine at a bargain £15 for the year), you
could be sailing off on a free cruise with the luxury style of Oceania purely as a reward for joining our happy sea-going band!

The extra value doesn't stop there, though, either. 

Not only will next year see us unveil a dramatic new look and style, the REALLY big news is that we will have SIX editions a year instead of our traditional four. So not only will new subscribers be making a major saving on our regular price (as of January 2014), they will get two extra issues of the magazine into the bargain.

It all adds up to an amazing opportunity to set sail - both literally and figuratively - with our award-winning crew - the best writers, designers and columnists in the cruise cosmos.

And we will have more news of great new features and additional extras in the weeks and months to come, so stay tuned!

To take advantage of these amazing offers, head over to our subscriptions page now! 

PS: That's http://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html if you don't click on the hyperlink! 

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Finding The Perfect Luxury Cruise

Finding a cruise these days isn't difficult. There are adverts and commercials for cruise lines almost everywhere you look, and special offers abound online. Type in 'Cruise Sale' in Google and you will get roughly a bazillion responses (OK, so it was only 173,000,000, but what's a gazillion or two between friends?).

So it's certainly not a question of not being able to find anything these days.

The question of finding the RIGHT cruise for you is far more relevant, though, especially as cruise ships now number more than 200, and lines vary from the 5,000-passenger behemoths of Royal Caribbean to the boutique vessels of the likes of Hebridean Island Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club and UnCruise Adventures carrying a mere handful (as few as 30 or 40 in some cases).

In particular, the word 'luxury' is bandied around with utter abandon by just about everyone, including media sources that should know better.

The likes of Carnival and P&O Cruises may offer a great-value product, but they are far from a deluxe experience in most cases. And even some of the high-quality mid-range lines, like Princess, Holland America and Celebrity, while featuring some genuinely upscale touches, are still not the full six-star item.

It's like having a great stay at a Marriott Hotel and insisting it is on a par with Four Seasons or the Waldorf-Astoria. It's good, but it just isn't the pinnacle of holiday luxury.

Happily, there are still a handful of specialist agents that DO make a habit of featuring only the best and most luxurious cruise options and it is worth seeking these out for advice, customer service and - very often - the best deals on the 5 and 6-star lines.

It's interesting to see a company like The Cruise Line, based in Sussex and a company we know well, going one further and introducing their new Luxury Cruise Quiz.

As well as being good online fun, it provides some great insight into the true deluxe companies and genuinely produces the ideal matches for those who take the time to take it seriously and search through the various combinations and choices.

I've been playing around with it quite a bit this week, looking at the various permutations and seeing at how accurately it matches me with my various cruise 'wish list' ideas, and I'm impressed at how well it produces a valid end result. It offers a serious of images that you pick from in eight categories and it builds up to an 'ideal' match, as well as several alternatives.

It's fun and informative, so why not give it a try on this link: http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/Luxury-Cruise-Quiz.

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Welcome, Viking Ocean Cruises

The world's luxury cruise lines will have a new competitor in 2015 after Viking River Cruises revealed full details of its new Ocean Cruises brand, with its first all-new vessel, Viking Star (above), set to debut in two years' time.

The first ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet, carrying 928 passengers, will launch in May 2015 with itineraries to Scandinavia, the Baltic and Mediterranean. It is aimed to compete (in size and style) with the likes of Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal.

Viking already has a firm order for a second ship (for 2016) and options for four more, all to be built by Fincantieri in Italy.

The onboard value will INCLUDE shore excursions, drinks (beer and wine) with lunch and dinner and free Wi-Fi, along with port charges and taxes. The line also plans to maximise guests' time in port, using late evening departures and overnight stays, making for a destination-intensive experience.

Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen explained: “It is our view that, in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail. With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and on board experiences to make destinations the true focus.”

The all-balcony Viking Star will have five cabin categories, ranging from standard 270sq ft varieties to a sumptuous 1,448sq ft suite. There will be two pools, one with a retractable dome, the other a glass-backed infinity pool at the ship's stern. There will also be a completely novel feature called a "snow grotto" in the Spa, where Vikings says "snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air."

