River cruise offers from AmaWaterways

29^th March : Luxury Provence river cruise, saving £550pp

Departing on 29^th March 2013 AmaWaterways has a week long luxury river cruise through Provence, embarking in Arles, the setting for many of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces, and cruising to Lyon through Provence’s legendary wine regions. The cruise costs from £1839pp (was £2389) including return UK flights, transfers, all meals, including wine, beer and soft drinks with  lunch and  dinner, daily hosted excursions, free use of on-board bicycles and free wi-fi. Departures also on 24^th May, 28^th June, 26^th July and 9^th August 2013. Contact AmaWaterways freephone 0808 223 5009,www.amawaterways.co.uk

14^th May : Portugal’s Enticing Douro, saving £281pp

The Douro is one of Europe’s most pure and unspoiled rivers, with deep cleft gorges, lush vineyards, and sleepy fishing villages. AmaWaterways’ 7 night `Enticing Douro’ luxury river cruise departs on  14th May 2013  and offers a round trip from Porto, making daily port calls along the route to picturesque towns and villages and places of interest, enabling guests to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions. The week long sailing costs from £1899 per person (was £2180 pp), including return UK flights, transfers, all meals, including wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily hosted excursions, free use of on-board bicycles and free wi-fi. Departures also on 21^th  May, 18th Jun, 6^th August 2013   Contact AmaWaterways freephone 0808 223 5009,www.amawaterways.co.uk

24^th May : Paris & Normandy river cruise with £392pp saving

AmaWaterways has a saving of £392pp off a week long luxury river cruise embarking in Paris on 24^th May 2013 and cruising down the Seine to Normandy. The price of £1949 per person (was £2341) includes daily tours and excursions, the opportunity to visit Normandy’s beaches and the picturesque port of Honfleur, as well as return flights and transfers, all meals on board, wine and beer with dinner and lunch, free-wifi, free use of on board bicycles and the company will even send guests’ post-cards free of charge.  Contact AmaWaterways freephone 0808 223 5009,www.amawaterways.co.uk

12^th July : Cruise the Rhine, with £332pp saving

Departing on 12^th July luxury river cruise operator AmaWaterways has a week long sailing between Basel and Amsterdam for £1779pp, saving £332 off the original price of £2111. The offer includes daily port calls along the way, visiting cities such as Cologne and Heidelberg, cruising through the legendary Black Forest, and past Switzerland’s Alpine scenery. The price includes return flights and transfers, all meals on board, wine and beer with dinner and lunch, free-wifi, free use of on board bicycles and the company will even send guests’ post-cards free of charge.  Contact AmaWaterways freephone 0808 223 5009,www.amawaterways.co.uk

New For Ilios Travel - Luxury Gulet Holidays!

Gulet holidays have been a popular holiday for a number of years but it's not until you actually spend time on one of these magnificent boats that you really understand what it is all about.  Gulets have to be seen to be believed, the level of luxury that is available is unsurpassed and whilst cruising the Aegean or Mediterranean may once have been the privilege of kings, oligarchs and rock stars, the Turkish Blue Cruise has made cruising on a private yacht - albeit for a week -  affordable to many. In general this sort of holiday is taken by a group of friends or a large family group, often it is a special celebration; the majority of the gulets accommodate 8 persons upwards, although Ilios Travel's programme does feature one smaller boat - Artemis - suitable for a couple or a small family (Artemis Gulet at a charter price of £4700 per week) and Haydi, a newly built, luxurious vessel for up to 6 persons. (Haydi Gulet at a charter price of £1300 per person based on 6 sharing for 1 week) Whether it is a super luxury gulet or a standard gulet there is one feature that never varies; the quality of the food is always exceptional. Each gulet has a full time cook and clients are consulted in advance about their menu choices, likes and dislikes, favourite wines, allergies, special events like birthdays and anniversaries etc. The costs of this are met by the client but all preparation and service is included in the charter price. Three meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner - is to be expected but then most days the cook whips up a cake or some savoury pastries for afternoon tea! Routes are based upon departure harbour, with Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek and Fethiye all offering Blue Cruise departures, embarkation is generally on Saturday and the cruises tend to run for 7/14 day periods but in low season shorter cruises may be available. Visitors to Bodrum early in the year often remark on the incredible number of gulets sitting in the port, it's not until June that the harbour empties out, Blue Cruisers like their sea warmed up and whilst the early months can be a little fresh there is the advantage of having the coastline pretty much to yourselves, it's not until July that it gets busy. The popularity of the "all inclusive" holiday is as we know due to the no hidden costs element and whilst gulet cruising is not a cheap option there really are no hidden costs - it is purely a case of cost of charter + food cost (allow £40/£50 per adult per day to include alcoholic drinks) + crew tip + payments to the ice cream man who delivers Magnums by speed boat every afternoon! (could be the highest cost element!) With a week afloat the option of combining the holiday with a few days in Istanbul beforehand could work very well, Istanbul is a delight in high summer when residents have decamped to the coast; or,  just to get a feel of the area a couple of nights before and after the cruise staying in one of Ilios Travel's small boutique hotels on the Bodrum Peninsula or if it's a full two week holiday then there is always the option of an additional week in a private villa and some of those come with cooks too! www.iliostravel.com

