Thursday, 24 October 2013

Chase The Northern Lights With Saga

Saga Cruises is offering a fabulous opportunity to experience the Northern Lights in Norway this winter, aboard their chic Saga Sapphire. Here's what they say...

Choose from a February or March sailing through Norway’s shimmering fjords and snow-covered landscapes before crossing the Arctic Circle to Alta, the Town of the Northern Lights, for a chance to observe this celestial phenomenon.
 
Sailings are during the Solar Maximum, a time when it is more likely to encounter an intense display of the Aurora Borealis. For those re-visiting Norway, Saga’s many optional excursions ensure passengers can further explore this beautiful country. From a seaplane ride to an igloo hotel stay, there will always be something new to experience
 
In Awe of the Northern Lights – February 24

Ride on a sledge pulled by reindeer or set off on a snowmobile across the tundra on this 15-night adventure where you can trek through the snow in search of the magical Northern Lights.
 
Saga Sapphire will sail from Southampton to Bergen, where passengers can stroll along the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf before passing through the beautiful Romsdalfjord to reach Andalsnes. From here, view the impressive Trollveggen, or 'Troll Wall', which at 6,000ft is Europe's highest vertical cliff face.
 
Next, cross the Arctic Circle and arrive in Tromso for a tour the city, including a visit to the Polar Museum and distinctive Arctic Cathedral. Sail on to Alta for a two-and-a-half day stay to maximise the chance of seeing the Lights. Return via Narvik to Southampton on March 11.

Prices from £2,770 per person.
 
Magic of the Northern Lights – March 11

Spend the day in Bergen or take a seaplane over Mount Floyen. Classical music enthusiasts can also indulge in a visit to Troldhaugen, former home of composer Edvard Grieg.
 
Next stop is Åndalsnes, gateway to the rugged wilderness of the Romsdalfjord, which typifies Norway’s striking natural beauty. Cross the Arctic Circle on this 16-night cruise and spend two of the nights in Alta, where an expert guide will lead an expedition in search of the Northern Lights. Sail on to Tromsø and take a cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for views of the city, forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

Choose one of four excursions in Narvik, the ice-free port with a fascinating industrial heritage, before sailing on to Ålesund to view its unusual art nouveau architecture. Flam is the last port of call before returning to Southampton. It is one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords and the Flåm Railway is not to be missed, passing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Prices from £2,951pp.

Both cruises include VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, all meals and entertainment, entertainment, 24-hour room service, travel insurance and cancellation cover. 
 
More info: call free on 0800 051 3355 or visit www.saga.co.uk/cruises.
 
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!

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Setting Sail For More Magic!

By Editor Simon Veness

It's time for us to set sail again, which means another 'live' cruise blog from Time Spent At Sea - and a chance to be the first to run the rule over the newly-refurbished Disney Magic of Disney Cruise Line.

We are heading down to Miami later this week where we will be taking a short preview cruise aboard the 15-year-old ship which is fresh from major renovations in the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz.

Having sailed on the maiden voyage of the Disney Magic back in 1998 after an unforgettable naming ceremony starring Tinker Bell (yes, they really did manage to pull off that trick!), I am keen to see how this big refresh has treated what was already a classic ship.

Unlike most cruise vessels built in the 1990s, Disney's newcomer avoided much of the monolithic, slab-sided look that was so prevalent then, and is still largely the case today. The Magic - and sister ship Disney Wonder a year later - boasted a more traditional profile, with a raked bow and two funnels (albeit the second one being fake, but then that was not uncommon even in the 1920s and 30s) and a distinct Art Deco period touch aboard.

And, while the duo were packed full of child-friendly facilities and amenities, Disney were also head of the pack in providing adults-only areas where parents could relax on their own or couples without children could benefit from a distinctly more 'grown-up' atmosphere, free
of Mickey and Co if they preferred.

Now, 15 years later, we will get another 'maiden voyage' as the new-look version showcases what should be some dramatic additions and upgrades to the original formula.

First among them is the AquaDunk - a 40ft freefall water slide (right) that goes out over the side of the ship and then back again to land riders with a pronounced swoosh on the pool deck.