For dining, there will be five main venues, the main dining room simply called The Restaurant, an Italian Grill, a Viking Deli (offering the line's Scandinavian specialities), a World Cafe and an intimate restaurant called The Kitchen Table, plus a cooking school and a special Chef's Table.

However, the 2015 maiden season is initially being offered only in the US, but Viking will begin marketing in the UK, Australia and New Zealand later this year. 

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking River Cruises UK, added: "We are very excited about the introduction of Viking’s new ocean ship, allowing us to offer our customers the chance to experience even more destinations in style and comfort. We look forward to launching to the UK market later in the summer and, until then, we continue to focus on our ever popular river product and the overwhelming demand for the new Longships."

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Sample A SeaDream In The Med (And Save)

SeaDream Yacht Club - rated by the authoritative Berlitz Guide to Cruising as the ‘Best Boutique Cruise Line in the World’ (for 11 successive years) - has announced the introduction of exceptional fares for two Mediterranean voyages next month, providing an ideal opportunity for those wishing to try the SeaDream experience for the first time.

The two 7-night voyages offering these stunning fares - representing significant savings on the standard published fares - are:

June 22, sailing aboard SeaDream II from Monte Carlo to Rome, calling at Pampelonne Beach, St Tropez; Calvi and Bonifacio, Corsica; Amalfi, Sorento and Capri, Italy.
 

June 29, sailing aboard SeaDream I from Istanbul to Athens, calling at Kepez and Kusadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Parikia, Santorini and Hydra, Greece.

The "Book Today" inclusive voyage-only fares applying to both of the sailings is now at a special rate from only £2,199 per person, which represents almost a 65% saving on published brochure fares (based on 2 people sharing) and includes: accommodation in a luxury Yacht Club Deck 2 sea-view stateroom, all meals on board, complimentary champagne and open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, gratuities, use of recreational and water sports toys (subject to local conditions) and Government, port and handling fees.

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

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Gourmet Offerings On New Europa 2

Guests on board Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Europa 2 will experience top-class culinary variety when she sets sail on her maiden voyage from Hamburg to Lisbon on May 11. 

The gastronomic concept of this new luxury ship provides no less than seven different restaurants, including a sushi bar and three speciality venues. Additionally, the "Speisezimmer" can be booked for private dining. And, for guests who feel like cooking themselves and getting to know dishes from their cruise destination, they may wish to book a cooking course in the Miele Culinary School while at sea.
 

The Restaurants

 

With a total capacity of 266, the largest restaurant on board is the "Weltmeere". It stands out because of the generous amount of space while Chef de cuisine Wilke and his team serve both international and refined vegetarian menus. 

 

The "Yacht Club" is the second largest restaurant, providing specialities fresh from the grill and variety from the buffet for up to 276 people. Special feature: guests can dine “alfresco” here if they wish. The chefs can also be seen working their magic in front of the passengers as they prepare and plate the dishes. 

 

Fans of French cuisine will be at home in the "Tarragon" (44 seats) while Asian delicacies will be featured in "Elements" (48 seats) with its plethora of aromas from aniseed to lemon grass. The "Serenissima" (56 seats) then provides high quality Italian cuisine. Here, guests can enjoy Mediterranean classics and also modern interpretations of Ligurian and Neapolitan cooking. 

 

The culinary world journey is completed by the "Sakura" sushi restaurant (58 seats), which offers the celebrated miso soup and fish specialities, plus green tea ice cream for dessert. Classic wines from all over the world with accompanying dishes are available in the "Grande Reserve" wine bar and individual tastings can also be arranged here, with real vine rarities for a maximum of 12 people.

Exclusive Private Dining

 

As well as her restaurants, Europa 2 also offers the option of private dining for special occasions, with guests able to book the “Speisezimmer” exclusively at a cost of 1,170GBP for an evening, so they can relax and be indulged in a small group. 

 

The price includes an aperitif, amuse-bouche with caviar and a dinner with lobster. There is the opportunity to book before the cruise in order to ensure absolute perfection in the planning.

Cooking School

 

If guests feel like cooking themselves, they may book a cooking course in the Miele Culinary School. Here, the chef de cuisine of the Tarragon - the French style restaurant on board – will demonstrate the culinary side of the ship's various cruise destinations. 

