Crystal's Exclusive 'Rhino Excursion'

Well here’s another one to tempt you as we know many of our readers are ardent wildlife watchers when you’re cruising. In fact, it’s something we at World of Cruising are increasingly keen to focus on. So here’s what popped into our inbox recently.

Crystal Cruises’ newest Boutique Adventure promises an ultra-intimate and exclusive, hands-on “Rhino Conservation Experience” in Africa. Offered with Crystal Serenity’s March 10 voyage from Singapore to Cape Town, the excursion offers the opportunity to be a part of the vital local tracking and protection efforts aimed at keeping the animal from extinction. From helping locate rhinos to notching their ears while anaesthetised (enabling researchers to identify the animal and aide in the repopulation process), guests will assist the expert anti-poaching team from beginning to end.

The “Rhino Conservation Experience” is available only to guests also participating in Crystal’s mid-cruise, off-ship Overland Adventure to the Phinda Private Game Reserve. The Overland Adventure, which departs from Durban and returns to Port Elizabeth, features two nights of luxury accommodation and game drives in search of lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards. 

The full 21-night sailing departs Singapore for Jakarta, Mauritius, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town (overnight) with a two-night, inclusive pre-cruise programme to Bangkok and Cambodia beginning on March 7.  All-inclusive fly/cruise prices start from £6,344 per person if booked by January 3. The “Rhino Conservation Experience” costs $1,287 per person.

 

More info: call 020 7399 7601 or visit www. www.crystalcruises.co.uk.

 

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Scottish Ports On Course For Record Cruise Season

Cruise Scotland - the marketing association for the Scottish ports of call - is stepping up its campaign to attract more visitors in future on the strength of a forecast for record numbers in 2014.

 

An end-of-season report reveals that passenger figures this year were up 9.7% on 2012 to 384,639, influenced in part by increasing vessel capacity (like the QM2 at Greenock, above). Vessel calls at 454 were down slightly on the 466 ships seen last year but cruise tourism is estimated to have been worth £48.8 million to Scotland in 2013, a rise of 5%.

The trend towards larger vessels continues next year with 450 arrivals currently expected, carrying approximately 390,000 passengers, the highest number yet to ports around the country. And Victor Sandison, Cruise Scotland’s Chairman, said: “Working closely with the Scottish Government and various agencies, we continue to make significant progress in a highly competitive, expanding international market.

“Over the past four seasons, vessels calling are up 26%, passengers by 43% and the value of cruise tourism to Scotland by 52.5%. We are committed to increasing awareness of the country’s many attractions, improving visitor experience and growing our market share.”

Scotland’s Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP, added: “With the end of season figures showing an increase in passenger figures during 2013 as well as 2014 currently scheduling around 390,000 passengers, these are very encouraging results. They are testament to the hard work of all the industry and the hard work of the Cruise Scotland team.            

“The Scottish Government will continue to support the cruise industry, across all of Scotland, and we will work closely together in order to make the most of what Scotland has to offer at every potential destination – irrespective of the size of the vessel.”

Challenges faced by the industry currently include continued lobbying with other UK bodies, trade associations and ports to resolve issues over the UK Border Force’s face-to-document checks for passengers; tougher sulphur emission controls from 2015, which may impact on cruise calls to some ports; and constraints on coach capacity in some regions alongside insufficient tour guides with linguistic skills.

* Cruise Scotland was established in 2009 to promote and market Scotland as a first-class cruise destination to operators and work on behalf of members on relevant issues. It now has 20 members, including 16 ports, large and small, two major ground handlers/shore excursion providers and two castles, with recruitment ongoing.

 

More info: visit http://www.cruisescotland.com/ or call 01854 612724.

 

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Live Like A Sultan With MSC In UAE

Those looking for a luxurious sunshine break need look no further than  a Dubai cruise with MSC Cruises from just £699 per person, including return flights with Emirates from Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle or Manchester.

From November 23 until March 29, MSC Lirica is offering 18 8-day/7-night cruises from Dubai, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Muscat and Khasab in Oman, with an exciting overnight stay in Dubai. For shopaholics, this incredibly rich itinerary is nothing less than the voyage of a lifetime

The region’s legendary shopping is every bit as eclectic, and whether bartering for traditional goods at a bustling souk or spending money in style in colossal malls, this glittering giant of the desert has truly perfected the art of shopping.

