Cruisin' Magazine | Fred.\ Cruises

CANADA

Summer/Autumn 2014

The magazine dedicated to people who love to cruise

£Priceless

Much more than Mounties & Maple Syrup JOHN CRAVEN Explores the Mekong THE SECRET TO CREATING THE PERFECT CRUISE CRUISE ITINERARIES DELIGHT WITH MORE OVERNIGHTS An exclusive look at portintensive cruises with travel writer, Sue Bryant OUR PICK OF SHORE EXCURSIONS INTERVIEW WITH A TOUR GUIDE Exclusive interview with a river/tour guide

PLUS DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR FAVOURITE CRUISE LINES, GREAT OFFERS AND MORE…

Welcome to the

Summer/Autumn 2014

ruisin’

Magazine

Fred.\ is pleased to bring to you Cruisin’ magazine. This edition is all about Destinations & Ports!

We all know that cruising isn’t just about what cruise ship you travel on but that the destination you travel to is just as important, if not more so. With that in mind, Cruisin’ Magazine brings you news & views on the huge choice of ports of call, cities and itineraries offered by the some of our favourite cruise lines.

On top of this we give you an insight into how your cruises are put together thanks to Martin Lister, Planning Manager for Fred.

Olsen Cruise Lines; an interview with a tour guide and a rivercruise review from none other than John Craven, following his cruise along the Mekong with AmaWaterways!

Why book with

?

Fred.\ understands that people like to book their holiday secure in the knowledge that they are travelling with a reputable company.

As part of one of the UK’s most established travel companies Fred. Olsen Travel - you can be sure that you are travelling with a company who over 25 years have successfully sold holidays and built their reputation on delivering outstanding customer service.

• First-hand knowledge and experience to offer impartial, unbiased advice.

• Outstanding customer service, exceptional quality and value for money.

• We have no debit card charges.

• No booking fees.

• ABTA and ATOL bonding so you can book with complete peace of mind!

• Fly-cruise and tailor-made itineraries available.

 0808 271 3549  www.fredcruises.co.uk

4 8 14 18 23 28 featured inside

More than mounties & maple syrup

Shepherd’s pie and KFC

by John Craven

Ingredients for an amazing cruise with Martin Lister

Delight with more overnights

by Sue Byrant

Our pick of shore excursions

An interview with a tour guide with Michele Cook

Leading the way ‘Destination & Itinerary’

When choosing a cruise, there are lots of factors to consider, from which cruise line to choose, the ship itself and the price; to the departure port, ports of call, what excursions are included and more!

A

ccording to research recently conducted by Fred. Olsen

8 New ships launching in 2015!

Cruise Lines, itinerary and

This increasing popularity inevitably

destination are right at the top

means more ships. On top of the 16

of the list when it comes to what the most

launched or launching in 2014, there are

important factors are. A post-cruise survey

8 new cruise ships launching in 2015!

conducted with their customers revealed

Including:

that 39% of passengers chose their cruise

Cruise Line

Ship

based on the innovative itineraries and

NCL

Norwegian Escape

destination experiences on offer, while just 16% chose it based on the low cost.

P&O Britannia RCCI

Anthem of the Seas

TUI

Mein Schiff 4

Passengers 4,200 3,611 4,180 2,500

This is reflective of a lot of opinions amongst cruisers and is one of the reasons why this edition of Cruisin’ Magazine is heavily focused on destinations and ports.

It’s worth bearing in mind however, that depending on whether you are a first-time or experienced cruiser, a family, couple or an individual, and whether you are looking to cruise the Caribbean, Med or somewhere else entirely, these priorities can shift from time to time. For example, if you want to head to the Caribbean for the beaches, many islands are similar, so you may decide that the cost of getting there or the facilities on board the ship are more important to you than the ports of call. Alternatively, if you are more interested in soaking up the culture on a Mediterranean cruise or learning more about an exotic location, your ports of call become of utmost importance; while on a transatlantic cruise, it’s sensible to suggest that the ship itself and the onboard activities will hop straight to the top of the priority list!

Part of the ‘In Crowd’

G

ood news Cruise fans! The popularity of cruising holidays is still growing, so you are in great company. But where is this growth coming from? Well, the ‘younger generation’ are beginning to make up more and more numbers, helped by increased awareness of the great value of cruise holidays as well as the new

innovations happening on board cruise ships. The increasing opportunities for ‘active’

Hot locations for this year…

holidays at sea with both extreme and ‘soft’- adventure excursions available, plus exciting onboard facilities are all having a hand in this. Multi-generational cruising is also on the rise,

…include the American Rivers, Canada

as is ‘celebration cruising’ where groups of friends, families or even colleagues and social

& New England, Africa, Exotic Rivers,

groups are choosing a cruise as the perfect way to celebrate occasions such as weddings,

South America, Antarctica, Middle East,

birthdays and anniversaries.

as well as Trans-Pacific cruising and World Cruises.

This is all good news as is means that cruise lines are now thinking of more innovative ways to engage & attract customers with enriching onboard experiences, ‘speciality’ theme cruises, diverse itineraries and exotic locations.

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Cruisin’ Magazine 3

Cruisin’ Featured Destination

Exploring Canada…

As a cruising destination, Canada continues to grow in popularity. Often stereotyped simply as the land of Mounties, maple syrup and hockey-lovers, this stunningly diverse country boasts the world’s longest shoreline at a staggering 243,000 km – making it perfect for cruise-lovers!

From wide-open spaces, vast wilderness and an abundance of wildlife to cosmopolitan cities, historical ports and fascinating aboriginal culture, Canada is most certainly on most people’s bucket lists. With that in mind, here is Cruisin’ Magazine’s guide to Canada’s most fascinating and diverse ports of call…

St. Johns - Newfoundland & Labrador

Gaspé - Quebec Also in Quebec, Gaspé, situated at the

Sept-Iles - Quebec Quebec, Canada’s famous French-

(Not to be confused with Saint John, New Brunswick – another great port!)

tip of the Gaspé Peninsula is the epitome

speaking provence, is home to the sea-

Unlike any other place in the world,

of an ‘outdoor paradise’. A real adventure

port of Sept-Iles. As the heart of the Innu

Newfoundland & Labrador has over

playground, the bay of Gaspé boasts

Community, the most populous Aboriginal

29,000km of coastline, peppered

four magnificent beaches and a host of

nation in Quebec, Sept-Iles provides a

with rugged fjords, inlets, coves, and

watersport options to choose from including unique cultural experience as two nations

bays. Perfectly designed for cruising,

sea-kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and

old and new, come together to thrive in

Newfoundland & Labrador is surrounded

whale-watching, as well as adrenaline

harmony. As hunter/gatherers, the Innu

by water. Its vibrant capital St Johns, has

activities such as canyoning, natural

would traditionally have made the Boreal

long been a favourite with cruise-lines,

waterslides and waterfall rides (that’s riding

forest their home yet were ultimately forced

many of which include it not only on their

across the waterfalls, not down them you’ll

to ‘settle down’ - thankfully however, their

Canadian itineraries but also as a stop on

be pleased to know!). Long inhabited by

language and culture have continued to

Norway & Iceland cruises. Here, you can

the Indians of the Sea, the Micmacs, the

stand the test of time. You can experience

experience its rich and colourful history,

beautiful Bay of Gaspé stretches inland

this unique blend of culture and more in

architecture and breath-taking countryside,

for 21 miles and is part of one of the oldest

Sept-Iles, including its long sandy beaches,

or step further afield and explore

land masses on earth. If you find yourself

historical monuments, museums, markets

Newfoundland’s ancient volcanoes, glaciers

enthralled by the wonder of nature, Gaspé

and walking trails.

and rocks at the GeoCentre on Signal Hill.

should definitely make it onto your list.

Calling here in 2014/15…

Calling here in 2014/15…

Calling here in 2014/15…

Silversea; Crystal; Holland America Line

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines; Holland America

Norwegian Cruise Line; Princess Cruises;

Line; Crystal Cruises; Princess Cruises; Royal

Silversea; Holland America Line; Fred. Olsen

Caribbean International; Oceania Cruises;

Cruise Lines; Seabourn

Silversea…

4 Cruisin’ Magazine

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Sydney – Nova Scotia Nova Scotia (meaning New Scotland)

Lower Savage Islands Nunavut The country’s biggest and newest territory,

Did you know?

• 50% of the world’s polar bears can be

will be visited for the first time in 2015 by

Nunavut, is Canada’s Arctic Wilderness

found in Nunavut.

Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch as part of her

Frontier - a vast and pristine landscape

Rugged and Rural Canada cruise. She

of glaciers, icebergs and tundra. Rarely

• The oldest rocks, in northern Labrador

will join a whole host of cruise lines who

visited, you may be lucky enough to spot

have put Sydney firmly on the ‘must visit’

the iconic polar bear (or Ursus Maritimus as

list for Canada. Home to Gaelic-speaking

it is otherwise known) during the summer

descendants of Scottish settlers, this

months. Other attractions include the

industrial town is a perfect base to explore

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the

the Cape Breton Highlands, the Bras D’Or

Nunavut Legislative Assembly Building,

Lakes and the Fortress Louisbourg National

which both house incredible collections

Park. The craggy coast of Cape Breton

of Inuit Artwork. Itinerary dependent, you

has been carved through the ages by the

may also be able to enjoy a traditional

Atlantic Ocean and the Northumberland

performance of throat singing, or ‘Iirngaaq’,

Strait; its rolling hills and picturesque valleys

– a unique and enchanting form of musical

direction and flow upstream!

make for a unique contrast to this major

expression unique to the Inuit.

• Newfoundland and Labrador is almost

coal-producing region.

Calling here in 2014/15…

one-and-three-quarter times the size of

Calling here in 2014/15…

Silversea Expeditions

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines; Norwegian Cruise Line;

• Canada stretches 5,500km from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Alaska.

• Saint John, New Brunswick, is home to an astonishing phenomena, the Reversing River Rapids – these are caused by the fierce tides of the Bay of Fundy which rise with such force that they actually cause the St. John River to reverse

the UK. • Canada’s boreal forest is home to 85 some 32,000 species of insects, and 300

Regent; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; Seabourn;

species of birds.

Cruise & Maritime; Holland America

This year, Holland America Line has

and are amongst the oldest on Earth.

species of mammals, 130 species of fish,

P&O Cruises; Cunard; Princess; Royal Caribbean;

Cartwright – Labrador

date from almost four billion years ago

Montreal – Quebec Positively brimming with culture, the

put Cartwright on the map – adding it

island city of Montreal is a popular cruise

to its Canadian ports of call for the first

port for many reasons; diverse architecture,

time. Named after English Merchant and

its small-town ‘European’ feel, fantastic

adventurer Captain George Cartwright, who

gastronomy and festivals. In fact, the city

settled in the area establishing a fish and fur

hosts over 40 festivals a year, so there is

trading business, Cartwright is set to delight

no shortage of activity all year round, from

outdoorsy-types and keen fishermen alike,

Jazz, comedy, food and varied music &

with the ‘best salmon fly fishing in the world’

dance performances! To really delve into the

found in Eagle River, just 20 miles southwest

essence of Montreal, why not indulge in a

of town.

culinary tour to discover the multi-cultural

Calling here in 2014/15…

cuisine on offer in its food boutiques?

Holland America Line

Calling here in 2014/15…

Holland America; Seabourn; Regent Seven Seas; Oceania; Silversea

What else is Canada famous for?

• Winnie the Pooh! – that’s right, in 1915 a bear cub named Winnipeg (Winnie for short) was exported from Canada to London Zoo. A young boy named Christopher Robin loved to visit Winnie, and this inspired his father, A.A Milne, to create his Winnie-the- Pooh stories!

• Celebrities - Bryan Adams, Justin Beiber, Leslie Nieslen, Jim Carrey, Avril Lavigne… are just some of the famous people hailing from Canada.

• Politeness - 90% of Canadians aged 18- 25 will immediately apologise if a stranger bumps into them.

• Lakes – Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world, approaching 3 million.

• The Rocky Mountains – known as the ‘Serengeti of North America’, the mountains are home to an amazing array of wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, foxes, wolverines, coyote, lynx, wolves, moose, mountain goats, caribou, bison and deer!

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Cruisin’ Magazine 5

Celebrity Eclipse ® - voted best ship from the UK

Hurry, call your cruise specialist to book your cruise before July 31st to benefit from the 123 Go campaign!

From August onwards call your cruise specialist for the current campaign.

Three big offers.

Choose yours and go.

UP TO $1,400 CLASSIC DRINKS PACKAGE* UP TO $300 ONBOARD SPEND* GRATUITIES INCLUDED* OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS AND ABOVE ON SELECTED SHIP AND SAILING DATES

The 123Go! promotion is valid for new bookings created before 31st July 2014 meeting the conditions stated. The 123Go! promotion is valid for selected sailings departing in 2014-15. The 123Go! promotion is applicable to Oceanview stateroom categories and above. The 123Go! promotion is not applicable with any other offer unless otherwise stated above.

