Celebrate At Sea With Fred Olsen

Many guests on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ worldwide cruises have something to celebrate, and a cruise is the perfect way to mark a birthday, an anniversary, or perhaps a retirement. Mindful of these many special occasions, Fred. Olsen offers a choice of packages for guests with something extra to celebrate.

Special add-ons include:

Birthday Celebration package

Champagne breakfast for two in their cabin, a celebration cake at dinner, a birthday gift, card and a souvenir photograph, priced from £65 per package.

Wedding Anniversary Celebration package

Flowers or chocolates in the cabin upon arrival, champagne and canapés on the special day, plus a gift and a celebration cake, priced from £90 per couple.

Retirement package

Champagne, canapés, a congratulatory card and celebratory cake, priced from £45 per person.

Welcome Aboard package

This special add-on includes a floral bouquet upon arrival on board, sparkling wine and canapés, hand-made chocolates and a fruit basket, priced from £60 per package.

Spa package

To enhance the cruise experience further, why not take the opportunity to treat yourself and indulge in a luxurious spa treatment? There are two packages on offer, one for women and the other for men. At just £50 each, guests will save £29 on the combined cost of all the therapies included. 

This year in particular, all Fred. Olsen guests have something to celebrate with the new ‘all-inclusive’ upgrade. If guests book by September 30 for all departures on or after April 6, and featured in its current ‘2013/14 Worldwide Cruises’ brochure (excluding the 2014 Balmoral and Black Watch ‘Grand Voyages’ and their sectors, and full-charter Boudicca cruise), they will automatically qualify for a free upgrade to an ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, including beers, wine, spirits and soft drinks. 

This deal will be added to all applicable bookings retrospectively, but future guests will need to be quick to secure their place, as this offer is limited to the first 100 bookings per sailing taken between now and the end of September.  

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

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Zegrahm's Wild Central & North America

Small-ship adventure-cruise specialist Zegrahm Expeditions is offering two unique wildlife excursions in 2013 that feature amazing biodiversity in North and Central America, with an abundance of wildlife and a chance examine the long and significant human history of the regions visited.

The Wild Alaska itinerary focuses on the rich marine and wildlife habitats of the North Pacific, while the Rain Forests & Reefs itinerary explores Central America and offers a tremendous variety of flora and fauna, exceptional birding and many opportunities for terrific snorkelling.

Zegrahm President Jon Nicholson explained: “Our expeditions allow travellers to have up-close interactions with wildlife that inhabit some of the most remote coves, forests, and marine geological formations. In addition to the many wildlife excursions, we also provide many opportunities to learn about the history and people of the places we visit.”

The 15-day Wild Alaska journey allows guests to take full advantage of the long hours of mid-summer to trace pristine shores, cross the Arctic Circle and step ashore and back into history on both American and Russian lands. Travellers will enjoy numerous Zodiac excursions, negotiating sea cliffs and sculpted basalt formations for up-close sightings of nesting seabirds. 

 

In addition, there are excellent opportunities to view and photograph the region’s iconic wildlife, including brown bears, fur seals, walrus and Arctic foxes. This expedition departs July 11 and is priced from $11,980 per person.

At the crossroads of two continents, the 15-day Rain Forests & Reefs expedition reveals the wonders of five countries, including Belize, Honduras, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama. 

 

Travellers will have numerous opportunities to snorkel and dive over colourful reefs teeming with tropical fish, as well as discover an abundance of birds and wildlife during nature walks and Zodiac cruises, particularly during the journey through Costa Rica. This expedition departs March 8 and is priced from $11,980 per person.

 

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

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New All-In-One Brochure for 'Un-Cruise Adventures'

Travellers seeking Un-Cruise Adventures may now reach for one brochure detailing InnerSea Discoveries’ Active Adventures and American Safari Cruises’ Luxury and Heritage Adventures.  

The new 72-pager details Un-Cruise Adventures in south-east Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Hawaiian Islands, Columbia and Snake Rivers, coastal Washington and British Columbia. Three styles of adventure cruises are available on four yachts and three expedition vessels carrying from 22 to 88 guests. The brochure covers adventures from November 2012 through to April 2014.

Active Adventures

Active Adventure cruises focus on adventure activities outside such as trekking, kayaking, paddle-boarding and skiff excursions. Activity levels vary from shore walks to all-day hikes or kayaking excursions. Offered at a moderate price point, meals and activities are included. Massage, alcohol and port fees/taxes are extra.

Three expedition vessels, the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer and Wilderness Discoverer, sail active adventure cruises in from May to September. Explorer will sail its first season in Hawaii beginning November 2013.

Luxury Adventures

Luxury Adventure cruises are more inclusive and combine soft adventure activities with extra amenities and comforts on board. Voyages in five un-cruise destinations include all meals; premium spirits, wines and microbrews; activities and port fees/taxes; a massage Safari Explorer and Endeavour.

Three yachts, the 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer and 86-guest Safari Endeavour, offer luxury adventure cruises. All three sail in Alaska from May to September, while Endeavour sails in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés from November-April, Explorer sails in the Hawaiian Islands, and Quest sails a coastal Washington and British Columbia itinerary in spring and autumn.

Heritage Adventures

History is brought to life on board and ashore on a Heritage Adventure cruise. Guest presenters, character reenactments and shore tours highlight history along the way and onboard Legacy Leaders guide the journey. 

