Voyages to Antiquity Sail Into 2011

Voyages to Antiquity, the cruise line that combines cultural travel with a sense of fun and style, has launched its 2011 UK brochure today. The programme offers a host of new features, including pre-and/or post-cruise hotel packages, a variety of shorter cruise lengths, new destinations and great value pricing.

New for 2011:

* As well as two-week voyages, there will now be shorter cruises such as a seven-night sailing around the Greek Islands exploring Greek history from the emergence of the Minoans to the rise of Byzantium. These shorter duration cruises are designed to appeal to a wider audience of travellers.

* The majority of itineraries include pre-and/or post-cruise stays in top-class hotels in Rome, Athens (above), Istanbul, and Cairo with the fare. These provide guests with a chance to relax before their voyage or the opportunity to end their holiday exploring one of these remarkable cities. Guests have the flexibility to opt out of the hotel stays and receive a credit against their fare.

* New destinations include a circumnavigation of the Black Sea visiting ports in Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria in July 2011. New itineraries will also include destinations in Corsica and Sardinia as well as a return to Libya as part of two North Africa itineraries. Another exciting new itinerary from Rome to Limassol explores the legacy of the Crusades.

Voyages to Antiquity also continues its commitment to offering outstanding value, including:

· Scheduled economy class flights, usually on British Airways.
· Shore excursions as detailed in each itinerary
· Selected wine with dinner.
· On-board gratuities for cabin and restaurant staff.

Additionally there are bonus offers for those who book early:

For Southern Med, Red Sea & Middle East cruises
· Free cabin upgrade on board within categories N to G and D to C.
· Low rates for singles in selected categories on selected sailings*.

For our Med, Aegean, Adriatic & Black sea cruises
· Free flight upgrade to Club Europe when booking in Concierge Class (cat A to D)
· Free cabin upgrade on board when booking a cabin in categories N to G.
· Low rates for singles in selected categories on selected sailings.

Commenting on the launch of the 2011 brochure, Managing Director David Yellow said: “Our new brochure not only offers new itineraries, but we have now packaged the product to be more flexible and appealing to a wider range of cruisers who may not have as much holiday time or may be looking for a second holiday experience but are still looking for a trip which is culturally stimulating.”

Great value is a hallmark of Voyages to Antiquity, with fares starting from £1,495/person, including shore excursions, gratuities to shipboard staff, and wine, beer & soft drinks at dinner. Guest lecturers and celebrated speakers will continue to bring to life the art, history and culture of the Mediterranean.

More info: visit http://www.voyagestoantiquity.com/ or call 0845 4379737.

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Rivers and Coasts of Spain and Portugal

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Spain and Portugal have much to offer the traveller and their rivers in particular are a very under explored when it comes to cruising. Now Archers Direct are offering the chance to travel along Andalucia's Guadalquivir River and The Algarve's Guadiana River for seven nights to marvel at a landscape of sun-blushed fields and quaint wine villages as well as ancient cities.

Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of a spacious and bright river cruiser, MS Belle de Cadix (above) offers style and superb service. Well-maintained and equipped with the latest technologies, the fully air-conditioned river cruiser accommodates 178 passengers in 89 light, airy cabins as it explores one of the most attractive regions in Europe.

The cruises start from Seville down Andalucía’s longest river to the port of Cadiz, then hugging the coastline to the Algarve and entering the River Guadiana to Alcoutim and Vila Real. Then, taking the coastal route again, you call at the Spanish port of El Puerto de Santa Maria before returning to Seville.

MS Belle de Cadix has a swimming pool; large sun deck; restaurant; lounge bar with dance floor; Panorama bar; swimming platform with access to the sea; gift shop and lift. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting.

Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. Aperitifs, coffee and digestifs are available in the lounge bar. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night. While on board you will be looked after by the ship's hostess and purser.

All outside cabins have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and WC; and large picture window. Your holiday price includes a 2-berth main deck cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

For more information go to http://www.archersdirect.co.uk/

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Princely Visit to Antarctica

By guest blogger Steve Newman

When winter starts to bite here in the UK, the spring is well under way in Antarctica and many dedicated cruisers reach out to experience this vast continent and its astounding beauty. Silversea Cruises have nine departures from November of this year through to March 2011, with a 17-day voyage starting and ending at Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

To embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard a ship like Prince Albert II is quite an experience. A purpose-built expedition ship, she was designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world's most remote areas, including both Polar Regions. The 6,072-ton vessel also boasts a strengthened hull.

The ship's eight Zodiacs (above) allow her 132 privileged guests to visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations. Now you can experience the thrill of a true expedition and venture deep into regions where other vessels cannot go whilst enjoying a privileged lifestyle that is simply second-to-none.

The Prince calls at West Point and Carcass Island in the Falklands before docking at Stanley, the island's capital. Then it's on to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands before visiting Elephant Island in the South Shetlands, the island most famous as the desolate refuge of Ernest Shackleton and his crew in 1916 following the loss of their ship Endurance in the ice of the Weddell Sea.

Onboard, you can savour a warming cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on the larger ships, including a spacious library with an Internet Cafe, boutique shopping, a full-service Spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna, live evening entertainment and two top-deck whirlpools. The Prince Albert II even features Connoisseur's Corner, formerly The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs -- a diversion offered by no other expedition ship!

Find out more by visiting http://www.silversea.com/

Silversea Cruises are also exhibiting at The Cruise Show in Birmingham in October.

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French Riveria and Greek Islands Reductions

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The French Riveria and the Greek Islands have always been major attractions for a cruising holiday, and the chance of late booking reductions can make them even more attractive. With that in mind, why not have a look at two short cruises from luxury Tall Ship sailing company Star Clippers?

