Cruise International Awards 2012

DIGITAL EDITION

AWARDS SPECIAL

FEATURING BEST CRUISE LINE  BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE  AND MANY MORE

Cruise from the WIDEST choice of UK ports with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and We want the start of your cruise to be as enjoyable as the holiday you’re about to set off on, whichever UK departure port you are cruising from. Fred. Olsen Cruises leave the UK from Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Harwich, Newcastle, Liverpool, Glasgow (Greenock), Edinburgh (Rosyth) and Belfast.

By sailing from a UK departure port, you’ll avoid flight delays and baggage restrictions and can simply step on board to start your cruise holiday. To make life a little simpler and to ensure the journey to Balmoral, Boudicca, Black Watch or Braemar is as easy as possible, Fred. Olsen have negotiated special rates with a number of coach operators in the UK. When you book with GoCruise you benefit from personal experience, specialist training and unbiased opinion. Our customers value the personal service, dedication and attention to detail they receive from their GoCruise specialist, which is why 70% of our customers book with us time and again.

Norway Winter

9 February 2013 - 16 nights on board Boudicca

£100 On Board Credit

From

£2109

Portsmouth - Molde - Tromso (2 nights) - Alta (overnight) - Kristiansund - Bergen - Portsmouth

Spain & Portugal

per person

£80 On Board Credit

26 April 2013 - 8 nights on board Black Watch

From

£749

Southampton - Lisbon - Leixoes - La Coruna - Aviles Southampton

per person

7 May 2013 - 14 nights on board Black Watch

From

£1559

Harwich - Warnemunde - Stockholm (overnight) - Tallinn - St. Petersburg (overnight) - Karlskrona Copenhagen - Amsterdam - Harwich

29 May 2013 - 17 nights on board Black Watch

18 June 2013 - 9 nights on board Balmoral

Southampton - Alesund - Tromso - Honningsvag Leknes - Molde - Bergen - Stavanger - Southampton

Iberia & Morooco

From

£1639 per person

£100 On Board Credit

2 July 2013 - 12 nights on board Boudicca

OUTSIDE CABIN From Greenock - Leixoes - Melilla - Tangier - Casablanca -

£1459

Vigo - Greenock

per person

Highlands & Ireland

Baltic

Lapland & St. Petersburg

Crossing Arctic Circle

per person

£100 On Board Credit

Harwich - Kiel Canal - Warnemunde - Nynashamn Mariehamn - Vassa - Kemi - Tallinn - St. Petersburg (overnight) - Ronne - Copenhagen - Kiel Canal - Harwich

From

£2219 per person

16 July 2013 - 10 nights on board Balmoral

OUTSIDE CABIN From

Southampton - Guernsey - Dublin (overnight) Tobermory - Ullapool - Kirkwall - Stornoway - Belfast - Southampton

£1109 per person

Canary Islands FLY CRUISE 24 January 2013 - 10 nights on board Braemar

Fly to Tenerife (overnight) - El Hierro - La Gomera - La Palma - Madeira (overnight) - Agadir - Lanzarote Tenerife - Fly home

From

£899 per person

BOOK by 5th November and UPGRADE TO ALL INCLUSIVE FOR ONLY £5pp per night*

Book your next cruise with your GoCruise Specialist

Cruise from the UK from convenient ports

No fly cruises offer a stress free start to your holiday

Cruising - Fun for all the family

All offers are valid at time of going to press and can be withdrawn or amended at any time.

All bookings carry ABTA protection. Retail agents for ATOL holders. ACE members.

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.

Keep the whole family entertained

Special Tribute Edition to the Port of Dover

Join our mailing list and start receiving your FREE copy of our quarterly ‘Cruisin’ Magazine‘. Packed full of cruise deals and ideas for your next holiday - make sure you don’t miss out!

MANY MORE CRUISES AVAILABLE!

Call your personal cruise experts now to find out more

FREEPHONE 0808 256 8422 or visit www.gocruise.co.uk *Selected cruises only. Subject to availability, Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing an inside cabin.

All prices are correct at time of going to print and are subject to change and/or availability. Any On Board Spend is per cabin. Terms and conditions apply. ABTA J5035 acting as an agent for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Some ports may be at anchor.

WINNER

MSC CRUISES BEST FOR WELLBEING

34 The Cruise International Awards this year were the biggest yet. More than 20,000 of you voted for your favourite cruise companies in this year’s awards, proving that they have become an important barometer of the cruise industry.

On the following pages you’ll find the winners of categories including Best Cruise Line, Best River Cruise Line, Best for Entertainment, Best for Activities, Best for Food, Best for Kids and many more. We also reveal the companies that were Highly Commended in these prestigious awards, which celebrate everything we love about cruise holidays.

Don’t forget, every issue of Cruise International magazine is packed with ideas and inspiration for your next holiday. The December/January 2013 issue is in shops now.

PHOTO: © WATERFRAME/ALAMY

EDITOR’S LETTER

29 international awards 2012 Liz Jarvis liz.jarvis@cruise-international.com

Follow us @Cruisemag www.facebook.com/ cruiseinternational DIGITAL EDITION | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012

AWARDS SPECIAL

9 AWARDS CEREMONY VIDEO

NORWAY'S FJORDS  RUSSIA'S RIVERS  NEW ENGLAND'S AUTUMN SPLENDOUR

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

10 AWARDS CEREMONY IMAGES

27 BEST FOR FOOD & BEST FOR INNOVATION

13 BEST CRUISE LINE & BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE

29 ACTIVITIES, AGENT & BEST PRODUCT OR SERVICE

17 BEST LUXURY LINES

33 BEST DESTINATION (EUROPE)

21 AFFORDABLE & WELLBEING

34 BEST FOR KIDS

23 BEST FOR EXCURSIONS &

39 BEST DESTINATION (WORLD)

ENTERTAINMENT

41 SPECIAL AWARDS & EVENT

25 LEARNING & SPECIALIST

43 BEST BLOGGER & PHOTO DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

5

Thank you onestop4:

A huge thank you to all our sponsors who helped make this year’s Cruise International Awards such a success.