Further T&Cs apply, ask your cruise specialist for more details, 2014 ex UK Itinerary dates and pricing are correct at time of print however are subject to change and availability. Prices are per person in pounds sterling, based on two people sharing a stateroom and are inclusive of taxes, but do not include any service charges.

Three big offers.

Choose yours and go.

1

UP TO $1,400 CLASSIC DRINKS PACKAGE

2

UP TO $300 TO SPEND ON BOARD

3

GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Enjoy a range of drinks, worth up to $1,400,

Treat yourself to an immersive shore

Intuitive service is all part of the Celebrity

including – spirits and cocktails such as

excursion, or a relaxing spa treatment, the

experience. These gratuities will help you reward

Stolichnaya Vodka, Glenfiddich Scotch

choice is yours.

the staff who make your cruise extra special.

Whisky and Bombay Sapphire Gin, beers such as Budweiser and Leffe, and wines such as Pinot Grigio Mezzacorona Estate, PLUS unlimited soft drinks.

OR, SAIL TO EUROPE AND CHOOSE TWO INCREDIBLE OFFERS! 6 Cruisin’ Magazine

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That’s what we call modern luxury.

The award-winning modern luxury cruise line will offer an array of thrilling adventures and itineraries in 2015-16 to excite world travellers. An enticing line up of 261 destinations in 72 countries,

CRUISIN’ OFFERS Norwegian Fjords 9th May 2015

Alaska, Europe and Asia, and offer exciting overnight stays, many of

7 nights aboard Celebrity Eclipse Fares from £699 per person*

which coincide with internationally renowned festivals.

Visiting: Southampton (UK) | Bergen (Norway) | Alesund (Norway)

Celebrity will sail to all seven continents, visit new ports of call in

To inspire you, Celebrity will sail to new far-flung destinations for

Geiranger (Norway) | Stavanger (Norway) Southampton (UK)

the first time ever.

New ports include: Haines (Alaska) | Fredericia (Denmark) Beppu and Kanazawa (Japan) | Vladivostok, Russia.

Exciting overnights.

The Cannes Film Festival 11th May 2015

10 nights aboard Celebrity Equinox Fares from £1010 per person*

Celebrity will also offer exciting overnight stays in 2015-16 with

Visiting: Barcelona (Spain) | Provence (France) | Cannes (France)

29 destinations to choose from! Guests will have the opportunity

Florence/Pisa (Italy) | Ajaccio (Corsica) | Cagliari (Sardinia) | Sicily

to experience the nightlife in dynamic, culture-rich cities and be

Amalfi Coast | Rome (Italy)

part of glamorous, world-renowned events and occasions such as: The Redentore Festival (when Celebrity Constellation will visit Venice, Italy); the star-studded Cannes Film Festival (Celebrity Equinox); the festive Chinese New Year celebrations (when Celebrity Millennium will overnight in Hong Kong); Rio Carnival (where Celebrity Infinity will take guests for the first time in 2016); and to top it off, Celebrity Equinox will present overnight stays in two destinations widely recognised for their vivacious nightlife: Ibiza, Spain and Mykonos, Greece.

Russia & Eastern Europe 30th May 2015

15 nights aboard Celebrity Eclipse Fares from £1399 per person* Visiting: Southampton (UK) | Copenhagen (Denmark) | Stockholm (Sweden) | Tallinn (Estonia) | St. Petersburg (Russia) | Klaipeda (Lithuania) | Gdansk (Poland) | Berlin (Germany) | Southampton (UK)

The Black Sea & Redentore Festival (Venice) 5th July 2015

14 nights aboard Celebrity Constellation Fares from £1786 per person* Visiting: Istanbul (Turkey) | Sochi (Russia) | Yalta (Ukraine Sevastopol (Russia) | Odessa (Ukraine) | Kusadasi (Turkey) Athens (Greece) | Split (Croatia) | Venice (Italy)

South America & the Rio Carnival 31st January 2016

14 nights aboard Celebrity Infinity Fares from £1669 per person* Visiting: Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Sao Paulo (Brazil) | Ilhabela (Brazil) | Buzios (Brazil) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Punta del Este

Ruth’s Choice...

“My favourite itinerary is Celebrity Equinox, 10th May 2015, to go star-spotting over two days in Cannes and experience the nightlife too. The majesty of Florence; the lavender fields of Corsica; the stunning Sardinian coast; tasting Sicilian ice cream and my favourite place in the world, the Amalfi Coast”.

Ruth Gardiner, Strategic Account Manager, Celebrity Cruises

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(Uruguay) | Montevideo (Uruguay) | Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Exotic Southern Caribbean 7th December 2014

14 nights aboard Celebrity Eclipse Fares from £997 per person* Visiting: Miami (USA) | Willemstad (Curacao) | Kralendijk (Bonaire) Bridgetown (Barbados) *Prices are based on two people sharing a cabin, cruise only, correct at time of print and subject to availability, shore excursions are available at extra cost, flight packages available, please ask for details. Operators terms and conditions apply.

Cruisin’ Magazine 7

John Craven, TV presenter for Countyfile, reveals what happened to him on his recent trip on the Mekong River in Cambodia with AmaWaterways.

Shepherd’s Pie and KFC*

on a Mekong Cruise in Cambodia

I

*That’s Khmer Fried Crickets!

t’s lunchtime on the Mekong and we return to our river boat

than a hundred of them stand in what is now an archaeological park

after a hot, steamy morning of sightseeing and rickshaw rides

stretching for 150 square miles, centred on Siem Reap.

along its banks to discover that our Cambodian chef has prepared, of all things, shepherd’s pie.

Even though the local cuisine is exotically delicious, and always on

Most of the temples were built up to nine centuries ago but later abandoned and swallowed by the surrounding jungle, their fate unknown to the outside world. Victorian explorers put them back on

offer as an alternative, when you’re far from home there are times

the map – especially the most famous of all, Angkor Wat, perhaps

when familiar comfort food seems the answer to a prayer, and chef

the largest religious monument ever known.

timed his pie just right. We didn’t have the heart to tell him that, as it was made from beef, it should have been cottage pie!

It was one of many unexpected delights during a seven-night

First a Hindu temple (Wat means temple in the local Khmer language) then a Buddhist one, it dominated the forested landscape just a few minutes drive from our fine resort hotel. Protected by a

cruise on board AmaWaterways’ RV AmaLotus, the newest and

moat and an outer wall two miles long, the building is on three levels

largest boat on the wide and mighty Mekong. With a crew of 60 to

(climbing by ladderlike stairs to the top one is not for the faint-

look after twice as many passengers, this was a boutique hotel that

hearted) topped by five towers, the central one 213ft tall.

floated along at a stately pace. We boarded her near Cambodia’s

Archaeologists are still doing a fine job in restoring much of Angkor

capital Phnom Penh and disembarked 311 miles further south in

Wat’s glory and I was told the best time to see it is at sunrise. On a

Vietnam close to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.

drab, overcast day, though, its dark mass of stonework left me a little

But before boarding the AmaLotus, my wife and I flew to Siem Reap, in the north of Cambodia, once a small village but now the

underwhelmed.

I perked up at the next temple on our list, Bayon, just a short

country’s fastest-growing city. That’s because millions of visitors go

distance away. It’s a place that radiates happiness thanks to 216

there to trek round temples, and there are lots to choose from. More

huge faces carved into its many towers – each one of them smiling

8 Cruisin’ Magazine

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serenely. Like every tourist there (and it was heaving), I just had to

named after a communist icon, capitalism is king – ‘we have free

have my photograph taken in front of one of them, smiling of course.

trade but not free mouths’ someone told me.

Our temple trail (you can get a three-day pass for £34) then led

Our journey through two countries whose recent history was

us to what turned out to be my favourite, Ta Prohm. It has been left

steeped in conflict but which now live in peace was remarkable for

almost untouched and jungle trees with massive roots still intertwine

the warmth of the welcome. Even the Americans in our party, some

with walls and buildings in a spooky yet sublime blend of nature and

I’d guess Vietnam veterans, commented on it.

human achievement. No wonder Hollywood thought this the perfect setting for Lara Croft and Tomb Raider.

After our three-night temple ‘fix’ at Siem Reap, we faced a long road journey to join the AmaLotus – she hadn’t been able to sail

I called in at Halong Bay as part of an AmaWaterways land cruise holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia, which included an overnight stay on a junk.

Around 150 of them are large enough to have comfortable cabins

closer because water levels on the Tonle Sap River, which feeds into

and I boarded in the early afternoon, just as the junk flotilla was

the Mekong, were too low.

setting sail – a spectacular sight, even if it would have looked better

But the drive was an opportunity to see remote rural life, to stop

in brown than white! (the junks’ traditional, natural colour of polished

at a village food market where delights on display included KFC

brown has been re-painted white, due to an ill-advised order from

(Khmer Fried Crickets – yes, really, and rather crunchy!).

communist tourism bosses!).

Eventually we caught sight of our home for the next week. From

But nothing could spoil the pleasure of cruising round the misty

the outside the AmaLotus looked unremarkable, as many riverboats

bay, calling at one large island to explore its magnificent cave

do, but inside her style was classic French colonial, all dark wood and

system, being taken by local fishermen in their small boats to visit

elegant furnishings.

their floating village, watching our crew haul up the sails (at least

Our cabin was spacious with a small balcony and the bathroom had a shower cabinet you could move around in.

In the comfortable, open-seating restaurant the friendly, ever-

they are brown) and dining on the finest Vietnamese fare.

After breakfast, we sailed to shore and as I travelled back to Hanoi across the Red River Delta I couldn’t help feeling that, as tourism

attentive team served some of the best Asian and Western food I’ve

grows, if all that changes is the colour of the junks then Halong

ever experienced on water.

Bay will have got off lightly…

A stark reminder of Cambodia’s past…

Echoes of Pol Pot’s murderous regime in the Seventies were still all around as we travelled through Cambodia. Almost everyone in this country lost relatives and friends; our guide was orphaned at the age of one when his teacher mother and doctor father were shot, just because they were educated people.

Sadly, but understandably, the killing fields where one third of the population perished have become tourist attractions; I’m glad I decided to join the trip to the memorial site at Choeung Ek, just outside Phnom Penh, because only in the penetrating silence of that awful place can you comprehend the scale of the genocide.

Our visit also included a now empty secondary school where victims were detained and tortured until they wrongly confessed to working for the American CIA, and were then sent to Choeung Ek. It brought back haunting memories of the time I spent during my Newsround days filming in a refugee camp in Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. Everyone I spoke to told harrowing stories of the Khmer Rouge’s brutality and many had seen family members killed as they desperately fled towards freedom.

These days, Cambodia is still rebuilding and Phnom Penh is a lively, upbeat city. There’s no public transport and only 20 taxis so everyone either walks or goes by tuk tuk - a cheap, fun way to see the city.

After leaving Phnom Pehn we meandered down the Mekong into Vietnam, passing endless paddy fields, strolling through villages and even a still-preserved jungle hideout used by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. But there was also time to relax on the sundeck and watch fishermen cast their nets from sampans.

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City to find the old ‘Pearl of the Orient’

Relive John Craven’s adventure with AmaWaterways Call today to find out how!

retains some of its colonial charm. Paradoxically, in this city now

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Cruisin’ Magazine 9

Discover new places...

Experience new cultures… n $75 o Up to pend s board ask for ble availa ails!* det

Learn more about the world you don’t see every day...

A

cruise with Princess offers

Far East, with a huge choice of cruises in

beautiful scenery, brand

Japan and Southeast Asia, or discover the

new experiences and fresh

incredible diversity of Australia and New

perspectives. You’ll come

Zealand.

home with new friendships, new stories to tell and new memories to share. This is our promise – that you’ll come back new.

Cascading waterfalls, the glow of the midnight sun, fairytale palaces and scented lavender fields… All are within easy reach with a Princess cruise from Southampton.

Discover the jewels of the Mediterranean,

As unforgettable as the sights may be, your Princess ship promises to be the best destination of all. From your stateroom steward who greets you by name each morning through to the delicious dinners and dazzling musicals afterward, it’s the perfect floating home away from home from which to enjoy the wonders of the World. So unpack, unwind, make yourself at home…

Cruisin’ Prices Cruisin’ Favourites

Grand Mediterranean

6th August 2014 Venice to Barcelona 12 days aboard Regal Princess Fares from £999* per guest Visiting: Venice (Italy) | Dubrovnik (Croatia) | Athens (Greece) | Kusadasi (Turkey) | Mykonos (Greece) | Naples (Italy) | Rome (Italy) | Florence/Pisa (Italy) | Toulon (France) | Barcelona (Spain)

Eastern Caribbean Voyager

explore ancient treasures of the Greek Isles

4th November 2014 Ft. Lauderdale roundtrip 10 days aboard Royal Princess Fares from £699* per guest

and Black Sea. Or join Royal Princess on a

Visiting: Ft. Lauderdale (Florida) | St. Kitts & Nevis

voyage around the British Isles.

