The Northwest Passage, Iceland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Greenland:

In 1984, Lars‐Eric Lindblad’s M.S. Lindblad Explorer was the first passenger ship ever to successfully navigate the entire Northwest Passage. In July 2014, Lindblad Expeditions will attempt to achieve the goal again with two inaugural voyages through the Northwest Passage which are available through adventure and expedition cruise specialist, Mundy Adventures. In navigating this route, National Geographic Explorer will echo the history of many dauntless explorers who tried and failed to make it through this important route through the Arctic Archipelago, Northern Canada and along the northern coast of Alaska between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The new 2014 itineraries are:

·         The Northwest Passage, Iceland and Greenland: National Geographic Explorer navigates from Iceland and southern Greenland on its inaugural voyage through one of the world’s greatest marine challenges, the Northwest Passage. A navigational highlight will be seeing the captain and his officers use the ‘mud maps’ made by Lars‐Eric’s team as they navigate the James Ross Strait and re‐confirm the soundings they took in 1984. The voyage will explore the most exciting parts of the Northwest Passage, discovering the actual islands, protected waterways, ice‐filled fjords, historic sites and native communities, as well as exploring Iceland and Greenland. Guests will experience the wild, rugged western coast of Iceland and its capital, Reykjavik; glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site; observe polar bears, walruses, ringed seals and belugas in their natural habitat; and explore Uummannatsiaq fjord, the site of an impressive mummy find. The 25‐night adventure departs 28^th July 2014 with prices from £19,780 per person fly/cruise including return scheduled flights from London, overnight accommodation in Edmonton, a charter flight from Edmonton to Kugluktuk where the cruise begins and 25 nights onboard the National Geographic Explorer with all meals and soft drinks, all excursions and port taxes.

·         The Northwest Passage, Newfoundland and Labrador: The second inaugural voyage through the Northwest Passage travels from west to east. This expedition takes on a historic challenge: will ice and weather conditions permit them to navigate the famously ice‐clogged Fury and Hecla Strait? If conditions are right, guests will spend the following days exploring - by ship, Zodiacs, kayaks and onshore hikes - the islands of the Foxe Basin and Hudson Strait south of Baffin Island. If the Fury and Hecla Strait is impassable, the ship will sail to the north of Baffin Island where the landscape is equally stunning and inviting to activities, and plenty of late‐season ice still clings to Baffin’s eastern shore. Guests will explore the wild and pristine Canadian High Arctic: Baffin Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. The 24‐night adventure departs 19^th August 2014 with prices from £18,050 per person fly/cruise including return scheduled flights from London, a charter flight from Kugluktuk to Edmonton, overnight accommodation in Edmonton and 24 nights onboard the National Geographic Explorer with all meals and soft drinks, all excursions and port taxes.

The 148-guest National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship, uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions. At 367-feet with six decks, the ship is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Public rooms include a dramatic window-lined library and observation lounge perched at the very top of the ship, plenty of observation decks (including easy access to the bow) and the forward facing chart room offering a 24-hour beverage station. The spacious lounge is the heart of the expedition community and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and the nightly tradition of Recap. The dining room and adjacent bistro easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. While Explorer’s interiors are elegant, life onboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing.

For further information and reservations, call Mundy Adventures on 020 7399 7630 or visit www.mundyadventures.co.uk

Noble Caledonia's River Cruise brochure is now out and heartily fabulous it is too.  Some amazing trips and excursions on offer here. There's a particularly impressive spread of vessels and destinations.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Indus Experiences Unveils New River Cruise,

Indus Experiences Unveils New River Cruise, Wilderness And Culture Tours To India And Bhutan