6

| DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

HIGHLY COMMENDED

CRUISE AWARDS

JAMAICA BEST DESTINATIONS REST OF WORLD

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

7

E OLA

TUUKK A ERVA STI/ IM AGEB ANK SW ED

The world´s easiest job?

Postcard photographer in Stockholm.

EN

GE IMA ON/

RICS EDE K SW

BAN N

ORK CRUISE NETW

RS BO ARD

VISITO

STOCKHOLM

KHOLM

STOC

AMSSON/ PER-ERIK AD

Most places in the world have their charms and their beauty but sometimes you have to squint a little. And then there is Stockholm. Built on 14 islands with sparkling blue water in every direction, you get history, culture and stunning scenery everywhere you look.

Come and see for yourself. More inspiration on www.visitstockholm.com

A celebrat ion of cruise

CRUISE AWARDS

Here are some of the highlights of the past cruise year, and overleaf you’ll find all the winners of this year’s Cruise International Awards.

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

9

And t he winners are...

Becky Main from Thomas Cook with Alan MacLean, from award sponsors Avalon Waterways, and Liz Jarvis

David Dingle CBE, CEO of Carnival UK, with Gyles Brandreth and Neil Barclay from Viking River Cruises Gill Haynes from Cunard

Cheryl Baker with Nathan Philpot from Fred. Olsen

James Neal from Royal Caribbean International with Cheryl Baker

Bronwyn Moon, winner of the Best Photo Award, with Andrew McGowan from SeaDream Yacht Club

From left to International Editor Liz Johnson from Carn from Tourism Stockho

Ann Brine from Voyages to Antiquity

10

Dan Whitehouse from Titan, with Kate Huet from OneStop4,

Rebecca Wilson, Director of Lotus PR, with Tracey Tivnan from Moneycorp

Dan Whitehouse from Titan with Gyles Brandreth

Giulio Libutti from MSC Cruises

o right: Gyles Brandreth, Cruise z Jarvis, Nathan Kemp and Erin nival Cruise Lines, Claudia Quas olm and Classic FM’s Nick Bailey

Neil Barclay from Viking River Cruises (centre), with Classic FM’s Nick Bailey

Gillian Corley from Disney Cruise Line, and Angie Sloan from Hills Balfour, on behalf of award sponsors Greater Fort Lauderdale

Julie McIntyre from Cruise Connections (left) with Erin Johnson from Carnival (right)

Michele Andjel from P&O Cruises

Paul Ludlow from Princess Cruises with Julie McIntyre from Cruise Connections

Catherine Foster from Innovation Norway with Captain Rupert Taylor, Harbour Master and Cruise Master of Portsmouth

Lynn Narraway from Seabourn (centre) with Kate Huet from OneStop4

11

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE WORLD Europe • Russia • Asia Inspiring destinations, extraordinary comfort, exceptional cuisine, unrivalled service and fascinating tours – there is no more rewarding way to see the world than on a Viking river cruise.

With prices starting from just £1,095pp for an 8-day European river cruise holiday, come and discover a different view of the world with Viking.

Call 020 8780 7900 www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk Travel safe, you are fully protected Price is correct at the time of going to print. All holidays are subject to availability..

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST CRUISE LINE CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES The powerhouse of the cruise world, with the largest fleet of the 11 cruise ship brands owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation & PLC, Carnival’s 23 ‘fun ships’ offer lively entertainment and endless activities in a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for families, couples and friends. Next year Carnival starts sailing from the UK, which will enable even more British passengers to discover its laid-back style.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Highly Commended) Fred. Olsen impresses again with its quintessentially British cruise experience and excellent value for money holidays.

BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE VIKING RIVER CRUISES River cruising continues to grow, and our winner this year again capitalises on last year’s success. But with the £80million that Viking River Cruises has spent on its slick new longships – with six launching this year alone – we think it’s a highly deserved win. These revolutionary vessels are setting innovative standards in style, space and comfort, and are sailing throughout Europe’s beautiful waterways. Book an Explorer Suite on Aegir, Embla, Freya, Idun, Njord or Odin for a truly memorable and supremely relaxing holiday.

Uniworld (Highly Commended) This luxury river cruise company offers the epitome of timeless elegance, particularly on its flagship SS Antoinette.

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DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

13

SAIL ON A LEGEND . . .

CRUISE ON THE SUNSHINE . . .

Introducing the new 2013 season from Carnival

Legends are made, not born, and Carnival Legend certainly lives up to her title. Cruise on Carnival Legend and experience a vacation that’ll go down in your family’s history books . . . sailing Nine Mediterranean and Eight Baltic and Norwegian Fjords itineraries in 2013.

Carnival Sunshine will offer new fun experiences of every kind. From Guy Fieri burgers to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fully-soaked WaterWorks to one calm Serenity area, enjoy all that’s new as you cruise the Mediterranean from Barcelona. With all of these new additions, Carnival has dialed up the fun on Carnival Sunshine creating the ultimate Carnival Cruise Experience.

Carnival Legend 12 NIGHTS FROM

£1,029 June 2013 to August 2013

pp*

Visiting: Dover • Copenhag en • Berlin • Helsinki • St Pete rsb • Tallin • Amsterdam urg • Dover *Ba sed on the 21st June2012

EUROPE 2013 FREE DO VER CAR PARKING IN BALCONY AND ABOVE

Carnival Legend 12 NIGHTS FROM

£839

pp*

22nd Apr, 16th M ay & 19th Oct

Visiting: Barcelona • Palma De Mallorca • Marseilles • Olbia/ Sardinia • Livorno • Civitavec chia (R • Naples • Messina,S ome) icily Dubrovnik • Venic • e *Cru ise Only from £669pp bas

ed on the 22nd Apr

EUROPE 2013 OBC OF FE $150 PER STATEROOM R BALCONY AND ABOVE

To book call 0845 351 0557 or visit www.carnival.co.uk The above lead in fares are per person sharing a twin stateroom on a cruise only basis. Fly/Cruise prices available on www.carnival.co.uk. All prices shown are subject to availability. Please visit www.carnival.co.uk for full terms and conditions. Itineraries may vary according to sailing date.

