Noble Caledonia's New Guinea Expedition

Regular readers of World of Cruising will not be surprised to know we are always on the lookout for great adventure cruise ideas.  Hence this latest option from Noble Caledonia really caught our attention, and we think it is highly worthy of highlighting. 

A passage from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on January 7 2015.  21 nights from £7985

Mysterious Papua New Guinea is, in the truest sense, the last untouched frontier on earth. With exotic wildlife, turquoise seas, tropical rainforest, volcanoes and more than 1,000 tribal groups. It has all the ingredients for a truly memorable expedition cruise - its secret forests nurture more than 3,000 kinds of orchids, and the world’s largest butterfly and moth species.

More info: call  020 7752 0000 or visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk.

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Oceania Cruises Unveils 2015 Summer Collection

Here at World of Cruising we know you like  to like to look ahead and plan in advance and be sure of a great cruise deal (as many of the best are now reserved for those who book sooner rather than later), Oceania Cruises has just announced its 2015 Summer Collection, featuring voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, Asia and Africa.

The chic, upscale 5-ship fleet will offer a diverse collection of itineraries, with 24 new ports of call on four continents during the 2015 summer season. Among the new ports are Luanda, Paamiut, Trois-Rivières, Archangel, Skiathos, Londonderry, Wismar and Palamós. Also new is a series of Grand Voyages in Europe, ranging in length from 20 to 70 days, and offering multiple opportunities for extended exploration during the summer.
All voyages feature Free Airfare. Additionally, Oceania is offering 50% off deposits on all stateroom categories and free gratuities for guests staying in Veranda Staterooms and above, while all Grand Voyages feature exclusive Prestige Package amenities that may include a 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay; visa package; round-trip transfers; laundry service; unlimited internet and free gratuities in all stateroom and suite categories. Reservations must be booked by June 30.

More info: call 0845 505 1920 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

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Experience Culinary Delights In ‘Norway’s Coastal Kitchen’

Hurtigruten, who offer voyages along the Norwegian coast, have enlisted the help of a celebrated Norwegian food expert to offer a unique and exciting culinary journey along almost the entire length of the country, from Bergen in the South, to Kirkenes high up in the Arctic Circle.

Andreas Viestad will be helping to develop new restaurant and café concepts on all 11 of Hurtigruten’s ships that sail along the Norwegian coast, with a focus on local food of the highest quality. Menus will be developed with ingredients and themes that reflect the waters and areas that the ships sail through. To add to the culinary experience, telling the story of the local specialities will be a key aspect of Viestad’s work.

More than 80% of the food and drink served on the Hurtigruten voyage is already produced in Norway, with menus focusing on seasonal delicacies of the regions visited. However, the company has also been identifying smaller food suppliers along the coast with whom it would like to work, and, through a partnership with Innovation Norway & the Norwegian Government is helping them grow their business enough to be able to supply the ships on a regular basis.

A brand new Spring ‘Arctic Awakening’ menu is launching in April, with much of this local produce taking pride of place. For example, passengers will enjoy cured leg of lamb from Hellesylt, a town near the Geirangerfjord; baked Arctic char from the Sigerfjord near Vesterålen, with gulløye potatoes from Tromsø; or roast reindeer from Finnmark.

Other specialities include sea buckthorn and aquavit ice cream produced by the Gangstad Gårdsysteri dairy in Nord-Trøndelag and a fresh organic cheese hailing from the Grøndalen farm, served with a berry compote. There is no shortage of traditional Norwegian treats on the menu, including kvæfjordkake, a special cake made of meringue, vanilla cream and almonds, which can trace its origins to a small café in Harstad in Vesterålen.

Prices for a seven day ’Classic Voyage North’ from Bergen to Kirkenes departing in April start from £810 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Flights and transfers are available for an additional cost.

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit.www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Norwegian Plan A Miami Escape

Here at World of Cruising we've heard that  Norwegian Cruise Line's brand new ship for 2015, Norwegian Escape, will make its home in Miami, sailing year-round to the eastern Caribbean.

As well as revealing the ship's new hull artwork (above), NCL declated that, like this year's newcomer Norwegian Getaway, the Escape will homeport in the South Florida port and take on the Getaway's Caribbean itinerary, calling at St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Nassau in the Bahamas, as well as offering three days at sea.