Adding to their colourfully diverse India brochure, Indus Experiences, the tailor-made holiday specialist, have broadened the options with a new supplement – India and Bhutan Living Cultures & River Cruises. Combining cruising along the mighty Brahmaputra River with heady Himalayan explorations and trips into the fascinating Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan; exclusive cultural encounters with the locals in Northern India and Rajasthan; and, ideal for first-timers, India’s Golden Triangle with a cruise, it offers five new itineraries. The only navigable river in the world from which one can soak up breath-taking views of the Himalaya, the Brahmaputra River is also the only river, apart from the Zambezi in Africa, from which elephant, jeep and boat safaris are conducted.  Thus offering holidaymakers the opportunity to visit more remote wilderness, ancient temples and palaces, tribal villages, monasteries and tea estates throughout Assam. Conducted aboard the luxuriously appointed MV Mahabaahu, the new tours along the Brahmaputra offer an alternative way of exploring off the beaten track through a well planned combination of cruise and excursions. Described by the National Geographic as the “Serengeti of India”, highlights include wildlife watching on elephant-back for single horned rhinos, elephants, wild buffaloes and tigers in the UNESCO World Heritage Kaziranga National Park; exploring the fusion of faiths at Kamakhya Temple, Sibsagar and Majuli Island; wandering though manicured tea estates; and encounters with local village life. The tour, Mountains, Monuments and Mighty Brahmaputra, combines the cruise with a tour of the vibrant city of Kolkata (plus Mother Theresa's orphanage), the fascinating hill station of Darjeeling (plus lunch with a local family) and eastern India's soaring Himalayan peaks (from £3940/person).  Bhutan & MV Mahabaahu, meanwhile, merges the cruise with a tour of Kolkata and on to the snow-clad Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.  Highlights, including visits to medieval monasteries and immaculately preserved dzongs (fortresses), provide ample insight into the rich traditions and spirituality of this remote and beautiful mountain country (from £4,240/person). For a holiday offering the best of both worlds, the 16-day Golden Triangle with Brahmaputra Cruise blends the highlights of northern India with a seven-night cruise along the Brahmaputra River. Ideal for the first-time visitor to India, this itinerary takes in the 'Golden Triangle' destinations of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with some memorable cultural encounters along the way before boarding the MV Mahabaahu (from £3989/person). Ideal for incorporating into any India tour, the MV Mahabaahu is also the fastest river-cruiser on the Brahmaputra allowing for a more compact sightseeing itinerary (most other boats require ten days to cover the distance that the MV Mahabaahu manages in a week).  The most luxurious river-cruiser on the river, it features an onboard spa, swimming pool and just 23 stylishly appointed cabins with a full cultural entertainment programme to complement the simple pleasure of observing life along the riverbanks and the possible sightings of the fresh water Gangetic dolphins. For more information, please call Indus Experiences on 020 8901 7320, email: holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk, www.indusexperiences.co.uk

EAGERLY AWAITED 2014 BERLITZ CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS

EAGERLY AWAITED 2014 BERLITZ CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS

Arrives on 1 October 2013

As the 2014 edition of the authoritative Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships is published on 1st October 2013, Douglas Ward, its author, forecasts that the latest regulations will make it increasingly difficult for cruise companies with older tonnage to keep up with the newest ships with their excellent environmental credentials and fuel efficiency. There are hard-hitting reviews on virtually all ocean-going cruise ships (285) in this legendary encyclopaedia of cruising which details when each ship came into service, plus five brand new ships making their debut.

There is a chapter on Expedition Cruises – pages 91 – 95, including a chart that compares the expedition ships in terms of rating, date build, number of cabins, number of passengers, tonnage and length. 

2014 Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships (752 pages) by Douglas Ward will be available in book and ebook formats from 1st October 2013 – both priced £17.99.  There is also a Berlitz Cruise Ships 2014 App (£6.99) now available for Apple devices through the iTunes App store.  For further information visit www.insightguides.com/berlitz/berlitz-cruising

AMAWATERWAYS Offers 15% Discount On Selected 2014 Cruises For National Cruise Week

Enticing Douro

Sail from the historic city of Porto through the vineyards of the Douro Valley, calling at small towns and visiting port producers along the way. Take an excursion (included) from Bara d'Alva to Salamanca, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Departing March 25, 2014, now from £1,428pp (was £1662) or April 1, from £1,534pp (was £1787)

Paris & Normandy
Cruise the Seine for seven nights, calling at Vernon, Caudebex-en-caux (for special excursions to the D-Day beaches), Rouen (for Honfleur), Les Andelys and Conflans, visiting chateaux and beautiful landscapes that inspired great artists such as Monet.

Departing November 13 and 20, now from £1,693pp (was £1974)

Provence
Spend seven nights cruising the Rhône, from Arles to Lyon, tasting the Beaujolais wines, exploring Avignon and Arles and admiring the stunning scenery of vineyards, dramatic gorges and lavender fields.

Departing November 20, now from £1,693pp (was £1974)

Enchanting Rhine

Sail between Amsterdam and Basel through the steep-sided Rhine Gorge, exploring towns and cities including Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelberg and medieval Strasbourg.