St. Lucia | Barbados | Antigua | St. Thomas (Virgin Islands)

capitals of the Baltic and the drama of the Norwegian Fjords. Take a fly-cruise to

Princess Cays (Bahamas) | Ft. Lauderdale (Florida)

As well as the Mediterranean and

Thailand, Indonesia & Malaysian Grand Adventure

Northern Europe, you could discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Alaska, and add a landtour in Alaska or the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

Explore the colourful islands of the Caribbean, or enjoy a front row seat as you glide through one of the great wonders of the world, the Panama Canal. Cruise the beautiful Chilean Fjords and experience vibrant cities of South America like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Add a landtour to the ancient site of Machu Picchu or the Iguaçu Falls.

Paradise awaits on the idyllic shores of Hawaii and Tahiti, with impossibly beautiful white sand beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Immerse yourself in the exotic 10 Cruisin’ Magazine

Sophie’s Choice...

29th December 2014 Singapore roundtrip 15 days aboard Sapphire Princess Fares from £1299* per guest

Visiting: Singapore | Bali (Indonesia) | Kuala Lumpar (Malaysia) | Phuket (Thailand) | Singapore | Bangkok

“My favourite destination is Alaska!

It’s amazingly different, with abundant wildlife, the tallest mountains, the largest area of national parklands and the highest concentration of glaciers in the World. Alaska is a place of magnificence and like nothing else on earth!! And..it’s not beyond the reach for even the most average person”.

(Thailand) | Ko Samui (Thailand) | Singapore

Sophie Collins, Business Development Manager, Princess (uk)

*Prices based on 2 people sharing an inside cabin, cruise only, inc taxes, fees & port expenses. All offers valid at time of print & subject to availability & change. Onboard spend subject to terms and conditions - please ask about eligibility.

Hawaiian Islands

17th February 2015 Los Angeles roundtrip 15 days aboard Grand Princess Fares from £1099* per guest Visiting: Los Angeles (USA) | Hilo (Hawaii) | Honolulu (Hawaii) | Kauai (Hawaii) | Maui (Hawaii) | Ensenada (Mexico) | Los Angeles (USA)

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To theme or not to theme?

THAT is the question on a lot of cruise operators’

AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel, Seine and Rhône rivers and also offers luxury river cruises in Portugal, Russia, Africa, Vietnam & Cambodia and, new for Autumn 2014, Myanmar (Burma).

Book before 31st July 2014 and save up to 10% on 2015 sailings.

minds these days as they strive to make their

The Enchanting Rhine

cruise itineraries stand out from the rest. Enter

From £1406 per person

the realm of ‘speciality cruises’ centred around

Visiting: Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, and Basel

themes such as food & drink, wellness, knitting, Melodies of the Danube

celebrities, dancing or even Bridge!

From £1462 per person

Here’s a quick round up of some of the themed

Visiting: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau and Vilshofen

cruises on offer this Summer/Autumn from your favourite operators…

Enticing Douro

Yoga Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is offering free daily yoga

From £1519 per person

and meditation classes on two cruises this year; a Balearics voyage

Visiting: Porto, Regua, Barca d’Alva, Vega Terron, Pinhao, Regua, Entre-os-Rios and Porto

aboard Star Flyer departing 2 August and the Autumn transatlantic crossing of flagship Royal Clipper (6 November). Qualified yoga teacher Christel Vollmer, will be aboard Royal Clipper offering

Provence

daily sessions of Astanga yoga, also known as power yoga, on

From £1687 per person

deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before

Visiting: Lyon, Belleville, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon and Arles

sunset, including meditation. She will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home. The yoga popular Ishta Style yoga.

Call your cruise specialist TODAY to take advantage of these fantastic prices before 31st July 2014.

Wine Culinary cruises, whether they be food or drink related are

Included features

always popular. AmaWaterways have two wine-themed river cruise

• Return flights and transfers†

packages on offer this November, each starting with a 3 night stay

• Luxurious cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom – most with French

in Prague, followed by a 7 night Danube cruise aboard AmaPrima

or Revolutionary Twin Balconies

expert aboard Star Flyer will be Raphaella Rose, who practises the

(8 Nov) or AmaSonata (9 Nov). The cruises are accompanied by special wine hosts Holly Howell, of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, NY and Gerry & Mick Wilson of Wilson Creek Winery, CA, respectively.

• Fine dining including wine, beer & soft drink at lunch and dinner • State of the art Infotainment System featuring free in room direct internet access, free Hollywood movies and more • Life enriching tours and daily excursions with personal headset included • Special highlights include lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstrations,

Bridge Card games have long been an integral part of long journeys, often the perfect way to while away the hours with friends old and new. But now, the popularity of games such as

onboard music and/or dance performances and live piano music every afternoon & evening • Bicycles to explore on your own plus guided bicycle tours – capacity controlled.

Bridge has given rise to ideas of dedicated Bridge programmes complete with Bridge room, organised games and seminars with an emphasis on sociability – as well as a little bit of competition!

Voyages of Discovery have a well-established ‘Mr Bridge’ programme on board Voyager, along with a host of other sociable activities such as bingo, arts & crafts and dancing that can be enjoyed all year round.

Strictly Come Dancing The huge popularity of the BBC’s hit dance show Strictly Come Dancing is undeniable, which is why P&O Cruises have dedicated a whole host of cruises to it! Craig Revel Horwood and professional dancers from the show, Pasha Kovalev & Katya Virshilas, Ian Waite & Camilla Dallerup, will be bringing all the glamour of the ballroom to Ventura, Aurora, Azura and new ship Britannia! In 2014 there are two cruises to choose from, departing 2 August and 25 September, both from Southampton.

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

*Fares based on 2 adults sharing a category E cabin, cruise only, port charges included. All prices are correct at time of print and are subject to availability and/or change and can be withdrawn at any time.

Early booking discount applies to 2015 sailings booked before 31 July 2014, thereafter, prices revert to standard. AmaWaterways terms and conditions apply.

Cruisin’ Magazine 11

The world’s only

Upper Premium Cruise Line

Cuisine, Comfort, Service and Outstanding Value are the pillars that define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product – making it the cruise company of choice for travellers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.

T

he unique itineraries of Oceania Cruises show you the world in an entirely new way. They have long held a reputation

for innovation, and nine out of every ten itineraries are new in 2014.

For the first time, Oceania have four ships exploring Europe from the treasures of Scandinavia to the pearls of the

Cruisin’ Prices

NEW! North Atlantic Exploration 2nd October 2014 Southampton to New York 15 Days aboard Insignia Fares from £2269* per guest,

Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Regatta spends

including flights and gratuities

the summer amidst the majesty of Alaska.

Visiting: Belfast (UK) | Dublin (Ireland) | Cork

In the Autumn, Insignia joins Regatta to

(Ireland) | St. John’s (Canada) | Halifax (Canada)

explore the vibrant foliage of Canada and New England, before Regatta continues south to the wonders of the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Amazon River.

Oceania not only call on classic destinations like St. Petersburg and Venice but also chart a new course with novel ports such as Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands, Lysekil at the heart of Sweden’s caviar culture, and Antibes, the stylish resort town on the Côte d’Azur.

Explore Milford Haven and its colourful seafaring past or follow the footsteps of Hippocrates as you walk along the streets of Kos, Greece. On the other side of the globe near Saguenay, Quebec, take in views of the dramatic fjord that has enchanted travellers for centuries.

Saint John (Bay of Fundy, Canada) | Portland (USA) | Boston (USA) | New York (USA)

NEW! Engaging Harbours 20th September 2014 Southampton Roundtrip 12 Days aboard Insignia Fares from £1779* per guest, including gratuities

Visiting: Paris (Honfleur, France) | Portland (UK) Milford Haven (UK) | Dublin (Ireland) | La Coruna (Spain) | Bilbao (Spain) | Bordeux (France) Pont-Aven (France) | Saint-Malo (France)

Mayan Mystique 1st November 2014 Miami to Miami 10 Days aboard Insignia Fares from £1909* per guest,

including gratuities (one night pre-cruise hotel stay required) Visiting: Costa Maya (Mexico) | Roatan (Honduras) | Santo Tomas (Guatemala) | Belize City (Belize) | Cozumel (Mexico) | George Town (Cayman Islands) | Key West (USA) | Miami (USA) | Pont-Aven (France) | Saint-Malo (France)

*Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and reflect all savings. Cruise-related government fees and taxes are included. An additional £2.50pp APC Levy is payable on a flight inclusive package, which is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide protection to you. This is subject to change. Checked baggage fees may apply. Transfers / hotel not included.

12 Cruisin’ Magazine

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The Finest Cuisine at Sea

B

oldly claiming to serve “the finest cuisine at sea” might

the eminent Jacques Pépin’s exquisite French bistro, and the

seem to be an overstatement. But Oceania Cruises

contemporary Asian culinary masterpiece called Red Ginger.

wouldn’t make such an immodest assertion if not for

It is this restaurant, Red Ginger, serving Authentic Asian cuisine

the tremendous contribution of the legendary Master

in a bold, contemporary setting which has recently won the Cruise

Chef Jacques Pépin. As Executive Culinary Director aboard their

International award for ‘Best Restaurant at Sea’. ‘Best Dining’ was

ships, he inspires their chefs to perform feats of gastronomic

also awarded to Red Ginger at the 2013 Cruise Critic (UK) Editor’s

wizardry. Memorable dining begins with open-seating, as it allows

Pick Awards.

you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose.

With a nod to feng shui, Red Ginger radiates harmony and

Regardless of which restaurants you select, there are no additional

tranquillity. The interior simply glows with ebony woods, a dramatic

dining charges. Enjoy Toscana’s authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s

waterfall wall and striking, modern Asian artworks. To complement

steakhouse fare, Continental cuisine in the Grand Dining Room, and

the stunning decor, Red Ginger’s chefs have created contemporary

made-to-order favourites in the Terrace Café. Marina and Riviera

interpretations of Asian classics. In Red Ginger, the gustatory

both offer two additional complimentary dining venues: Jacques,

pleasures are as striking as the visual ones.

What’s Included?

• FREE AIRFARE on every voyage*

• Mid-size, elegant ships catering to just 684 or 1,250 guests • Finest cuisine at sea, served in a variety of distinctive open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge • Gourmet culinary programme created by world-renowned Master

Winter

2014-2015 Collection Sail during the Winter season with Oceania Cruises and you can glide across a lagoon in Bora Bora searching for

Chef Jacques Pépin

black pearls, walk suspended above a rainforest canopy in

• Port-intensive itineraries featuring more overnight visits and

Costa Rica or float along the vast expanse of the Amazon

extended evening port stays

River. View giraffes, zebras and lions in Africa, relax on

• Country club-casual ambience; tuxedos and gowns are never required

white-sand beaches in the Caribbean or visit the iconic

• Bon Appétit Culinary Centre, the only purpose-built, hands-on cooking

Sydney Opera House in Australia. From the Buddhist

school at sea†

temples of Thailand to gauchos roaming the countryside in

• Acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub® • Extraordinarily high staff-to-guest ratio ensures exemplary

Brazil, your world awaits you!

personalised service • Youngest fleet in premium-class cruising with 85% of accommodation featuring private balconies † Available onboard Marina and Riviera

*Terms and conditions apply

Louise’s Choice...

“I love Grand Cayman as it was great fun to feed the Stingray at Stingray City and I tasted the most delicious rum cake that is sold in most stores by the port”.

Louise Craddock, Sales Manager (South), Oceania Cruises

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Cruisin’ Magazine 13

Cruisin’ Exclusive Ingredients for an

amazing cruise...

For the past 9 years, Martin Lister, Planning Manager at Fred. Olsen

Cruise Lines, has been responsible for putting together itineraries to keep their customers coming back year after year. Cruisin’ Magazine grabbed him for a chat about how he keeps Fred. Olsen’s cruises so fresh and what is involved in putting together a memorable cruise itinerary…

In your (expert!) opinion what makes a good itinerary? A really

destination agents which helps us in planning varied and new

good itinerary, in my opinion, is one that firstly, balances port and sea

itineraries; however we do face challenges. When I am putting

days; secondly, offers something of added value that makes every

together cruises there are many things that I must consider, such as

second of the cruise a great experience – whether an event in one

tidal restrictions, pilot requirements, berthing allocations, managing

of the ports or some really fantastic scenic cruising; thirdly, that the

speeds and schedules, the ability to re-stock the ships in ports around

ship can dock as close to the centre of the destination as possible

the world, destination experience and crew changes – and this is just

with adequate time in the port; and finally, a varied shore tours

naming a few!

programme!