Carnival Sunshine 9 NIGHTS FROM

12 NIGHTS FROM

£869

£719

pp*

pp*

5th May, 16th Ju n, 28th Jul, 08th Se p& 20th Oct 2013

26th Apr, 7th Ju n, 19th Jul, 30th Aug & 11th Oct 2013

Visiting: Venice • Dubrovnik • Messina, Sicily • Naples • Ci vitavecchia (Rome) • Livorno • Marseilles • Monaco • Palma De Mallorca • Barcelonae

Visiting: Barcelona • Monac o • Civitavecchia (Rom • Livorno e) • Messina,Sicily • Du Naples • brovnik • Venice *Cruise Only from £539pp

Carnival Sunshine

based on the 26th Apr

*Cruise Only from £669pp

EUROPE 2013 OBC OF FE $100 PER STATEROOM R

based on the 5th May

EUROPE 2013 OBC OF FE $150 PER STATEROOM R

WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED

WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEST CRUISE LINE

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEST FOR KIDS

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEST INNOVATION

BEST FOR ENTERTAINMENT

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

WINNER

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEST CRUISE LINE

CRUISE PROMOTION AWARDS

Welcome to fun

For a truly relaxing holiday everyone can enjoy, look no further than a Carnival cruise, which next year will set sail from the UK

A

t Carnival, they go the extra mile to make every cruise an unforgettable adventure.

And in 2013, Carnival Sunshine will be sailing out of Barcelona from April, and Carnival Legend will sail out of Dover from June – the first Carnival ship to sail from a UK port for over five years. So it’s never been easier to start your holiday.

Exceptional holidays Having fun is more important than ever before – and Carnival cruises provide a truly exceptional holiday where everyone can thoroughly relax and enjoy themselves.

On board their ships, you can relax in air-conditioned bars, bistros, restaurants and nightclubs, enjoy top-of-the-range sports and leisure amenities, find your perfect spot in the sun, chill in the spa, watch the latest film or join an activity – from wine tasting and quizzes to golf, Pilates, spin and volleyball.

Outside in the sunshine, an extensive deck area features sparkling pools, whirlpools, water slides and delicious snacks alfresco.

Dining options range from elegant restaurants to informal bistros, a sushi bar and 24-hour pizzeria. You’ll be treated to first-class entertainment in intimate piano bars and comedy clubs, as well as enjoying spectacular cutting-edge shows. And Carnival fun isn’t limited to on-board activities either. You can experience some of the best excursions on offer in the world’s most memorable destinations. Whether you’re a sun lover or thrill-seeker, these cruises have something for everyone.

Fun for the whole family Carnival make every effort to create an adventure that the whole family can enjoy.

Their rooms are extraordinarily spacious and there are interconnected rooms, too.

They have a host of on-board family CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

entertainment. And if you want a bit of peace and quiet, drop the kids off at Camp Carnival, which offers lots of fun activities designed for children.

Carnival Legend Carnival Legend will operate 17 European cruises between April and October 2013, visiting 34 ports across 18 countries.

Cruises from Dover will include Norway and Western Europe, the British Isles, Norway and France, and Baltic Wonders and St Petersburg. On board highlights include two saltwater pools, a nine-hole miniature golf course, Carnival’s Twister Waterslide, 24-hour complimentary room service, the Firebird Lounge and Billie’s Piano Bar,.

Carnival Sunshine Taking ‘fun for all’ to a whole new level, Carnival Sunshine brings guests the best that Carnival has to offer – all on one ship.

You can dine on the best burgers at sea at Guy’s Burger Joint, or enjoy Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine. Chill poolside with a Margarita in hand at Blue Iguana Tequila Bar or Caribbean-style at RedFrog Pub and RedFrog Rum Bar. Leisure highlights include Hasbro, The Game Show, and Serenity – an oasis of calm.

Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013, then launch yearround seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning in November 2013.

To find out more about cruises on Carnival Legend or Carnival Sunshine, visit

carnival.co.uk, call 0845 351 0556 or call your travel agent DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

Thank you

“Thank you for voting Seabourn Best Luxury Cruise Line, we hope to see you onboard soon” Lynn Narraway Managing Director UK Business

Visit your Travel Professional or call 0843 373 2000 - www.seabourn.co.uk

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE SEABOURN The ultimate in high-class cruising, Seabourn again wins our top award for luxury at sea.

Described by the cruise line as “luxurious yet relaxed; elegant yet casual; sumptuous yet understated”, Seabourn’s intimate ships cater to the most discerning of passengers. The fleet of six ships visit some of the world’s most intriguing destinations, sailing to the heart of big cities as well as to hidden gems that larger ships cannot access. On board, the impeccable service, gourmet cuisine and elegant design and décor mean these vessels are in a league of their own.

Oceania Cruises (Highly Commended) Sumptuous cuisine, exceptional service and exciting itineraries are all part of the Oceania cruise experience.

BEST LUXURY RIVER CRUISE LINE UNIWORLD The unsurpassed benchmark of luxury river cruising, Uniworld’s attention to detail, unparalleled customer service and award-winning food ensure that the experience on board its vessels rivals that of the best ocean-going ships. With an average of 130 guests on board, the crew always go above and beyond your expectations, so you enjoy the ultimate travel experience. The fleet includes the luxurious SS Antoinette, and the elegant River Beatrice.

Viking River Cruises (Highly Commended) Viking impressed you with its brand new longships, including the fabulous Odin, and continued improvements to the quality of its river cruise experience.

DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 | ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM 17 CRU

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE WORLD’S BEST RIVER CRUISES - SAVE UP TO £500pp Douro • Rhine • Moselle • Danube • Rhone • Seine • Dutch Waterways • Volga • Mekong • Nile • Yangtze • Po

Here at Titan, we really believe that our deluxe boutique river cruise holidays, in exclusive partnership with multi award-winning cruise operator Uniworld and featuring door-to-door transfers from any UK address, deserve to be called ‘The World’s Best River Cruises’. Our 2013 brochure showcases a host of perennially popular programmes, along with seven brand new itineraries and three brand new super-luxurious cruise ships.

Book by 31 December and take advantage of outstanding early booking discounts up to £500 per person*, with exclusive extra loyalty savings if you have travelled with Titan or Uniworld before.