Departing April 1, now from £1,480pp (was £1724); November 9, from £1,587pp (was £1849); November 16 (on AmaReina) and November 17 (on AmaCerto), from £1,534pp (was £1787).

Romantic Danube
Cruise from Vilshofen in Germany to Budapest, calling at Passau, Linz (for Salzburg), Melk, with its magnificent abbey, Vienna, and Bratislava. There's an overnight in Budapest, with a cruise of the Danube after dark to admire the glittering lights festooning all the bridges.

Departing November 11 (on AmaPrima) or 12 (on AmaSonata), now from £1,534pp (was £1787).

All prices include the 15% discount; full board on the ship; complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; daily guided tours and excursions; free wi-fi; free use of on board bicycles (excluding the Douro); and port taxes. Travel to and from the ship is extra. The discount applies to the cruise-only price and is based on two adults sharing.

For more information about AmaWaterways' luxury river cruises contact AmaWaterways on freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk   

Chimu Adventures' Unique Offer To South Georgia And Pristine Antarctica

Chimu Adventures' Unique Offer To South Georgia And Pristine Antarctica

Leading Antarctica specialists Chimu Adventures is offering a last minute special offer on their South Georgia and Pristine Antarctica departure on the 19th October 2013. October is a fantastic time to visit South Georgia when elephant seals give birth to their pups on the beaches and the elephant seal bulls are at their most active defending their harems. There is also the chance to see huge gatherings of fluffy brown King Penguin chicks. The special voyage also visits the most important breading site for Wandering Albatross, Prion Island, which is closed to visitors from 20th November -7th January. The cruise visits Elephant Island, particularly poignant considering the centenary of Shackleton's Endurance mission - history's greatest survival story, next year. The ship continues to the Antarctic Peninsula as the very first boat of the season to arrive in Antarctica, seeing it at its most pristine. The 17 day holiday starts in Santiago Chile and flies to the Falklands, where the cruise on board the MV Ushuaia begins and travels to South Georgia and the Antarctica Peninsula. The holiday costs from £5484 per person including an exclusive 20% Chimu Adventures discount. This price includes flights from the UK, domestic flights, accommodation, transfers, excursions and most meals.

Swan Hellenic launches latest brochure.

Swan Hellenic has been leading the way in small ship discovery cruising for almost sixty years. Their latest brochure introduces seven new itineraries that encompass a range of exciting destinations including the Far East, India, Israel and the Black Sea, as well as an inaugural cruise to Japan. To celebrate the launch of these new cruises, Swan Hellenic is offering an early booking offer of a 5% discount plus up to £200 onboard bar credit per cabin when you book by 21 October 2013. Passengers looking to book a cruise on existing itineraries can take advantage of a newly launched autumn sale, offering some fantastic new low fares across all categories of cabin on cruises departing from January to December 2014.

The 15 day Black Sea Empires cruise takes you on a historical journey that commemorates 100 years since ANZAC forces landed at Gallipoli. Reflect on poignant reminders of this 1915 campaign as you call at significant ports of call along the way such as Canakkale, site of a historic battle between Turkish soldiers and Allied Forces. The experience will be further enhanced with fascinating talks on military history by expert Guest Speakers, who will be accompanying the cruise. Other highlights of this cruise include the Ukrainian city of Odessa, founded by Catherine the Great, and the UNESCO town of Nessebur famed for its cobbled streets and Byzantine churches.  Early booking offer prices for this cruise, departing on 27 April 2015, start at £2,541 per person.

Also new for 2015, The Islands of East Asia cruise reveals a fusion of cultures and takes in the Philippine Archipelago as well as Borneo, Bali, Java, Indonesia and Singapore. See the orang-utans of Borneo, sail out of the bustling Hong Kong harbour, discover diverse Indonesian cultures and tribes and visit the Buddhist Temple complex of Borobudur - one of the greatest sights of Southeast Asia. Early booking offer prices for this 22 day cruise, departing on 24 January 2015, start from £4,095.

The 15 day cruise to India and the Malabar Coast explores the diverse land and townscapes of the region, taking in the finest highlights along the way. From the exotic charm of Kerala to the peaceful backwaters of Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin, this inspiring cruise offers a rare insight into Indian rural life. Other highlights include the Pinnawala Elephants of Sri Lanka, the remarkable cave temples and rock carvings of the god Shiva on Mumbai’s Elephanta Island and the impressive Grand Mosque in Muscat. Early booking offer prices for this 15 day cruise, departing on 15 March 2015, start from £2,613.

