Sail The Caribbean With John Craven

                          

Countryfile presented John Craven will be the special guests aboard a Star Clippers voyage around the Caribbean next January, when the long-time TV star will be talking about his varied career in the media.

John will join Royal Clipper (above) in Barbados on January 25 for a week-long Grenadines voyage to Grenada, the idyllic Tobago Cays, volcanic St Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and mountainous St Lucia, one of the most lush and beautiful of the Caribbean islands. During the week, he will make two presentations about his life and his long TV career, as well as accompanying guests on two excursions. In Grenada, known as the Spice Island, the tour includes a visit to a nutmeg cooperative to learn about the island’s spice production, as well as a swim at Concord Falls. In Martinique, John will accompany guests on a tour of Fort de France and the Botanical Gardens of Balata. He will be available in the evenings to mingle with guests and answer any questions over dinner or a drink.

John Craven presented Newsround from 1972 to 1989, leaving in 1989 to join Countryfile, which he still hosts, aged 73. He was awarded the OBE in 2000 for services to rural and children’s broadcasting and more recently, in 2011, accepted a children’s BAFTA award for his contribution to Newsround.

Star Clippers is offering this unique voyage as a nine-night stay-and-cruise holiday, departing the UK on January 23 and including two nights at the luxurious Tamarind on the ‘Platinum’ west coast of Barbados before joining Royal Clipper. It is priced from £2,459 per person including flights from the UK, transfers, two nights’ B&B at the Tamarind, seven nights’ full board on the five-masted tall ship, cocktail party, John Craven’s talks, two escorted excursions and port taxes. As a cruise-only option departing January 25, the seven-night voyage costs from £1,455 per person.

More info: call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.  

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Star Clippers Offering Free Cabin Upgrades

To celebrate National Cruise Week, which runs from September 21 to 29, tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering free cabin upgrades for all bookings made during that period.

Book any Star Clippers voyage to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Cuba during this special promotional week, or one of the longer ocean crossings, and the cabin paid for will be upgraded by one category.

All Star Clippers cabins have twin or double beds, TV, marble-lined bathroom and plenty of storage, becoming more spacious according to the level of the category. All sailings on all three of the line’s graceful square-riggers are included in this fantastic offer.

Savings include:

Mediterranean

Round-trip Rome on Royal Clipper, departing May 10 and calling at Ponza, Sorrento, Amalfi, Taormina, Lipari and Stromboli. It costs £1,470 in a category 6 cabin; save £75 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Cuba

Round trip Cienfuegos (Cuba) on Star Flyer, departing December 7, 2014, and calling at beautiful beaches and bays in southern Cuba as well as the Cayman Islands It costs £1,115 in a category 6 cabin; save £115 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Caribbean

Round-trip Philipsburg (St Maarten) on Star Clipper, departing November 30 and calling at Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and St Barths It costs £1,080 in a category 6 cabin, saving £155 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Note: The maximum upgrade included in this offer is category 3 to category 2.

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

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Cuba, Monte Carlo & Palma on Star Clippers Menu for 2014

Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clippers has announced new ports, new destinations and new itineraries for 2014 on board the line’s three head-turning sailing ships, Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper.

In February 2014, Star Flyer (above) will operate a maiden season in Cuba, returning to the island for a second season from November 2014. In May 2014, Grand Prix fans will be able to access the atmosphere of the most prestigious race of the F1 season in Monte Carlo, when guests on Star Flyer will be in pole position in the harbour. Summer 2014 sees Star Clippers sailing a season from Palma de Mallorca for the first time, while new ports of call include Porto and the Scandolo Nature Reserve in Corsica, plus La Sabina in Formentera. 

Another brand new itinerary has been introduced for the 2014/15 Caribbean season, where Royal Clipper will operate a completely new cruise in March 2015, spending a leisurely two weeks sailing the southern Caribbean and skimming the coast of South America on a one-off voyage to Venezuela and the Dutch Caribbean. 

In addition to new destinations and routes, there is more variation in length of cruise than ever before, from a three-night taster from Venice in September to a 21-night transatlantic crossing on Royal Clipper from Barbados to Rome. 

To celebrate the new programmes and new itineraries, Star Clippers are offering up to 20% early booking discount on certain itineraries, with an additional 5% discount for repeat passengers. 