 

The cooking courses take place in the morning and can be booked as an alternative to a shore excursion. Participation costs 80 Euros (63GBP) per person, which includes accompanying wines, cooking aprons and recipes.

Finally, guests on Europa 2 can enjoy all this pure, informal luxury as there are no fixed dining times or fixed table allocations in the restaurants within the opening times. Another plus point: the meals are included in the cruise price - there are no additional costs for any venue (except the Speisezimmer).

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

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Get Ready For A Dining Delight On Royal Princess

The latest info on the new Royal Princess from Princess Cruises (which has its maiden voyage on June 16) gives us even more reason to relish the arrival of this dramatic newcomer to the cruise ranks, with an alternative dining delight in prospect.

In addition to its many main restaurant options, Royal Princess will feature a wide selection of casual eateries where passengers can grab a snack or enjoy a relaxed meal. The expanded atrium will offer a variety of choices, including Alfredo’s pizzeria (above), the new Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and the International Café. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy ice cream and crepes at Gelato, while tea lovers can enjoy the new Tea Tower. The poolside Trident Grill will transform into a traditional smokehouse barbecue in the evenings and the Outrigger Bar will feature a range of margaritas accompanied by made-to-order Mexican dishes.

In addition, the ship’s Horizon Court buffet will be transformed with fresh new options. Live stations serving regional delicacies, evening speciality options such as a crab shack and fondue restaurant, expanded seating and, for the first time on Princess Cruises, a dedicated pastry shop. More details on these choices include:

Alfredo’s – Serving up fresh, hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizzas hot out of the oven, Alfredo’s has become a passenger favourite since its debut on Grand Princess in 2011. On Royal Princess, the sit-down restaurant’s complimentary menu will be expanded to include a variety of Italian antipasti, soups and salads, calzone, pizza baguettes and delicious baked pastas in addition to desserts. Alfredo’s will offer more spacious seating and an open kitchen where passengers can watch as chefs craft the best pizza at sea.

Gelato – Just one deck below, this new gelateria offers a variety of Italian-inspired gelato and ice cream creations. Passengers can have their chosen flavours in a waffle cone or ice cream sandwich. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic sundaes will be available, as well as sweet crespelle with a choice of either nutty banana or spiced apple filling. Or passengers can indulge in a classic banana split - or a pineapple split for an old favourite with a new twist.

International Café – This Princes signature venue will be serving up some new savoury and sweet items, including cupcakes, pies, muffins, pastries, panini sandwiches, fresh-baked cookies and speciality coffees. In addition, a new variety of hot sandwiches with international flavours will be available, including Cuban sandwiches and Mexican tortas. The space will have an expanded seating area, making it perfect to grab a light meal, meet friends for coffee or enjoy a snack while watching the entertainers in the Piazza.

Outrigger Bar – This top-deck bar celebrates throughout the day and includes a margarita bar starting at lunch time, accompanied by made-to-order burritos, fresh tortilla chips with guacamole and Mexican salsa to keep the fiesta going into the night.

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

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry With Oceania

Epicureans will want to make a note of two special Oceania Cruises voyages early this summer, as the pair of Wine & Food Celebration sailings will enjoy presentations from celebrated chefs and wine connoisseurs, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and more.

On Marina’s May 6 voyage, South American wine expert Daniel Soto will host wine lectures and tastings featuring the best of South American wines. Soto will be joined by chef and culinary author Paulette Mitchell, who will demonstrate classic South American dishes.

On Riviera’s June 23 cruise, Chef Kathryn Kelly of the Bon Appetit Culinary Centre will be joined by several culinary experts, including the the Culinary Institute of America’s Master Baker Eric Kastel, who will share the secrets of great bread making. Renowned New York wine educator, businessman and sommelier Tony Didio will lead a series of wine lectures, tastings and wine pairing presentations throughout the voyage. To complement the wine experience, Master Cheese Expert Max McCalman will be on board to share the secrets of great cheeses and advice on wine and cheese pairings.

Marina “Grand Panama Canal” – May 6; 20 days, Lima to New York City.

Riviera “Mediterranean Grandeur” – June 23; 10 days, Monte Carlo to Rome.