Discover holy lands as you sail from the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal and into the Eastern Mediterranean on the 15 day Holy Lands itinerary. Explore the Nabatean city of Petra the ‘rose-red city half as old as time’. Half-built, half-carved into the rock and surrounded by mountains, see for yourself why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Middle East’s most impressive sites. Other highlights include Jerusalem’s sacred Golden Dome of the Rock, Giza’s Great Pyramids and the magnificent Roman city of Ephesus, once a religious centre during early Christianity and where St Paul used to preach. Early booking offer prices for this 15 day cruise, departing 13 April 2015, start from £2,275.

Prices for all cruises include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and a programme of tailor-made shore excursions, worth up to £650 per person. For further information, visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 488 1051.

Zegrahm Expeditions to Offer Circumnavigation of Sicily in 2014

A 13-Day Culinary and Cultural Immersion by Small-Ship

Zegrahm Expeditions, the world leader in small-ship cruising and overland adventures, has become especially well known for their circumnavigations of some of the world’s more fascinating archipelagos. In 2014, the company is pleased to announce their journey around the Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily, departing August 29. This 13-day expedition combines visits to the isle’s amazing archaeological wonders with a tasty immersion into the region’s famed food and wine.

Beginning in Malta, guests will explore the 5,000-year-old Tarxien Temples at Hagar Qim and the architectural wonders of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, travelers board the intimate 100-guest Island Sky to trace Sicily’s scenic coastline. Stops include exploring the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte, Segesta, and Morgantina; the Roman theaters and villas of Taormina, Piazza Armerina, and Lipari; and the ornate architecture of Norman-Arab castles and cathedrals in Cefalú, Palermo, and Monreale.

In addition to exploring Sicily’s amazing archaeological legacy, the gastronomical culture here is sure to impress—with a wealth of coastal ingredients and savory array of sun-ripened produce. To better appreciate the local flavors, Zegrahm travelers have the opportunity to stop at several vineyards for wine tastings, participate in hands-on cooking classes, and relish the wonderful cuisine at traditional restaurants throughout the voyage.

“After the resounding success of our first circumnavigation of Sicily in 2011, we are excited to return to this magnificent isle and offer new opportunities for guests to savor Sicilian culture and cuisine,” says Zegrahm President, Edwin Blythe. “Guests will spend one afternoon cooking with a local chef and another learning how to make pizza at a local pizzeria. Plus, several evenings are free for travelers to dine ashore on their own.”

This expedition is priced from $8,970 per person. For more information about Zegrahm or to make a reservation, please visit www.zegrahm.com or call 1.800.628.8747. 

Two voyages for the price of one when you hunt the Northern Lights with Hurtigruten

The Northern Lights have already started to appear in what is forecast by NASA to be one of the best seasons in a decade, due to the solar maximum. 

Book a last minute Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Hurtigruten by 30 September and two people can travel for the price of one.

Hurtigruten ships sail the iconic coast of Norway, far from the effects of urban light pollution and directly beneath the Aurora Oval (the epicentre of Northern Lights activity) making them one of the best places to spot this natural phenomenon. 

The Two for One offer is available for voyage only prices on 12 different dates departing October to December 2013 and for all cabin types except suites. Depart on 9 November for a 7 day Classic Voyage North from Bergen to Kirkenes on the Russian border for just £413 per person (based on two sharing on full board basis). Return international flights and transfers are available for an additional £510 per person.

The offer is valid for bookings made by 30 September 2013 and is not combinable with any other offer.

For more information call Hurtigruten on tel: 0844 448 7601 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

Compagnie du Ponant to offer free Champagne

Pop it! Compagnie du Ponant to offer free Champagne and €200 on board credit

-         For all bookings made during National Cruise Week

(21 – 29 September 2013)

  Compagnie du Ponant, the luxury French yacht cruise operator has launched a special VIP offer for National Cruise Week 21 - 29 September 2013. The luxury cruise operator will be offering a special VIP ‘Welcome Aboard’ to all guests booking during National Cruise Week, as well as €200 on board credit per cabin booked. This is the right time to add a touch of extra-luxury to your cruise!