The Safari Legacy joins the fleet in mid-August 2013 for two 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruises in south-east Alaska. In autumn and spring, the ship sails week-long Legacy of Discovery cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Cruise fare includes all meals; premium brand spirits, fine wines and microbrews; activities; one massage and port fees/taxes.

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

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Big Savings In 2013 With Hurtigruten

The Norwegian coast is world famous for its beautiful scenery and, on a tour with Hurtigruten, there are places that will take your breath away as you pass through 34 ports, some with only a few hundred inhabitants. 

As well as the stunning landscapes you pass, the rich variety of sights, sounds and smells are what make a Hurtigruten coastal voyage truly unique. Even better - the company is offering 25 per cent off selected voyages in 2013 when booking by September 30.

Experience three seasons on a journey - from winter to summer in Kirkenes to Bergen - and discover the beauty of Norway's coastline where every season provides an ever-changing backdrop to a journey of matchless wonder. 

After a long winter, warmth returns to the shores of Norway and sunlight rejuvenates life along the coastline. The sun works to thaw the frozen land, rising higher and higher each day, hence there is the chance to experience three seasons in five days and "The Arctic Awakening" of the coastline. 

Or take time to enjoy the coast and the Midnight Sun on a summer trip. The Land of the Midnight Sun truly lives up to its name as the intense extended daylight above the Arctic Circle lasts around the clock, making every Norwegian 'night' a joy to behold. In fact, you may have to force yourself to go to bed!

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

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Crystal's Wine & Food-Themed Cruises

Australasian and Balinese culinary arts will kick off ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises’ 2013 Wine & Food-themed series, with regional star chefs and wine experts headlining two new, 12-night Crystal Symphony itineraries: Australia/New Zealand departing January 17 and Australia/Bali departing February 11.

Connoisseurs can also indulge in optional, intimate Vintage Room dining experiences, offering multiple courses paired with extraordinary wines.

The voyages offer intimate access to each country’s culinary capitals, from the renowned wine regions of South Australia and Wellington to New South Wales’ fine dining and Northern Territory’s outback pubs. The January “Koalas and Kiwis” itinerary explores Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney (overnight), before sailing through stunning Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds en route to Dunedin, Christchurch/Lyttelton, Wellington, and Auckland. 

The February “Reefs and Rainforest” voyage overnights in Sydney before venturing north through the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands/Hamilton, Cairns, Darwin and Benoa/Bali.

All-inclusive prices are £4,627 per person fly/cruise and £2,610 per person cruise-only respectively. Three additional Wine & Food-themed voyages are also scheduled for May, July and November in other regions.

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

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Save With AMA This Autumn

Here are a couple of great autumn holiday deals today from AmaWaterways, with their stylish river-cruise offerings featured at savings of up to £500 per person.

Autumn river cruise with £445pp saving

AMAs has a big saving on a 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on board the luxury river cruiser, AmaDagio, cruising through legendary wine regions, producing wines such as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone. The cruise departs on October 4 and now costs from £1,895pp, including wine tastings at local vintners, daily tours and excursions, wine with dinner, free use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and all port taxes. 

Cruise the Mekong, saving up to 500pp 

Experience the exotic villages, towns, markets and temples of the Mekong on a 7-night river cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. This 11-night departure sails on November 12 with a big saving, and includes a two-night stay in Siem Reap, the full 7-night cruise, two overnight UK flights and transfers. Price now from £2,399pp, departing from the UK on November 9. 

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

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Star Clippers Sets Sail For Cuba

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is to sail to Cuba in 2014 for the first time, offering a spectacular series of itineraries exploring the island in depth, visiting stunning beaches and anchorages, colonial towns and villages and with a pre and post-cruise option to stay in historic Havana, famous for its cigars, nightlife, architecture and the legacy of Hemingway.

The Cuba programme will be offered on the 170-passenger Star Flyer (above), which will split the winter of 2013/14 between Costa Rica, where the ship has already operated two highly successful seasons, and the Caribbean. She will sail four itineraries taking in Cuba, as follows:

February 2, 2014: 14 nights, Costa Rica to Cuba via the Panama Canal, calling at Drake Bay and Golfito (Costa Rica); Isla Gamez, Isla Iguana and Balboa (Panama); San Andres and Providencia (Colombia); George Town and Little Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Casilda (Cuba). From £2,440, plus £245 port charges, cruise only.

February 16 and 23 and March 2, 9 and 16, 2014: Seven nights Cuba and Cayman Islands, departing Cienfuegos and calling at Cayo Blanco; Casilda (for the historic town of Trinidad, rich with colonial architecture); Little Cayman and George Town, capital of Great Cayman; Cayo Largo (Cuba), Archipelago de los Canarreos; returning to Cienfuegos. From £1,185, plus £120 port charges, cruise only.

March 23: Six nights round-trip from Cienfuegos, calling at Archipelago de los Canarreos; Punta Frances; Cayo Largo; Casilda; and Cayo Blanco, from £1,015, plus £105 port charges, cruise only.

March 29: Cuba to St Maarten, departing Cienfuegos and calling at Montego Bay and Port Antonio (Jamaica); Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic); the British Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg. From £1865pp, plus £190 port charges, cruise only.

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