 

Glitz, glamour and retail therapy in Dubai

 

For instant immersion in the glitz, glamour and luxury goods of modern Dubai, Retail Therapy, Dubai Style is the perfect excursion. On this unique tour dedicated entirely to shopping, travellers will start with a leisurely amble through Souq Madinat Jumeirah, before visiting two of the world’s largest shopping centres, the Mall of the Emirates, strategically located in the heart of 'New Dubai', and the Dubai Mall, complete with Olympic-sized ice rink, huge aquarium and underwater zoo and the beautiful Dubai Fountain display.

 

Other excursions combine fascinating sight-seeing with serious shopping, including Sunset Dhow Cruise And Shopping and Dubai At Night From The Burj Al Khalifa, which starts with a fascinating 360-degree view of Dubai from the 124^th floor of the world’s tallest building and ends with a trip to the Dubai Mall, while the Discover Dubai & Lunch At The Burj Al Arab is a tour of old and new Dubai, includes stops at the aromatic spice market and the huge gold souk.

 

Bustling souks in mystical Muscat

 

Several MSC excursions in Muscat include visits to the magnificent Muttrah Souk, one of the country’s most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. This mystical labyrinth of narrow, fragrant alleyways is bursting with shops offering a wide range of goods including typical Omani souvenirs and jewellery.

 

With return flights with Emirates, MSC guests will also enjoy the facilities of one of the world’s leading international airlines. The airline offers all the mod-cons, from spacious seating to a generous 30kg baggage allowance. Cruise prices start from just £699 per person for departures on December 14 and January 11, and from £799 for departures on January 4, 18 and 25.

More info:  visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955.

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Even More Med In 2014 From Holland America

Holland America Line’s MS Noordam will sail new Central and Western Mediterranean itineraries next spring and summer to allow for longer voyages, including the introduction of three new 11-day sailing, each with several departures and numerous ‘Collectors’ Voyages’ opportunities.

From April to October, Noordam will sail between Civitavecchia (Rome), and Barcelona or Venice. The new 11-day itineraries feature a combination of calls in Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Tunisia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey. Guests who want a longer holiday can combine two or three back-to-back voyages to form a 22- or 33-day Collectors’ Voyage. These extended itineraries offer a more in-depth cruise and allow for extra time ashore to become immersed in the culture and history of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Explorer

Departing April 4, May 18, July 1 and August  14, the voyage sails from Barcelona to Civitavecchia. The cruise begins with an overnight at Barcelona and continues on to Marseille, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Calvi, Corsica, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), La Goulette (Tunis), Palermo and Naples. From £1,149 per person, cruise only.

Adriatic Dream

This itinerary departs April 15, May 29, July 12 and August 25 from Civitavecchia and sails to Venice, where guests enjoy an overnight stay before disembarking. Along the route the ship calls at Messina, Sicily, after scenic cruising along the Strait of Messina taking in Malta, Argostolion and Kerkira (Corfu), Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula and Split. From £1,149 per person, cruise only.

Mediterranean Dream

This cruise departs April 26, June 9, July 23 and September 5 from Venice and sails to Civitavecchia. This itinerary features six calls throughout the beautiful Greek Isles, including Katakolon (Olympia), Navplion, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. The ship also calls at Kusadasi, Turkey, and Naples, Italy. From £1,149 per person, cruise only.

Venetian Adventure

This September 16 voyage sails round-trip Civitavecchia with an overnight at Venice. The ship also calls at Messina after scenic cruising along the Strait of Messina, Valletta, Kotor, Split, Dubrovnik and Kerkira (Corfu). From £1,399 per person, cruise only.

 

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

  

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Saga's 2015 Gallipoli Anniversary Commemoration

On April 25, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed in Anzac Cove. For eight months it was the base for army troops during the Battle of Gallipoli, where thousands of lives were lost on both sides. On April 25, 2015, Saga Cruises' Saga Sapphire will be anchored off the cove and a commemorative service on board will mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign.

There will also be visits to the Gallipoli battlefield and the Greek island of Lemnos, near the entrance of the Dardenelles, which acted as the muster point for the landings. The World War One theme continues with musical acts ‘to entertain the troops’, from tea dances to singers evoking the wartime era, plus fundraising activities for the Royal British Legion.