The Getaway will herself move to a new 7-day Caribbean itinerary - Norwegian's private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios in Jamaica; George Town in Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

With these two ships sailing year-round from Miami, this will allow their previous flagship, Norwegian Epic, to be part of a 2015/16 deployment (as already announced) sailing from Barcelona year-round.

The line’s full deployment for winter next year also includes its return to South America cruises, a larger Jewel-class ship sailing to the Mexican Riviera, as well as the addition of Port Canaveral, Florida as a seasonal home-port.

The 20156/16 opens for booking on March 26.

More Info: call 0785 201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk.

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Cruise Nation Features Alaska Wilderness

We are huge fans of Alaska cruises here at World of Cruising, and here is something a bit different that promises to provide even more of that Big Country experience - award-winning tour operator Cruise Nation has launched new Alaskan cruise packages for this year with adventurous travellers firmly in mind.

In particular, intrepid cruisers can expect to sail through the wondrous ice landscape of the Tracy Arm Fjord, enjoy stop-offs at Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, and the fascinating gold rush town of Skagway, as well as stays in Seattle and Vancouver on an Alaskan cruise break with a difference.

The Alaskan cruises are part of Cruise Nation’s increasingly popular Smart Package options, which provide first-time cruisers and established cruise passengers with exclusive deals at unbeatable prices. Time-consuming DIY holidays are also given a run for their money as the packages come with free added extras, including free hotel stays and room upgrades.

Cruise Nation managing director Phil Evans explained: “Our new packages take full advantage of the awe-inspiring Alaskan wilderness and are going some way to shift the perception that cruise holidays only take in the fail-safe itineraries of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. We’re really excited to launch our new range, as they were created with the adventurous cruise traveller in mind, who wants to explore more of the world, whilst enjoying all the comforts and camaraderie of a cruise."

Get onboard an Alaska Glacier Bay Cruise and enjoy mini breaks in Vancouver and Seattle  from £1,299pp (a saving of £500pp), plus two free night stays in Vancouver and Seattle and a balcony room, if booked by March 31.

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in the price, departing on April 26 on the Carnival Miracle. This cruise holiday with a difference will begin with a 2-night stay in Vancouver, where visitors can wander around its top museum and gallery attractions all to the backdrop of its majestic snow-capped mountains. 

The Alaskan cruise will then take in the sights of Juneau, as well as fascinating Skagway, before sailing past the impressive ice landscapes of Glacier Bay (pictured). The Alaskan voyage will then end in Seattle, where there will be one night to explore the city’s bohemian Pike Place Market and travel to the top of the iconic Space Needle for incredible views of the city.

More info: call 0800 408 0758 or visit www.cruisenation.com. 

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Catch The Arctic Awakening With Hurtigruten

Springtime is an incredible time of year to visit Norway. As the sun returns to rejuvenate the Norwegian shores and temperatures begin rising, life returns to the land. This year it is even more accessible, with Hurtigruten offering free direct flights and a £250 saving on their 12-day 'Classic Round Voyage' along the Norwegian coast, departing in April.

At this time of year, there are great contrasts along the Norwegian coast. You can travel from a Spring climate in Bergen and head into the Arctic Circle, where signs of Winter are slower to disappear and snow caps still decorate the mountain tops. Travel as far north as Kirkenes on the Russian border and visitors can still participate in winter excursions such as a ‘Husky Sledge Adventure’ or ‘Snowmobile Safari’.

Those joining the voyage will be among the first of Hurtigruten’s customers to enjoy a trip into the Lyngenfjord. Flanked by the mighty, tall and steep peaks of the Lyngen Alps, the area offers natural contrasts with deep blue water, bubbling waterfalls and green banks in some areas, while elsewhere it shows its dramatic side with glaciers that reach from the steep banks to the fjord, rugged cliffs and deep canyons.

Depart on April 1 or 12  from London Gatwick or April 23  from Manchester and join the voyage from Bergen up to Kirkenes and back, stopping at 34 ports along the way. Prices now start from £1,043 per person for the April 1 departure, including direct return flights, transfers and the 12 day voyage on full board basis, based on two people sharing an inside cabin (subject to availability). 