INCLUDED AS STANDARD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE WORLD’S BEST RIVER CRUISES 2nd Edition • January - December 2013

Door-to-door transfers wherever you live in the UK Direct, scheduled flights 5★ boutique river cruise vessels Best river-view staterooms (Zagat Survey®) Best river cruise dining (Zagat Survey®) The best in-room amenities

Private butler service in suites† Complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner* The finest onboard amenities, including a Serenity River Spa Signature lectures by experts A choice of included shore excursions

Call 0800 988 5175 quoting CI10 UNI or visit www.titantravel.co.uk/uniworld Calls free from BT landlines, mobiles may vary. * Selected itineraries † Selected vessels

WINNER

UNIWORLD BEST LUXURY RIVER CRUISE LINE

CRUISE AWARDS

mostluxurious

The world’s

T

he winners of Cruise International’s Best Luxury River Cruise Line award, Uniworld offers the ultimate indulgent river cruise experience.

In terms of service and attention to detail they remain unsurpassed, and the fabulously over-thetop opulence of flagship SS Antoinette means she is still queen of the world’s river ships.

In exclusive partnership with Titan, Uniworld offers five-star boutique holidays featuring award-winning accommodation, excursions and dining. Guests enjoy the ultimate in relaxing luxury travel with Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service providing door-to-door transfers wherever they live in the UK. On board, culinary teams prepare a selection of sumptuous offerings using only the finest and freshest ingredients.

And with an average of 130 guests on board, the crew are able to anticipate individual preferences and offer those extra special touches that will make you feel at home.

On-board elegance Antoinette is surely the most wonderful river cruise ship afloat, while River Beatrice and the new Queen Isabel are also leading the way on the rivers they sail. With sumptuous interiors, spacious and cleverly-designed staterooms, fine cuisine (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), and insightful shore excursions included at every major port of call, Uniworld’s vessels offer some of the most relaxing and rejuvenating travel experiences available.

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river cruises

Uniworld’s fleet of deluxe boutique vessels offers exceptional holidays in stunning settings

Local artists and entertainers perform during each Uniworld river cruise, and guests can also enjoy Signature Lectures on a variety of topics such as art, music and architecture. On-board demonstrations relating to the regions cruised include glass blowing, cookery classes and more.

Captivating shore excursions Uniworld’s river cruise itineraries mean that the discerning traveller is able to choose from an impressive and varied programme of destinations and excursions across the world. The Mekong, Danube, Rhine, Seine and Nile are just some of the great rivers that are sailed by Uniworld’s vessels, and each itinerary gets to the very heart of these incredible destinations, giving a real feel for local history, people and customs.

Uniworld also offer three new programmes to help personalise your river cruise journey, at no extra charge. These include excursion options in selected cities designed to provide alternative experiences; gentle walking tours; and a ‘Go Active’ programme, allowing guests to cycle, hike or explore the countryside at their own pace.

In a market that is becoming increasingly popular, Titan and Uniworld continue to distance themselves from the competition by providing a complete service that’s a cut above the rest, leading the way on the world’s most spectacular rivers.

For more information on holidays with Uniworld, visit

www.titantravel.co.uk/uniworld or call 0800 988 5175 DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

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BEST AFFORDABLE CRUISE LINE FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES Fred. Olsen comes out on top in the value for money stakes this year. The company has recognised the popularity of all-inclusive cruising, offering new all-inclusive drinks packages, and has launched an early booking ‘Price Pledge’ across its 2013/14 cruise programme.

Thomson Cruises (Highly Commended) Thomson Cruises’ ships offer a range of cruises, from family-friendly to adults-only, and also ‘cruise and stay’ options.

BEST FOR WELLBEING MSC CRUISES A haven of calm and tranquility on MSC’s big and bustling ships, the Aurea Spa is again a worthy winner of this award. Guests can choose a variety of treatments from Balinese or hot stone massages to detox programmes that help relax and rejuvenate in beautiful, tranquil surroundings with floor-to-ceiling sea views. You can even opt for a blow dry and manicure before heading out to one of the many on-board restaurants to feel truly pampered and glamorous on your travels.

Silversea Cruises (Highly Commended) Catering to all types of travellers, Siversea’s specialised wellness programmes are designed for men and women.

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DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

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• FREE Balcony upgrades†« • Min ini-s i-su uite ite upgrades from £200pp*

Mediterranean & Scandinavia 2013

PLUS book a Balcony or above to choose one of these fantastic benefits: • FREE car parking^ • FREE coach transfers^ • OR up to $200 per couple FREE onboard spending money#

Fares are cruise only pp

Here’s a sample of some of the 2013 Cruise Extra cruises available.

FREE BALCONY UPGRADE†

Visit www.princess.com for more details.

Interior

Oceanview

Balcony

Mini suite

Suite

Canary Islands Crown Princess • 11 nights • 30 Apr, 1 Jun 2013 Southampton • Las Palmas • Santa Cruz de Tenerife • Arrecife • Madeira Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela) • Southampton

£999

£1,449 £1,449 £1,849 £3,585

£899

£1,099 £1,099 £1,299 £2,615

Fares based on 30 Apr departure. Fares for other departures may vary.

Norwegian Fjords Crown Princess • 8 nights • 10 Aug, 1 Sep 2013 Southampton • Bergen • Flaam/Sognefjord • Olden/Nordfjord • Hellesylt Geiranger Fjord scenic cruising • Geiranger Fjord • Stavanger • Southampton Fares based on 1 Sep departure. Fares for other departures may vary.

Mediterranean Medley Crown Princess • 14 nights 11 May, 27 Jul, 30 Sep 2013

Southampton • Barcelona • Monte Carlo • Florence/Pisa (Livorno) • Rome (Civitavecchia) • Naples (for Capri & Pompeii) • Ajaccio • Gibraltar • Southampton

£1,299 £1,749

£1,749 £2,149 £4,055

Fares based on 11 May departure. Fares for other departures may vary.