Another special cruise to look out for is a Wine Connoisseur voyage on Marina in September. The "Baltic Odyssey" sailing will enjoy master winemaker Armando Fumanelli, owner of the famed Italian winery Marchesi Fumanelli, who will host a series of wine lectures, tastings and pairings featuring the best of Italian wines and flavors. Located near Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet, the Fumanelli winery has been creating exceptional wines since 1470. Young actors from Verona’s drama academy will be on board to perform during select Fumanelli wine dinners offered at La Reserve by Wine Spectator.

Marina “Baltic Odyssey” – September 3; 10 days, Copenhagen to Stockholm.

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

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New Offers From Oceania

Oceania Cruises have some tempting special deals going this year, and the latest have just arrived in our Inbox, which we think make for five highly promising (and price-conscious) choices.

April 20, Panama Canal Voyage, saving £1,692
A spectacular and memorable Panama Canal transit is included during a 19-night sailing on board Oceania's 'Footsteps of Balboa’ sailing from Miami, through the Canal, along the west coast of South America and up to to San Franciscol. The sailing includes a $500 onboard credit per stateroom and a big saving  - was £4,231pp, now £2,539.

April 29, The Holy Land, saving £2,344
Cruise from Dubai, through the Middle East to Egypt, Jordan and on through the Suez Canal to Haifa, Greece and Italy, to disembark 21 nights later in Rome. Oceania's 'Temples and the Holy Land’ sailing has been reduced from £5,073pp to £2,729, plus a $300 onboard credit.

May 5, 10-night Mediterranean cruise, saving £1,419
This grand Med voyage has a $300/stateroom onboard credit and a big saving on the newest ship in the fleet, 1,250 guest Riviera. The ship will cruise from Venice down the west coast of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Greece, calling into Santorini and Kusadasi, before cruising the Aegean back to Athens. The sailing now costs £1,319pp (was £2,738).

June 28, 7-night Alaska cruise, saving £731pp
Oceania is offering a $500 onboard credit per stateroom with all Alaska cruises this summer on the 650-guest Regatta. Departing on June 28, the company also has a saving off its 'Coastal Alaska’ cruise, taking in the region’s most spectacular fjords and glaciers, including through the Inside Passage from Seattle. The price is now £1,569pp (was £2,300).

July 13, Venice to Istanbul, saving £2,058
How about a saving of £2,058 off this 12-night sailing from Venice to Istanbul, calling into Slovenia, Croatia, the Greek Islands and mainland and Turkey? The new price is £1,819pp, down from £3,877.

In all cases, the price includes return flights, all meals, no supplement for speciality dining restaurants and 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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Crystal's Pacific Coast Extravaganza

~ Shore Excursions Explore Region’s Renowned Outdoors, History, and Artistry ~

On its sole Pacific Coast itinerary this year, Crystal Cruises has set more than 40 Crystal Adventures ashore, almost a dozen of them new. From Vancouver to Los Angeles, the seven-night Crystal Symphony voyage on April 29 explores the Pacific Northwest and California coastlines with a selection of new nature-loving, cultural and historic shore-side options, such as:

For Art and Film Fans

• Explore private art studios and galleries, from glass-blowing in Seattle to the historic art colony of Sausalito.
• See the real-life movie locations used in films such as The Goonies, Free Willy and Kindergarten Cop.

For Outdoor Adventurers

• Zip-line through dense Oregon forest near Astoria, over eight lines, and into a private lake.
• Follow Lewis and Clark’s footsteps through the same dunes and fields they “discovered” outside Fort Clatsop.
• Sail San Francisco Bay aboard the ORACLE team’s USA 76 America’s Cup yacht, just months before the city hosts this year’s race.

For History and Culture Buffs

• Ride a “Magic Bus” through landmarks of San Francisco’s 1960’s counterculture.
• Go behind-the-scenes at the 146-year-old Fort Stevens, the only US fort in the 48 states to be bombed by a foreign power since the War of 1812.

Also, for the first time ever, three complimentary “You Care, We Care” voluntourism opportunities will be offered on one cruise, with guests and crew assisting at an Astoria State Park and helping feed the hungry in Victoria and Santa Barbara. Other coastal Crystal Adventures explore Victoria’s charming architecture; local wine, cheese and seafood; quaint seaside villages; Mount St Helens; the City by the Bay by helicopter; and outdoor sporting activities on wheels or the water in Santa Barbara.