More info: call Hurtigruten on 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Save Big With A Holland America Med Cruise

Enjoy early summer sunshine, with us here at World of Cruising whilst avoiding the peak summer crowds, on a fantastic value Mediterranean cruise with Holland America Line. Departing June 20, this 11-night Rome to Barcelona cruise starts from just £1,049pp, saving guests up to £1,000. This includes return flights, transfers and full board accommodation (all prices are based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

This Mediterranean Explorer cruise departs from Rome, and the first port of call is beautiful Naples, from where Pompeii and Capri can be visited. The ship then heads south to Palermo in Sicily, famed for its stunning cuisine and summer produce and then calls at Tunisia’s La Goulette, home to bustling markets and medinas. 

Sailing back to Italian shores, the ship visits Livorno, where excursions to Florence and Pisa are available, before moving onto Calvi, rumoured to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, the glamorous Monte Carlo, and Marseille. The cruise ends in Barcelona on July 1, but guests can spend an extra night onboard the ship before disembarking in order to enjoy a more in-depth experience of the city.

More info: 0843 374 2300 www.hollandamerica.co.uk

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Saga's Garden Voyage With Chris Beardshaw

We thought here at World of Cruising that Cruisers who also love their gardens would be well advised to take notice of this opportunity to combine a great holiday with the hobby as TV garden designer and RHS Chelsea gold winner Chris Beardshaw (above) will be aboard Saga Cruises' Floral Delights to the Canaries voyage in December.

Beardshaw will be sharing his expertise and love of gardening with passengers during talks and a question-and-answer session.

Chris, a long-standing member of Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time, explained: “There are always lots of people wanting gardening advice and tips - this is something I really enjoy and am very used to doing. I will also be joining a garden tour, as well as presenting new talks focusing on projects behind the show gardens at RHS Chelsea, including The Arthritis Research UK Garden, which was awarded Gold and People’s Choice Award in 2013.”

Chris knows the Canary Islands but has not visited all of the destinations and gardens on the itinerary. He added: “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to visit gardens and in December, when we are sailing, the climate will be much better than at home. I really enjoy seeing plants in differing habitats and often end up wishing I had the conditions to grow many of the plants that thrive in that part of the world.”

Saga Pearl II will sail to the floral island of Madeira and then on to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, where green-fingered guests will be able to stroll through glorious sub-tropical gardens as well as explore dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush banana plantations. The ship will also call at Agadir in Morocco, and Lisbon, where the city’s botanical garden and former royal summer place of Queluz will fulfil any keen gardener’s delight.

The Floral Delights of the Canaries cruise lasts 13 nights and costs from £1,569, departing Southampton on December 8. The price includes UK mainland travel service, all meals, daily afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, all on-board gratuities, entertainment and activities, welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner and travel insurance.

More info: call 0800 50 50 30 or visit saga.co.uk/cruises.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on this week, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.  

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Celebrity Celebrate World Cup 2014

Here's good news for anyone who wants to take a cruise this June and July and still stay in touch with the BIG sporting action - Celebrity Cruises will broadcast the summer’s most highly anticipated sporting event, the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, on board all its ships sailing to Alaska, Bermuda and Europe. 

Guests on board will be able to enjoy ALL 64 matches between the 32 competing national teams, taking place from June 12 to July 13.

Guests can also get in the football spirit by joining viewing parties, football video game tournaments and more, as well as choosing to watch the beautiful game from the comfort of their own stateroom or in onboard bars with fellow holidaymakers and football fans.

Celebrity guests can also enjoy the award-winning cuisine and speciality restaurants, and those inspired to get sporty can hit the onboard gym or enjoy some rejuvenating downtime in one of 10 new Canyon Ranch SpaClub® at Sea facilities.

More info: visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or call 0844 493 2043.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out this coming week, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Fred Olsen Promise To Get 'Closer To The Destination' in 2015

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced its big programme for 2015/16, with the promise they will get guests 'closer to the destination' than ever before.

The full schedule for the winter season in 2015/16 will visit no fewer than 245 destinations in 81 countries around the globe, including 42 countries on its 2016 ‘Grand Voyages’ alone. The preview ‘Launch Brochure’ for the new itineraries will be unveiled to existing guests on March 17 and the cruises will go on general sale from March 24.