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

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More Cruise Yoga From Star Clippers

Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clippers has added four new dates to its programme of yoga and meditation-themed sailings for this summer, highlighting the popularity of this unique opportunity for cruise well-being.

Yoga expert Christel Vollmer will offer free daily yoga and meditation sessions on board the 170-passenger Star Flyer on cruises in the Baltic and the Mediterranean, with all sessions taking place in the open air, under thousands of square feet of billowing sails – the ultimate relaxation for body and soul, enhanced by the fresh sea breezes. 

 

Each cruise will begin with an Introduction to Yoga class and feature two daily classes thereafter: 60 minutes of power yoga in the morning and a 40-minute wind-down class at sunset, followed by meditation. All classes are completely optional; the ships will continue their normal progamme of activities and ports of call and guests are welcome to do as many or as few classes as they like.

For those who want to follow a healthy or vegetarian diet during the cruise, Star Clippers also offers excellent breakfast buffets, piled with fresh, seasonal fruits, plus magnificent arrays of salads at lunchtime, as well as vegetarian choices at dinner.

Star Flyer’s new yoga cruises for 2013 include:

Stockholm to Travemunde, seven nights, departing July 27 and calling at ports in Finland, Estonia and Denmark; from £1,490 per person, cruise only.

Travemunde to Hamburg, six nights departing August 18, calling at ports in Denmark and Sweden; from £1,280 per person, cruise only.

Two Malaga round-trips, each seven nights, departing October 5 and 12, calling at Casablanca, Tangier, Cadiz, Gibraltar and Motril (for Granada); from £1,435 per person, cruise only

All prices include full board on the cruise, all yoga and lectures and port charges. Flights are extra.

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

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Tackle A Cyclades Cruise-And-Stay With Star Clippers

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has introduced a stay-and-cruise package for the school holidays this summer, combining a week on the Greek island of Rhodes with a sailing voyage round-trip from Athens, through the Cyclades islands.

Spend a week soaking up the summer sunshine at the award-winning five-star Rodos Palladium Hotel, situated on a wide, sandy beach at Kallithea, close to Rhodes Town, the island’s capital. As well as a stunning, lagoon-shaped pool, there are three restaurants and four bars, a lavish spa and a children’s club. Laze on the beach or explore the medieval centre of Rhodes Town, which was built by the Knights of St John.

After a week, fly the short distance to Athens to join the 170-passenger Star Clipper for a seven-night odyssey through the Greek Islands. The ports on this cruise are ideal for families, with plenty of beaches to explore, and complimentary water sports activities masterminded by the ship’s sports team. Calls include the Turkish resort of Bodrum, the beautiful Dalyan River, and the islands of Santorini and Hydra.

The cruise-stay holiday costs from £1,999 per person, departing July 13, including flights, transfers, half board in the hotel, full board on Star Clipper and all port taxes. Alternative sailing dates that can be combined with the Rodos Palladium Hotel include August 17 (southern Cyclades) and August 10 and 24 (Northern Cyclades sailing round-trip from Athens to Kusadasi, Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos and Monemvasia). To qualify for this offer, bookings need to be made by April 30.

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

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Try Yoga Under Sail

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is offering guests a new opportunity to enjoy free daily yoga and meditation on board a yoga-themed cruise on graceful Star Flyer along the coasts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua next month. 

Under the direction of yoga teacher Melanie Camp, the programme will include two daily sessions out on the ship’s sun-warmed teak decks under thousands of square feet of billowing sails – the ultimate relaxing environment for body and soul, enhanced by the fresh sea air and the lush, tropical scenery. Each class is open to all guests and suitable for all levels, with no prior experience required. All classes and lectures are optional and run alongside the ship’s regular activities. 

For guests who want to follow a healthy or vegetarian diet during the sailing to complement their yoga practice, Star Clippers’ breakfast buffets feature an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits, and guests can select from a variety of salads at lunchtime and vegetarian options at dinner.

Melanie Camp brings many years of teaching experience, having earned her certification in the Barkan Method and her Yoga for Seniors and Yoga Therapy certification at Duke University Integrative Medicine. She teaches in Fort Lauderdale and has conducted yoga retreats in locations as diverse as Utah, Peru and Morocco. Melanie is also is the author of Artful Yoga, a book of yoga tips featuring her original oil paintings. 