“California and the Pacific Northwest are renowned for their beauty and culture, but these excursions offer innovative ways to experience those touchstones of America and Canada’s ‘left coast’, whether world-famous or under-the-radar,” says Philip Ordever, Vice President, International Sales & Marketing. 

The Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Astoria, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles cruise also features a jazz theme honouring saxophonist, composer and arranger Benny Golson. All-inclusive “Book Now” fly-cruise fares start from £3,314 per person.

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

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Hebridean's Norwegian Return

Hebridean Island Cruises, operator of the world’s smallest luxury cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, will be returning to Norway in 2014 for the first time in five years.

They will offer a total of three different itineraries in August next year, sailing to some of Norway’s best known fjords, including Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, Ulvikfjord and Raunefjord. The decision follows a survey conducted amongst loyal guests asking for suggestions on cruising areas.

Hebridean will also extend its popular Footloose walking programme to include Footloose in the Fjords, featuring a variety of walks in Balestrand, Laerdral, Fjaerland, as well as the unique opportunity to join a glacier walk in Sogndal.

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

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Paul Gauguin Announce 2014 Voyages

Paul Gauguin Cruises has unveiled its full array of voyages for 2014, featuring new itineraries and ports in Fiji, Australia, south-east Asia and Europe, as well as Latin America and Costa Rica.

New for 2014 on Paul Gauguin:

• An 11-night Fiji to Australia voyage: Lautoka, Fiji; Port Vila, Vanuatu; Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu; Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; Kieta, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea; Samurai Island, Papua New Guinea; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and Cairns, Australia. Departing June 14, with fares from £4,290 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles.
• Two 14-night voyages between Australia & South-east Asia: Cairns; Thursday Island and Darwin, Australia; Komodo Island, Benoa, Bali and Semarang, Indonesia; and Singapore. Departing June 25, with cruise fares from £5,294 per person including airfare from Los Angeles. Reverse itinerary available August 4, with fares from £5,087pp.
• A 12-night Australia to Fiji voyage: Cairns; Samurai Island, Rabaul, Kieta and Bougainville, Papua New Guinea; Guadalcanal; Espiritu Santo and Port Vila, Vanuatu; Malolo Island and and Lautoka, Fiji. Departing August 18, with cruise fares from £4,579 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles. 

New ports for the Paul Gauguin include: Guadalcanal, Kieta, Bougainville, Rabaul, Samurai Island, Thursday Island, Darwin, Komodo Island, Benoa, Bali, Semarang, Singapore and Maupiti in the Society Islands. 

Paul Gauguin returns to Fiji in 2014 with 12 and 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands voyages and also offers four of its most popular itineraries: the seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.

The company's new ship, Tere Moana, will operate a second season of cruises to Europe and Latin America following her debut this spring. 

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

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Sushi Maestro On Board With Crystal

One of the world’s greatest culinary artists, Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is visiting his luxury cruise partner, Crystal Cruises, this summer to teach, mingle, dine and cook for guests. The famed sushi maestro, and mastermind behind the line’s exclusive Silk Road and The Sushi Bar restaurants, will join Crystal Symphony’s 12-night Rome to Istanbul Black Sea voyage beginning July 13. 

Accompanied by Fumio Hazu, the Sake Master behind Nobu’s exclusive, 140-year-old sake brand, the two will showcase their expertise during several intimate gourmet experiences, including:

• Two Omakase or Chef’s Choice dinners in Silk Road, limited to just 70 guests and featuring some of Nobu’s finest dishes and connoisseur items such as white sturgeon caviar and Hokusetsu “Musical Sake”.
• Sake tasting sessions, including insight into Hazu’s unique “live” sake brewing processes which include playing Japanese music to bottles for three years to create a smoother taste from vibrations.
• Live cooking demonstrations during which Nobu will share the secrets behind his renowned dishes.
• Silk Road and The Sushi Bar appearances during regular dinner hours to welcome guests and enhance the enjoyment of their meal.
• Cookbook signings and photo opportunities throughout the voyage.