Fred. Olsen’s four ships, Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch, will sail from 10 convenient regional UK departures ports – Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, Bristol (Avonmouth), Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Greenock (for Glasgow) and Belfast – meaning British guests will be within a maximum 90-minute drive away from joining a Fred. Olsen cruise, reinforcing their reputation as the ‘local, global cruise line’.

More info: call 0845 508 4947 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

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New 'Seuss At Sea' Programme On Carnival Splendor

Carnival Cruise Lines has debuted its exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises in grand style aboard Carnival Splendor with a variety of the classic, fun activities inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss.

The programme will eventually be rolled out fleet-wide but made a big impression aboard the Splendor on its most recent sailing from New York to the Bahamas.

 

The festivities included the first-ever Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends, where both the young and young-at-heart enjoyed food straight from Dr. Seuss’s imagination – green eggs and ham, colourful fruit and pancake stacks, funky French toast, as well as traditional breakfast favourites, all served by wait staff in Dr. Seuss-inspired uniforms. Popular characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and Sam-I-Am joined guests for fun interactions and photo opportunities.

Also debuting on Carnival Splendor was Seuss-a-palooza Story Time, an interactive reading event for kids of all ages, hosted in a vibrant, custom-created tent on the stage of the main show lounge. Equally popular was the inaugural Seuss-a-palooza Character Parade where guests joined Dr. Seuss characters in a swirly conga line along the promenade.

The ship is also stocked with a selection of classic Dr. Seuss books, toys and games and is hosting special showings of beloved movies such as “The Cat in the Hat” on the giant outdoor Dive-In Movies screen.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO, said: “We’re delighted to debut the Seuss at Sea program, which is sure to amuse and delight kids of all ages while providing parents and their children an opportunity to participate in fun and playful activities together."

Next up in the fleet roll-out is Carnival Freedom, which will be outfitted with a variety of specially designed Dr. Seuss spaces following its multi-million-dollar makeover this spring. The programme is expected to be complete by 2015 and will also be featured on the new Carnival Vista, which is set to debut in 2016. 

 

More info: Call 0843 374 2272 or visit www.carnival.co.uk.

 

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.   

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Pandaw's New Ship For Burma

Luxury river expedition company Pandaw has announced it is building a unique new river-cruise ship for Burma that will allow it to sail the Chindwin River year-round.

The Kha Byoo will feature an ultra-shallow draft and enter service at the end of 2014 on the Chindwin between Monywa and Homalin. Currently being built in Rangoon, the new vessel will be 40 metres in length and feature just 10 cabins, and its small size and draft of just 75cm will allow it to explore the Chindwin after the monsoon season ends and the larger ships have departed.

Like all of Pandaw’s K-class ships, the Kha Byoo is named after one of the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s ships of a similar class and design, built in 1882 by Denny of Dumbarton. The 2014 reincarnation is essentially an enlarged version of another of Pandaw’s current vessels, the Kalay (above). It features the same design features, such as an owner’s stateroom and Louvre French windows in the nine other staterooms that open on either side of the ship to create a light and airy feeling of space.

On a series of seven-night expeditions, the Kha Byoo will explore the rich cultural life of the Upper Chindwin valley, visiting delightful colonial towns like Mawlaik, bustling India border towns like Kalaywa and the capital of Burmese Nagaland, Homalin. Guests are also able to explore some of the oldest teak-carved monasteries around the ancient royal town of Mingkin. In addition, for those looking to enhance their Burma experience, the Kha Byoo can also be booked back-to-back with the Kindat on Pandaw’s Mandalay to Bhamo routing on the Upper Irrawaddy.

Seven-night Chindwin cruises start from £1,890 per person based on two people sharing, including all food and drink, gratuities and all shore excursions.

More info: call 0203 287 6113 or visit www.pandaw.com.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

 

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New Issue Out Next Week!

There's a real river cruising extravaganza in store for the second edition of World of Cruising magazine for 2014, which is due out next week. 

There is an unprecedented array of new ships, itineraries and even a brand new cruise line, Emerald Waterways, on the rivers of Europe this spring, and we are reflecting all of that in our extensive News and feature coverage, as well as something a bit further afield.

Our Cover Story is a look at the growing range and style of UK tour specialists Titan Travel in conjunction with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, while we also look at life in the slow lane with the deluxe manner of European Waterways in Burgundy.