The cruise departs Puerto Caldera on February 24 and calls at San Juan del Sur; Playa del Coco; Santa Rosa National Park; Samara; Puerto Carrillo; the National Reserve of Curu; and Isla Tortuga. From £1,250 per person, excluding flights. 

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

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Star Clippers Get Arty In 2013

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is again offering the opportunity to learn sketching and watercolour painting on two `Art Afloat’ cruises in 2013.

This is the third year running the company has operated these exciting themed voyages, which have been a great success among guests, regardless of existing artistic ability. On the voyages, participants can learn to paint and draw, or hone existing skills, in the company of successful British artist Richard Nichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes.

Richard will run workshops on each cruise using a variety of media, aimed at all levels of experience and helping artists to capture the dazzling turquoise of the sea along the Croatian coast, the texture of a cream sail filled with wind, or the ochres and terracottas of the houses lining the chic little bay of Portofino. 

 

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, watercolours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment. 

 

Against a backdrop of a beautiful tall ship under full sail, in some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning locations, the two voyages between them visit the French Riviera and, new for 2013, the beautiful Croatian coastline, sailing out of Venice, one of the most alluring cities in the world for artists. 

 

The ‘Art Afloat’ cruises are: 

 

Monaco round-trip on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing April 27 and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerci and Santa Margarita (for Portofino). From £1,599 per person including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. For travel by rail with a one-night stay in Monaco before the cruise, the price per person is from £1,849. 

 

New for 2013, Venice round-trip on Royal Clipper, eight nights, departing September 27, and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran, with a night in Venice before the cruise. From £1,995 per person including flights to Venice, transfers, one night’s B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party.

 

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

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Explore The Caribbean Under Sail With Lindblad

For well-travelled cruisers who want to discover the Caribbean by sea, there is not a ship afloat that can match the Sea Cloud’s ambience, illustrious history or the experience she offers. New for 2013, Lindblad Expeditions will introduce three 7-night departures through the Lesser Antilles on this legendary vessel, on February 28 and March 7 and 14.

The world’s most elegant square-rigged tall ship carries just 58 guests. The Sea Cloud flies 30 sails, hoisted the old-fashioned way - by hand - and offers an incomparable mix of sophistication, fine service and informality, the epitome of barefoot elegance. The week-long voyages will explore the “Nature Island” of Dominica, the French-infused cultures of Iles des Saintes, the renowned landscapes of St Lucia, and the idyllic Grenadines.

As the Sea Cloud visits colonial towns, historic forts and botanical gardens, guests will discover a surprising mosaic of French, Dutch, English and Spanish, who all left an indelible imprint on the historic culture and architecture. For those interested in the undersea, there will be several opportunities to learn about reef ecology and to snorkel among colourful corals and tropical fish in the marine reserve of the Tobago Cays and the idyllic Grenadines.

During the voyage, Lindblad and National Geographic’s exemplary staff will illuminate and navigate these cultures, both historic and contemporary, through the expertise of veteran expedition leader Tom O’Brien, naturalist Albert Montaudon (a biologist by training, conservationist by passion and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor) and historian Thomas Heffernan, an expert on Caribbean history and languages. Also joining on the March 14 voyage is Kenny Broad, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and  environmental anthropologist who dives in some of the world’s most challenging underwater caves on scientific missions.

Guests embark and disembark the Sea Cloud in Barbados. Rates begin at $6,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

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

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Star Clippers Adds New 'Taster' Cruises

In response to growing demand for short ‘taster’ cruises, tall-ship sailing specialist Star Clippers has added new short-break cruises in the Baltic for 2013, in addition to Mediterranean sailings during 2012, including a five-night mini-cruise from Athens to Malta this October for just £999 per person, including flights and transfers.

Departing Athens on October 20, the 170-passenger square rigger Star Clipper sails to the picturesque ports of Monemvasia and Pilos in Greece, both relatively untouched by tourism, followed by a day at sea in which to relax on the warm teak decks, enjoying the autumn sunshine. There’s a day in historic Syracuse, Sicily, before arriving in Malta on October 25.