Crystal’s Nobu-cuisine restaurants, the only ones of their kind at sea, feature his personally-trained chefs, signature dishes, Nobu sake and his own line of dinnerware. Complimentary and open almost every evening of every cruise, the restaurants offer mouth-watering dishes that are also available via room service in Crystal’s butler-serviced Penthouse accommodations.

The 12-night “Bounties of the Black Sea” itinerary starts in Rome’s port of Civitavecchia and visits Sorrento, Sicily, Constanţa, Odessa (overnight), Yalta and Sochi before finishing with an overnight in Istanbul. All-inclusive “Book Now” fly/cruise fares start from £4,148 per person, if booked by February 28. 

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

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Star Clippers Offers Med History

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers has announced a series of lectures on Mediterranean history that will take place on two Cyclades voyages on their majestic 170-passenger Star Clipper this summer.

Dr Renate Scheiper, a qualified archaeologist and expert in the Mediterranean region, will be on board on August 17 and 24 to give talks to guests in both English and German. Her lectures will be specific to the ports to which the four-masted clipper ship will be sailing, bringing each destination alive. Subjects on the August 17 departure, which sails to Rhodes, Bodrum, the Dalyan River, Santorini and Hydra, include archaeology, medieval history, mythology and the legend of Atlantis. Prices are from £1,435pp, including full board on the ship, all lectures and port taxes (flights are extra).

On the August 24 departure, which calls at Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos and Monemvasia, Dr Scheiper will discuss the history of Ephesus, St John the Apostle and the monastery on Patmos, and the temples of Delos. Prices are from £1,435pp, including full board on the ship, all lectures and port taxes (flights extra).

As well as Dr Scheiper’s historical lectures, Star Clippers will be offering yoga and culinary-themed cruises this summer in the Mediterranean and the Baltic.

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

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Cunard's Behind Closed Doors

For those intrigued about what goes on behind doors marked ‘Crew Only’ or for those who are just plain curious on how an ocean liner ticks, Cunard has just the thing. Adding to its comprehensive range of on board activities, the company is now offering Behind the Scenes Tours. Led by senior officers, the tours offer passengers unprecedented access to private areas such as the Engine Control Room, Butchers Shop, Bridge, Medical Centre and mooring deck.

Participants will see everything from how 15,000 litres of used cooking oil is recycled to how more than 5,000 lines of consumable products, from shower gel to beef joints, are ordered and stocked. During the tour, passengers learn first-hand about the many provisions required to manage Cunard Line’s ocean liners.

Tour stops include:

• The Bridge – The Captain and navigational officers will greet guests and give a tutorial of all the dials, buttons, radars and navigational charts that help them safely helm Cunard’s Queens.

• Royal Court Theatre – Guests will inspect more than 3,000 costumes in the costume store, and light and sound engineers give hands-on lessons in operating the stage equipment.

• Galley and Provisions – Guests will catch a glimpse of the complex logistics of moving provisions around the world in containers, picking them up in different ports mid-voyage, and accommodating up to 11 tons per day on board. The tour includes stops at the food stores, Butchers Shop, freezers and the galley.

• Mooring Deck – Guests learn the purpose of the anchor winches, windlasses and other critical machinery on the most forward part of the ship.

• Medical Centre – Guests tour Cunard’s floating hospital and meet the medical staff that keeps everyone on board healthy and well.

• Burma Road – Guests tour the only main crew passageway to run the entire length of the ship and get a behind-the-scenes look at where the crew and officers socialise after work. Interestingly, the main working alleyway on Cunard ships is known as ‘Burma Road’ to reflect the hustle and bustle as members of the crew go about their business.

• Waste Handling Room – Guests observe Cunard’s round-the-clock waste handling operation, and learn the differences between five waste-sorting streams: hazardous, recyclable, suitable for incineration, food waste and suitable for donation.

Available on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, Cunard’s Behind the Scenes Tours last three and a half hours and cost $120 per person. Currently, one tour with a maximum of 16 guests is available per voyage and can be booked on board through the Tours Office. 

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

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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Oceania's Big Alaska Savings

Oceania Cruises is offering two early-season Alaska sailings with great savings, making them a real bargain for this magnificent part of the cruise world. Take a look at these two offerings and save up to £1,028 on a fabulous voyage.