The offer will include a bottle of Champagne placed in the cabin upon arrival and a personal welcome note from the Captain, as well as €200 onboard credit to spend onboard – including bar drinks, luxurious spa treatments, shore excursions, etc. The onboard credit is per cabin and the offer will be valid for travel until 30 September 2014. Quote VIP NCW on the phone to benefit from the offer*.

Compagnie du Ponant, the specialist in soft expeditions and great journeys around the world, has run Antarctic cruises for years and has just launched a brand new ship, Le Soléal, at the end of June 2013. Le Soléal is currently cruising the Arctic through the North-West Passage before heading to the  Japanese archipelago and South East Asia in the winter 2013/2014. With many themed-cruises; from music, golf, and gourmet cruises taking place throughout the year, the luxury cruise line offers guests a unique product with world-famous French savoir-faire.

For more information, please visit www.ponant.com or call 0800 980 4027 to book your next cruise.

New Owners for World of Cruising Magazine!

 Publishing and Database company Real Response Media (RRM) have announced the acquisition of Europe’s leading cruise publication, World of Cruisingmagazine, from independent operator Robin Maclear of Sussex-based The Cruise Line Ltd. The change of hands follows a prolonged steady growth period for the magazine, which is Europe’s leading cruise publication, having been founded in 1998. Maclear has sold the controlling interest to RRM, and they will continue to develop the magazine’s growth along international lines.

Managing Director Chris Pitchford says: “This is an opportunity to take an existing, well-established niche publication and take it to the next level. There continues to be huge and consistent growth in the cruise market, and no publication has yet fully captured that readership and growth potential. We have significant plans to take the magazine’s existing

high-quality style and extend it to that market in a number of different ways that should be very exciting both for our current readers and the world of cruising in general.”

Pitchford will be partnered by RRM Director Matthew Underhill, who is also Managing Director of Event Live Media, which effectively gives the company both a contract and exhibition publishing arm as well as a magazine publishing business. 

In the past 15 years, World of Cruising has become a major authority on all cruise-related matters, including helping to launch new lines such as Oceania Cruises in the UK and introduce a variety of niche luxury and adventure cruise companies. The magazine has reviewed hundreds of ships and explored destinations from the Amazon to the Zambezi. Columns such as The Admiral have achieved a cult following, while those of Captain Greybeard, The Cruise Guy and Cruise Radio have found a following in the US as well as Britain. The popular online version of the magazine is read from the US to Australia and it has also been published in China, the first cruise publication there.

Says Robin Maclear: “The sale to Real Response Media comes at an opportune time in cruise development and will allow World of Cruising to become the fully independent voice

of cruising worldwide. It has been a pleasure to work with our editor, Simon Veness, and an excellent team of journalists. All of us will continue to play our part in the magazine’s future growth as well.”

The Autumn edition of the magazine has just been published (www.worldofcruising.co.uk) and the first edition under RRM’s leadership will be the Winter issue, publishing in January.

Contacts: For Real Response Media, contact Chris Pitchford on 020 8444 6045 or email chris.pitchford@realresponsemedia.com. For Robin Maclear, call 0870 442 6933 or email robin@cruiseline.co.uk.

Aurora Expeditions Become First Operator to Offer Snorkelling in Antarctica

Aurora Expeditions Become First Operator to Offer Snorkelling in Antarctica

Expedition cruise and adventure company Aurora Expeditions is delighted to announce they will be offering passengers the chance to snorkel in Antarctica this season. This ground breaking new activity will provide passengers with the opportunity to explore the icy waters alongside penguins, seals and whales. This unique experience will allow passengers to see Antarctica in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.  Through crystal clear waters adventurers will discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at the beauty of sculpted icebergs below the water and swim alongside large charismatic marine mammals. With a longstanding tradition of pushing the boundaries, Aurora Expeditions was also the first cruise company to offer activities such as scuba diving and camping in Antarctica. This latest innovative activity option is led by expert polar diving guides using state of the art equipment including specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, weight belt, fins, mask, and snorkel. Passengers will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need to experience Antarctica from this truly unique angle. Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependant), taking delight in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing. Aurora Expeditions have a selection of voyages that include Polar Snorkelling in February 2014 and 2015: Across the Antarctic Circle – 10 to 19 February 2014 Across the Antarctic Circle – 19 to 28 February 2014 Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula – 28 Feb to 11 March 2014 (currently offering 10% discount) Across the Antarctic Circle – 19 to 28 February 2015 Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula – 28 Feb to 9 March 2015 Voyage prices from US$7200 per person and Polar Snorkelling is at US$975pp. In addition to Polar Snorkelling, Aurora Expeditions offer passengers the option to scuba dive, sea kayak, camp, climb or improve their photography skills aboard selected voyages. As experts in travel to the Polar Regions, Aurora Expeditions strive to deliver highly unique and memorable itineraries and activities. Voyages commence in the far southern ports of South America, and passengers sail to Antarctica aboard the 54-pssenger, ice-strengthened Polar Pioneer. Polar Snorkelling is operated on board by our Dive partners Waterproof Expeditions. Spaces are strictly limited and must be booked in advance. Contact Aurora Expeditions for more information on +61 2 9252 1033, info@auroraexpeditions.com.au or visitwww.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Un-Cruise Adventures Wins Two Magellan Awards