The company's new shorter cruises in 2013 cost from £690 per person, cruise-only, for three nights on Star Flyer (a sister ship to the four-masted Star Clipper), including the `Sailing Parade’ tall ships festival in Hamburg, to £1,025 for a five-night sailing from Monaco to Rome on Star Clipper. Other mini-cruises depart from Venice and Rome, for three and four nights respectively, on the company’s flagship, the five-masted, 227-passenger Royal Clipper.

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

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Star Clippers Announces 2013/14 Schedules

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has announced its 2013/14 sailing schedules, showcasing romantic voyages on the line’s three head-turning sailing ships, Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper.

During the summer of 2013, all three ships will sail in Europe: The flagship Royal Clipper will be in the western and eastern Mediterranean; Star Clipper in the western Med and Aegean; and Star Flyer in the Baltic and southern Spain. 

For winter 2013, all three follow the sun, with Royal and Star Clipper sailing the Caribbean, while Star Flyer explores the lush, forested coastlines of Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

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

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Live La Dolce Vita with Star Clippers

 

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering special package prices on three culture and romance-packed itineraries this summer, departing in July and August and exploring the exquisite coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu and southern Italy.

Each cruise, either from Venice to Rome or Rome to Venice, is aboard the cruise line’s flagship, the graceful, five-masted Royal Clipper, calling at chic yachting ports along the Croatian coast, as well as beautiful Kotor in Montenegro, the lush Greek island of Corfu and several ports in Italy, among them romantic Taormina in Sicily; the jetset island of Capri; and Ponza, a popular weekend retreat for yachting fans. The July 31 departure also visits Piran in Slovenia, a port undiscovered by most cruise lines.

The length of each voyage, 11 days, allows for plenty of time to relax on the sun-warmed teak decks, gazing up at thousands of feet of wind-filled sails, sipping a cocktail in the al fresco Tropical Bar, or sprawling in the bowsprit nets, keeping a lookout for dolphins. Each itinerary includes a day at sea, too, during which guests can try activities like mast climbing. 

The three sailing dates are:

• Royal Clipper, July 14, Rome/Venice: 11 nights from £2,059pp
• Royal Clipper, July 31, Venice/Rome: 11 nights from £1,879pp
• Royal Clipper, August 18, Rome/Venice: 11 nights from £2,149pp

Prices include return British Airways flights from London, transfers, 11 nights’ full board on the ship in a Category 6 cabin and watersports where possible at beach stops.

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

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New-Look Windstar For 2013

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbours and secluded coves in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, introduces its new 2013 collection of luxury sailing voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Northern Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Transatlantic Crossings with cruise-only fares starting from just £1,199 per person.

Leading Windstar’s offerings for 2013 are seven entirely new voyages, each designed to provide a unique sailing experience in extraordinary destinations. The 2013 schedule is highlighted by two 11-night voyages, Footsteps of Faith, exploring origins of world religions between Athens and Alexandria, and Scandinavian Tapestry, which includes scenic sailing in the Norwegian Fjords and Stockholm Archipelago. New voyages also include intimate explorations through the British Isles, the French coasts and the Canary Islands.

Along with an enticing collection of voyages, Windstar also unveils the complete renovation of the line’s three sailing yachts – Wind Star and Wind Spirit, each hosting 148 guests, and Wind Surf, with 312 guests. All three will feature redesigned staterooms, owner’s suites, corridors and public spaces for 2013 sailings. The four-masted Wind Star and Spirit will also introduce new design in The Restaurant, Veranda, Lounge, Pool Bar, Library and WindSpa. Wind Surf, a five-masted sailing yacht, will feature newly designed style in The Restaurant, Degrees, Veranda, Compass Rose, WindSpa, Yacht Club and Pool Bar.

The $18million renovation will bring a new level of casual elegance to Windstar’s landmark cruise experience, large enough to provide guests with world class service and entertainment, yet small enough to access small coves and hidden harbours larger vessels cannot reach.

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

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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.

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New 'No-Fly’ Voyages For Star Clippers

Star Clippers has introduced new travel-inclusive, no-fly holidays in the Mediterranean and the Baltic in 2012 for those tired of airport delays and luggage restrictions. Travelling outbound or return by rail to within a short transfer of the ship, there’s no need to check in hours in advance and there are no restrictions on how much luggage to take.

The new rail-sail combination holidays combine the romance of train travel through Europe with the gentle pace of life on board a genuine sailing ship, where guests can either help the crew hoist the sails and try their hand at mast climbing, or simply soak up the sun and relax in the al fresco Tropical Bar with the cocktail of the day. All packages include train travel to or from the UK to the port, transfers and all meals on board. 