How important are the ports / excursions to the overall cruise?

How do you keep your itineraries fresh and exciting? We start each

Very. With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines the destination is the destination

new season with a completely blank canvas. With our ex-UK cruises,

– sounds fairly obvious, but for many cruise lines the ship is

we do not operate ‘track’ itineraries, meaning we are not repeating

the destination! For example, as well as using our own officers’

the same route over and over again. We write the overall schedule

experience, we have inter-coastal pilots on all of our ‘Norwegian

and each individual cruise from scratch every year. Obviously, we

Fjord’ cruises so that we have the best knowledge of this area -

review the performance of cruises and may re-introduce successful

enabling us to deviate away from the direct route and divert into

cruises and ports that have performed very well, but even then we review the content and see if small tweaks will improve the experience.

smaller and restricted fjords to really showcase what Norway is all about. To find out which ports are most desired, we ask our guests to complete a pre-cruise survey – this asks them to rate how each port of call on their cruise influenced their decision to book. To gauge

How do you decide what new cruises to come out with? We review

guests’ satisfaction with the ports they visited, we then ask them to

the performance of existing cruises to gauge passenger demand and

complete a post-cruise survey, where they rate their enjoyment of

if it’s extremely popular and warrants repeating then we will! We also

each port of call - we aim to feature as many of the most highly rated

look at customer feedback. For example, this year, two of the top

ports as possible.

performing cruises are ‘French River’ cruising and ‘Film Stars & Fast Cars’; both are being repeated in 2015. After reviewing feedback and performance it’s then time for us to plan any extra special cruises that need to operate on certain dates, such as our D-Day Anniversary cruise. We then move onto longer cruises, which require more planning and research, before getting to our core product of classic customer favourites – such as the Canary Islands and Norway.

What is your favourite itinerary and why? I guess I’m not supposed to have favourites – they should all be my favourites – but I can honestly say that I do have two that I am particularly proud of in the 2015/16 cruise season. These are Black Watch’s 16-night ‘Rugged and Rural Canada’ cruise and Braemar’s 15-night ‘You Choose Your Cruise’. ‘Rugged and Rural Canada’ is the shortest no-fly Canada cruise from the UK on the market. I have so many people ask me

What challenges do you have when producing an itinerary?

‘can you really do Canada in 16-nights?’ and the answer really is yes!

We have very strong and positive relationships with our port and

When you look at the map, the destinations normally within reach in

14 Cruisin’ Magazine

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a 13-16 night duration are the Baltic, West Mediterranean and Canaries;

What was your thinking behind ‘You Choose Your Cruise’ and what

people would never think Canada. It seems so much further compared

challenges / logistics do you have to take into account? Well, in

to these European destinations because it is Trans-Atlantic and on

2014 we scheduled the ‘Mystery Cruise’, which turned out to be the

another continent, but it is possible and we’re the only ones doing

biggest talking point for that season. So for 2015, we needed to

it! This cruise requires just 11 days leave, departing on a Friday and

schedule another cruise that was truly unique and innovative. It was

returning on the Sunday - great for the working public who generally

a real ‘light bulb’ moment when I thought of guests choosing the

think that Canada on an ex-UK cruise is not possible.

ports and I spent a week or so pondering if the concept could really

What is your favourite port and why? So far, my favourite port of call is Seville. The city is absolutely beautiful and has something for everyone. Stunning Moorish architecture, flamenco, great gastronomy, pretty orange trees lining the streets and the immense gothic cathedral, which is the largest in the world as well as the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Furthermore, on our upcoming ‘Spanish Cities with Seville’ cruise, April 2015, on board Braemar, guests will be taken all the way up the Guadalquivir River and into the heart of the city.

Again this fantastic itinerary is available because of Braemar’s smaller size and shallower draft. It also requires careful scheduling on the correct tides, but most other cruise lines can only sail as far as Cadiz on the coast and operate tours to the Andalucian capital.

work. It has taken a lot of planning to get the itinerary right, but it’s also been really good fun. The biggest challenges for me have been balancing durations in the different ports, choosing contrasting destinations and ensuring there is enough time on board, so that guests can enjoy the excitement and fun of this very special cruise experience. Guests will vote for the next port of call as the cruise progresses, from two choices each time. Guests can opt for vibrant Gaudi-inspired Barcelona versus the traditional Palamós on the Costa Brava; or cultural Valencia versus Mallorca’s cathedral city of Palma; or Andalucian Malaga for the Alhambra Palace and Granada versus Gibraltar’s unique blend of Anglo-Spanish culture and tax free shopping!

“ We aim to feature as many of the most highly rated ports as possible”

Finally, what would you say sets Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines apart from

What destinations do you see rising in popularity and why? In

of added value, such as themes, national/international events and

2014 we have found that our ‘River Cruising’ has proven to be really

longer cruises to exotic and enticing destinations. We can also take

popular, as well as cruising to remote islands that are difficult to reach,

full advantage of Braemar’s shorter and shallower dimensions - which

such as the Azores. In 2015, early indication shows that our 35-night

has allowed us to schedule the French, German and Spanish River

‘Voyage to the American Deep South’, our 16-night ‘Rugged & Rural

Cruising and also a couple of very exciting Baltic cruises, where

Canada’ and our range of German, French and Spanish River cruises

Braemar docks in ports and at piers that are restricted to ships of

are proving popular.

Braemar’s size only.

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other cruise operators? I think there are lots of things that make Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines very special – our crew on board, who are outstanding; delicious food; an intimate atmosphere, and of course our innovative itineraries and award-winning shore excursions. Plus, we are the cruise line that is ‘bringing the world closer to you’ with 10 regional departure ports across the UK! We also have a great mix of recognised core product, i.e. standard cruises we feel we do very well, for example Norway – and special cruises that include something

Cruisin’ Magazine 15

etting there

is half the fun

Whenever you travel with Cunard you can be certain about one thing: seeing the world’s most wonderful places aboard an iconic Queen is an experience without equal…

Many Cunard cruises, including virtually every Queen Victoria departure, sail from Southampton and return to Southampton!

Cruisin’ Prices Wonders of the Mediterranean

Canary Islands Explorer

8 October 2014

14 days aboard Queen Victoria, from Southampton

17 nights aboard Queen Victoria, from Southampton

9 November 2014 Fares from £999pp* – Early Saver Fare!

Fares from £1399pp* – Early Saver Fare!

Visiting: Lisbon | Lanzarote | Gran Canaria

Visiting: Visiting: Cadiz | Catania | Corfu

Tenerife | La Palma | Madeira | La Coruna

Dubrovnik | Venice | Korcula | Gibraltar

Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise New York – it’s an exhilarating city. With so much to see and do, world class shopping and sensational cuisine, it’s a city like no other.

To arrive on board one of the world’s most extraordinary ships, Queen Mary 2, will help ensure your holiday is a truly unforgettable one.

What’s Included?

Luxury Accommodation...

Including 24-hr room service, interactive tv, nightly turndown service with pillow chocolates and more…

Flights & Transfers...

All fares include flights where the embarkation/ disembarkation port is outside of the UK.

Dining...

All on board meals included in the main restaurants or self-service buffets

Drinks...

Tea, coffee, water & fruit juice 24/7

Entertainment & On Board Activities...

A full programme of daytime & evening entertainment

Fitness Centre...

Children’s Facilities – all ships offer exciting programmes for children AND teenagers!

19 November 2014 7 days aboard Queen Mary 2

Fares from £1199pp* (Outside) – Early Saver Fare!

Includes flight from London

*Prices based on two people sharing a cabin, cruise only, valid at time of going to print and are subject to availability and change.

Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses included.

16 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Ext discroa 5% fo unt pass r past enge rs!

Travel in comfort and style with just 350 like-minded passengers aboard Swan Hellenic’s Minerva, a small ship in the style of a country house hotel. A programme of tailor-made shore excursions (worth up to £650pp!) is included on EVERY cruise, while our renowned Guest Speaker programme illuminates days at sea.

All meals, excursions AND tips are included along with flights and transfers!

Cruisin’ Prices

Realms of the Mediterranean 8 October 2014 14 nights from £2655 per person*

Save up to 10%

on country house-style cruising

Visiting: Civitavecchia (Rome) | Portovenere (Italy) | Naples (Italy) Amalfi (Italy) | Palermo (Sicily, Italy) | La Goulettee (Tunisia) Sousse (Tunisia) | Valletta (Malta) | Itea (Delphi, Greece) Piraeus (Greece)

Pyramids and Petra 22 October 2014 14 nights from £2608 per person* Visiting: Piraeus (Greece) | Kusadasi (Turkey) | Antalya (Turkey) Tasucu (Turkey) | Limassol (Cyprus) | Beirut (Lebanon) | El Sokhna (Egypt) | Aqaba (Jordan) | Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt)

To Burma and Beyond 4 December 2014 15 nights from £2678 per person* Visiting: Colombo (Sri Lanka) | Galle (Sr Lanka) | Yangon (Burma) | Langkawi (Malaysia) | Penang (Malaysia) | Malacca (Malaysia) | Singapore

…as well as these Small Ship Discovery cruises!

Ext discroa 5% fo unt pass r past enge rs!

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and flexibility on a Voyage of Discovery. Small enough to reach out-of-theway ports, Voyager carries just 540 passengers and avoids the excesses of today’s mega-liners. An awardwinning Guest Speaker programme featuring historians, explorers, naturalists and diplomats, alongside an engaging shore excursion programme helps you delve deeper into each destination. All meals, onboard gratuities, plus port and pre-paid airport taxes are included along with flights and transfers.

Cruisin’ Prices

Eastern Mediterranean & Red Sea

Atlantic Voyager

22 October 2014 12 nights from £1457 per person*

20 February 2015 9 nights from £980 per person*

Visiting: Istanbul (Turkey) | Dikili (Turkey) | Kusadasi (Turkey)

Visiting: Santa Cruz (Tenerife) | Santa Cruz (La Palma) | Funchal

Antalya (Turkey) | Limassol (Cyrpus) | Port Said (Egypt) | Suez

(Madeira) | Lisbon (Portugal) | La Coruna (Spain) | Portsmouth (UK)

Canal | Aqaba (Jordan) | Sharm el-Sheikh (Eqypt)

Treasures of the Indian Ocean 3 December 2014 15 nights from £2697 per person* Visiting: Colombo (Sri Lanka) | Hambantota (Sri Lanka) Male (Maldives) | Gan Island (Maldives) | Port Victoria (Mahe, Seychelles) | Praslin (Seychelles) | La Digue (Seychelles) Port Louis (Mauritius) *Fares are based on two people sharing an inside cabin, cruise only; are subject to change and availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For single passenger fares, please be advised that once the single fare allocations have sold out a 100% supplement will apply.

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 17

Cruisin’ Exclusive

Cruise lines are rethinking their itineraries and there’s a growing fashion for ships not only to stay much later in port but actually to overnight. Sue Bryant spills the beans.

New cruise itineraries

delight with more overnights…

T here’s something very special about an evening in a

into smaller, lesser-known places and often travel much shorter

beautiful Mediterranean port. The locals come out to

distances, which means you often get later departures. Tall ship

stroll, the heat of the day is fading and the best place

sailing specialist Star Clippers is a classic example; its Athens to

to be is sitting in a harbourside café with a cool aperitif,

Venice cruise in September calls at intimate ports along the Croatian

watching the world go by.

Until recently, this hasn’t really been part of the experience on a typical Mediterranean cruise. Why? Because traditionally, cruise ships

coast that are out of reach to huge ships, among them Korcula, Hvar and Mali Losinj.

Others may offer mainstream ports but make a point of

have tended to haul anchor and set sail at the end of the afternoon.

overnighting in one or two, giving you the whole evening to explore

They have to reach the next port and in addition, it makes more

ashore and soak up the nightlife. This makes complete sense as

economic sense for the cruise line if the ship is sailing and people are

some cities simply have to be seen at night. Venice, when all the

happily spending money in the bar on board.

day trippers have left Piazza San Marco and the square takes on

Things are changing, though. Cruise lines are rethinking their

an ethereal quality. Athens, where you can sit in a rooftop bar and

itineraries and there’s a growing fashion for ships not only to stay

gaze at the floodlit Acropolis. Barcelona, where the locals don’t even

much later in port but actually to overnight, so passengers can enjoy

emerge for tapas until 9pm. Cunard has introduced overnights in all

a taste of the local nightlife.

of these cities, as well as Istanbul and Monte Carlo, for its 2015 fly-

Not all cruises include this opportunity, of course. Some lines know their passengers want to see the most popular ports – in the

cruise programme on Queen Victoria.

