Voluntourism with Crystal Cruises

Ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises has announced a new corporate social responsibility initiative for 2011 to support the destinations it visits.

The ‘You Care, We Care’ programme is a complimentary, hands-on, shore excursion initiative that opens up opportunities for guests and crew alike to assist with charitable projects in destinations they visit during any cruise. The focus lies in working with and assisting local projects, educating participants on local community needs and providing them with authentic, rewarding experiences and an overall sense of place.

On every 2011 itinerary, Crystal Cruises has planned one ‘You Care, We Care’ Crystal Adventure in which a limited number of guests and crew can donate their time, with Crystal covering all logistical arrangements and costs.

The complete programme of excursions and projects is currently in development and availability will be limited but 'voluntourism' experiences aboard Crystal Symphony (above) and Crystal Serenity voyages will include:

§ Lima, Peru – Brightening the environment of the children at the ANQUIEM Burn rehabilitation centre with arts and crafts

§ Cartagena, Colombia – Creating crafts with the elderly, playing football with the children, or urban farming with an emphasis on organic agriculture at the Granitos de Paz Foundation

§ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Assisting the PEACE organisation in beach and neighborhood clean-up.

Commenting on the new initiative, Crystal's Vice President International, Philip Ordever said: “We challenged our worldwide tour operators to craft excursions that contribute to local causes because we are absolutely committed to giving something back to the communities we visit and explore. We also recognise the growing desire of our guests to seek out and discover authentic, enriching experiences and believe this new initiative will make a difference to both our destinations and our overall guest experience.”

A cornerstone of Crystal's culture is its genuine hospitality and service that has been internationally celebrated for two decades. This spirit of generosity extends to its respectful treatment of the environment, oceans and communities in which it travels.

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Hurtigruten's South Pole Anniversary Adventure

By guest blogger Steve Newman

One hundred years after the Norwegians reached the South Pole, Hurtigruten are recreating the sea voyage in the Fram, the same name as the original vessel. The aim is to sail deep into the Weddell Sea, a remote and rarely visited area of the Antarctic Peninsula. Highlights will include the South Shetland Islands and isles along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting penguin colonies, exploring spectacular ice formations and looking out for whales, dolphins, seals and the dazzling variety of sea birds that call these waters home.

Weather, wind and ice conditions will determine the full programme, but the landing sites will include some of Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour on Greenwich Island, Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, Snow Hill Island, James Ross Island, Vega Island, Trinity Peninsula, Prince Gustav Channel, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Harbour, Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Wilhelmina Bay and the narrow iceberg lined Lemaire Channel.
The flight package includes: Return economy class (usually overnight) flights from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires (via Madrid or similar), including applicable taxes and current fuel surcharges (except departure tax from South America, which has to be paid locally). Not included: optional carbon balancing fee (£30 per person). Departures & supplements from other UK airports are available on request.

For more information, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or visit the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Titan Escorted River Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Titan HiTours, the escorted tours specialist, has unveiled its first brochure totally dedicated to escorted river cruises. This constitutes the company's widest ever choice of escorted river cruises and features an enticing range of upmarket options on some of the world's grandest and most scenic waterways, including the Nile, the Danube and the mighty Yangtze, as well as 10 brand new itineraries.

Every Titan holiday is guaranteed to offer great value for money, and the company's river cruise selection is no exception. Prices include flights, meals, a fantastic array of shore-based excursions and even door-to-door transfers from customers' own homes to their nearest airport.

This VIP Home Departure Service is available for all passengers living in mainland England, Scotland and Wales (plus Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), meaning that Titan guests can enjoy complete convenience and peace of mind no matter where they live in the United Kingdom. In addition, early-booking discounts are available on several cruises, providing even better value for money for those reserving their holidays in good time.

The Escorted River Cruises brochure features holiday options as far afield as Canada, China, Russia and Egypt, the Volga, Nile, Yangtze and St Lawrence Rivers, leading in at £995 per person for the 8-day Egypt's Timeless Riches itinerary. Departures are available in all but the hottest months of the year, with the price including flights, transfers, full-board accommodation, sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary, port taxes and the VIP Home Departure Service.

For more details, look up http://www.titanhitours.co.uk/

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Even More From MSC Yacht Club

Last year, MSC Cruises took the market by storm with the launch of MSC Yacht Club, an innovative high-end offering located on the foredecks of designer flagships MSC Fantasia and Splendida. Far from resting on its laurels however, the family-owned Italian company has announced a comprehensive array of new features will make the Yacht Club experience even more outstanding.

First and foremost, a number of changes on board have made the Yacht Club an entirely self-contained private area of deluxe suites, all enjoying direct lift access to its private facilities and to the Aurea Spa, where dedicated treatment rooms are provided for Yacht Club guests.