Mediterranean & Adriatic Crown Princess • 17 nights • 12 Jun, 9 Sep 2013 Southampton • Seville (Cádiz) • Valletta • Venice • Ljubljana (Koper) Dubrovnik • Corfu • Gibraltar • Southampton

£1,899 £2,449 £2,449 £2,849 £4,625

Fares based on 9 Sep departure. Fares for other departures may vary

Book now to receive some fantastic benefits, benefits including FREE balcony upgrades† on all featured cruises, mini-suite upgrades from just £200pp* PLUS a choice of FREE car parking in Southampton or Dover^, FREE coach transfers to and from Southampton^ or up to $200 FREE onboard spending money# when you book a balcony stateroom or above.

Free car parking is available on all Crown Princess, Caribbean Princess and Ocean Princess cruises sailing roundtrip from Southampton or Dover when you book a balcony stateroom or above. Free car parking must be confirmed at the time of booking, quoting RDB. Once your cruise booking is confirmed, contact Cruise and Passenger Services to book parking in Southampton (tel: 0845 0713939; www.candps.com), or Dover Cruise Port to book parking in Dover (tel: 0844 5041771; www.doverport.co.uk), quoting RDB and your six-digit cruise booking reference. Car parking can only be booked from 72 hours after you have confirmed your cruise until 35 days prior to your cruise departure.

Free coach transfers between Southampton and a range of pick-up points around the UK are available on all Crown Princess cruises of 7 nights or longer sailing roundtrip from Southampton, as well as the North Cape & Norwegian Fjords cruise on Caribbean Princess, when you book a balcony stateroom or above. Free coach transfers must be confirmed at the time of booking, quoting RDC. Once your cruise booking is confirmed please book your coach transfers by calling Eavesway Travel on 01942 727985, or visit www.eaveswaytravel.com, quoting RDC and your six-digit cruise booking reference. Coach transfers can only be booked from 72 hours after you have confirmed your cruise until 35 days prior to your cruise departure.

Remember - if you choose not to take advantage of our free parking or coach transfers, or you are booking a fly-cruise, you can opt to receive up to $200 FREE onboard spending money# instead!

For more details of these and many more Princess cruises, please contact your ABTA travel agent or visit princess.com

To request your FREE copy of our Mediterranean & Scandinavia 2013 brochure call 0844 579 0099 This advert should be read in conjunction with Princess Cruises Booking Conditions which can be found in the Mediterranean & Scandinavia 2013 1st edition brochure. Prices shown are cruise only, subject to availability based upon the lowest available grade within the stateroom type specified and include Government Fees and Taxes. Prices are correct at time of going to print, and may go up or down. †Free balcony upgrade is from the lowest available unobstructed Oceanview to the lowest available Balcony, and on Royal Princess from the lowest available Balcony to the lowest available Deluxe Balcony. *Upgrade to a Mini-Suite from £200pp on cruises up to nine nights, and from £400pp on all other cruises. CRUISE EXTRA: Passengers who book a balcony stateroom or above are offered the option of either free onboard spending money, free coach transfers or free car parking. #Free onboard spending money is $100 per stateroom on cruises of 10 nights or less, and $200 per stateroom on cruises of 11 nights or more. Offer excludes inside and oceanview staterooms and third/fourth passengers. Onboard spending money may be used on a single cruise only and expires at the end of that cruise. ^Free car parking is available on Crown, Ocean and Caribbean Princess cruises sailing roundtrip from Southampton or Dover. Free coach transfers are available on Crown Princess cruises of 7 nights or longer sailing roundtrip from Southampton, and Caribbean Princess 17/6/13 sailing. Offer excludes inside and oceanview staterooms and third/fourth passengers. Car parking and coach transfers must be confirmed at the time of booking, and booked directly with the relevant company no later than 35 days prior to the cruise. Princess Cruises cannot be held responsible for any passenger who does not book their car parking with or coach transfers with the relevant company. All offers are subject to availability on new bookings made by 31 October 2012.

ABTA No.V8764

ABTA No.V8764

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS UNIWORLD The highlight of a river cruise for many people is the ease of hopping on and off at different destinations, as the ships often dock in the very centre of cities and places of interest, without the need for lengthy coach journeys or queuing through customs. Uniworld’s shore excursions are included in the cruise price and range from special visits to museums, castles and restaurants to classical concerts, elegant receptions, and home-hosted lunches. They also offer walking tours in selected cities and ‘Go Active’ excursions.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Highly Commended) Fred. Olsen’s shore excursions are consistently popular and well researched, from tours of Amsterdam’s canals to jeep safaris.

BEST FOR ENTERTAINMENT PRINCESS CRUISES For many the entertainment is one of the main draws of a cruise holiday, with shows of all kinds often of the highest quality. Princess wins this new award for the continued high quality of the live performances on board their ships. Princess Signature Shows are featured on every cruise, entertaining passengers with lively music, stunning choreography, and some of the largest casts at sea.

Carnival Cruise Lines (Highly Commended) Featuring talented singers, musicians and dancers performing crowd-thrilling numbers, Carnival’s stage shows are fun for everyone.

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small-ship cruises to

ancient civilisations WINTER 2012/13

india & southeast asia From the serene Angkor Wat in Cambodia

and the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, to bustling Hong Kong and the exotic markets of Bangkok, each of the itineraries in our winter programme will take you on a voyage you will never forget.

16 TO 22-DAY CRUISE-TOURS START FROM JUST £2,695*

CALL NOW FOR A BROCHURE

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

classical europe From the ruins of Pompeii to monumental Sicily

and the classical elegance of Greece, Voyages to Antiquity brings to life the history, art and cultures of western civilisation aboard our ship, Aegean Odyssey.

13 TO 19-DAY CRUISE-TOURS START FROM JUST £1,695*

All the comfort of small-ship cruising with the very best of cultural travel.

All our voyages offer remarkable value and include: • • • • •

Scheduled flights & regional UK connections Shore excursions & gratuities on board Pre- & post-cruise 4 & 5-star hotel stays Award-winning Guest Speaker programme Open-seating dining and complimentary wine with dinner

Proud recipients of the 2012 Specialist Cruise Line Award. Thank you for voting for us!

