The cruise club magazine

Brand New Magazine Bringing you inside knowledge, special features and the best cruise holidays in the market!

Amazing deals packed with value, plus features on: - Cruising from the UK - Our brand new website - Costa Rica - Escorted cruising - VIP days

Welcome

Hello and welcome to The Cruise Club magazine! New for September 2013 we’re bringing you the very latest industry news, inside knowledge, special features and the best cruise holidays in the market!

Cruising is the fastest growing holiday sector on the planet and with such terrific value it’s not hard to see why. Which other holiday allows you to wake up to a different port of call, in a different country each and every day? Plus, all of your flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and entertainment are included in the price. Amazing!

If that’s not enough for you, when you book with The Cruise Club we add even more to your holiday. We’re all about what we call our ’Cruise Plus, Plus’. This means that we’re determined to cram your holiday with even more value – from FREE

5 Great Reasons to book with The Cruise Club:

upgrades and on-board spend, to FREE hotel stays and amazing tours – to make your holiday extraordinary.

In this, the inaugural edition of The Cruise Club magazine we bring you several brand new features including our cruise line focus (which this month will be the luxurious Azamara Club Cruises), we look at escorted cruising, destination Costa Rica, and a chance to join us on our upcoming VIP days!

All in all, we think it’s a great read and hope you enjoy the contents as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.

Kind regards The Cruise Club team.

2. Unbeatable Value We have access to the best rates for cruises, hotels, flights, tours and transfers – we can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds off your next holiday.

1. Cruise Specialists

3. Cruise ++

Cruise is our area of expertise, it’s what we love to do! We’ll find you your dream holiday whether it’s a sunshine escape or a once-in-alifetime adventure.

We’re determined to cram your holiday with even more value – from FREE upgrades and onboard spend, to FREE hotel stays and amazing tours.

Come and find us...

4. We Love Our Customers We’d love you to chat to us about where you want to cruise to next, so give us a call and we’ll be delighted to help.

5. Your £££ Is Safe With Us Your money is secure when you book with us.

There are several ways to stay in touch with us and our latest deals

To speak to your local cruise club expert Stay in touch with our latest exclusive cruise deals on our website www.thecruiseclub.co.uk We like you, so ‘like us’ on Facebook. Simply search for TNGCruiseClub At The Cruise Club, we enjoy the occasional tweet and are always looking for interesting stories to help our members. Search @the_cruise_club

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www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

Features 3 Cruise News Every issue we look at the latest cruise news worldwide – keep your eyes peeled.

4 New Website & cruising from the UK We show off our brand new website and its brand new features & look at the benefits of cruising from the UK.

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5 VIP days & cruising from the UK Don’t miss your chance to come aboard one of our VIP days! Plus, we give you an all-inclusive option from the UK.

6 & 7 Escorted cruising We look at the benefits of escorted cruising, where our Cruise Club Ambassador is with you every step of the way!

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8 & 9 Azamara Club Cruises A detailed look at Azamara Club Cruises – widely renowned as the best value luxury cruise line.

10 Six-star all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas

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All drinks, gourmet dining, shore excursions and service charges are included with Regent Seven Seas

11 Costa Rica A once-in-a-lifetime tall-ship adventure and escorted land tour of the Costa Rican rainforest

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Cruise News by The Cruise Club The iconic QE2 will leave Dubai on October 18 en route to China, where it will be converted into a luxury hotel.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be building a fourth ship for its all-inclusive, six-star luxury fleet. The Seven Seas Explorer is due for delivery in summer 2016.

MSC Cruises will base a second & bigger ship, MSC Magnifica, in Southampton from next year. The ship will offer four seven-night, round-trip cruises to Northern Europe with prices starting from £599pp!

Oceania Cruise’s Insignia will embark on a 180-day cruise from Miami. In January 2015, the ship vessel will visit five continents, 44 countries and 89 different ports on her travels.

Bond, Ahoy! Roger Moore recently took a cruise on Azamara Journey. The former James Bond actor is a regular on the luxury line, having enjoyed a holiday with his family on board last year.

Seabourn Cruise Line has announced a line-up of highly acclaimed chefs and an award-winning winemaker for its “Seabourn Conversations,” the line’s on-board enrichment and special guest entertainment programme.

Terms & Conditions: Prices are ‘from’, per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin (unless stated) on the marked (*) departure date, and are subject to availability. Hotel ratings are based on local standards, subject to availability and may change at any time without prior notice. Inclusive transfers may be on a shared basis. Flights are based on a London departure in economy class (unless stated) and may be indirect, overnight and are subject to change. Regional flights and upgrades may be available for a supplement.+ Excursions are as stated, subject to availability and may change at any time without prior notice. Passengers may be required to make their own way to a centrally located pick-up point for inclusive excursion(s). Not all days are escorted by a tour guide; some may be at leisure. ^ On-board spend is up to the amount stated, may vary according to stateroom category, departure date and availability, and may expire on certain offers; call for details. R These itineraries operate in reverse. % Itinerary differs slightly. Some dining and activities on board may incur an extra charge. # Free upgrades are as stated, subject to availability, based on two sharing a stateroom and may be withdrawn at any time. $ All-inclusive cruise includes selected spirits, beers, wines selection, gourmet dining & soft drinks.% Door-to-door chauffeur transfers are valid for bookings for distances of up to 100 miles from point of collection to departure airport and return, mainland UK and N. Ireland only. For those customers located outside of the 100 mile threshold, a supplementary cost is applicable. Deposit only at time of booking on selected dates.