Meanwhile, the already sophisticated gourmet dining experience has been transformed by making the most prestigious restaurant on board each flagship - L'Etoile on Fantasia and L'Olivo on Splendida (above) - exclusively for Yacht Club guests. Located in a panoramic position on the same deck as the dedicated reception area, guests enjoy an open sitting service, so they can dine in their private restaurant at any hour desired.

Typical of MSC attention to detail are the several new and personal touches accompanying these substantial additions, including a bottle of premium Prosecco and a bowl of fresh fruit in each cabin together with a series of “sweet surprises” throughout the voyage. Yacht Club members are also invited to attend an exclusive cocktail party once the ship has sailed. Guests will, of course, continue to enjoy priority check-in, embarkation and disembarkation, as well as free drinks from their in-suite mini-bars and in the Yacht Club facilities.

MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive ship-within-a-ship; currently located on Fantasia and Splendida, it will be replicated on a third ship, MSC Divina, currently under construction and set to launch in 2012.

Here, served by its own Concierge Reception, is a private world of luxurious facilities, including superior suites complete with wood panelling, marble whirlpool bathrooms and widescreen TVs with Nintendo Wii consoles; a bespoke pool and solarium complex; Top Sail panoramic private lounge serving gourmet snacks and drinks all day and private lift access.

Adding special distinction, the Yacht Club also offers a classic butler service, available 24 hours a day.

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Last Minute Festive River Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

There is still time to plan the festive season in the luxurious comfort of a Uniworld 2010 European Boutique River Cruise. Imagine storybook villages and majestic cities adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and stars, melodious carollers and choirs, magnificent cathedrals, opulent palaces, medieval castles and old world Christmas markets - all just a stroll away from your moored ship.

Uniworld’s festive River Cruises range from 8 to 14 days and take in Europe’s great rivers, including the Danube, Rhine and Main. Whether it is travelling through Germany along the Rhine and Main celebrating the origins of centuries-old traditions, discovering the elegant pageantry of four regal countries along the Danube, or welcoming 2011 in regal style in a Viennese palace, there is something unique for everyone.

Uniworld offers four expertly planned all-inclusive festive packages including:-

• Lavishly appointed river-view staterooms
• All meals with complimentary fine European wine, choice of beer and soft drinks served during dinner
• Special celebratory dining events
• Captivating shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local guides
• Festive onboard entertainment and Signature Lectures
• All transfers on arrival and departure days.

Prices start from £1,925 per person, including return scheduled flights and UK door-to-door airport transfers.

And solo travellers can cruise at no additional charge as Uniworld has waived single supplements on selected festive season departures.

For more information, look up http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or call the river-cruise experts of specialist agent The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Wildlife Sculptor in Antarctica

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Top British wildlife sculptor Hamish Mackie will be traveliling to Antarctica with One Ocean Expeditions on a spectacular 18-night/19-day trip via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia on the Russian ice-strengthened ship Marina Svetaeva on February 16. Taking his own materials, including his modelling tools and a particular clay able to withstand the cold, he will be working directly from life, capturing penguins, albatross and elephant seals.

These works of art will then be brought back to the UK in special containers to be cast into bronze for his one-man exhibition in New York later in the year. Hamish, 36, will also be giving talks on his work on board and, uniquely, offering workshops where passengers, both professional and amateur, will have the opportunity to make their own sculptures.

“The way I handle clay draws you into the anatomy of the subject and leaves a history as to how the sculpture was made,” says Mackie, who is looking forward to sculpting the unique wildlife of the seventh continent.

The price for the 18-night voyage starts at $13,490 per person sharing a twin cabin, including accommodation, food and excursions during the voyage. Flights to/from Ushuaia, Argentina, where passengers embark the Marina Svetaeva are not included. There is no additional charge for the sculpting workshops with Hamish Mackie.

For more details, visit http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/ or contact the adventure cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd.

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Yoga Under Sail in the Caribbean!

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is offering guests free daily yoga and meditation this December as part of a yoga-themed Caribbean cruise on board the 170-passenger Star Clipper.

Yoga classes will take place in the open air, on the tall ship's sun-warmed teak decks, under thousands of square feet of billowing sails – the ultimate relaxation for body and soul in a setting that will lift the spirits, with the sparkling blue of the Caribbean sea as a backdrop.

Qualified yoga teacher Christel Vollmer will be holding the daily sessions of Astanga yoga, also known as power yoga, on deck each morning, 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.

For those who want to follow a healthy or vegetarian diet during the cruise, Star Clippers’ usual sumptuous breakfast buffets, piled with fresh tropical fruits, and magnificent salads at lunchtime will be available, as well as vegetarian choices at dinner.

The cruise departs St Maarten on December 11, and calls at Nevis, Dominica, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua and St Barths. Prices are from £1,145 per person, including port taxes and full board on the ship but excluding flights.

For more booking details, check out www.starclippers.co.uk or call the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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

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