Fantastic Offers from Croisieurope

SAVE UP TO €535 PER PERSON (APPROXIMATELY £457) PLUS NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED RIVER CRUISES WITH CROISIEUROPE

The following offers from CroisiEurope are valid  until one week prior to each departure:

The Inviting Seine Valley – save $350 per person plus no single supplement

Save €350 per person (approximately £299 per person) on an eight-night river cruise through the inviting Seine Valley. The cruise starts in Paris on 13^th April and meanders through Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Honfleur, Rouen and Les Andelys before arriving back in Paris. Prices from €706 per person (approximately £603 per person) based on two people sharing including eight nights in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, drinks with meals, onboard entertainment and port taxes. Plus, there is no single supplement.

The Seine Valley – save €170 per person plus no single supplement

Save €170 per person (approximately £145 per person) on a five-night river cruise from the Norman coast to Paris with departures on 11^th and 14^th May. The cruise starts in Honfleur and visits the Cote Fleurie, Caudebec-en-Caux, The Abbey Trail, Rouen, Mantes La Jolie and Conflans Sainte Honorine before finishing in Paris. Prices from €472 per person (approximately £403 per person) based on two people sharing including five nights in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, drinks with meals, onboard entertainment and port taxes. Plus, there is no single supplement.

Canal Cruise from Saône-et-Loire to the Côte d’Or – save up to €535 per person plus lower single supplement

Save up to €535 per person (approximately £457 per person) on a seven-night canal cruise on a hotel barge from Saône-et-Loire to the Côte d’Or with departures on 9^th May and 22^nd July. The cruise starts in Saint Leger Sur Dheune and visits Santenay, Chagny, Chalon, Saint Jean de Losne and Petit-Ouge before finishing in Dijon. Prices from €1,250 per person (approximately £1,069 per person) based on two people sharing including seven nights in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, drinks with meals, onboard entertainment, excursions, use of onboard bicycles and port taxes. Plus, there is a lower single supplement of just €282.50 (approximately £241 per person).

For further information and reservations call CroisiEurope on 0208 3 281 28, email resuk@croisieurope.com or visit www.croisieurope.travel/

From Alaska to Australia

From Alaska to Australia, Small Ship Cruise Specialist
AdventureSmith Explorations
Offers Special Pricing for Multigenerational Groups

The active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/, suggests five summer cruise options from Alaska to Australia that are ideal for traditional as well as multigenerational families.

“We’ve seen a 30 percent growth in multigenerational groups over the past three years,” says Todd Smith, small ship cruise expert and AdventureSmith Explorations founder. He emphasizes that booking early helps families get the trips they’re interested in, plus there are savings that come with early season bookings.

Ecuador - Galapagos Cruise aboard the Eric/Letty/Flamingo: The 20-passenger, eco-certified Eric, Letty, and Flamingo are sister ships offering talented naturalist guides, easy nature hikes and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands on eight-day cruises. Each naturalist takes small groups (10 max) on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife and natural history. On select summer departures, savings can be 15% for adults and 15-25% for children.

Alaska - Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise aboard the Wilderness Adventurer: This eight-day trip from Juneau to Ketchikan explores the back passages and narrow waterways of the most remote areas of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage by kayak, skiff, foot and small ship or yacht. Families with children under age 12 should consider the designated "Kids in Nature" cruises. In a rare introduction to wilderness lifestyles, kids and the entire family meet and interact with local families such as oyster farmers or commercial fishermen who live a remote, isolated lifestyle. Ages 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on designated Kids in Nature departures.