Choose from the following selection of dates:

May 5: Join the head-turning tall ship Star Flyer in Southampton, where the four-masted, full-rigged clipper will be making a rare appearance in 2012, the first time one of the Star Clippers vessels has been in British waters since her launch in 1992. The cruise sets sail from Southampton to Hamburg, with two days at sea to enjoy life under sail, followed by a full day in Amsterdam. The five-night holiday costs from £1,095 per person and includes a transfer from Hamburg port to the station; and rail travel home in an overnight double sleeper from Hamburg to Paris, followed by Eurostar to London. 

May 16, Sail & Rail to Hamburg & Amsterdam: Enjoy the excitement of sailing on Star Flyer as she cruises from one great maritime port to another on a three-day mini-break from Amsterdam to Hamburg. The voyage also includes a day in the Frisian holiday island of Borkum and costs from £945 per person, including three nights on board, with all meals, return transfers to the ship and Eurostar/InterCity rail travel to Amsterdam, via Brussels, and overnight/Eurostar rail from Hamburg to London, via Paris.

July 27: Rail-sail from Venice, the most romantic small-ship port in the Med. Travel by train from the UK to Venice to join Star Clipper, en route to Croatia, exploring Losinj, Hvar and Rovinj, the true yachting ports of the Adriatic, calling at harbours and secluded anchorages inaccessible to bigger ships. The four-night cruise costs from £1,245 per person, including all meals on board, transfers to and from the railway station in Venice, return overnight sleeper train between Venice and Paris, and return Eurostar travel between London and Paris.

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

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Last Chance For Savings With Star Clippers!

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering generous discounts of up to 20% on selected voyages on the line’s three square-riggers for bookings made by January 31. In addition, returning guests qualify for an extra 5% discount.

The savings apply to exciting and romantic cruises under sail in the Caribbean, the Baltic, the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Central America and on transatlantic crossings during 2012.

Examples of Star Clippers’ 2012 voyages include:

• Up to 10% off Mediterranean cruises on Star Clipper, now from £629 per person for four nights, round-trip Venice departing July 28.
• Up to 10% off Mediterranean cruises on Royal Clipper, now from £702 per person for four nights, round-trip Rome departing June 5.
• Up to 10% off Baltic cruises on Star Flyer, now from £499 per person for three nights Amsterdam-Hamburg, departing May 16.
• Up to 20% off Costa Rica cruises on Star Flyer, now from £824 per person for seven nights round-trip Puerto Caldera, departing in December.
• Up to 20% off Caribbean cruises on Royal Clipper, now from £932 per person for seven nights round-trip Barbados, departing various dates in December.
• Up to 20% off Caribbean cruises on Star Clipper, now from £824 per person for seven nights round-trip St Maarten, also departing various dates in December.
• Up to 20% off transatlantic crossings, now from £724 per person for 14 nights on Star Clipper, Las Palmas-St Maarten, departing November 10.

All prices include full board on the ship and all port charges/taxes. Flights are extra.

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

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Short Breaks With Star Clippers

Not enough time for a full week’s holiday? Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has launched a series of short-break holidays for 2012, with a chance to experience life on board an elegant clipper ship and explore some of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic ports, as well as themed 'extras'.


Mediterranean Treasures, April 23, 2012
Experience the joys of daily yoga and meditation on this well-being themed voyage from Malaga to Rome on the 227-passenger Royal Clipper. Experienced yoga teacher Christel Vollmer, back on board by popular demand, will offer daily classes on the warm teak decks, while as usual, guests can follow a healthy or vegetarian diet if they wish. The ship sails from Malaga to Palma, Mallorca and Mahon in Menorca and the voyage includes two days at sea for maximum relaxation in the spring sunshine. From £999 per person including full board on the ship, all yoga classes, flights and transfers.

Sail from Southampton, May 5, 2012
Join the head-turning Star Flyer on her maiden call to Southampton for a five-night sailing to Hamburg, via Amsterdam, with two days at sea. The ship, with its four masts and graceful lines, is bound to attract a lot of attention in two such important seafaring cities. This package includes five nights’ car parking in Southampton; five nights’ full board on the ship, flight from Hamburg to London and transfer back to Southampton, from £1,045 per person.