 Adventure cruise line Un-Cruise Adventures has won two Magellan awards from leading travel trade publication Travel Weekly—a gold award for best small cruise ships and a silver in the cruise ships promotional video category.

The line’s Active Adventure fleet of three expedition vessels—60-guest Wilderness Adventurer, 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer—won a gold Magellan award as best in the category of small cruise ships under 500 passengers. All three vessels sail weeklong Active Adventures in Alaska focusing on exploring nature and wildlife up close in wilderness areas. Hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff excursions and whale watching are main activities.  A new seven-night adventurous Coastal Washington itinerary begins in spring 2014.

A silver Magellan award in the cruise ship-promotional video category recognizes a short video titled “A Week Aboard the Wilderness Explorer in Alaska.” All footage used in the video was shot by Weston Walker-Knoblich during one week aboard the vessel on an Active Adventure in Alaska.

You can see a great article about the company's Alaska cruises in the new edition of World of Cruising magazine. Follow this link to read it on line now!

Star Clippers Voted Adventure Cruise Line Of The Year

Star Clippers Voted Adventure Cruise Line Of The Year By Readers Of Food & Travel Magazine

Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clippers has been voted ‘Adventure Cruise Line of the Year’ by readers of the glossy magazine, Food & Travel. The award was made at a glittering ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on September 2, hosted by comedian Lucy Porter. The Food & Travel Awards are particularly prestigious as they are voted for entirely by readers of the magazine, over a period of three months. Awards are presented to hotels, restaurants, airlines and individual chefs as well as cruise companies. Other categories in the cruising sector included ocean and river cruising. “We are so thrilled to have won this award,” said Fay McCormack, UK general manager for Star Clippers, who attended the ceremony to receive the trophy. “Readers of Food & Travel have a strong interest in food as well as the general travel experience and this award is a reflection on the superb quality and romantic appeal of a Star Clippers voyage.” To book, call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.

Expedition Ship Arrives at Port of Tyne Today

The Port of Tyne’s successful cruise season comes to an end today with the arrival of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Bremen.

The Bremen is a luxury expedition ship usually found exploring Antarctica and other adventure locations. It is visiting the Port of Tyne as part of an expedition around Britain.

Starting and finishing the cruise in Germany, its 164 passengers are mostly German and during their time in Port they will be visiting Durham Cathedral, the giant Northumberlandia sculpture and Belsay Hall. The excursions have been specially selected by passengers who are interested in exploring some of the regions horticultural and artistic treasures. 

This summer season the Port of Tyne has welcomed 32 cruise ship visits. Highlights of the season have included four calls from MSC’s Magnifica, the largest cruise ship ever to visit the Tyne, and calls from three new cruise lines including Crystal Cruises, Hurtigruten, and Costa Cruises, joining familiar companies such as Thomson and Fred. Olsen.

Bremen is expected to arrive at Northumbrian Quay at 12 noon and sail on to Kingston upon Hull at 6pm. 

Star Clippers offers free cabin upgrades for National Cruise Week 2013

 To celebrate National Cruise Week, which runs from September 21 to 29, 2013, tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering free cabin upgrades for all bookings made during that period.

Book any Star Clippers voyage to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Cuba during National Cruise Week, or one of the longer ocean crossings, and the cabin paid for will be upgraded by one category.

All Star Clippers cabins have twin or double beds, TV, marble-lined bathroom and plenty of storage, becoming more spacious according to the level of the category. All sailings on all three of the line’s graceful square-riggers are included in this fantastic offer.