Greece - Classical Greece aboard the Harmony V: This eight-day cruise combines conventional cruising with private yachting while unraveling the wonders of Classical Greece. This adventure includes classic ancient Greek ruins and sites. On some departures kids cruise for free and some offer 25% off adult rates. Some restrictions apply and bookings must be made by March 31.

Peru - Amazon River Cruise aboard the Delfin I: The Delfin I combines luxury with the wilderness of the Amazon in the most unique and personalized vessel ever to cruise the Amazon River system. This classic river vessel carries only eight passengers in four spacious deluxe suites, each with private terraces and two with private whirlpool baths. Activities include night safaris, wildlife watching, kayaking, swimming in the river, interacting with local children, fishing for piranhas and exploring the rain forest. Two rooms can be interconnected for families. Children receive 20% off the standard rate.

Australia - Great Barrier Reef aboard the Coral Princess II: This cruise combines the numerous exclusive reef sites on the most comprehensive Great Barrier Reef itinerary available. The cruise can be for, five or eight days hopping among islands. Kids cruise free on select summer departures.

Smith suggests that families considering a small ship cruise ask for details on cabin locations and bed configurations. He also recommends arriving at the embarkation destination the day before cruise departure to make the beginning of the cruise relaxing for everyone.  Also he suggests to always ask for an upgrade when checking in.

“Often managers will provide upgrades to unsold cabins that were restricted during the booking process,” Smith says. “You just need to ask.”

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 13th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. For information, availability and 2013 reservations Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free, visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com or Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

Explore the British Isles by sea this Summer from just £799 per person

Join Voyages of Discovery’s (0843 221 8499/www.voyagesofdiscovery.com) new ship, mv Voyager, for a Summer cruise around the British Isles from just £799 per person.

The discovery-led, British cruise line is offering a series of cruises departing from Portsmouth (UK) this Summer, including a specialist themed walking cruise and partnership cruises with the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Voyages of Discovery’s around Britain 2013 cruises include:

·         British Isles and the Chelsea Flower Show – 12-day cruise from just £999 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin), departing on 14 May 2013. Passengers are able to join an excursion to the world famous RHS flower show on its 100^th anniversary.

·         Celtic Treasures – nine-day ‘Footloose’ walking cruise from just £799 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin), departing on 25 May 2013. Highlights include a visit to Irish UNESCO listed heritage site, The Giant’s Causeway, and the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

·         Heritage of the British Isles – 10-day National Trust cruise from just £849 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin), departing on 2 June 2013. Passengers visit a range of National Trust properties throughout the UK including Durham Cathedral and Plas Newydd House and Gardens on the Menai Straight.

The above Saver Fares are payable in full at the time of booking, 100% cancellation fees apply. Cabins will be allocated just prior to departure. Saver Fares do not include gratuities, UK coach transfers or car parking at the port.

For more information and to book call 0843 221 8499, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, Facebook or follow Voyages of Discovery on Twitter-@Voyagediscovery and view online at www.discoverycruise.tv

From Alaska to Australia, Small Ship Cruises

From Alaska to Australia, Small Ship Cruise Specialist
AdventureSmith Explorations
Offers Special Pricing for Multigenerational Groups

The active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/, suggests five summer cruise options from Alaska to Australia that are ideal for traditional as well as multigenerational families.

“We’ve seen a 30 percent growth in multigenerational groups over the past three years,” says Todd Smith, small ship cruise expert and AdventureSmith Explorations founder. He emphasizes that booking early helps families get the trips they’re interested in, plus there are savings that come with early season bookings.

Ecuador - Galapagos Cruise aboard the Eric/Letty/Flamingo: The 20-passenger, eco-certified Eric, Letty, and Flamingo are sister ships offering talented naturalist guides, easy nature hikes and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands on eight-day cruises. Each naturalist takes small groups (10 max) on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife and natural history. On select summer departures, savings can be 15% for adults and 15-25% for children.

Alaska - Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise aboard the Wilderness Adventurer: This eight-day trip from Juneau to Ketchikan explores the back passages and narrow waterways of the most remote areas of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage by kayak, skiff, foot and small ship or yacht. Families with children under age 12 should consider the designated "Kids in Nature" cruises. In a rare introduction to wilderness lifestyles, kids and the entire family meet and interact with local families such as oyster farmers or commercial fishermen who live a remote, isolated lifestyle. Ages 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on designated Kids in Nature departures.