 

Gatweay to Alaska, now £1749pp (was £2,777)
Cruise from San Francisco along the west coast of the USA and Alaska, to arrive into Vancouver 9 nights later, on the 650-guest luxury cruiser Regatta. Departing on May 9, this Gateway to Alaska has a saving of £1,028pp, and includes a $500 per stateroom credit to spend on board, plus return flights from the UK, all meals, bottled water and soft drinks. 

Alaskan Fjords & Frontiers, saving £741pp
This magnificent 7-night Alaska cruise on Regatta also benefits from a $500 per stateroom credit to spend in the spa, onboard shops or bars. It sails on May 18 and is now on offer for £1,559pp (was £2,300). Price includes return flights from the UK, all meals, bottled water and soft drinks.

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

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Just Call Them Un-Cruise Adventures

Marking another milestone in its 16-year evolution, adventure cruise line InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises has officially changed its name to Un-Cruise Adventures. The line operates seven boats carrying 22-88 guests in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake Rivers and Coastal Washington and British Columbia. 

“We’ve experienced phenomenal growth and success over the last four years,” said Dan Blanchard, principal and CEO. “What began as yacht cruising under the American Safari Cruises name has now expanded to include more styles of Un-Cruise Adventures, and this name change reflects that growth.”

The company has three expedition vessels, 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer, 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer, offering Active Adventures for those desiring more outdoor explorations at a lower price point. Three yachts offer Luxury Adventures, 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer and 86-guest Safari Endeavour, an inclusive, upscale experience along with adventure activities. The 88-guest Safari Legacy, a replica Victorian steamer, debuts in August 2013 and will offer inclusive Heritage Adventures focusing on Living History aboard and ashore through presentations and tours. Charter Adventures are also offered on all boats.

“Un-Cruise Adventures reflects the distinct nature of our small group travel by boat,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Luxury of Experience really speaks to what Un-Cruise Adventures is all about. With a cap of 88 guests, we are able to experience more of the destinations through a wide range of activities – kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and hiking under our Luxury and Active Adventures or reenacting history with Heritage Adventures.”

New in 2013
 

In 2013, Safari Legacy begins operating in Alaska and then sails on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in fall and spring. It debuts Heritage Adventures, a new style of Un-Cruise Adventure, with a focus on Living History aboard and ashore. In November, Wilderness Explorer will begin sailing Active Adventures in the Hawaiian Islands between Oahu and Hawaii, the Big Island.  And three Alaska Unleashed departures are scheduled for the Wilderness Adventurer in Alaska for adventurers desiring an amped up week of high adventure.

Moving forward, all company materials will change to reflect the new name of Un-Cruise Adventures. The company’s website URL will change to www.un-cruise.com.  

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

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Hapag-Lloyd's Big Cabin Upgrade Lure

Guests can save more than £700 with some tempting cabin upgrades on two international Europa 2 voyages in the Mediterranean next summer, with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announcing UK details of some special offers for her inaugural season.

The Offer: all bookings for a category 1 suite will be upgraded to category 3 accommodation in either a Veranda or Ocean Suite and receive an onboard Connoisseur package of £115 per person towards beverages and Spa treatments. All category 3 suites are located on deck 7. Europa 2 will exclusively offer suites with balconies each measuring at least seven square metres facing the sea. All Veranda/Ocean Suites measure 28sq m and provide the highest standards of suite accommodation from category 1 upwards.

The Voyages:

• Departing Barcelona on June 22 for 7 nights to Monte Carlo, cruise-only fares from £3,481pp in a category 1 suite with an upgrade to category 3 (subject to availability).
• Departing Malta on July 27 for 7 nights to Barcelona, cruise-only fares from £3,791pp in a category 1 suite with an upgrade to category 3 (subject to availability).

Cruise-only fares include accommodation in the category booked; full board on the ship; mini-bar in the suite; a different entertainment programme each day; port fees; travel cancellation insurance; bankruptcy insurance; and share of ship fuel costs.

The 516-passenger Europa 2 will offer an international atmosphere on board, with all the cruises being conducted in German and English. The lecturers also speak English and in addition, English-language excursions will be offered on 10-12 selected cruises each year, including the two Mediterranean voyages listed above. As a matter of course, anyone interested can also enquire about individual excursion arrangements for all the other cruises.

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