To complete our triumvirate of river-going opulence, Contributing Editor Gary Buchanan heads to Kerala in India to sample the sumptuous style of Oberoi Resorts aboard their five-star Oberoi Vrinda river vessel.

But that is only the start of our latest journey in the wide World of Cruising. We have some big-ship offerings, too, with the likes of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Getaway and the forthcoming Regal Princess of Princess Cruises plus a look at the varied luxury realm of Silversea Cruises on their 20th anniversary and the tempting cuisine of Azamara Club Cruises.

For destinations, we visit Turkey, St Maarten, Costa Rica and, by way of complete contrast, the Arctic, for a preview of this summer’s Polar cruising season.

All our regular features are back, of course, with a look at Life On Board, the CLIA View, Sea Social Media and columnists like Captain Greybeard, The Cruise Guy, Cruise Radio and Silver Travel Advisor.

And there’s our essential World of Spas section, with news of a wonderful tie-up between Celebrity Cruises and the Canyon Ranch spa group, as well as our fab Beauty File.

Once again, it all adds up to a thoroughly memorable voyage, both sea-going and river-borne, so step up the gangway and prepare to set sail… 

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More Med Magic From Star Clippers

This is sure to appeal to aficionados of sail-cruising, as tall-ship cruise specialist Star Clippers is featuring a range of new destinations and new ports of call in the Mediterranean this year on their three head-turning ships Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper. In May, 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 sees Star Clippers sailing a season from Palma de Mallorca for the first time, while new ports of call for the Mediterranean season include Porto and the Scandolo Nature Reserve in Corsica, and La Sabina in Formentera. 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. The 2014-15 season is also featured in a new preview brochure.  More info: call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.     The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Variety Cruises Offer "Kids Cruise Free" Deals

Deluxe small-ship company Variety Cruises are not renowned for their family style, but here's a new offer that may make people think again - special "Kids Cruise Free" cruise deals throughout 2014. 

By the terms of this rare and very alluring offer:

• Single parents traveling with 1-2 children in one cabin pay an adult cruise fare, plus single supplement; 1-2 children cruise for free.

• Couples with 1 child sharing the same cabin pay two adult cruise fares. The child cruises for free.

• Couples with 1-2 children in two separate cabins pay two adult cruise fares, plus two single supplements; 1-2 children cruise for free.

• Children receive a 25% reduction on all shore excursions.

Families can take advantage of the offer by calling (in the US) 1800 319 7776 and mentioning "Kids Cruise Free" at the time of booking. The offer is valid for all Variety Cruises programmess and applies for children aged 7-12. Children 12-16 pay the child fare. The offer is available for a limited number of cabins on each sailing and on a first come, first served basis. Port charges must be paid for all participants, including children. Variety's small ships are not recommended to children under 7 years of age.

For those unfamiliar with Variety Cruises, they are the world's largest small-ship cruise company, who have been offering a total yachting experience since 1949. Their fleet of 11 fully-owned vessels varies in size from 4 to 36 cabins while their yachts and staff provide an intimate and relaxed environment.

They feature a comfort-filled starting point for discerning travellers as they visit well known and unique ports of call, notably around Greece and the Greek islands, southern Italy and Malta, the Seychelles, and Costa Rica and Panama. Fine locally-flavored cuisine, exciting itineraries and personalised service are also key features.         

More info: visit www.varietycruises.com. 

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Luxury Cruising - At A Bargain Price

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

Take your pick from:

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

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

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

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

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

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Sample A Fjord Spring With Holland America

Here's a great idea to sample a spring break in the fjords this May as Holland America Line are featuring a one-off cruise at a great price.

Their Norwegian Fjords cruise sets sail round-trip from Dover on May 10 and features a chance to to see the glorious blossoming of the fruit trees Prices start from £499pp for an Inside Stateroom and just £599 for an Ocean View Stateroom.

Setting off from the Kent port, guests can start their holiday the moment they step on board without the hassle of airport queues or baggage allowances. The first port of call is cultural Oslo, where open-air music concerts can be enjoyed throughout spring and summer. The ship then cruises through the scenic Oslo Fjord and up the Norwegian coast to the fjords further north. 