More water features include the AquaLab outdoor play area for kids, where young 'uns can splash and slide to their hearts' content in a completely developed area that was the Mickey Pool. The indoor kids clubs have been totally transformed, too, with the Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab and Its A Small World nursery all getting dramatic new looks and facilities.

The adults-only area - formerly Beat Street - will become After Hours with three distinct but interconnecting elements, O'Gills Pub, Keys piano bar and Fathoms nightclub.

The unique Animator's Palate restaurant has been tweaked with some of the more recent technological advantages from recent duo Disney Fantasy and Dream to include the 'Animation of Parade' show, while the Parrot Cay restaurant has been transformed into Cariocas, a vibrant Brazilian-style dining room (picture, below) that is intended to be both elegant and fun,
and buffet restaurant Cabanas will have more buffet stations rather than the old single buffet line idea. 

Finally, all the staterooms have been refreshed with new linens and mattresses, and more underbed storage, while 44 cabins are now inter-connected to allow for larger family groups. 

So, there will be a LOT to report on in our preview experience - we will just have to hope there is enough time to fit it all in!

Be sure to follow along here at Time Spent At Sea this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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!

This Week Only - Kids Cruise Free with Norwegian!

Norwegian Cruise Line in the UK has announced the launch of its ‘Kids Cruise for Free’ promotion, starting today and lasting the full week through to October 29.

The special promotion enables kids and teenagers (up to 17 years old at the time of sailing) staying in a stateroom with two full-paying adults to cruise for free on select winter cruises. Among those sailings included in the promotion is Norwegian Jade’s 10-night Eastern Mediterranean Christmas sailing from/to Civitavecchia (Rome) on December 18 that gives families the opportunity to spend the Christmas holidays in a truly unique way.

Cruising with Norwegian provides a holiday filled with family-friendly activities and services. From the Broadway-style shows on board to the kids’ centres and teen discos, all Norwegian ships are designed to cater for all ages. On board Norwegian Jade there is even a two-storey Nintendo Wii screen that is sure to keep the kids and teens busy!

The itineraries included in the promotion are as follows:

Norwegian Spirit
Nine-night Canary Islands & Morocco from Barcelona
13 and 22 November, 1 and 10 December

Nine-night Canary Islands & Morocco from Malaga
20 and 29 November, 8 December 

Norwegian Jade
10-night Eastern Mediterranean from Rome
6 and 27 November, 18 December

11-night Western Mediterranean from Rome
7 December

More info: visit the Norwegian Cruise Line website www.ncl.co.uk. 

An Asian Odyssey With Voyages To Antiquity

Boutique line Voyages to Antiquity have crafted a fabulous tour through the Indian Ocean to south-east Asia in their new brochure for winter 2014/15, with 12 cruises from November to March combining the most breathtaking natural and man-made sites in the world, from the remarkable beauty of Africa’s big game parks to architectural treasures such as Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal. 

As with every Voyages To Antiquity cruise, shore excursions are included, pre and post-cruise land stays in major cities are in deluxe hotels and every sailing features outstanding guest speakers.

Key highlights are:

  • Inaugural visits to East Africa, each featuring an included 3 day (2 night) safari to Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks
  • Inaugural calls to the Indian Ocean Islands of Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mayotte and the Maldives.
  • City centre mooring in Yangon (Burma), Bangkok (Thailand) and Ho-Chi Minh City (Vietnam) where the size of the ship enables cruising upriver to the heart of some of Asia’s most fascinating cities.
  • A chance to explore Bali, Borneo and the islands of Indonesia – including visits to the stunning temple of Borobudur and the dragons on Komodo
  • A return to the fascinating sights and sounds  of South-east Asia: Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam
  • Cruising India’s historic Malabar Coast, before passengers disembark to enjoy the included 5-day Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Brochure prices start from £3,150 per person for an 18-day cruise-tour, including scheduled flights and transfers on arrival. Prices also include free domestic flight connections via London from seven regional airports, shore excursions where available, Quietvox headsets to enhance the sightseeing experience, gratuities to cabin and restaurant staff on-board and wine with dinner on board.

Guests can save up to £5,000 per cabin when booking by December 31 and several itineraries feature special rates for single travellers. 

More info: visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com or call on 0845 437 9737.