Celebrity Cruises, too, has extended the opportunities to stay

Mediterranean, cities like Venice, Naples, Livorno, Rome, Athens

overnight in port. In 2015, there will be stays in Mykonos, which

and Barcelona – and follow the traditional pattern of arriving early

as well as being exceptionally pretty, has excellent nightlife; and

morning and leaving early evening; which is fine if your focus is on

Dubrovnik, which is absolutely stunning when the ancient ramparts

sightseeing. But others, especially those with smaller ships, venture

are lit up at night. Istanbul, Odessa, Sochi and Stockholm also

18 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

feature, and in the southern Mediterranean, Ashdod, the port for Jerusalem. While Ashdod itself may not be a highlight, the extended stay means there are two whole days to explore the wonders of Jerusalem. Celebrity is also overnighting at some major events in 2015, not least the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, the ultimate celebrity-spotting opportunity.

Sometimes, where the ship docks makes a critical difference to how you experience the port. St Petersburg is a case in point; big ships tie up out of town at the industrial port, while smaller vessels head up the Neva River right into the city centre, where they moor against a setting of lavish baroque and neoclassical architecture.

Guests on Fred. Olsen’s Braemar will enjoy this privilege in 2015 on a new programme, In the Heart of the Baltic, aiming to bring passengers closer to the action in every city.

Azamara Club Cruises has not only embraced the idea of a portintensive itinerary with late night departures, but celebrates it on every voyage worldwide with a complimentary ‘AzAmazing Evening’, when guests are whisked ashore to a point of local beauty – a castle, perhaps, or a beautiful garden – for a surprise. In the port of Kusadasi, for example, the evening is a classical concert with drinks and canapés at the ancient site of Ephesus, the antiquities beautifully floodlit as a backdrop to the musicians. Further afield, in southern India, the evening ashore is a taste of Kerala, with drinks in the gardens of a luxury hotel, surrounded by artists, potters, an astrologer and dancers in elaborate costume.

Port-intensive cruises aren’t limited to European itineraries. This November, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Voyager will sail two stunning cruises taking in India and the east coast of Africa, including overnight calls in Mumbai; Male, capital of the Maldives; Port Victoria in the gorgeous Seychelles and Cape Town, where the Victoria and Alfred waterfront buzzes with life in the evenings. P&O Cruises, meanwhile, offers overnights in both Sydney and Hong Kong on its Australia and Far East cruise in February next year, on board Arcadia.

Luxury line Silversea’s Silver Shadow will sail around South America next January, a 62-day odyssey from Fort Lauderdale that includes a two-night stopover in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, the most spectacular time of year to visit Rio, when the whole city goes wild with dazzling parades and round-the-clock festivity. There are further overnight stays in Punta Arenas and Callao, the port for Lima, a super-stylish city now styling itself as food capital of South America. Not many people can say they’ve been for a mini-break in Lima – but that’s just one of the joys of this new style of cruising.

“Some ships not only stay much later in port but actually overnight, so passengers can enjoy a taste of the local nightlife.”

Sue Bryant is a freelance writer, editor and broadcaster since 1991

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Cruisin’ Magazine 19

roundbreaking Features…

Incredible

Introducing Anthem of the Seas - Sailing from Southampton in 2015 The newest addition to the Royal Caribbean International® fleet, Anthem of the Seas is set to redefine cruising and will be sailing from Southampton from Spring 2015! Boasting an incredible range of groundbreaking features (with state-of-the-art technology, transformative venues, and the industry’s first ever Virtual Balcony staterooms), whichever Anthem of the Seas sailing you choose, you’re guaranteed the experience of a lifetime!

THE NORTH STARSM

TWO70SM

SEAPLEXSM

RIP CORDSM

The North Star will elevate

By day, it’s a modern, open-plan

Not only the largest indoor

Another first you’ll find only

you both physically and

living room with magnificent

active space at sea, but also

on Royal Caribbean®. With this

emotionally, revealing 360˚

270° panoramic views. By night,

the most groundbreaking.

sky-diving simulator, you’ll

views of a world you’ve

Two70° transforms. As the

For starters, it has the first

experience the sheer thrill and

truly never seen before!

lights go down and the music

ever bumper car rink at sea!

exhilaration of flying, as the air

Step into the jewel-shaped

comes up, you’ll be immersed

You’ll also find a roller-skating

machine keeps you afloat. Feel

capsule and gently ascend

in spellbinding performance art,

rink, and a full-size basketball

the wind in your hair, and the

over 300ft above sea level,

mind-blowing light shows and

court—not to mention a circus

WOW of flying, all without ever

for breathtaking views of

spectacular digital scenery. And

school. And the first-ever food

having to leave the ship.

the ocean, the ship and the

there’s even an ice bar, serving

truck at sea is on hand to serve

exciting destinations you visit.

up your favourite cocktails.

up tasty snacks.

France & Spain

Italian Mediterranean

22 April 2015 8 nights aboard Anthem of the SeasSM Fares from £1808 per person*

1 September 2015 14 nights aboard Anthem of the SeasSM Fares from £2812 per person*

Visiting: Southampton | Vigo (Spain) | Gijon Bilbao (Spain) | Le Havre (Paris, France) | Southampton

Visiting: Southampton | Gibraltar | Cartagena (Spain) | Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) | Florence/Pisa

Ask you r Cruisin’ Speciali st TODAY about m ore Anthem of the S eas sailings

SM

(Italy) | Marseille (France) | Cadiz (Spain) | Lisbon (Portugal) | Vigo (Spain) | Southampton

20 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

usive l c x E sin’ Crui zine a Mag ces!

Pri

Explorer of the Seas

Sailing from Southampton

In 2015

Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas will sail its very first Europe season in summer 2015, taking over from Adventure of the Seas. Test your surfing skills on their Flowrider surf simulator, watch a film come to life in their magical 3-D Movie Theatre, sample cuisine from around the world in one of the many excellent onboard restaurants. There will also be all-new staterooms and luxurious suites, plus new virtual balconies that bring the outside into interior staterooms!

Canary Islands Adventure Cruise

Spain & Mediterranean Beaches

24 April 2015

3 June 2015

10 nights aboard Explorer of the Seas

14 nights aboard Explorer of the SeasSM

Fares from £1498 per person*

Fares from £1998 per person*

Visiting: Southampton | Funchal (Madeira,

Visiting: Southampton | Gibraltar | Malaga (Spain)

Portugal) | Tenerife (Canary Islands) | Las Palmas

Villefranche (Nice, France) | Ajaccio (Corsica)

(Gran Canaria) | Lanzarote (Canary Islands)

Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) | Palma de Mallorca

Vigo (Spain) Southampton

(Spain) | Cadiz (Spain) | Southampton

SM

Last chance to catch Independence of the Seas & Adventure of the Seas from Southampton in 2014!

Iceland & Norway

Spain & Canaries

31 August 2014

28 September 2014

12 nights aboard Adventure of the Seas

14 nights aboard Adventure of the SeasSM

Fares from £1798 per person*

Fares from £1998 per person*

Visiting: Southampton | Reykjavik (Iceland)

Visiting: Southampton | Gijon (Spain) | Vigo (Spain)

Akureyri (Iceland) | Trondheim (Norway)

Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) | Tenerife (Canary

Alesund (Norway) | Olden (Norway) | Stavanger

Islands) | Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) | Lanzarote

(Norway) | Southampton

(Canary Islands) | Lisbon (Portugal) | Southampton

Ocean Voyage to the Caribbean 1 November 2014 14 nights aboard Independence of the SeasSM

Fares from £2518 per person*!

Did you know? They also have an extensive programme of sightseeing tours, ‘flightseeing’ tours, adventure tours on horseback or by 4x4, underwater adventures including scuba diving and deep sea fishing, or once-ina-lifetime experiences like parasailing! Now THAT sound like a fun-filled holiday!

Dave’s Choice...

“One of my favourite ports of call has to be Villefrance. The beautiful town itself is picturesque, full of lovely bars and restaurants. However, this port is wonderfully placed to visit Cannes and Nice to the East and Monte Carlo to the West”.

Visiting: Southampton | Philipsburg (St. Maarten) Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) | San Juan (Puerto Rico) Cococay (Bahamas) | Fort. Lauderdale (Florida)

Dave Chidley, Major Account Manager, Royal Caribbean International

*Terms and Conditions: Prices shown are in £ pounds sterling per person, for the cruise only and are based on 2 guest sharing a stateroom. Cruises are subject to availability, for new reservations only All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Operator terms and conditions apply.

Cruisin’ Magazine 21

Time for You

P&O Cruises’ seven ships sail all over the world! Whether you are looking for a few days at sea or a full world cruise lasting over 100 days, you can choose from visiting the Fjords or Baltics, the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Asia, Australia, Africa and beyond!

From family-friendly cruises to Exclusively for Adults, a P&O cruise promises to offer a unique cruising experience for everyone…

Cruisin’ Prices

Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar

Caribbean Fly-Cruise

1 October 2014

7 November 2014

12 nights aboard Azura, from Southampton Fares from £749pp* - Early Saver Fare!

14 nights aboard Ventura, from Barbados Fares from £1649pp* – Early Saver Fare!

Visiting: Lisbon | Cadiz | Barcelona | Palma | Cartagena

Visiting: Grenada | St. Lucia | Dominica | St. Kitts

Gibraltar | Pont-Aven (France) | Saint-Malo (France)

St. Maarten | Tortola | Curacao | Bonaire

Flights fr Londonom Manche or ster

Belgium, Denmark & Norway

Exclusively for Adults 20 December 2014

7 nights aboard Arcadia, from Southampton Fares from £899pp* Visiting: Bruges | Copenhagen | Oslo | Southampton

Hayley’s Choice...

“My favourite port to sail out of is Lisbon. The scenery is beautiful along the river and sailing under the bridge is breath-taking. When the weather is nice, having a cocktail at the sailaway party, whilst listening to music and watching the view, is a perfect end to a perfect day ashore!”.

Hayley Edwards, Account Manager, P&O Cruises and Cunard

New Ship For 2015!

Spain, Monaco & Italy

Britannia isn’t just the biggest ship ever built for the British market, she’s glamorous too!

Combining the excitement of cruising with the sophistication of a five-star hotel, the wait is almost over for those of you just itching to try Britannia…

15 August 2015

22 Cruisin’ Magazine

14 nights aboard Britannia, from Southampton Fares from £1559pp* Visiting: Valencia | Barcelona | Monte Carlo Rome | Florence/Pisa | Cartagena | Gibraltar

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Our pick of shore excursions...

At your favourite ports of call The Palaces of St. Petersburg

Highlights of Rome

60 minutes in Cadiz!

A visit to St.

For a first-time

Petersburg isn’t

traveller to the

to a city is in order, a

complete without

Eternal City of

hop-on, hop-off tour

touring its famous

Rome, with possibly

could be your best

palaces and parks.

the richest, fullest

bet. The diverse city

There are lots of

history of anywhere

of Cadiz is divided

them but thankfully

on earth, deciding

by the Puerta Tierra

If a whistle-stop visit

many cruise-lines are overnighting here

where to go and what to see can often

which separates its wide promenades and

these days, giving ample time to take in the

seem quite daunting! If you want to make

marina, complete with watersports and

sights over two days. At the splendid Palace

the most of your day in this ‘living museum’,

sailing; from the historic quarter of Cadiz

of Catherine, the former summer residences

opting for an organised tour of all the

with its Baroque style Cathedral, museums

of the 18th Century Russian tsars have a

‘major’ sights is probably your best bet –

and theatres. You can take in many of these

reputation worldwide as being exquisite

after all, there are certain ‘must dos’ that

sights by hopping on a bus, departing

monuments to Russian Art. Take a tour of

you simply can’t miss out on when in Rome.

from right outside the cruise terminal, with

the White Vestibule, Grand Hall, Amber

A full day’s group excursion will enable

highlights including Seville Square, Puerta

Room and the Crimson Pilaster Room

you to see most of the highlights including

de Tierra, Santa Maria Beach, Victoria

and you will understand why. The Great

Vatican City (thankfully most pre-booked

Beach, the Cathedral, Shopping Centre, the

Palace of Peterhof, is home to the jaw-

tours offer a ‘skip the queue’ entrance

Church of el Carmen and Caleta Beach.

dropping Cascade fountain spreading down

ticket); Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon,

toward the palace grounds. Then, in the

Piazza Navona, the Colosseum and

enormous complex of the State Hermitage

St Peters Square! Be warned, there

along Palace Embankment, there are five

will be a fair bit of walking involved

buildings open to the public; the Winter

in a tour such as this, so make sure

Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage,

you have comfortable shoes with you!