Passengers will also be invited to join the ship’s War Literature Club – a chance to read and discuss poetry, novels and letters from World War One, accompanied by an expert on this literary genre. The all-inclusive cruise also offers passengers the chance to discover the architectural wonders of Greece and its islands. There will be an overnight stay in Piraeus, with ample time to visit Athens and explore its ancient treasures.

Iraklion, Crete's largest city, offers a maze of historical delights, including the 16th century Venetian Koules Fortress and Fountain of the Lions built in 1628.

Saga Sapphire departs Southampton on April 5, 2015, for 31-nights visiting El Ferrol, Cartagena and Palma, Spain; Tunis, Tunisia; Piraeus, Syros, Thessaloniki and Lemnos, Greece; Canakkale, Istanbul, Anzac Cove, Turkey; Iraklion, Crete; Valletta and Gibraltar.

Prices are  from £3,499pp, including VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, all meals, drinks (house-branded spirits), entertainment, 24-hour room service, travel insurance and cancellation cover.

More Info: call 0800 056 8986 or visit saga.co.uk/cruises.

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Three Of A (Cruise) Kind

Those three-of-a-kind offers seem to be all the rage this month, and here's another tempting trio from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises:

 

$100 onboard spend with Royal Caribbean
Families can head to the Fjords next year and make the most of the special offer of free $100 onboard credit. It's a bonus that can be used to tuck in to sweet treats at the Cupcake Cupboard, enjoy speciality dining or pick from a range of shore excursions on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas on a seven-night Norway cruise-only from £949 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom), sailing on May 30. The price includes a seven-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Kristiansand, Alesund, Flam and Stavanger before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Offer valid until December 8.

More info: call 0844 493 2061 or visit http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

 

Enjoy Mediterranean Memories (And 10% Off) With Celebrity
Make the most of a 10% saving offer and start your summer early by exploring some of the Mediterranean’s most memorable cities on Celebrity Eclipse on a 14-night Mediterranean cruise-only from £1,759 per person (based on two sharing a balcony stateroom). This price includes a 14-night cruise departing from Southampton on May 10 and calling at Malaga, Cannes, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence, Genoa, Gibraltar and Lisbon before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Offer valid until November 24 2013.

More info: call 0845 456 0523 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

 

Romance on the French Riviera with Azamara
Enjoy the beauty and romance of the French Riviera, Tuscany and Mediterranean islands with plenty of overnight and late night stays on board Azamara Quest on an eight-night French Riviera to Rome fly/cruise from £2,139 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom). The price includes flights from London Heathrow, transfers and an eight-night cruise departing from Nice on April 22 and calling at Monte Carlo, Portovenere, Livorno, Portoferraio, Olbia and Bonifacio before arriving in Civitavecchia (Rome) for the flight home. The cruise also includes selected standard spirits, wines and international beers; complimentary bottled water; soft drinks; speciality teas and coffees; meals and room service; housekeeping and dining gratuities; a bespoke AzAmazing Evenings event; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

 

More info: call 0844 493 4016 or visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk.

 

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Majestic Line's New Wildlife Explorer

Exclusive Scottish small-ship cruise company The Majestic Line is to launch a new, dedicated ‘Wildlife Explorer’ cruise for 2014. 

This new 6-night cruise is aimed at guests keen to see at first hand the rich variety of animal, bird and marine life that thrives on the pristine Hebridean coastline in the Highlands of Scotland.

The new ‘Around Mull: Wildlife Explorer’ cruise will tour the unspoiled natural beauty of the Isles of Mull, Iona and Treshnish. Anchorages include Loch Spelve on Mull, well-known for its playful otters and white-tailed eagles, where guests can enjoy walking through an ancient oak forest, or exploring on the magical island of Iona, famed for its holy Abbey and white sandy beaches, where the elusive corncrake is often seen and heard. Guests can take a trip by boat tender into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa to see at first hand the incredible rock formations and wildlife there as well as exploring Lunga Island to spot colourful puffin colonies.

This new cruise also features an additional full day land tour of Mull to discover more about the island’s wild inhabitants, flora and fauna. Trips to dramatic Duart Castle, ancient seat of the Clan Maclean with its turbulent history and spectacular setting, and Tobermory, Mull’s vibrant and colourful main town, will ensure guests also experience the wonderful heritage of this very special area of Scotland. The price of a 6-night cruise in 2014 is from £1,880 per person.

More info: visit http://www.themajesticline.co.uk/ or call 01369 707951.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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