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! 
                                           

That Marco Polo Style

Guest blogger Danielle Fear, aka Cruise Miss, reports back on her most recent voyage, a mini-cruise aboard the classic Marco Polo...

I recently returned from a 3-night sailing with Cruise & Maritime Voyages aboard their MS Marco Polo visiting Gent in Belgium and Amsterdam in Holland. This was by far the smallest ship I had cruised on, but boy does she have a big heart.

I was on Navigator Deck, cabin 821, and was pleasantly surprised by the overall size of the room. I had two single beds along with a large chest of drawers, chair, table and TV and a three-door wardrobe. The bathroom was generous, too. and the spacious accommodation made up for my obstructed window view.

In the evening, we dined in the Waldorf restaurant on a table for 10. There were quite a few
large tables, surprisingly, and the restaurant felt a lot bigger than it was. The speed of service was just right, too. I have cruised on ships with half-full dining rooms and we have waited an age between courses. But, every night, the dining room on Marco Polo was packed and not once did the system break down.


My absolute favourite part, though, had to be her aft pool deck. What an incredible space - and her tiered stern just added even more character. I love a tiered stern and I was pretty
much in my element there. Every day, it was alive with people sitting and enjoying the view or a few glasses of wine. I wish we had more ships that offered such a wonderful space.


Scott’s Bar was the “go to” place of an evening and the music and dancing lastws well into the early hours. Columbus Bar was nice if you wanted something a little quieter and, of course, you would visit the Marco Polo Lounge for the evening’s main entertainment. One space I especially liked was the Captain’s Club (below). It was modern, bright and airy and had a great relaxation vibe about it. I didn’t get to spend as much time here as I would have liked, but the brief “chill out” was very much appreciated after my five-hour journey to the port.

Marco Polo is an old ship, coming up to her 50th birthday in fact, yet she is still going strong. Yes, in some areas she is a little dated, but she still has a few years left in her and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. I met several passengers who have cruised on her dozens of times and are still going back for more. The biggest appeal for
them was first of all her size, followed by the atmosphere and then, in the words of one passenger, the fact “they simply don’t make ships like this any more.” One lady had cruised more than 40 times and still wanted more!


I hope to cruise on Marco Polo again in the not-too-distant future. I am definitely starting to get a taste for small-ship cruising.

For more from Danielle, visit www.cruisemiss.com.

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!

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Regent's Deals Of The Week

Some great offers from Regent Seven Seas today, including a great Alaska cruise next May. It's all about booking early, you see...

MIAMI TO MIAMI on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on February 23 for £1,999pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability).


The highlights of the cruise include Miami, Key West, Belize City, Roatan and Cozumel, with up to 30 free excursions plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Miami (Concierge Suites and above).


VANCOUVER TO VANCOUVER on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on 21. For £2,299pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell and Prince Rupert Sound, with up to 31 free excursions, plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Vancouver (Concierge Suites and above).


As ever with Regent, it is a truly all-inclusive luxury experience:

  • FREE flights and transfers.
  • FREE 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package.
  • FREE unlimited shore excursions on every cruise.
  • ALL inclusive onboard: fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment.

More info: call 023 8068 2280 or visit www.rssc.com.


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!






Cunard's Singles Bonus

In response to passenger demand, Cunard is introducing a brand new Singles offer for seven or eight-night New York crossings aboard Queen Mary 2 for the rest of the year. The new fares, which offer sole occupancy of staterooms, represent outstanding value with eight-night crossings now starting at just £749 per room for single travellers. 

Based on Getaway pricing, these single fares require 100% payment up front and 100% cancellation applies.


Southampton to New York: November 12 (inside staterooms from £749, outside and balcony staterooms from £899) and December 15 (inside staterooms from £899, outside staterooms from £1,049 and balcony staterooms from £1,124). Prices include one-way flight from New York and transfers.

New York to Southampton:
October 27 (eight nights) and November 19 (inside staterooms from £749, outside and balcony staterooms from £899), plus January 3 (inside staterooms from £1,049, outside staterooms from £1,199 and balcony staterooms from £1,174). Includes one-way flight to New York and transfers.

More info: call 0843 374 0000 or see www.cunard.co.uk.


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!