V OYAGES A NTIQUITY TO

10093

0845 437 9737 www.voyagestoantiquity.com *Price per person, based on two people sharing a category N cabin.

ABTA No.Y2206

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST FOR LEARNING FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES Fred. Olsen gains another top spot with its Vistas cruise programme. On selected cruises, they offer a range of activities and entertainment that adds to your holiday experience, from enlightening talks by guest speakers who are experts in their field, to specially tailored Shore Tours designed to help bring places to life.

Cunard (Highly Commended) Cunard’s enrichment programmes offer a vast array of lectures and events to expand your horizons on board.

BEST SPECIALIST CRUISE VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Voyages to Antiquity combines the excitement of exploring incredible locations with the comfort and service of boutique-style cruising on board a small ship. The company has just one vessel but the handsome MV Aegean Odyssey is spacious and elegant, offering educational and informative holidays for the more adventurous traveller.

Hurtigruten (Highly Commended) The Norwegian line continues to be a big hit with those of you who want an authentic and adventurous experience.

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CRUISE AWARDS

Taste A AN N A A FF FF O OR RD DA AB B LL EE LL U UX XU UR RY Y

The essence of taste reaches far beyond the culinary creations of our Master Chef, Jacques Pépin.

The essence of taste reaches far beyond the culinary creations of our Master Chef, Jacques Pépin.

It’s in the hand-selected furnishings of our gourmet restaurants. It’s in our richly appointed It’s in the hand-selected furnishings of our gourmet restaurants. It’s in our richly appointed staterooms and lounges. It’s how our staff warmly welcomes you to the comfort of our staterooms and lounges. It’s how our staff warmly welcomes you to the comfort of our country club-casual ambiance. From the serenity of our Canyon Ranch SpaClub® country club-casual ambiance. From the serenity of our Canyon Ranch SpaClub® to the allure of more than 300 global destinations, our style reflects your tastes. to the allure of more than 300 global destinations, our style reflects your tastes.

The essence of taste is The essence of taste is

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Value Value

without compromise. without compromise.

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

CONTACT YOUR TR AVEL AGENT OR VISIT WWW.OCEANIACRUISES.COM CONTACT YOUR TR AVEL AGENT OR VISIT WWW.OCEANIACRUISES.COM

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST FOR FOOD CUNARD LINE Dining on board a Cunard ship is always a superior experience, but it is also unique in that where you eat is determined by class.

The Verandah Grills on Queen Mary and the original Queen Elizabeth were perhaps the most exclusive dining rooms at sea, available to first-class passengers who wanted a truly exclusive experience. In keeping with this tradition, The Verandah restaurant on the new Queen Elizabeth offers an experience that encompasses exquisite cuisine, contemporary design and impeccable service, with a menu created by Chef Zimmermann that is a fabulous celebration of French cuisine.

Holland America Line (Highly Commended) Exclusive to Holland America Line’s Signature-class ships, the Tamarind Restaurant offers exceptional Pan-Asian fare.

BEST INNOVATION CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES Carnival wins in this category for their understandably popular new attraction – the 5D cinema on board Breeze. Films here don’t just jump off the screen, they practically make the audience a part of the action. The special effects explode from the screen as you hear the floor rumble around you and feel the wind in your hair.

Norwegian Cruise Line (Highly Commended) The ice bar on board the Epic is one of only 14 true ice bars in the world, set at or below 17 degrees. Cosy faux fur coats are provided.

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CRUISE AWARDS

BEST FOR ACTIVITIES ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Royal Caribbean are well known for their innovative ships that really have something for everyone, from rock climbing walls to Flowrider, the first ever surf-simulator at sea.

The Sports Deck on board Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas even features an adrenalin-pumping Zip Line.

Celebrity Cruises (Highly Commended) With categories divided into Taste, Learn, Revive and Play, Celebrity has a variety of on-board fun for the whole family.

BEST SERVICE/PRODUCT TITAN VIP HOME DEPARTURE Titan considers the transfers to and from the international airport to be amongst the most important aspects of your holiday. Done right, they can preserve that delightful sense of anticipation at the start and relaxation at the end. Every one of their tour and cruise holidays includes the VIP Home Departure Service, transferring you from your front door to the airport and back again in fine style.

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Saga Taxis (Highly Commended) Saga can arrange any type of airport transfer for any party size in over 7,000 resorts and cities worldwide, making your holiday stress-free right from the start.

BEST CRUISE AGENT THOMAS COOK The largest independent cruise retailer began offering cruise holidays 170 years ago with the first Thomas Cook Nile cruise. Today the company offers holidays from over 30 top cruise lines and with 250 ships.

Virgin Holidays Cruises (Highly Commended) You were impressed by Virgin’s extensive range of cruise holidays, early booking offers and great value deals.

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CRUISE AWARDS

FULLY ESCORTED CRUISE HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR TO YOUR FRONT DOOR

Titan’s new-look Cruise & Tour and River Cruise brochures are packed with unforgettable escorted cruise holidays, our expert tour managers providing invaluable assistance onboard and on journeys ashore*. Operating in partnership with some of the world’s most renowned operators, these sensational itineraries introduce you to the myriad highlights of regions and rivers as diverse as Alaska and the Galapagos, the Rhine and the Mekong.

Whichever cruise holiday you choose, you’ll enjoy exceptional quality and sensational value, including full board meals, a number of shore excursions and door-to-door transfers with Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®.

Cruise & Tour Titan’s unique ‘Cruise & Tour’ concept combines luxuriously carefree cruising with award-winning escorted touring, for holidays that offer the best of both worlds. Our brochure includes 15 new itineraries and a host of added value elements including prepaid gratuities.

River Cruise Elegant, romantic and comfortable, there is no better way to discover the spectacular scenery and glittering cultural treasures of Europe, Egypt and China than a river cruise. Titan’s new brochure includes special offers such as low or no single supplements.

STOP PRESS... STOP PRESS... STOP PRESS Titan were delighted to be recognised by more than 20,000 independent voters at the Cruise International Awards on 12 September 2012.

OUR NEW CRUISE BROCHURES ARE OUT NOW!

Call FREE to request your brochure on or visit www.titantravel.co.uk

Titan won the BEST CRUISE PRODUCT OR SERVICE award for its door-to-door VIP Home Departure Service!