New Hermitage and Hermitage Theatre.

Venice in a day…

Yukon Jeep Adventure

If you’ve only got

The popular port

4-5 hours to explore

town of Skagway

Venice, head straight

is a Southeast

for the 3 Islands of

Alaskan paradise,

Murano, Burano &

brimming with

Torcello by boat!

wildlife and

On Murano you

beautiful scenery.

can explore on foot or take advantage of a

For an excursion with a difference

guided tour around its famous glassworks.

however, hop over the Canadian border

There are a multitude of artist’s studios

on a jeep adventure along the Klondike

and factories to choose from where you

Gold Rush route! Visiting off-the-beaten-

can watch glass makers at work and pick

track destinations accessible only by

up some souvenirs! Burano, as perhaps the

off-road vehicles including Dead Horse

prettiest of the islands, is perfect for simply

Gluch, the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork

getting out the camera and going for a walk

Falls, make your way to Carcross, at the

to photograph the scenery and colourful

headwaters of the mighty Yukon River.

houses that line its fishing village. Finally,

A highlight of this spellbinding trip has

Torcello houses Venice’s very first cathedral,

to be the panoramic view from the top of

the Cathedral of Santa Maria. You can also

Montana Mountain, where you can spy the

climb the bell tower (or ‘Campanile’) for

Carcross desert, the smallest in the world.

fantastic island views!

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 23

Look forward to 2015 with these cruises sailing from a port near you Sailing from ten ports all around the UK to destinations far and wide, Fred. Olsen enables you to start your holiday with ease.

Here are our pick of the bunch for 2015, departing closer to home from Dover, Liverpool, Southampton or Harwich...

Sailing from Dover - Cruisin’ Prices

Tipples & Tapas

Fred.’s Favourite Fjords

7 April 2015 7 nights aboard Boudicca Fares from £599 per person*

11 July 2015 7 nights aboard Braemar Fares from £799 per person*

Visiting: L’Orient (France) | La Pallice (France)

Visiting: Lysefjord, Preikestolen & Kjerag

Getxo (Bilbao, Spain) | Aviles (Spain)

(Cruising) | Karmsundet (Cruising) | Akrafjord

Film Stars & Fast Cars 16 May 2015 15 nights aboard Boudicca Fares from £1499 per person* Visiting: Cadiz (Spain) | Almeria (Spain)

& Langfoss Waterfall (Cruising) | Skjolden (Norway) | Nærøyfjord (Cruising) | Olden (Norway) | Nordfjord (Cruising) | Hornelen (Cruising) | Bergen (Norway)

(Spain) | Malaga (Spain)

Angela’s Choice...

German Waterways

There is so much to see and do as it’s such

Cannes (France) | Nice (France) | Barcelona

2 June 2015 10 nights aboard Braemar Fares from £1099 per person* Visiting: Flensburg (Germany) | Travemunde (Germany) | Kiel Canal Transit | Hamburg (Germany) | River Elbe | Bremen (Germany)

24 Cruisin’ Magazine

“My favourite destination is Canada! a vast and diverse country. I’m looking forward to sampling our new Rugged & Rural Canada cruise - perfectly planned to showcase all Canada has to offer!”

Angela Flynn, Regional Sales Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Favourites

Sailing from Liverpool Cruisin’ Prices Cities & Landscapes of Canada 22 May 2015 Free door-to-door transfers† 28 nights aboard Black Watch Fares from £2999 per person* Visiting: Ponta Delgada (Azores) | Sydney (Nova Scotia) Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) | Gaspé (Canada) Trois Rivieres (Canada) | Montreal (Canada) | Quebec (Canada) | Saguenay (Canada) | Havre St. Pierre (Canada) Corner Brook (Canada) | St. Johns (Newfoundland)

Rugged & Rural Canada 14 August 2015 16 nights aboard Black Watch Fares outside from £2149pp* Visiting: Killybegs (Ireland) | St. Johns (Newfoundland) St Pierre et Miquelon Sydney (Nova Scotia) | Corner Brook (Canada) | Red Bay (Canada) | Belfast (Northern Ireland

Sailing from Southampton Cruisin’ Prices Voyage to the American Deep South 14 September 2015 35 nights aboard Balmoral Fares from £3499 per person* Visiting: Sydney (Nova Scotia) | Boston (USA) | Salem (USA) | Oak Bluffs (USA) | New York (USA) | Charleston (USA) | Savannah (USA) | Jacksonville (USA) | Port Canaveral (USA) | Miami (USA) | Nassau (Bahamas) St George’s Island (Bermuda) | Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Scenic Railway & Phenomenal Fjords 3 May 2015 8 nights aboard Balmoral Fares from £799 per person* Visiting: Stavanger (Norway) | Bergen (Norway) Flam (Norway) | Nærøyfjord (Scenic Cruising) | Olden (Norway) | Nordfjord (Scenic Cruising) | Maurangerfjord & Furebergfossen (Scenic Cruising) | Hardangerfjord (Scenic

Cruising) | Malaga (Spain)

Sailing from Harwich Cruisin’ Prices Easter City Getaway

4 April 2015 7 nights aboard Braemar Fares from £699 per person* Visiting: Hamburg (Germany) | River Elbe Amsterdam (Netherlands) | Antwerp (Belgium) | Western Scheldt River

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing an inside cabin. Prices are correct at time of going to print but may change at any time. Full operator terms and conditions apply, please ask for more details. †Door-to-door offer: This expires 30 June 2014 and is only applicable to the cruise(s) listed, for departures within 250 miles of guest’s home. Any additional mileage must be paid to the taxi company at the time of booking. Guests may be required to share a taxi for all or part of the journey. Guests may elect to use the door-to-door service the day before departure but will then be responsible for finding their own way to the port/airport, at their own expense, on the day of departure. Once their complimentary transport arrangement has been confirmed by the transport provider; if they subsequently fail to take this arrangement and not cancel with the transport provider, then they will be liable for the cost, their on board account will automatically be charged and their return journey cancelled. Not combinable with any other offer.

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 25

It is the unique combination of sailing tradition and pampered relaxation that is the essence of Star Clippers. For within the setting of a magnificently evocative tall ship is a world for those who seek an authentic sailing adventure without sacrificing creature comforts. Star Clippers’ UK Account Manager Danielle Dudley, was lucky enough to experience this for herself earlier this year, and shares with us some highlights from her Leeward Islands adventure...

Experience

The Star Clippers

“On our approach to

harbour with nothing but the open sea in

Phillipsburg harbour,

front of us.

the big cruise ships

During this trip we had the pleasure of

were visib le for

meeting Star Clippers’ flagship, Royal

miles, but elegantly

Clipper. With the sun glistening off the sea

standing tall were

and shimmering in the sails, the two sailing

the four majestic

ships came together and sailed in elegant

masts of Star Clipper.

harmony – a moment I will never forget.

With her hundreds of ropes rigged to the

Our evenings were filled with dancing

masts and a unique aura radiating class, this

under the stars, as laughter filled the air

was a real ship in every sense, a ship that

with friends old & new sharing stories over a

makes jaws drop and causes people to stop

glass of champagne.

and stare…

There was no need for any ‘entertainment’

One of the many fantastic things about a Star Clipper cruise is the ‘off the beaten track’

that first evening, for tonight’s show was

tiny islands that we visit, which big ships

the sail-away itself - everyone gathered by

simply can’t access. Like Illes des Saintes, a

the bridge, champagne in hand, eagerly

beautiful, quaint, colourful village lining the

awaiting our departure from St Maarten.

most picturesque harbour scattered with

As the classical, haunting, dramatic sounds

yachts and fishing boats; a real gem. We also

of Vangelis filled the air, crew and willing

visit a completely deserted, tiny yet stunning

passengers alike began to pull the ropes

beach, totally exclusive to Star Clippers. It’s

while the rest of us watched in delight at the

days like these you appreciate being on a

billowing sails as they slowly began to rise

smaller ship so much… its like being on your

above us. We gracefully edged out of the

own private island!”

Cruisin’ Prices

Cruisin’ Favourite

Treasure Islands Cruise & Stay

Christmas in Cuba!

26th November 2014 10 nights aboard Star Clipper From £1899* per person including flights and St Maarten stay!

21st December 2014 7 nights aboard Star Flyer From £1220* per person (Cruise Only)

Visiting: St. Maarten | Anguilla | British Virgin Islands

Grand Cayman | Cayo Largo | Sail by Archipelago De Los

Visiting: Cienfuegos | Cayo Blanco Casilda | Cayman Brac

St. Kitts | St. Barts | St. Maarten

Canarreos | Cienfuegos

*Price includes 3 nights pre cruise stay at Grand Case Beach Hotel,

Choose your Christmas gift from Star Clippers - €600 on board

St Maarten (room only), economy return flights from UK, 7 nights sailing

credit* OR No single supplement OR Third person travels free†

experience aboard Star Clipper, non UK transfers and port charges.

*Per cabin – based on two adults sharing. †Port charges are applicable

26 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Up and coming

River cruise destinations T

he popularity of river cruising

Back over in Europe is the river Tisza,

continues at a relentless pace, with

flowing across the Great Hungarian Plain into

Burma remaining the ‘hot’ destination

the famous Danube. Only recently opened

for many operators including AmaWaterways,

to international navigation, following the

Viking and Avalon. But outside of Asia, there

integration of Hungary into the European

are plenty of other rivers rising to the top of

Union, the Tisza rises in the Carpathian

people’s must-cruise list!

Mountains, flowing Northwest through

The American Queen Steamboat Company

Ukraine and onto Hungary, meeting the

has put the stunning scenery of the Pacific

Danube near Novi Sad. River cruises along

Northwest on the map. Here, the Columbia

the Tisza generally form part of a dual-

and Snake rivers wind their way through

river cruise along both rivers, with plenty

rolling hills, mountains and deep gorges, past

of opportunities for excursions into the

wild bison and elk, grazing along the water’s

neighbouring wine regions!

edge. The Colombia river takes you past many

Finally, Germany’s historic Pomerania

points of interest including the Sacajawea

region plays host to another off-the-beaten-

National Park, spectacular Cascade Mountains

track river route; the river Oder. Flowing

and the historic cities of Portland and Astoria.

through Western Poland, Germany and the

The Snake, is the largest tributary of the

Szcencin Lagoon, bordered by the islands of

Columbia River and was created through

Usebom and Rugen, the Oder finally empties

volcanic activity from a hotspot lying directly

into the Black Sea.

Ask yo ur Cruis in’ specia list abo ut othe up and r comin g river cruise destina tions.

underneath Yellowstone National Park.

Riviera Style The Unique

Riviera Travel has been operating tours for almost 30 years and truly focuses on the customer experience, both in terms of quality, accommodation and sightseeing excursions. All their river cruises are carefully tailored towards their customers, resulting in a comfortable, relaxed and sociable onboard experience.

Cruisin’ Favourite Why not try one of Riviera’s stunningly beautiful and fascinating river cruises along the Rhine, visiting some wonderful sights such as Cologne, the Rhine Gorge, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Basel and Speyer.

Cruisin’ Price

Eight day Rhine Cruises available from only £1,099pp Selected departures up to October 2014 and May to October 2015

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Favourite Why not try exploring the fascinating waterborne worlds along the banks of the mighty river Mekong, from floating villages, stilt houses, colourful floating markets and the thousands of local boats of all shapes and sizes plying its mudcoloured waters.

Cruisin’ Price

A Journey on the Mekong Fifteen days from only £3,099pp Very limited availability on departures up to November 2014 2015 dates and prices available soon!

Cruisin’ Magazine 27

Cruisin’ Exclusive Interview with a

tour guide...

Michele Cook has been a tour guide for over 20 years and has successfully led over 150 tours in over 70 countries! As well as this, she has also trained new tour leaders, both western and local and has researched new tours in Ghana, Brazil, Assam in India, Iran, Yunnan Province in China, Mali, Tunisia & Sicily!

Now working as a Tour Manager & Cruise Director for Riviera

the sheer madness where you are forced to use all five senses to

Travel, Cruisin’ Magazine asked her to share some of her valuable

the full; Sicily, as it reminds me of Turkey 20 years ago, plus it has

insights with us…

everything including history, islands, volcanoes & excellent food &

Hi Michele, firstly, tell us which tour(s) you lead for Riviera?

I currently lead the Vietnam & Cambodia tour, including the Mekong

wine. And now, I can add Cambodia to my list of favourites, thanks to the temples of Angkor, the people & the food!