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Cruise & Stay

Our brand new website www.thecruiseclub.co.uk Cruise & Stay

VIP Day

Here at The Cruise Club we are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new website www. thecruiseclub.co.uk. As well as providing an information centre for cruising, cruise lines and destinations, the site Cruise VIP Cruise also hosts a selection of exclusive Day products put together & Stay ++ by our very own specialist team.

Cruise & Stay

VIP Day

Cruise

VIP Day

Cruise

Escorted Cruise

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Escorted Cruise

Exclusive new product Here at The Cruise Club we’re all about what we like to call our ’Cruise Plus, Plus’. This means that we’re determined to cram each and every holiday with even more value – from FREE upgrades and on-board spend, to FREE hotel stays and amazing tours. The idea is not only to make The Cruise Club products exclusive, but also to pack them full of value.

Cruise

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Escorted Cruise

Information at your fingertips Our new website has exclusive cruise deals packed with added value whilst also offering a wealth of cruise related information on a number of topics. It focuses on why you should cruise, the types of cruise available, the cruise lines you can cruise with and the destinations you can cruise to – it really is the definitive cruise source.

Escorted Cruise

Find a cruise specialist near you Another key feature on our new website is the ‘Find a cruise specialist’ option. This allows you to search by postcode for a cruise specialist near you. All of the cruise specialists in The Cruise Club are trained to the highest standards, they love cruise, and are eagerly waiting to hear from you. You can even arrange to meet up face-to face to discuss a particular holiday if it suits

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www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

Cruise & Stay

VIP DAYS VIP Days The Cruise Club are offering you the chance to sample the high life at sea, without leaving the port, with our fully escorted VIP days on board. A VIP day is a great introduction to life on board a cruise ship, and if you would like to spend the day exploring the amenities and sampling the delicious dining options on board, then be sure to read on!

Why go on a VIP day?

Why wouldn’t you? A VIP day is the perfect opportunity for you to sample a specific cruise ship, or cruise line, before deciding whether to book your holiday on board. These days offer a real taste of what to expect on a cruise and can help you decide whether a particular cruise line is suitable for you.

What happens on a VIP day?

VIP Day

amenities on board. You’ll also have a chance to sample the food and drink on board with a fabulous three-course lunch in one Cruise of the dining venues on board. Following this, you’ll disembark, ++ looking forward to booking your next cruise holiday!

Is there a cost attached?

Of course we’d love to send everyone on free ship visits, it’s not Escorted always possible. The average cost is around £25 per person –a Cruise small price to pay for a potentially holiday-changing day out! Plus, if you do decide to book on your ship visit, the cost of the visit will be taken off your booking – you really can’t lose!

Upcoming dates: 10 September 2013

Dover

MSC Musica

£25pp

14 September 2013

Southampton

MSC Opera

£25pp

* must be booked at least 1 week prior to VIP day itself

Well, you’ll be met at the port and escorted aboard by one of our Cruise Club Ambassadors in the morning. From here you will be given a presentation and a tour of the ship, its highlights and the

All-inclusive Cruising from the UK Beginning your holiday from the UK has many benefits and certainly avoids all the hassle that airports Cruise & Stay inevitably bring!

- No need to fly – avoid the chaos and queues of the airports - Start your holiday right away – as soon as you’re on board, your holiday has started VIP - Unlimited baggage – with no baggage allowance, you can shop until you drop on your cruise! Day

All-Inclusive Europe No-Fly Cruise 8 nights All-Inclusive from £679pp!

FREE pre-cruise Country Club hotel FREE parking / UK Coach transfers

Departs 30* Sep, 7 Oct* 2014

Cruise

++

Ref: TCC0040 Escorted Cruise

1 night pre-cruise stay followed by 7 nights’ cruising Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France on board MSC Cruise’s ‘MSC Magnifica’. All-Inclusive cruise with free parking or coach transfer and free excursion.

Itinerary: 1 night pre-cruise stay in 4* hotel-

Embark MSC Cruise’s ‘MSC Magnifica’ in Southampton (UK) for 7 nights’ cruising - Bruges (Zeebrugge, Belgium) - Amsterdam (Ijmuiden, Netherlands) overnight on board - Hamburg (Germany) - Paris (Le Havre, France) - Southampton (UK) Type Inside Oceanview Balcony

Prices from pp Fr £679pp Fr £779pp Fr £859pp Only pay a deposit today!

www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

s All Drink & meals included

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Escorted Cruising

Cruise

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Supporting you every step of the way

Escorted Cruise

We want you to have the best holiday possible, and what better way to ensure this than by having one of our Cruise Club Ambassadors on board? One of our experts will be with you each and every step of the way on your cruise holiday – from embarkation at the port, to assisting with queries, providing advice, troubleshooting and gathering feedback during your holiday – our escorted cruises guarantee a seamless cruise holiday experience from start to finish!