0800 988 5175 quoting CI10 CRU

Opening times: Monday & Tuesday 8.30am – 7pm Wednesday – Friday 8.30am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

30 | DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 Calls free from BT landlines, mobiles may vary. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. *On the majority of tours

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WINNER

CRUISE PROMOTION AWARDS

TITAN BEST CRUISE PRODUCT/ SERVICE

In a class of their own Titan were well-deserved winners at this year’s Cruise International awards and offer a truly exceptional holiday experience

W

hen you’re setting off on holiday, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. That’s why Titan’s innovative VIP Home Departure Service was the well-deserved winner of the ‘Best Cruise Product or Service’ category at this year’s Cruise International Awards. With their own constantly updated fleet of luxuriously appointed, fully-licensed private hire vehicles, Titan ensure that their guests always travel in total comfort and style, to and from their destination.

Titan’s exclusive partnership with Best Luxury River Cruise Line winners Uniworld means they can take discerning travellers on holidays cruising some of the world’s most majestic rivers in unparalleled elegance. There is no better way to discover the spectacular scenery and cultural treasures of Europe, Egypt, Cambodia, Vietnam and China than a river cruise, and together Titan and Uniworld offer superb choice, from the Rhine and Danube to the Mekong, the Yangtze and the waterways of Russia.

The VIP Home Departure Service is the original and best private holiday transport service – and it’s just one element of the exceptional

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

holiday experience Titan offer. They really go out of their way to ensure complete peace of mind, while satisfying the most adventurous spirit. Their Cruise and Tour concept combines luxuriously carefree cruising with award-winning escorted touring, for holidays that offer customers the best of both worlds.

Titan’s expertly crafted holidays, many of which are presented in partnership with the world’s most renowned cruise operators, feature, as standard, full-board cruise accommodation, carefully selected and centrally located hotels, scheduled flights and the services of a tour manager on the majority of itineraries. Many also feature a number of included visits, excursions and a land stay, and customers outside England and Wales needn’t feel disadvantaged with complimentary regional flights and home transfers available on every departure.

Titan’s two new brochures, Cruise & Tour and River Cruise, feature fantastic itineraries, plus a host of added value elements including pre-paid gratuities and special offers such as low or no single supplements, ensuring unparalleled value for money and the holiday of a lifetime, every time.

For a brochure visit titantravel.co.uk or call 0800 988 5175

DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

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CRUISE AWARDS

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VOTES We were delighted to be named

‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and ‘Best for Learning’ in the 2012 Cruise International Awards.

At Fred. Olsen we do our utmost to give people the best possible holiday experience and we’re pleased to have been successful in these awards two years in a row. It shows our work is noticed by the people who matter.

We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to Cruise International readers for voting and look forward to welcoming you on board in the near future.

Fred. Olsen makes cruising even better value

We’re not one to rest on our laurels, now we’ve made cruising even more affordable by introducing an All Inclusive drinks package.* So you can enjoy selected wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks for just £5 per day. This is available for departures 6th April 2013 onwards but you’ll need to hurry as the offer ends 5th November 2012!

For a Fred. Olsen brochure, visit fredolsencruises.com contact your travel agent or call 0800

0355 102

* See fredolsencruises.com for full details, terms and conditions

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CRUISE AWARDS

BEST DESTINATION (EUROPE) NORWAY With its natural beauty, unspoiled landscapes and deep fjords, Norway is the perfect cruise destination. You will rarely be out of sight of land and so will always have something to see.

This constantly changing backdrop, from the temperate climes of Bergen in the south to the glacier-covered Svalbard Islands on the edge of the Arctic, makes for one of the most inspiring cruise journeys in the world.

Stockholm (Highly Commended) Sweden’s beautiful capital has a beguiling mix of heritage and history, tradition and modernity and makes a fantastic stopover.

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST FOR KIDS DISNEY CRUISE LINE Winning for the second year in a row, Disney Cruise Line is, unsurprisingly, hugely popular with children, who love meeting their favourite characters at sea. But there’s plenty for the adults too on these luxury ships and this year’s majestic new Disney Fantasy will capture the hearts and imagination of the whole family.

Carnival Cruise Lines (Highly Commended) Carnival’s wonderful kids’ club Camp Carnival, which offers tons of activities, makes it a worthy runner up in this category.

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CRUISE AWARDS

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Luxury Alaska & US Rockies Train Tour 2013 FROM

18 99

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per person

Celebrity Solstice®

This dream holiday, to Alaska and the US Rockies, is perfect for those who want a feast of incredible scenery, effortless travel and relaxation.

What’s Included: • Flight from Heathrow to Seattle • 2 night 3* hotel in Seattle (room only) • 7 night full board Alaska cruise on Celebrity Solstice® • Facilities & entertainment on board ship • Port taxes, airline tax & fees • 2 night full board Amtrak Empire Builder train (Private sleeper roomette) • 2 night 3* hotel stay in Chicago (room only basis) • Direct flight from Chicago to Heathrow

Your Itinerary: Fly on a Wednesday from Heathrow to Seattle for 2 nights hotel stay in Seattle. Board Celebrity Solstice® for a 7 night full board Alaska cruise to Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord (Scenic Cruising), Juneau, Skagway, Victoria (British Columbia) and back to Seattle.

Disembark in Seattle and board the Amtrak Empire Builder train for your scenic US Rockies trip to Chicago. Spend 2 nights on full board in a private sleeper roomette. The route takes you from Seattle through the Cascade Mountains, Icicle Canyon, Spokane, Glacier Park, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to Chicago.

Stay for 2 nights in Chicago. Then fly direct home overnight.

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Bonus up to $75 Onboard Spend* 2013 15 May 22 May 29 May 05 Jun 03 Jul 24 Jul 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Aug 04 Sep

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Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing and are subject to availability. *Onboard spend is per stateroom and varies according to the date booked. Transfers, tips, drinks, excursions & selected personal activities onboard are extra. Credit card charge 2.5%. ABTA J1693, agent for ATOL 6153. Terms & Conditions apply.