Greece - Classical Greece aboard the Harmony V: This eight-day cruise combines conventional cruising with private yachting while unraveling the wonders of Classical Greece. This adventure includes classic ancient Greek ruins and sites. On some departures kids cruise for free and some offer 25% off adult rates. Some restrictions apply and bookings must be made by March 31.

Peru - Amazon River Cruise aboard the Delfin I: The Delfin I combines luxury with the wilderness of the Amazon in the most unique and personalized vessel ever to cruise the Amazon River system. This classic river vessel carries only eight passengers in four spacious deluxe suites, each with private terraces and two with private whirlpool baths. Activities include night safaris, wildlife watching, kayaking, swimming in the river, interacting with local children, fishing for piranhas and exploring the rain forest. Two rooms can be interconnected for families. Children receive 20% off the standard rate.

Australia - Great Barrier Reef aboard the Coral Princess II: This cruise combines the numerous exclusive reef sites on the most comprehensive Great Barrier Reef itinerary available. The cruise can be for, five or eight days hopping among islands. Kids cruise free on select summer departures.

Smith suggests that families considering a small ship cruise ask for details on cabin locations and bed configurations. He also recommends arriving at the embarkation destination the day before cruise departure to make the beginning of the cruise relaxing for everyone. Also he suggests to always ask for an upgrade when checking in.

“Often managers will provide upgrades to unsold cabins that were restricted during the booking process,” Smith says. “You just need to ask.”

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious 13th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. For information, availability and 2013 reservations Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free, visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com or Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

# # #

CroisiEurope is a 37-year-old French family-run business, building, owning and operating 28 elegant ships, with average capacity of 100 to 180 passengers. Offering excellent value for money, these prestigious river cruise ships are designed to sail in any water conditions, to fit under low and narrow bridges and navigate challenging rivers and canals.

CroisiEurope seeks out creative itineraries and often operates on rivers where nobody else cruises, such as the Guadalquivir and Guadina rivers in Spain, the Tisza in Hungary, Venice lagoon and the Po in Italy in addition to rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Saone, Gironde, Garonne and Douro and the canals of France. CroisiEurope also offers a selection of coastal cruises in the Adriatic and Mediterranean on the 100-cabin M/S Belle de l'Adreatique which can reach small ports and harbours which are inaccessible to large cruise ships.

Unique itineraries are available on most European rivers ranging from three nights in Paris to 12-night transcontinental cruises all the way to the Black Sea. Prices start from just 300 Euros per person for three nights full-board on a Paris Taster mini-cruise. CroisiEurope also offers a number of themed cruises including lifestyle gourmet & wine cruises, cruise & hike for active guests; classical music cruises, harvest festival cruises, Christmas markets and Christmas and New Year cruises.

CroisiEurope's fleet, with between 50 to 90 cabins on each ship, offers excellent onboard facilities, combining sophisticated "Francophile" lifestyle with insightful itineraries and - of course - panoramic views from cabins, lounges and sundecks. All cabins are outside cabins with panoramic windows, fully equipped with bathrooms, TVs, hair dryers and air conditioning.

What’s New….

· In August 2012, CroisiEurope acquired La Jeanine, a 12-cabin hotel barge which will sail on the Alsace canals and in Burgundy, offering bespoke experiences with English speaking commentaries between May and October each year.

· Following unprecedented success and continued demand for five-, six-, seven- and eight-night Gironde & Garonne river cruises from Bordeaux, CroisiEurope will increase its Bordeaux cruise departures when the brand new "M/S Cyrano de Bergerac" joins M/S Princess d'Aquitaine in May 2013.

(http://www.croisieurope.travel/).

A Nordic Summer Dream with Hapag Lloyd

After setting sail from Hamburg on 30 June 2013, the ship will head past Iceland up towards Spitsbergen. The EUROPA will then spend three days along Norway’s “Cold Coast”. Guests on the voyage will also be able to marvel at the cliffs of the Faroe Islands, the geysers of Iceland and the idyllic Lofoten Islands dotted with ancient fishing villages. And there’s more for families too: for example the itinerary also includes a number of outings such as the communal bathing in the Blue Lagoon under the skies of Reykjavik.

Itinerary

18 day cruise with MS EUROPA from Hamburg/ Germany via Torshavn/ Faroe Islands, Reykjavik/ Iceland, Akureyri/ Iceland, Spitsbergen/ Norway, Tromsoe/ Norway, Leknes/ Norway, and Skjolden/ Norway back to Hamburg, 30 June – 18 July 2013, cruise-only-rates start at GBP 5,460 per person.