Savings include:

Mediterranean

Round-trip Rome on Royal Clipper, departing May 10, 2014 and calling at Ponza, Sorrento, Amalfi, Taormina, Lipari and Stromboli, costs £1,470 in a category 6 cabin; save £75 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Cuba

Round trip Cienfuegos (Cuba) on Star Flyer, departing December 7, 2014 and calling at beautiful beaches and cays in southern Cuba as well as the Cayman Islands, costs £1,115 in a category 6 cabin; save £115 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Caribbean

Round-trip Philipsburg (St Maarten) on Star Clipper, departing November 30, 2013 and calling at Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and St Barths, costs £1,080 in a category 6 cabin, saving £155 per person with a free upgrade to category 5 (port taxes and flights extra).

Note: The maximum upgrade included in this offer is category 3 to category 2.

To book, call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.

Save more than £3,000 per person off brochure prices during National Cruise Week

It doesn’t matter whether you want to search for the spectacular Northern Lights in Norway or camp alongside the penguins in Antarctica, Hurtigruten are offering some amazing prices on selected Coastal and Explorer voyages during National Cruise Week.

The company currently has early booking discounts of up to 25% off 2013 and 2014 voyages, but is offering those booking between 21-29 September 2013 an additional 5% off the reduced prices.

Total savings could amount to more than £3,000 off the standard brochure price, depending on the type of cabin and itinerary booked. The 5% National Cruise Week discount alone could save more than £500 per person.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages now from £1,360 per person including flights

Prices for the 2014 programme now start from £1,360 per person for the five night ‘Classic Voyage South’ on full board basis including flights - a total discount of £311 off the brochure price - when you depart between 1 January and 31 March 2014.  Book a Classic Coastal Voyage departing in 2013 and you will also receive a free excursion to the Northern Cape – Europe’s northernmost point.

Book an expedition and save more than £3,000 per person

Those with an adventurous streak can also make savings on selected expeditions.

Join the Christmas Expedition 2014 and not only will you spend the festive period with penguins, seals and whales, but make some great savings as well. The 17 day voyage to Antarctica departing on 19 December now costs from £5,987 per person – an amazing combined discount of £2,415 per person off the standard brochure price. The price includes return flights from London and voyage on full board basis.

If you were to book a suite on the same voyage the cost would be £9,793 per person including an early booking saving of £3,436 plus additional cruise week saving of £515 per person – a total discount of £3,951 off the standard brochure price of £13,744 per person.

The offer is valid for bookings made between 21 and 29 September 2013 for coastal voyages departing before 31 December 2014 and expedition voyages departing by 24 February 2015.

All prices are based on two sharing.

For more information call Hurtigruten on tel: 0844 448 7601 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

Travel Indochina Launches New River Cruising Options In Asia

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has unveiled its new Asia River Cruising brochure for 2013-2015 featuring a significantly expanded range of cruising options in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma and China. Among the latest additions are 13 new cruise itineraries, two additional vessels on the Mekong and Irrawaddy River, and a greater choice of flexible packages with trips varying in length from 4 - 22 days. New in the brochure for 2013-2015, customers of Travel Indochina can discover Burma's untouched regions onboard the deluxe Orcaella. A recent addition to the Orient Express fleet in 2013, the Orcaella explores the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy River and the remote Chindwin River between Bagan and Yangon. It features 25 stylish cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a wellbeing and fitness area, swimming pool and sun deck. Travel Indochina has 8-day and 12-day itineraries on the Orcaella, with prices starting from £3,270 per person*.  Also new to the tour operator's portfolio is the Mekong Sun which winds through the upper Mekong in Laos. The Mekong Sun provides an intimate cruise experience with just 14 air-conditioned cabins and maximum capacity for 28 customers. Travel Indochina offers a 5-day package combining a 3-day cruise and 2 nights' deluxe accommodation at the Luang Say Residence in Luang Prabang following the cruise. This memorable escape also includes a Lao cooking class at Tamarind Restaurant, plus time to explore Luang Prabang. Prices start from £1,260 per person**. Together with these newly-added vessels, Travel Indochina has introduced 13 new itineraries for 2013-2015. The new packages cover the Mekong, Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers in Indochina, China and Burma respectively. Among the new itineraries are a 12-day "Irrawaddy River Cruise to Mandalay" in Burma, a 16-day "Enchanting Rivers of Indochina" through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and a 15-day "Emperor's China & Yangtze River" from Beijing to Shanghai. These new journeys are complemented by a greater choice of shorter options for those who prefer to spend more time on land. Options include a 10-day "Classic Mekong River Journey" which combines a 4-day cruise aboard the Jayavarman with 6-days touring on land, travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia. Further good news is that the specialist tour operator has significantly reduced its pricing for cruises on The Jahan and Jayavarman, the smallest and most luxurious boats to sail the Mekong River. Travel Indochina's latest brochure and recently-updated online cruise portal are packed with everything travellers' need to know about river cruising in Asia, including a wealth of new content that covers shore excursions, cuisine, charters, full deck plans, cabin layouts and detailed boat specification pages. They perfectly showcase the specialist operator's unrivalled range of river cruise holidays for those seeking a more intimate atmosphere with big doses of culture and constantly-changing scenery along the river shores. With an increasing demand for small boat river cruising, these new updates are testament to Travel Indochina's continued efforts to expand its river cruise portfolio and keep up with customers' growing appetite for new experiences along Asia's mesmerising main rivers. *Prices include 7 nights' cruise accommodation in a Deluxe Cabin (twin share), 1 internal flight within Asia, all sightseeing as specified including entrance fees, local English-speaking guides throughout, transfers as specified and all meals. Excludes international flights. **Prices include 2 nights' deluxe hotel accommodation, 2 nights' cruise accommodation in a Classic Cabin (twin share), road transport in air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified including entrance fees, local English-speaking guides throughout, airport transfers, daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. Excludes international flights. For more information on Travel Indochina, please visit: www.travelindochina.co.uk or telephone: 01865 268 940.