River Cruise. This summer, I am also leading river cruises on the

Give us your top tip for going on a river cruise tour? Take

Rhine, Moselle & Danube, which is very exciting.

binoculars! You don’t want to miss anything along the way especially

What is it that you enjoy most about guiding these tours? I love the

the impressive buildings, local life & birdlife.

varied & interesting itineraries, the good standard of accommodation

What would be your TOP ‘travel tip’! Be Patient – this is very

and most of all, the enthusiastic clients I meet on the tours who love

important when undertaking this type of travel, particularly in this

travelling with us!

part of the world. AND learn some of the local language.

What do you enjoy least? Hmm, it has to be the early morning starts!

Tell us about your highlight of the tour and why? I love the temple day at Angkor (Cambodia). There is so much history here as the Khmer Empire lasted 500 years! I also love the peacefulness of the Mekong river & going ashore to experience everyday life. One excursion that stands out in particular is our visit to a school in Cambodia & a local market in the Mekong Delta.

How do you prepare for a tour & do you need to do much research beforehand? It’s really important to be organised & to plan things in advance. And yes, I love the ‘research’ part of the job. We do have local guides too of course, but I personally also like to know as much about the destination as I can - I am learning all the time!

Has anything not quite gone according to plan on tour? Over the years I have dealt with many different situations and I have learnt to always expect the unexpected!

What happened? I’ll tell you another time!

What is your favourite country in the whole world and why? It is impossible to chose just one favourite; the world is a big place! I have many favourites including Nepal for the scenery & people; India, for

28 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

What 5 things do you always take with you on tour? Laptop, camera, mobile, travel novels & earplugs!

How do you stay so enthusiastic after taking groups to the same places time & time again? I always try & do something different on every tour & make an effort to learn something new.

How do you keep your groups entertained during a long journey?

I have my ways… for example, I am constantly pointing out things of interest along the way, buying local produce for my guests to sample & holding quizzes!

Tell us something you learned about Vietnam & Cambodia that you didn’t know before you became a tour guide there? There is so much sadness in both these countries due to the Vietnam War 1965-1975 & Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime 1975-79. Although the majority of the population in both countries were born after these events, they have been affected in some way usually by losing family members often in horrific circumstances. However they have put the past behind them & are enjoying the freedom of becoming modern countries, which shows amazing resilience.

What advice would you give to someone currently planning a Mekong river cruise? Well, river cruises on the Mekong only began in 2008 and facilities along the river are often quite basic. For example, there is often no proper landing stage in ports of call- steps have been cut into the river bank instead. With that in mind, clients should be reasonably fit & agile & bring sensible footwear! A sense of adventure is also an advantage as this is not Europe! Clients who fit this criteria will not be disappointed. The best piece of advice from me however would be to go SOON - before the Mekong becomes over-developed!

“Over the years I have dealt with many different situations and I have learnt to always expect the unexpected!”

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 29

Norwegian Cruise like a

e! xclusiv e ’ in is rd Cru onboa $100 ou book if y spend Dec 31st! before

Only Norwegian Cruise Line brings you the endless possibilities of Freestyle Cruising®...

And for you this means the freedom to

Step on board across the pond and

Cruisin’ Prices

escape the everyday and experience things

Norwegian Breakaway, Pearl, Escape or

and places you’ve only ever dreamed of. It’s

Getaway will show you the very best of

refreshing, invigorating and gives you the

Bermuda, the Southern Caribbean or the

freedom and flexibility to create your best

sunshine and fun times on a cruise to

7 nights Western Mediterranean

holiday ever!

Florida, the Bahamas and our own private

…aboard Norwegian Epic!

Departing: 10 May, 26 July, 6 Sept 2015 Cruise only from: £569 per person

From her summer home in Barcelona, Norwegian Epic brings her distinctly

island, Great Stirrup Cay! With Norwegian Cruise Line you can see

contemporary, cutting-edge style to

more, experience more and get more out

some of the Western Mediterranean’s

of your holiday aboard Pride of America -

most fascinating and historic ports. Great

the only ship to offer inter-island cruises to

accommodation options, 23 delicious

all four main islands of Hawaii. Sailing year

dining choices, endless activities and

round and giving you some 85 hours in

spectacular entertainment, she’s the perfect

contrasting ports, you can create your own

ship for everyone.

personal Hawaiian experience!

Cruisin’ Favourites

7 nights Bahamas & Florida from New York …aboard Norwegian Breakaway!

19 Oct, 21 Dec 2014, 8 Mar 2015 Cruise only from £419 per person

11 nights Southern Caribbean …aboard Norwegian Pearl!

Departing: 20 Nov 2014, 26 March 2015 Cruise only from £509 per person

7 nights Eastern Caribbean from Miami …aboard Norwegian Getaway!

Departing: 24 Jan, 14 Feb 2015 Cruise only from £409 per person

Marks’s Choice...

“Hawaii is increasingly popular particularly as Pride of America is the only ship where you can start and finish in Hawaii and get to see more of this amazing destination – My top tip? Invest in a good camera before your holiday because the scenery is breath-taking”.

7 nights Hawaii from Honolulu …aboard Pride of America!

Departing: 8 Nov, 22 Nov 2014, 14 Feb 2015 Cruise only from £819 per person* *Prices are based on two people sharing an Inside Stateroom, cruise only, unless otherwise stated. All offers are subject to change & availability and may be withdrawn/substituted at any time. On board spend offer is per stateroom & is not combinable with any other offer - applicable to bookings made between 20.6.2014 - 31.12.2014. Full operator’s terms and conditions apply - please ask for more details.

Mark Godden, Business Development Manager Norwegian Cruise Line

30 Cruisin’ Magazine

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Discover the world’s most extraordinary places...

Vikki’s Choice...

For more than 140 years, Holland America Line has been a recognised leader in cruising, taking its guests to exotic destinations around the world.

Its compelling worldwide itineraries; coupled with the most spacious and comfortable mid-size ships at sea consistently place Holland America Line among the highest-rated premium cruise lines…

Cruisin’ Prices Baltic Adventure

African Explorer

27th July 2014 12 nights aboard Eurodam Fares from £699 per guest*

28th September 2014 28 nights aboard Rotterdam Fares from £1,899 per guest*

Visiting: Stockholm overnight (Sweden) | St. Petersburg

Visiting: Southampton | Lisbon | Gibraltar | Malaga

overnight (Russia) | Helsinki (Finland) | Tallinn (Estonia)

Valletta | Piraeus (Athens) | Ashdod (Jerusalem) | Haifa

Warnemunde (Berlin, Germany) | Kiel (Hamburg,

Port Said | Enter Suez Canal | Sharm el Sheikh

Germany) | Gothenburg (Sweden) | Copenhagen

Aqaba (for Petra) | Safaga | Salalah | Muscat | Abu

overnight (Denmark)

Dhabi | Dubai

Greek & Turkish Empires

Mediterranean Romance

4th October 2014 7 nights aboard Ryndam Fares from £499 per guest*

15th October 2014 12 nights aboard Nieuw Amsterdam Fares from £899 per guest*

Visiting: Istanbul | Thessaloniki | Kusadasi (Ephesus)

Visiting: Venice | Dubrovnik | Kotor | Corfu | Naples

Bodrum | Heraklion | Santorini | Piraeus (Athens)

Civitavecchia (Rome) | Livorno (Florence/Pisa) | Monte Carlo | Marseille | Barcelona (overnight)

“My favourite city has to be Stockholm.

Spread across 14 islands on the south west coast of Sweden, there is almost no end of things to do and see while visiting. Pay a visit to the very popular Djurgarden, which draws over 10 million visitors each year. This island in central Stockholm is home to historical buildings and monuments, museums, galleries”.

Eastern & Western Caribbean Holiday 14th December 2014 7 nights aboard Eurodam Fares from £349 per guest* Visiting: Fort Lauderdale | Grand Turk | San Juan St. Thomas | Half Moon Cay | Fort Lauderdale

*Lead in fares are in £ per person, cruise only and based on double

Business Development Manager, Holland America / Seabourn

occupancy. Subject to availability and correct at time of print.and change. Operator’s terms and conditions apply.

Difference…

The Seabourn

Cruisin’ Prices South Africa Voyage

Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia

19th November 2014 31 nights aboard Seabourn Sojourn Fares from £5,999 per guest*

29th November 2014* 13th January 2015 21 nights aboard Seabourn Quest Fares from £10,499 per guest with free upgrade to Veranda*

Visiting: Barcelona (Spain) | Gibraltar | Tangier (Morocco) | Casablanca (Morocco) | Arrecife (Lanzarote) | Las Palmas (Spain) | Santa Cruz (La Palma) | Mindelo (Cape Verde) | Praia, Ilha de Santiago (Cape Verde) | Dakar (Senegal) | Banjul (Gambia) Bom Bom Island (Sao Tome & Principe) | Luanda (Angola) | Walvis Bay overnight (Namibia) | Luderitz (Namibia) | Cape Town overnight (South Africa)

Visiting: Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Montevideo (Uruguay) Stanley (Falkland Islands) | x6 day Antarctic Experience | Ushuaia (Argentina) | Beagle Channel | Punta Arenas (Chile) | Strait of Magellan | Canal Sarmiento | El Brujo Glacier | Chilean Fjords Gulf of Corcovado | Castro Isla Chiloe (Chile) | Puerto Montt (Chile) | Reloncavi Sound | Valparaiso (Santiago)

*Lead in fares are in £ per person, cruise only and based on double occupancy.

Subject to availability and correct at time of print.and change. Operator’s terms and conditions apply.

Delight in one of Seabourn’s unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot go…

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 31

the ocean waves…

Fine dining amongst

W

hat could be more enjoyable

P&O Cruises plays host to the UK’s very own

reflect the regional cultures and traditions

than feasting on delectable

Marco Pierre White who, by the grand old

of the area they sail through, enhancing the

cuisine such as delicate

age of 33 had already been awarded three

cruising experience, adding authenticity and

soufflés or artisan breads; King’s Cut bone-

Michelin Stars! His White Room on board

ensuring tremendous variety. Many itineraries

in prime rib or exotic braised beef Malay

Ventura, Café Jardin on board Oceana, Café

also offer the opportunity to get ‘hands

curry; followed by banana cake with toffee

Bordeaux on board Aurora and the Ocean

on’ with local cuisine by hosting cooking

and hazelnut sauce served with coconut ice

Grill on board Adonia, all boast simple yet

demonstrations and classes on food & wine

cream for desert… than enjoying it in opulent

beautiful dishes, staying true to Marco’s classic

themed cruises (for more on themed cruise

surroundings aboard a luxury cruise ship!?

Italian fare at its very best.

holidays, see page 11).

Over the last few years cruise-ship cuisine

The style of cruise ship dining has also

So thankfully, the days of all-you-can-eat

has really come of age, with spectacular

been transformed over the years, with many

buffets and scrambling for the best seats

dining rooms, ultra creative menus,

cruise lines specialising in open dining with

in the main dining room are long over, and

speciality restaurants and even creations

no set meal times, formal dress codes or pre-

food fans no longer need think that they

from some of the world’s top chefs.

allocated seating arrangements.

are ‘missing out’ on getting up close and

Luxury cruise operator Oceania Cruises for

Norwegian Cruise Line’s famous ‘freestyle

personal with a nation’s cuisine by taking

example, boasts the legendary Master Chef,

dining’ concept is the perfect example – where

a cruise as opposed to a ‘normal’ holiday.

Jacques Pepin, as its Executive Culinary

guests can choose from “more dining options

Plus, an increase in port-intensive itineraries

Director. Jacques has served as personal

than days in the week”; can dress up or dress

(see pages 18-19 for more on this) now

chef to numerous heads of state and

down; sit with friends old or new and enjoy

allows cruise passengers to totally immerse

currently serves on the faculties of some

their meals at whichever time they choose!

themselves in the heart of a destination, just

of the world’s most prestigious culinary institutions.

32 Cruisin’ Magazine

Cruise ship menus, particularly on luxury and river cruises, have been designed to artfully

as much as those staying within the port towns themselves are able to!

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Tailor-made

fly-cruise packages

As experts in tailor-making cruise holidays to suit your every need, we have put together some fantastic fly/cruise packages for 2014/15.

If you don’t spot anything you fancy on this page, don’t despair, we can arrange an almost limitless combination of cruise packages just for you – including a pre or post-cruise stay at a hotel, flights to and from your destination, sight-seeing tours and more – just ask your Cruisin’ specialist!

In sight cludes se of Ba eing tour rce Sept lona, 27!

Inc Unive ludes entra rsal park nc and c e tickets ar hir e!