Cruise-only fares include: accommodation in the category booked; full board on the ship; mini-bar in the suite; a different entertainment programme each day; port fees; travel cancellation insurance; and share of ship fuel costs.

For more information on this cruise, please visit the website at http://www.hl-cruises.com/finder/eur1315/

Amazing Springs Savings for bookings by April 12

Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises in Italy – Amazing Springs Savings for bookings by April 12

- up to £1,000 off per cabin -

Late Spring is an ideal time to ‘live the good life’ and enjoy a hotel barge cruise along some of Europe’s finest inland waterways. Europe’s largest luxury hotel barging company – European Waterways – is offering excellent Spring savings on three selected cruises in Italy aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita.

Explore Venice and the Po Valley:

La Bella Vita cruises between the romance and architecture of Venice, to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua. Mantua is in central northern Italy, and has been a hub of art, culture and music for centuries. The route inland traverses along the River Po and the Bianco Canal through the Po Valley. La Bella Vita is the perfect vessel from which guests can immerse themselves in Italian Renaissance culture.

Venice is of course a ‘jewel in the crown’ of any Italian cruise, with its Venice Lido beach and fabulous waterside villas. Delicious seafood, local culinary specialities, fine wines and attentive service on board complete this fairytale adventure.

A cruise on La Bella Vita is a gastronome’s dream, with wonderful regional specialities such as Risotta al Prezzemolo, Gorgonzola and Provolone cheeses, accompanied by Barolo, Chianti and Valpolicella wines being served throughout the week. The varied itinerary includes a tour of historical Venice and a private visit to the gardens and wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti. Other excursions included are a visit to Chioggia’s colourful fish market and visit to the Ducal Palace and gardens in Mantua.

6-night all-inclusive Venice and Po Valley cruises aboard ‘La Bella Vita’, with departures on April 28 and May 5, start from just £1,890pp, including the £500 per person discount. Or the June 2 departure starts from just £2,140pp including the £250 per person discount.

Book by April 12, 2013.

Based on double occupancy, all fares include: include: accommodation in air-conditioned, en- suite cabins, all gourmet meals on board, fine wines, open bar, daily escorted shore excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

European Waterways also currently have a number of other special offers for April, May and June departures on a number of hotel barges in France, Holland, Scotland and Ireland.

Full details: www.gobarging.com: Tel: +44(0) 1753 598555

Un-Cruise Adventures Adds Theme Cruises To Luxury Adventures In Alaska

2013 themes include photography, wine, marine biology, ornithology

Un-Cruise Adventures confirms six theme departures aboard the 86-guest Safari Endeavour in Alaska this summer with special guest experts in photography, marine biology, ornithology and from two Northwest wineries. Guest experts join the trip for a full week of enrichment activities in addition to regularly scheduled excursions and activities.

“Whether you are an expert, novice or just curious, these themes add another spark of interest to complement our adventure activities,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Wine: Two tastings and a special dinner during the week feature wines chosen by winery hosts

• June 9: Keith and ReNae Pilgrim, winemaker/owners of family-owned Terra Blanca Winery, located on 300 acres of the Red Mountain Appellation in Eastern Washington

• August 18: Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard, winemaker/owners of Barnard Griffin Winery, a family-owned Washington winery and a pioneer in the state industry

Photography: Presentations in the lounge and photo tips on the go from a professional photographer

• June 30: Stephen Matera, photographer; this Seattle-based photographer uses his vision for natural landscape photography to create images for outdoor companies and publications such as The New York Times, Microsoft, Time, the Audubon society, and Outside Magazine

• August 4: Wolfgang Kaehler, photographer; Wolfgang travels the world and his photos appear in some of the world's most prestigious publications--National Geographic, Smithsonian, Audubon and Travel & Leisure

Marine Biology: Presentations in the lounge and opportunity for one-on-one interactions

• July 7: Gary Freitag, marine biologist; an Alaska resident and expert in oceanography and salmon fisheries, and a faculty member in the public service unit of the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Sea Grant Program

Ornithology: Presentations in the lounge and discussions on board and on tours ashore

• July 21: Beth Peluso, avid birder; an Alaska resident and Audubon employee with experience as a field technician on various bird research projects around the country

From June through August 2013, the Safari Endeavour sails the Discoverers’ Glacier Country itinerary roundtrip Juneau, Alaska exploring Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Chichagof Island, Baranof Island, Frederick Sound, Stephen’s Passage, Ford’s Terror Wilderness and Endicott Arm, and either Thomas Bay or Windham Bay. Guests spend two exclusive days inside Glacier Bay exploring the park by land and sea with a park ranger.