WINNER

PROMOTION

FRED.OLSEN ALASKA CRUISE LINE BEST BEST DESTINATION CRUISE LINE

Amazing Alaska

WORLDWIDE

There’s never been a better time to take a holiday to this US state. Alaska offers experiences beyond your dreams, but within your reach

S

tunning scenery, breathtaking glaciers and abundant wildlife – the US state of Alaska offers unforgettable holiday moments that are accessible to everyone.

From whale watching, glacier tours and pure Alaskan wilderness, to historical towns, gold mines and cultural displays, there’s an incredible array of experiences to enjoy. And the new Icelandair flights to Anchorage with connections from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow mean it’s never been easier to get there from the UK.

Wonderful wildlife Nature lovers will be spoiled for choice in Alaska.

You can see grizzly bears, polar bears, grey wolves, bald eagles, blue and humpback whales, orcas, lynx, moose, and hundreds of other rare and endangered species in their natural habitats.

and a wealth of cultural events – plus delicious Alaskan seafood to try.

New routes from the UK Icelandair (icelandair.com) is launching a new route from Reykjavik to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, from 15 May 2013. It’s also increasing its services from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Glasgow airports to the Icelandic capital, offering easy connections, and a faster and more economical way for Brits to travel to Alaska, shaving five hours off other routes. The flights are perfect for those interested in small ship cruising or adventure cruising from Anchorage.

Whether you’re visiting Alaska on a cruise or flying there from the UK for a holiday, there has never been a better time to visit.

Spectacular scenery Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other US states combined, and more than 17 of the 20 highest peaks in Alaska are found there. It also boasts half the world’s glaciers – it’s estimated that there are more than 100,000 glaciers in the state.

Amazing adventures If you’re looking for a taste of adventure, Alaska has it all from the mild to the wild. Raft a worldclass river, kayak, hike or bike a mountain trail.

Take a fishing trip or join a sightseeing cruise.

All-year round destination Alaska is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun – it receives more sunlight in spring and summer than any other state and many other parts of the world.

Winter is not as cold as you might think, and Alaska’s most popular and iconic winter experiences include dog mushing, viewing the magnificent Northern Lights, snowboarding, skiing CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

For more information on holidays to Alaska, visit

travelalaska.com

DECEMBER /JA N UA RY 2013 |

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Make Cruise Connections your first port of call...

Cruise Connections has been selling cruises now for over 15 years and we think we do it well. As well as being competitive on price we also feel we give something more, something important called…….service!

Our team of dedicated Cruise Specialists are there to help guide you through sometimes complex arrangements and advise you of the best location for your cabin or what shore excursions are a must do on your itinerary. We are there to make your cruise booking plain sailing from the moment you pick up the phone with an enquiry to the moment you step through your front door refreshed after your cruise.

What makes us different from the rest? It’s simple – our staff and their vast knowledge of cruising! And here they are……….

Janet Baren

Cruise Consultant

Michaela Darby Cruise Consultant

Jackie Heap

Cruise Consultant

Anne Marie Walne Cruise Consultant

Sue Winsby

Cruise Consultant

Julie McIntyre

Marketing Executive

Janet Hall

Administration Exective

Call now and speak to one of our friendly cruise specialists and let us find you your perfect cruise.

Also find us on:

CONTACT

Willow Mill, Fell View Caton, Lancaster LA2 9RA

Tel: 01524 771 701 Fax: 01524 771 702

info@cruiseoffers.com www.cruiseoffers.com

P0136

Charlotte Airey

Administration Assistant

CRUISE AWARDS

BEST DESTINATION (WORLDWIDE) ALASKA Alaska is America’s Last Frontier, an unspoilt wilderness of soaring eagles, prowling bears and spouting whales, of majestic peaks, eye-wateringly beautiful fjords and glaciers that stretch as far as the eye can see. But it’s also surprisingly easy to get to – and around 10 cruise lines sail in Alaska during the short season, from mid-May to mid-September, offering a range of excursions.

Jamaica (Highly Commended) Golf, rum and golden sands bring visitors flocking to Jamaica but the Caribbean’s fifth largest island also has a fascinating history.

CRUISE AWARDS

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CRUISE AWARDS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT DAVID DINGLE, CBE Daivd Dingle, CBE, joined P&O Cruises in 1978 and became Managing Director in 2000. In June 2007 he was appointed CEO of Carnival UK, with full operating responsibility for P&O Cruises and Cunard.

GIANLUIGI APONTE BEST CRUISE EVENT P&O CRUISES 175TH ANNIVERSARY This incredible milestone on 3 July was celebrated in style with all seven ships of the P&O Cruises fleet together in their home port of Southampton on the same day. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal and Darcey Bussell were among the honoured guests as the ships with their gleaming white hulls sailed past in a procession from Southampton Water out into the Solent.

CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM

Cunard – Three Ships (Highly Commended) Cunard Line celebrated Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee with the three ships of the Cunard fleet arriving in formation at their home port of Southampton.

The first of our two international Lifetime Achievement award winners, Gianluigi Aponte founded in MSC in 1970. Today it is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise group, employing over 12,000 people.

RAI CALUORI

Currently overseeing the building of Royal Princess, Rai began his career with Princess Cruises as assistant cruise director but was quickly promoted. Today he is the Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations.

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CRUISE AWARDS

BEST CRUISE PHOTO BRONWYN MOON Hundreds of you sent in your photos for this category, and the winning photo was chosen by our judges. Bronwyn took her winning photo of Emerald Princess while on a cruise in the Caribbean. The judges were particularly impressed with the vibrant colours and composition of the photo.

Celebrity Cruises (Highly Commended) With categories divided into Taste, Learn, Revive and Play, Celebrity has a variety of on-board fun for the whole family.

BEST CRUISE BLOGGER CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES – JOHN HEALD Bubbly blogger John Heald unsurprisingly wins this award again for his irreverent cruise musings. Carnival Cruise Lines’ senior cruise director keeps us entertained from all over the world and he answers about 60 questions about cruising every day.

Carol Marlow - P&O Cruises (Highly Commended) The Managing Director of P&O Cruises, Carol Marlow, gives a fabulous insight into the world of cruise.

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