P&O Cruises are offering Exotic Adventure holidays including small ship cruising in the Caribbean. Sone nice offers with keen prices, got be worth a look at this.

http://www.pocruises.com/

Cruise Line Adventure Cruise Collection

The Cruise Line  Adventure Cruise Collection is well worth a look at if you are hooked by this fascinating part of cruising. The Adventure Cruise Collection is a selection of the very best that small-scale adventure voyaging has to offer worldwide, a spectacular treasure trove of new holiday destinations and cutting edge travel experiences.

The cruise lines that make up their Adventure Cruise Collection all offer remarkable journeys to the centre of some of the world's most inspiring landscapes whilst guaranteeing you a high standard of accommodation, excellent dining options and superb facilities. They have worked hard to ensure that every cruise selected is not only offering a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience, but that is also as safe and as comfortable as possible.

Astounding wildlife, captivating foreign cultures and unforgettable scenery are the key ingredients, but they all come fully equipped with expert guides into the local flora and fauna, the geology and geography, and the history and sociology of the places visited.

www.cruiseline.co.uk

2014 BERLITZ CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS GUIDE

In The app version of this much-anticipated ‘bible of cruising’, Berlitz Cruise Ships 2014, is due to arrive on 14^th September 2013, ahead of the UK’s National Cruise Week, 21^st  – 29^th September. The paperback and ebook formats will be published in the UK on 1^st October.

Available for all Apple devices, the App is the perfect cruise planning tool. Its 285 hard-hitting reviews help every cruisegoer, whether solo, senior, family or first time cruiser, to choose the right ship.  The internationally accepted Berlitz rating system takes into account a remarkable 400 items based on personal experience. Highlights include:

·   A new No.1 ship for the first time in more than a decade

·   285 ocean-going ships are rated and reviewed by the world’s
foremost cruise authority, Douglas Ward

·   5 completely new ships debuting in the 2014 edition

·   Lots of full-colour photography, including interior shots of many ships

·   Filter and search options help cruisegoers choose a vessel and voyage according to their needs, criteria include: cuisine, entertainment, accommodation, size of ship and many others

·   A detailed FAQ section with knowledgeable and reliable answers

·   A comparison of the cabin facilities, food and dining services

THE WORLD’S TOP AUTHORITY ON CRUISING AND CRUISE SHIPS

Douglas Ward is the world’s top authority on cruising and cruise ships, with more than 45 years of experience and over 5,900 days at sea.  He continues to spend up to 200 days per year aboard cruise ships, inspecting and evaluating their facilities and service.

Fully updated and revised, the Berlitz Cruise Ships 2014 App (£6.99) is available for Apple devices from 14^th September 2013. In addition, 2014 Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships (752 pages) will be available in book and ebook formats from 1^st October 2013 – both priced £17.99. For further information visit www.insightguides.com/berlitz/berlitz-cruising .