A Luxury Adventure aboard the Safari Endeavour includes all adventure activities, fresh and innovative meals, massage, premium wine/beer/spirits, transfers and port fees and taxes. Adventure activities include hiking, skiff excursions, wildlife searches, kayaking, paddle boarding and beachcombing. On board amenities include flatscreen TVs/DVD players and iPod docking stations in all rooms, two hot tubs, sauna, wine bar, library, and yoga on deck. Rates begin at $5,295 per person based on double occupancy. To book an Un-Cruise Adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or the company directly at 888-862-8881 or email sales@un-cruise.com.  

Last Chance to Enjoy Exclusive Voyage to Island Idyll

Time is running out for travellers to set sail aboard the one of world's last working royal mail ships, the RMS St Helena, before it is withdrawn from service in 2016. Visitors to the Telegraph CRUISE Show at London Olympia (23^rd - 24^th March) can attend a talk to find out more and be in with a chance to win* a voyage on this magical ship to one of the most remote, inhabited islands on Earth, St Helena.

Janet Shankland from St Helena Tourism will be giving a talk on Saturday 23^rd March entitled ‘RMS St Helena: Voyage with a Difference', sharing a glimpse into the tropical, remote island of St Helena and the only means of getting there, the cargo-passenger ship the RMS St. Helena.

As well as gaining a glimpse into the fascinating history of the RMS St Helena, visitors to the St Helena Line stand (E28) can enter a prize draw to win a holiday for two to the magical island of St Helena aboard this glorious 155-berth passenger vessel. The prize is worth £7,000.

The Royal Mail Ship St Helena was built in 1989 specifically to supply the island of St Helena, a British Overseas Territory which is located deep in the South Atlantic. Having last year undergone an extensive refit, the ship offers passengers an ocean voyage adventure in comfort and style. From excellent cuisine and attentive crew to traditional ocean-going pastimes, passengers are assured of a unique and memorable experience.

The RMS St Helena regularly journeys between the ports of St Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Town. Lying over 4,000 miles from the UK and 1,700 miles off the coast of South Africa and accessed only by sea, the island of St Helena is an unspoilt gem offering visitors a rich heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.

The talk ‘RMS St Helena: Voyage with a Difference' will take place on Saturday 23^rd March at 10.45 am in the Small Ship Cruising Theatre.

*About the Competition

The prize consists of a holiday for two to St Helena includes an economy airfare between London and Cape Town, a 10 day sea passage in an A deck grade cabin including all meals on board the RMS St Helena and eight nights' accommodation in St Helena. The hotel accommodation includes bed and breakfast. All applicable taxes will be paid.

The prize does not include meals other than stated in St Helena, accommodation in Cape Town or any applicable visa charges.

Entrants will need to visit the St Helena Line stand at the Telegraph CRUISE Show in London and complete an entry form.

They must answer two questions about St Helena and the RMS St Helena. All entries will be placed into a draw to be held in May 2013, when the winner will be announced. Full terms and conditions are available by visiting www.rms-st-helena.com

Join Swan Hellenic for a luxury Dutch river cruise

Join Swan Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com/0843 316 1715) for a cruise on the Dutch Waterways from £2,250 per person (based on two people sharing a deluxe cabin).

Ideal for those looking art and culture 

The Golden Age of the Dutch Waterways cruise takes place on board the luxury river vessel, Royal Crown. Reminiscent of the golden age of cruising, Royal Crown offers just 79 guests elegant surroundings and the highest standards of personal service. Eminent art historian, Professor William Vaughan, will be focusing on the rich artistic heritage of the Netherlands and Belgium on a programme of talks throughout this cruise.

The cruise departs from Amsterdam (Netherlands) and calls at Kinderdijk (Netherlands), Dordrecht (Netherlands), (Antwerp (Belguim)-overnight, Middleburg (Netherlands) and Rotterdam (Netherlands)-overnight before returning to Amsterdam (Netherlands)-overnight. Price is based on a 6 July 2013 UK departure.

Prices includes return flights or rail from London and relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, an integrated programme of talks by an eminent Guest Speaker, Professor William Vaughan, all meals and entertainment on-board and all gratuities on board and ashore – no further tipping is expected or required. .