Greek Isles Cruise & Venice Stay

Western Med Cruise & Stay

Universal Cruise & Stay

…aboard Celebrity Silhouette

…aboard Norwegian Epic

…aboard Celebrity Silhouette

Departing: 8 August 2014

Departing: 26 September 2014

Departing: 9 November 2014

2 nights in a 4* Venice hotel, plus 7 nights aboard Celebrity Silhouette, departing 10 August

2 nights in 4* Barcelona hotel, plus 7 nights aboard Norwegian Epic, departing 28 September

7 nights at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, plus 7 nights aboard Freedom of the Seas, departing 16 November

Visiting: Kotor | Santorini | Athens (Piraeus) Katakolon | Venice

Visiting: Barcelona | Naples | Civitavecchia (Rome) Livorno | Cannes | Palma | Barcelona

Visiting: Port Canaveral (Florida) | Cococay (Bahamas) Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) | Philipsburg (St. Maarten)

Fly/Cruise from: £1426 per person

Fly/Cruise from: £929 per person

Fly/Cruise from: £1699 per person

Inclu Disn des entra ey Park n & qu ce ticket ick co s mea unter ls!

Call your cruise specialist NOW to book your fly cruise package or let us tailor your chosen cruise and stay to your requirements

Disney Cruise & Stay Holiday

…aboard Disney Magic Departing: 25 January 2015 7 nights at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Hotel (Walt Disney World Resort), plus 7 nights aboard Disney Magic, departing 1 February Visiting: Port Canaveral (Florida) | Key West (Florida)| Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) | Cozumel | Castaway Cay (Bahamas)

Fly/Cruise from: £1699 per person

*All offers have been packaged with flights & transfers as required and standard hotel accommodation as stated. Prices are per person and based on 2 people sharing the lead in category cabin. Subject to availability and change. Upgrades and alternative options are available – please ask for details. Your booking is ABTA and ATOL bonded for your financial protection and peace of mind.

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 33

From Natural Phenomena to

Amazing Activities…

Fantastic Arctic voyage to areas seldom seen by tourists…

Hurtigruten have sailed in polar waters since 1893 and we know them like the back of our hands; in fact many of our crew were born and live on the coastlines we sail along! Winter is perhaps the most special time to explore the wild and untamed Norwegian scenery. The landscape is covered in white pure snow, and we provide you with the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.

Arctic Highlights

Arctic Explorer

Selected dates in November and December 2014

24 February | 3 & 17 March 2015 from London Gatwick

Selected dates in January to March 2015

10 March 2015 from Manchester

Cruisin’ Prices

5 or 6 days, with flights Fares from £999 per guest*

Cruisin’ Prices

8 days, with flights Fares from £1579 per guest*

Visiting: Tromsø | Honningsvåg | Kirkenes

Visiting: Bodø | Tromsø | The North Cape† | Kirkenes

Hammerfest | Tromsø

Hammerfest | Vesterålen | Svolvær | Bodø

Cruisin’ Mag Exclusive!

Cruisin’ Mag Exclusive!

£100 on board credit per cabin (£50 for singles)

£100 on board credit per cabin (£50 for singles)

*Price includes 3 nights on board the ship at half board,

*Price includes 5 nights on board the ship, two nights in

one or two nights in a centrally located Tromsø hotel at

a Svolvær hotel, full board, visit to Lofotr Viking museum,

B&B, overseas transfers and flights. Only available for

overseas transfers and flights. Only available for new bookings.

new bookings. Normal Hurtigruten T&C apply.

Normal Hurtigruten T&C apply. †Optional excursion.

Early booking discount 2015!

Book early and benefit from up to 25% off 2015 Classic Itineraries.

Hurtigruten’s Classic Voyage is a spectacular journey! Enjoy the changing landscape of over 2,400km of coastline of majestic scenery, welcoming towns and friendly, like-minded travellers!

Book by 30 September 2014 and enjoy fares from only £819pp* *Price is based on two people sharing an inside cabin on a voyage south from Kirkenes to Bergen in January 2015. Price includes discount. Normal Hurtigruten T&C apply.

34 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Summer cruise experiences ever…

Enjoy the most inclusive

Cruisin’ Prices

Barcelona to Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo to Venice

6 September 2014 7 nights aboard Seven Seas Mariner Fares from £2399 per guest*

13 September 2014 10 nights aboard Seven Seas Mariner Fares from £4199 per guest*

Visting: Barcelona (Spain) | Port-Vendres (France)

Visting: Monte Carlo (Monaco) | Florence/Pisa

Provence (Marseille, France) | Antibes (France)

(Livorno, Italy) | Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) | Sorrento/

Florence/Pisa (Livorno, Italy) | Rome (Civitavecchia,

Capri (Italy) | Taormina (Sicily) | Corfu (Greece)

Italy) | Portofino (Italy) | Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Durres (Tirana, Albania) | Split (Croatia)

Rome to Lisbon

Amsterdam to Monte Carlo

3 October 2014 10 nights aboard Seven Seas Mariner Fares from £3199 per guest*

30 September 2014 14 nights aboard Seven Seas Voyager Fares from £6479 per guest*

Visting: Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) | Florence/Pisa

Visting: Amsterdam (Netherlands) | Saint-Malo

(Livorno, Italy) | Monte Carlo (Monaco) | Barcelona

(France) | Lorient (France) | Bordeaux (France) Bilbao

(Spain) | Valencia (Spain) | Cartagena (Spain)

(France) | La Coruna (Spain) | Oporto (Portugal)

Malaga (Spain) | Gibraltar (UK) | Seville (Cadiz, Spain)

Lisbon (Portugal) | Valencia (Spain) | Barcelona

Lisbon (Portugal)

(Spain) | Provence (France) | Monte Carlo (Monaco)

It’s All Included...

• FREE Flights & Ground Transfers

• FREE Business Class Air (in Penthouse Suites and Higher on Europe Voyages) • FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions • FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits • FREE Open Bars and Lounges • FREE Fine dining including speciaility restaurants • FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities • FREE 24-hour Room Service • Butler Service in Penthouse Suites and Higher • Onboard Activities Including Expert Guest Lectures and more...

Sarah’s Choice...

“My favourite city is Barcelona. I love the bustle of Las Ramblas and all the architecture the city has to offer. It’s also worth while taking time to walk away from the crowds and experiencing the tapas bars and cafes off the beaten track and experience Barcelona as the locals do!”.

Sarah Brooks, Senior Regional Sales Manager, RSSC

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

*Advertised fare includes air-related government taxes, surcharges and fees. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, fares and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cruisin’ Magazine 35

36 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’

Word Search

Who doesn’t like a good old fashioned word-search!

Here are your Cruisin' words,Wordsearch how long will it take you to find them..?

R N I B I I I I R I D V N Y I S T N

B Y GN I K OO B I A R I C T R R NO RWA Y H A A B R N E S R D T B I W E T E A I A R A S O T MD T E E T S E T N Y AD I L OH A E D R F T H B A N A V U A E T GNWR O I NA E B B I R ACN T I OH I L L T C E A T C I R P O S L CMN P DOA E I I V VA E I N F V S N X L DGN T A E E R U T N E VDA E I L E R NN E R CCA I G I I O CW R A I A I N C I E N A D N L N NAVDC S T A R C L I P P E R S R E N A H NC U U U E T I R VMN L A P E MO E R I L B S U MM E R C K B S E I N E S T R E T R AHC A I L I NG S C I U I D S R T O E HGC I T E S I N R T E P S O E P E E A A A R ACG E Y A S H I P I

CRUISE RIVERCRUISING CARIBBEAN PORTS ITINERARY HOLIDAY REGIONS WILDLIFE SUMMER

CELEBRITY CUISINE MEDITERRANEAN DESTINATION EXPLORE SCANDINAVIA BOOKING ENRICHMENT

TRAVEL CHARTER SHIP SAILING NORWAY BALTICS SPEND OCEANIA

Ratatouille Recipe

CRUISE

EXPLORE

CELEBRITY

NORWAY

TRAVEL

ADVENTURE

BOW

HOLIDAY

RIVERCRUISING

SCANDINAVIA

CUISINE

BALTICS

CHARTER

CULTURE

FLIGHTS

REGIONS

CARIBBEAN

BOOKING

MEDITERRANEAN

SPEND

SHIP

GRATUITIES

WATER

WILDLIFE

PORTS

ENRICHMENT

DESTINATION

OCEANIA

SAILING

BRITANNIA

STARCLIPPERS

SUMMER

ITINERARY

BOW FLIGHTS WATER STARCLIPPERS ADVENTURE CULTURE GRATUITIES BRITANNIA

You may already know that Oceania Cruises’ ‘Bon Appétit

Culinary Centre’, on board Marina and Riviera, hosts classes for guests who want to learn all about the signature dishes of the regions they sail through. If you’re thinking of booking yourself on an Oceania cruise, why not get a head-start with our recipe for Ratatouille, one of culinary director Jacques Pépin’s favourite dishes…

Ingredients

Method

2 onions

Slice and pan fry the onions in olive oil until they are soft. Add 4 (thinly sliced) garlic cloves to the pan and cook until soft. Transfer to deep roasting tin or baking dish. Thickly slice the aubergines and courgettes (thick slices) and pan fry each piece separately, adding more oil as necessary until the they turn a golden colour – it may take longer to cook these separately yet doing so really does help to lock in the flavour! Do the same with the peppers.

4 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic 2 aubergines 2 courgettes 2 red or yellow peppers (seeded and quartered) 4 plum tomatoes 2-3 sprigs of thyme Handful of basil leaves

Remove each piece of veg when ready, and place into your tin/dish, followed by the plum tomatoes (thickly sliced). Season with salt, black pepper and thyme. Bake for around 40 minutes at 180C (gas mark 4) until soft and tender.

Almost ready, simply tear your basil leaves, stir in gently and serve!

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Cruisin’ Magazine 37

Cruisin’ fashion...

Our picks for this summer’s must haves…

Splash Out...

Reel It In…

Wide Mood Indigo Bowie Bracelet

by Astley Clarke Biography

Piccolo Bag

by Tombag

www.astleyclarke.com/uk

www.notonthehighstreet.com

£85

£295

Various colours available

Reel It In… Thundercloud Nappa Leather Bolsena Bracelet

by Astley Clarke Bolsena

£75

www.astleyclarke.com/uk

Splash Out...

Snap Brim Trilby Panama

£70

Handwoven in Equador

Reel It In…

Splash Out...

Ladies Jenny Trilby Panama Hat

Accai Coral Dress by Theremedi

www.panamahats.co.uk

www.notonthehighstreet.com

£295

£60

Reel It In…

Splash Out…

Floral Sarong

Handcrafted Marine Blue Leather Overnight Bag

by Freeload Leather Accessories

£8

www.bonmarche.co.uk

£235

www.notonthehighstreet.com

38 Cruisin’ Magazine

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Holiday Extras Your cruise holiday specialist can organise so much more than your cruise. There are a number of ways that you can save yourself time and money by asking your specialist to book your holiday extras before you travel - making your arrangements as convenient and enjoyable as they possibly can be!

Parking

to all these things for one easy lounge

Book your airport parking quickly and

payment that can be booked and paid for

Top West End shows plus hotel & breakfast

easily through your Cruisin’ specialists for

in advance.

We understand what it takes to deliver

the best price.

an unforgettable theatre break. All our

Insurance

products are inspected, reviewed, slept in,

Hotels

Prepare for your holidays and book your

watched and eaten on a regular basis to

Choose from a wide selection of airport

single trip travel insurance with your

ensure an unforgettable theatre break.

hotels including Gatwick, Heathrow,

Cruisin’ specialists.

Play and Stay

Manchester and Stansted. Remember that by staying overnight at an airport hotel not

Hotel and Coach

only are you extending your holiday but

Let someone else do the driving and rest

you are on site at the airport ready for your

the night before your flight. Comfortable

Airport Car Hire

check in the following morning.

return coach travel to the airport combined

Car hire both to and from the airport.

UK Theme Park Breaks and Hotel Stays.

with an overnight stay at an airport hotel

Lounges

can cost less than you think.

Airport Lounges are so affordable and are often a surprisingly good deal! Just

Rail

think how much you spend every time

Save £££’s by booking return rail travel to

you get through security at the Airport,

the airport in advance. It is a great way to

on food, drink, papers, magazines and

get to the airport and is available to 8 main

other sundries. You could have access

UK airports.

TO BOOK, CALL YOUR CRUISIN’ SPECIALIST...

Call or email your Cruisin’ Specialist TODAY to arrange your HOLIDAY EXTRAS! You will be amazed at just how much you can SAVE!

Cruisin’ Magazine 39

Call free on: 

0808 271 3549

or visit our website:  www.fredcruises.co.uk For your peace of mind 09 44

ABTA No.Y0128 All prices are per person based on two adults sharing, unless otherwise stated. Offers are correct at time of going to print (09/06/14) and can be changed/withdrawn at any time. Any offers are subject to the operators’ terms and conditions and can be changed/withdrawn at any time. The cruise operators’ current campaign terms and conditions apply and are available upon request. Visas are not included. All bookings are ABTA and ATOL bonded for your financial protection and peace of mind.