A paradise for walkers, guests can explore the beautiful hills, rustic towns and quaint villages of Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Ulvik before experiencing the breathtaking scenery of the Hardangerfjord.

Hardangerfjord is known as the Orchard of Norway as it is the main fruit producing region and May is the perfect time to catch the blossoming of the trees. One final day at sea gives guests the opportunity to relax and indulge in some onboard pampering before the ship arrives back in Dover.

More info: call 0843 374 2300 or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 

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

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The Majestic Line Team Up With Best Scottish Tours

Cruising in the highlands of Scotland has become big business in recent years, and here is news of a new tie-up between two specialist operators in the area that should make it even better (and better value) in future.

The Majestic Line have just announced a new collaboration with Best Scottish Tours to provide a wonderful land and sea experience of Argyll and the Hebrides this Autumn.

This new 10-day 'Castles and Clans of Mull and Glencoe' tour will provide a unique insight into Scotland's incredible Clan history, with a 6-day cruise on The Majestic Line, visiting iconic castles such as Duart Castle, seat of the Clan Maclean, and Castle Stalker, ancient stronghold of the Stewart Clan. 

This will be followed by a 4-day land tour provided by Best Scottish Tours visiting, for instance, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle on Skye and Scotland's most famous castle, Eilean Donan, in the West Highlands. The cruise departs from Oban on October 11 and 18.

More info: call 07748 360 148 or visit www.themajesticline.co.uk. 

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 

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

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

Fred Olsen's Solo Specials

We often highlight the relative plight of solo travellers in the cruise world, with single supplements sometimes as much as 200% of the regular fare for two people in a cabin.

But Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines work hard to be attractive to solo guests, and have just introduced a ‘no single supplement’ on certain grades of twin cabins for sole occupancy, on a selection of 2014/15 cruises. These special ‘no single supplement’ deals, which came into effect this month, mean that a solo guest, occupying a twin cabin, will pay the same per person rate as a couple, on applicable cruises.

Once on board, solo travellers will find exclusive gatherings for them to get to know each other, and staff on board will seat them together for dinner, and arrange companions for solo travellers when going ashore, if required. There are also Gentleman Hosts and Dance Couples to provide dancing partners for solo guests. The relatively small size of Fred. Olsen’s four ships and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere on board also make their cruises especially attractive for those travelling alone.

These ‘twin-for-sole occupancy’ fares for solo travellers are now being offered on a range of cruise itineraries, including (subject to availability):

- Balmoral’s eight-night ‘Norwegian Rivers & Railways’ cruise, from Southampton on August 10.

- Braemar’s nine-night 'Canary Islands' fly-cruise, from Southampton on November 23 (flying back to the UK from Tenerife at cruise end).

- Black Watch’s eleven-night 'France, Spain & Portugal' cruise, from Newcastle on September 28.

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

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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

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

New Island-Hopping Cruises In Croatia

We're always on the lookout for new cruise options here at World of Cruising, and this one definitely caught our eye from regional specialists Transun.

Their new exclusive cruise holiday options are perfect for families looking to escape to the Mediterranean sun as well as couples keen to explore the region’s culture. Croatia specialists for more than 30 years, Transun has uncovered the hidden treasures of the Dalmatian Coast and created carefully selected itineraries. 

Southern Pearls is an intimate cruise of the Adriatic coast and includes a visit to Vis, one of the most remote islands in Croatia. With weekly departures throughout the summer, guests will enjoy taking in a breathtaking new destination each day.

The island-hopping cruise departs from Split or Dubrovnik and takes in destinations including Hvar – where the boat will dock overnight allowing guests to enjoy the renowned nightlife – and Korcula, where centuries of history are encompassed by medieval walls.

The seven-night Southern Pearls package starts from £1,095 per person (based on two people sharing) and includes return flights from a range of selected national airports, transfers, accommodation, breakfast and a guided sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik.

Further highlights of the Croatia cruise holidays available from Transun include:

• Dalmatian Voyage, a relaxing seven-night cruise taking in some of Croatia’s smaller ports of call. 
• Croatia Island Hopping, a seven-night holiday visiting the popular highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, including Mljet, Korcula and Hvar. 

 More info: visit www.transun.co.uk or call 01865 265 200. 

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

 

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

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