For more information and to book visit rivercruises.swanhellenic.com or call 0843 316 1715. 

Slowly Along the Ganges

BOOK BEFORE 31 MAY 2013 AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON

Aboard the newly built RV Rajmahal

17 nights from £4995

Join Noble Caledonia as they venture along India’s most holy river on two journeys allowing us to discover the true spirit of India. No river in the world plays a more important cultural, economic or social role in the lives of more people than the Ganges. The spiritual heart of Hinduism, the Ganges is strewn with cities, pilgrimage sites, mountains and forests. Any river journey allows the traveller to slowly absorb the sights and everyday life that is just not possible by any other means of travel. This is particularly true of the Ganges; its banks offer an ever-changing colourful scene and a fascinating glimpse of India, from the enchanting rural landscapes to the bustling towns and cities. Anyone who travels regularly to India will tell you that moving around on land can often be frustratingly slow. Our journey aboard the newly built RV Rajmahal alleviates much of this stress as so much of what we will see and do can be approached from the banks of the river. Romantic notions and modern travel are often a difficult marriage, but a Ganges journey is one of the few trips that can still inspire and be a genuinely moving experience whether you are watching a torrent of pilgrims and holy men wading into the river; reflecting on the history of the Raj and its ever present monuments, or simply observing fishermen and locals going about their business in their tiny boats. For bookings go to www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Discover Remote Islands In The INDONESIAN Archipelago

DAMAI CRUISES Offers Unique Itineraries To Discover Remote Islands In The INDONESIAN Archipelago

A pioneer and leader in experiential travelling, Damai cruises operates two vessels with all the comfort and amenities of a floating 5 star resort. 18 crew at the disposal of 10 guests. Whether diving, snorkeling, bird watching or just pleasure cruising, Damai cruises will provide the ideal platform to make your experience unforgettable. A selection of cabins, from Single Cabins to Master Cabins of well over 40 sq. meters with private balconies, gourmet food or free spa treatment while on board, are some of Damai Cruises' signature service distinctions. About Dive Damai & Damai Cruises DIVE DAMAI is a collaboration between two of Indonesia's most experienced liveaboard personalities, Alberto Reija Gracia and Tony Rubin Rhodes. Combining their experience with Indonesia's most experienced dive guide, Gusti Sukawana, and one of Indonesia's most experienced captains, Pak Satjanu, they conceived a new concept in luxury dive travel. By halving the number of passengers to only ten we were able to double the passenger to crew ratio and thus offer a far more personal service to a much smaller group. The dive guide to guest ratio is a maximum of 4 guests to 1 guide. Therefore, both on board and during a dive the service is very personal and tailor-made to suit each guest. DIVE DAMAI employs only the most experienced shore support team with years of experience in operating in Indonesia. The crew have all been selected and trained to the highest standards of service and safety. DIVE DAMAI has eliminated all hidden costs. On board everything is included in the price of the trip. Our service is as tailor-made to each guest as safety will allow. Our guests can choose when and how many times to dive, when and what to eat and have a choice more itineraries than any other liveaboard in Indonesia, probably the world.    www.damaicruises.com