A Taste of Italy, departing June 4, 2012
Make the most of Britain’s extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and take to the seas on Royal Clipper on this four-night sailing from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. The five-night break includes one night in the heart of Rome at the four-star Marcella Royal Hotel, with a welcome bottle of wine and a tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. The following day, Royal Clipper sails to Bonifacio in Corsica; Sardinia’s ultra-glamorous Costa Smeralda; pretty Portoferraio in Elba; and back to Civitavecchia. From £1,275 per person, including B&B accommodation in Rome, full board on the ship, flights and transfers.

Venetian Romance, departing July 27, 2012
Enjoy an evening in Venice after the crowds have departed, staying the night before your cruise at the four-star superior Liassidi Palace Hotel, within walking distance of the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. The holiday includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace and a bottle of wine on arrival. Then, sail in style along the spectacular Giudecca Canal on the magnificent, four-masted Star Clipper, heading out across the lagoon and into the Adriatic, for a four-night adventure exploring some of Croatia’s most fashionable anchorages: Mali Losinj, Hvar and Rovinj. From £1,195 per person, including B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, flights and transfers.

For more information and booking offers, use this link to visit luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Capri, Naples and Amalfi on Royal Clipper

More from my live blog from the wonderful Royal Clipper...

Hello again. Very hot here, with a clear blue sky. I hate to think what it's like in summer. The others have gone to Capri for the afternoon but I have always been fascinated by Naples so I will be wandering around here.

We got back from Pompeii late but the ship held lunch back for us. If I have one complaint about this ship it is that the food is just TOO tempting. I am going to have to start Weight-watchers when I get back!

We sail to Amalfi tonight and I am so looking forward to seeing those houses clinging to the cliffsides.

Take care now and have a good night.

Steve Newman

For more on this cruise, see www.starclippers.co.uk or visit The Cruise Line Ltd, the luxury sailing 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.

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Off Naples with Royal Clipper

Day Three of my live blog from the deck of Star Clippers' fabulous flagship Royal Clipper...

Well what a ship this is! Very rough seas but hardly a movement. I went to the marine biology lecture last night and this morning am off to Pompeii (above). Hope to go snorkelling this afternoon.

We also took part in the staff fashion show, so got a great discount on the Star Clippers rugby shirt I was modelling. Have a great day now!

Steve Newman

For more information of this cruise, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or the luxury sailing cruise experts 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.

On Your Bike! With Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises has added a bike programme to its elegant three-ship fleet for guests who enjoy exploring destinations under their own steam.

The programme features 7000-series, aluminium-frame Dragon Marine Folding Bikes. Wind Surf has eight bikes and Wind Spirit and Wind Star each have four. The bikes are available for half-day or full-day rental at $39 (4 hours) or $59 (8 hours), with helmets, locks and chains all provided.

The bikes are available for rental in most ports and guests can reserve them through Windstar’s Destination Manager on board each yacht.

For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact 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.

Free Flights With Star Clippers

Niche tall ship cruise operator Star Clippers is offering free flights up to £400pp with bookings for tall-ship cruises from Athens, through the Greek islands, this August. Sailings include all meals and a choice of two superb itineraries, the Southern Cyclades (August 6 and 20) and the Northern Cyclades (August 13 and 27), on board the 170-passenger, 4-masted Star Clipper.

The cruise costs from £1295 per person, based on two sharing, for bookings made by June 30. Guests on the August 6 and 20 departures can also enjoy complimentary instruction from yoga teacher Christel Vollmer who will be holding daily sessions of Astanga yoga on deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before sunset, including meditation. Christel will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home.

The Northern Cyclades itinerary departs from Athens and calls into Camlimani and Kusadasi (for the antiquities at Ephesus) in Turkey, and Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos and Monemvasia in Greece. The August 13 departure has a qualified yoga teacher on board and also offers complimentary talks, classes and guided meditation.

The Southern Cyclades itinerary is a round-trip from Athens, calling at Rhodes; Bodrum and Dalyan in Turkey; and dramatic Santorini and Hydra, haunt of many artists. The August 6 departure has a qualified yoga teacher on board and also offers complimentary talks, classes and guided meditation.

For more info, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or contact the UK's leading 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.