Departing from Cannes on 25th September, the company has a 4-night tall-ship cruise along the French Riviera to Calvi, Corsica, Portofino and Cannes for £649pp (was £730), sailing on the head-turning Star Flyer and including all meals on board and free places for up to two children (accompanying two adults) in their own cabin, paying just port taxes of £85 per person.

The Flyer (above) with its four masts and 36,000sq ft of sails is fully stabilised and has two pools; massage and beauty treatments; water sports equipment; library; internet access; indoor/outdoor bar; and a Sloop Shop. The ship has a smart-casual open dining policy and there are seven cabin grades. from the luxurious Owner’s Cabin with whirlpool bath to inside cabins. Fully 81 of the 85 cabins have a porthole or open on to the deck.

The company is also offering a £200 saving off its 3-night 'Cruise & stay’ short break, also on board Star Flyer, departing from Athens on 28th September, sailing the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, now from just £799 per person (was £999), including all meals and a night’s B&B accommodation in Athens at the 5-star St. George Lycabettus Hotel on 28th September.

For more information, log on to http://www.starclippers.co.uk/

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

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First 'All Suite Ship'

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Avalon Waterways is to introduce the very first ‘All Suite Ship’ – the Avalon Panorama – in May 2011.

Featuring in the company’s new European River Cruise brochure (Mar-Nov 2011), the Panorama is the first of its kind in the industry. Offering two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall sliding panoramic windows (above) that are 50% wider than the industry standard, the Panorama Suites are 200sq ft (30% larger than the industry standard) while the Royal Suites will measure an astonishing 300sq ft and feature a king-size bed, full size designer bathroom and separate toilet.

The Panorama will operate the 15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ cruise (Amsterdam to Budapest and reverse) from May to November 2011, priced from £2,249 in a Panorama Suite and from £4,022 in a Royal Suite; and on the 13-day 'Blue Danube Discovery' (from Budapest to Prague) on 14 November, priced from £1,949 and £2836 .

Cruises offered as ‘no fly’ options and which operate in conjunction with Eurostar departures from London’s St. Pancras or Ebbsfleet include the 8-day ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches’ and the 11-day ‘Burgundy & Provence.’

New for this edition is the possibility to book ‘cruise only,’ thus affording additional flexibility pre or post-cruise. Also new is the ability to pre-purchase a drinks package (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) which complements the existing free regional wine, beer or soft drinks served with dinner.

All holidays include a free door-to-door home pick-up service within a 75 mile radius of the chosen airport or Eurostar station. Prices in the new brochure start from £999 per person based on the 4-day ‘Taste of the Danube’ from Vienna to Budapest on board Avalon Tapestry departing on 16 October from London Heathrow or from a range of UK airports at a supplement.

For further information on the full range of itineraries available or to request a brochure, visit http://www.avaloncruises.co.uk/.

Avalon will also be exhibiting at the must-see Cruise Show in Birmingham in October.

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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Treasures of Prague, The Rhine and Main

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

We seem to be writing a lot about River Cruising lately and it certainly is becoming more popular. After all, discovering the opulence and majesty of a bygone era in total relaxation just has to be an attractive proposition.

Now you can journey for eight days from the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers to Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires", on Uniworld’s new 'Treasures of Prague, the Rhine and Main' itinerary starting in April 2011.

Sail from Cologne to Nuremberg onboard the completely remodelled beautiful boutique cruise ship, River Ambassador. Then be whisked away to Prague, where you’ll spend three days in one of the world’s most captivating cities with its eclectic mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, all standing seamlessly side by side, and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre.

This cruise offers an up-close look at the magnificent castles and gardens of European royalty - reminders of life lived on a grand scale. And, for those who’d like to share the gift of Europe with the special young people in their lives, Uniworld offers select family-friendly sailings during the summer. Visit the Wurzurg Residenz with the largest fresco ceiling in the world and cap the tour off with a private wine tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historic Residenz cellars

The cruise includes door-to-door UK airport transfers; return scheduled flights; a 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom; 2 nights in Prague at the superior first class Art Deco Imperial Hotel, with breakfast daily; all meals onboard with complimentary fine European wines, choice of beer and soft drinks during dinner; seven shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides; an exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Programme and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

Prices begin at £2,275 per person and, if paid in full by October 31 2010, guests can save up to £900 per couple. For more info, see http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/

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Splendours of India

By guest blogger Steve Newman

India has captivated travellers for centuries, but venturing to this cultural melting-pot can be a logistical challenge. In February and December 2011, Zegrahm Expeditions will treat travellers to over two weeks of in-depth exploration in Southern India, including a stop in Sri Lanka, via the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey (above).

Zegrahm believes the best way for travellers to immerse themselves in the countries they visit, with minimal distractions and inconveniences, is by small ship (and, having sampled their style earlier this year, I would fully endorse that view).

They are also one of the leading adventure travel companies, specialising in small-ship expedition tours and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world, and their India voyage will add another string to their considerable bow, revealing yet another array of dazzling visual wonders and cultural delights.

From Chennai (Madras), the ship visits Madurai’s Meenakshi temple, then explores fascinating Sri Lanka, where you search for wild elephants and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Along India’s west coast, visits are Cochin, Mangalore and Goa, and you end your journey in Mumbai. There is no better way to explore this diverse land than by sea, affording you the opportunity to travel from the serene villages to bustling city streets all in genuine 5-Star style.

You can beat the heat, too, as the air-conditioned Odyssey allows you to travel from port to port in the utmost comfort, bypassing long, steamy drives to get to your next destination. Soak in the coastal sights as you make your way from port to port - a view of India often unseen by most tourists - and you can also choose from several shore excursions each day, all of which are complimentary.

Learn more about the February 1-17 and December 7–21, 2011, Splendours of India departures on Zegrahm’s website at http://www.zeco.com/

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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