Wildlife Watching Bonanza On Adventure Cruise Through The Northwest Passage

Specialist small ship cruise company, One Ocean Expeditions, invites wildlife lovers, keen photographers and those with a taste for adventure to follow in the wake of the great Arctic explorers on its Northwest Passage expedition on board the impressive, ice-strengthened vessel, the Akademik Ioffe. Pods of orca, beluga and the occasional bowhead whale, rafts of ringed, harp and bearded seals, herds of walrus, plus Arctic foxes and hares, musk ox and polar bears all inhabit this Canadian High Arctic region.   Plus, thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes and thick-billed murres, as well as other birdlife such as black guillemots, ivory gulls, king eiders, gyrfalcons, snowy owls and snow bunting await amateur ornithologists. Travelling between Kangerlussuaq in Greenland and Cambridge Bay in Canada, the 11-night voyage departing on 14 August along one of the world’s most legendary shipping routes, is set to reveal one magnificent wildlife spectacle after another. Linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest Passage voyage also boasts majestic, steep-sided fjords and massive tabular icebergs crying out to be photographed, as well as fascinating remote Inuit communities and traditional Greenlandic kayakers. Passengers on board the Akademik Ioffe will have the opportunity to get close to both wildlife and communities by participating in hiking, kayaking, photographic and birding expeditions in the company of expert guides. Zodiac inflatable boats with the quietest of motors travel upwind of wildlife, making it possible to get safely within metres of magnificent polar bears as they stroll along the shoreline, or close to chicks in various stages of fledging. While the journey follows in the footsteps of courageous polar explorers such as Sir John Franklin and Roald Amundsen, the first to successfully traverse the Northwest Passage, the comfort factor has been greatly improved since their journeys.  Facilities on board the ship include a bar and lounge, a library and media room, plus a theatre-style presentation room, gift-shop and wellness centre with massage, sauna and hot tub, as well as a dining room serving sumptuous meals throughout the voyage. Prices start from US $6990 per person based on triple share and from US $9,590 for a private twin cabin.  Suites and superior cabins are also available and range from US $11,290 to US $12,090. Return transfers between Kangerlussuaq and Cambridge Bay airports and the ship, all meals and accommodation and zodiac excursions are included. A special deal means that one pre-cruise hotel night in Ottawa, airport transfers and the charter flight from Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq for embarkation – worth approximately US$1200pp, is also included in this package. The charter flight from Cambridge Bay to Edmonton on disembarkation costs US$925pp. Kayaking excursions are available at a cost of US $695 per person. For further information visit www.oneoceanexpeditions.com

Spring cruising to the Black Sea with Swan Hellenic

Join Swan Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com / 0844 822 0679) for a Spring cruise to the Black Sea – Greece and the Crimea – from £2,270 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Discover iconic archaeological sites as mv Minerva follows the path of the ancient Greeks along the Aegean coast to the Black Sea.

Passengers will be joined by special Guest Speakers including Professor Ian Beckett - specialist in military history - and classics expert, Dr Steve Kershaw.

The 15-day Black Sea - Greece and the Crimea cruise departs from Piraeus (Greece)-overnight, and calls at Syros (Greece), Volos (Greece), Thessaloniki (Greece), Mudanya (Turkey), Yalta (Ukraine), Sevastopol (Ukraine), Odessa (Ukraine)-overnight, and Istanbul (Turkey)-overnight. Price is based on a 10 April 2013 UK departure.

Saver Fare cabins will not be allocated at time of booking and Saver Fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Applies to new bookings made before 31 March 2013 on selected 2013 cruises only.

Prices include return flights from the UK, overseas transfers and porterage of luggage to your cabin on Minerva, a tailor-made programme of inclusive shore excursions worth up to £650 per person, an integrated programme of talks by eminent Guest Speakers, all meals and entertainment on board, and all gratuities on board and ashore.

For more information and to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 822 0679. Follow Swan Hellenic on twitter - @Swanhellenic and like us on Facebook

Save up to £320 with Voyages of Discovery’s new Saver Fares

Voyages of Discovery (www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, 0843 221 8499), has launched new ‘Saver Fares’ on a selection of 2013 itineraries, offering savings of up to £320 per person.

New ‘Saver Fares’ include:

• Save up to £320 off the 12-day British Isles and Chelsea Flower Show, cruise, now available from just £999 per person (based on two people sharing the lowest inside cabin category available). Highlights of the cruise include a visit to the famous Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, Canterbury Cathedral and Ireland’s capital, Dublin. Price is based on 14 May 2013 UK departure.
• Save up to £210 off the 15-day Land of the Midnight Sun cruise, now available from just £1,499 (based on two people sharing the lowest inside cabin category available). Highlights of the cruise include a cable car ride in Tromsø, an excursion to the UNESCO listed Vega Archipelago and the nature reserve of Gjesvaerstappan – one of Norway’s finest nature spotting locations. Price is based on 11 June 2013 UK departure.

Offers are also available on the following itineraries Celtic Treasures, Heritage of the British Isles, Mediterranean Medley, Adriatic, Aegean and Corinth Canal and In the Footsteps of St Paul.

Voyages of Discovery’s Saver Fares provide fantastic value for money without the inclusive extras such as on board gratuities, car parking or coach transfers to the port. Customers can choose to book an outside or inside Saver Fare and their cabin number will be allocated close to the departure date. Saver Fares are payable in full at time of booking.

Price includes return flights from the UK on fly cruises, all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board the ship.

For more information and to book call 0843 221 8499, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, Facebook or follow Voyages of Discovery on Twitter-@Voyagediscovery and view online at www.discoverycruise.tv