Ask our ambassador...

David Parr discusses the benefits of an escorted cruise: David Parr is our resident Cruise Club Ambassador and what he does not know about cruising, frankly isn’t worth knowing! In this issue we speak to him about the benefits of escorted cruises.

There to help, not there to chaperone “Now, first things first, let me put you straight on something – when we say ‘escorted’ we don’t mean hassling you to purchase shore excursions, or dragging you out on the dance floor every night – no, our Cruise Club Ambassadors are there to help you, should you want or need them. What we do promise is that one of our charismatic reps will be available to you on board at all times.

Welcome aboard

David Parr, on board with his partner Emma

Upon arrival you’ll receive a letter in your cabin or stateroom notifying you of your Cruise Club ambassador whereabouts, plus where and when you can find them on board. So, if you want some information, or just fancy a chat, you’ll know where to find them – they’ll be the ones with the Cheshire cat grin!

Making the best, even better Here at The Cruise Club, we are perfectionists. We’re constantly striving to make the best, even better. As well as ensuring your holiday goes perfectly, our Cruise Club Ambassadors take the opportunity to gather information from you on board, so long as you’re happy to give it that is! We love your feedback, both positive and negative, it makes us a better company and if, on the off chance, something does go awry,

David is escorting two cruises coming up, both can be found opposite. Not got a bad job, has he?!

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www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

Escorted Fjords No-Fly Cruise Fully escorted by The Cruise Club No need to fly FREE cocktail party on-board

Departs 23 May* 2014

Cruise

VIP Day

Escorted Cruise

Cruise

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++

Ref: TCC003 Escorted Cruise

Enjoy seven nights’ escorted cruising through Norway and the fjords on board Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas

Itinerary: Embark Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas in Southampton (UK) for 7 nights’ cruising – Kristiansand (Norway) – Alesund (Norway) – Flam (Norway) – Stavanger (Norway) – Southampton (UK) – Disembark Cruise & Stay

Type

Prices from pp

Inside

£699pp*

Oceanview

£899pp

Balcony

£1029pp

7 nights from £659pp*

VIP Day

Cruise & Stay

Cruise

VIP Day

Escorted Cruise

Cruise

Only pay a deposit today!

5* Canaries Escorted No-Fly- Cruise Fully escorted by The Cruise Club Cruise in 5* luxury FREE cocktail party on-board

Departs 30 Oct* 2014 Enjoy 10 nights’ escorted cruising to the colourful Canary Islands on board Celebrity Cruise’s 5* Celebrity Eclipse.

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Ref: TCC006 Escorted Cruise

Itinerary: Embark Celebrity Cruise’s 5* Celebrity Eclipse in Southampton (UK) for 10 nights’ cruising - Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) – Tenerife (Canary Islands) – Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) – Lanzarote (Canary Islands) – Vigo (Spain) – Southampton (UK) - Disembark

Type

Prices from pp

Inside

£1,199pp*

Oceanview

£1, 299pp

Balcony

£1,519pp

10 nights from * £1,199pp

Only pay a deposit today!

www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

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All-Inclusive Boutique Luxury Lux

This is boutique cruising at its finest. Beautifully appointed, mid-sized ships, with stylish stateroom accommodation, comfortable social spaces, modern dining options and some of the best service you’ll ever experience at sea. Since Azamara’s launch in 2009 they have been inundated with awards, regularly claiming their place as one of the Top 10 Cruise Lines, and have won a range of accolades ranging from ‘Best Overall’, to ‘Best Service‘, and ‘Best Itineraries. But what is it that makes a cruise with Azamara so special?

5 reasons to book an Azamara Club Cruise today!

- Five-star all-inclusive Azamara – all meals, drinks, tips & entertainment on board - Discover each destination – longer stays, more overnights and night touring - FREE ‘Azamazing Evenings’ on board – handpicked shore experiences - FREE shuttle service to and from ports – transfer to the heart of the destination - 2:1 staff guest ratio – unparalleled service on board

All-inclusive five-star value There’s no doubt that a cruise is a fantastic value holiday – all your flights, transfers, accommodation and entertainment are included, there aren’t many land-based holidays that can boast that. Azamara really take this to the next level and are now more-inclusive than ever before. That’s right! Selected spirits, international beers and boutique wines are included throughout your cruise holiday – and that’s on top of your soft drinks and tips!

No wonder Azamara have been voted ‘Best Value’ luxury cruise line.

Life on board is Azamazing!

One of the first things you’ll notice on board your Azamara cruise is the extraordinary level of personal service – each and every member of staff goes the extra mile to ensure every aspect of your cruise is exactly the way you want it. As soon as you step on board you are greeted with warm smiles and the service only gets better. Whether you’re unwinding in your luxurious

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stateroom, relaxing by the pool, in the Spa, or in the bar – the service will never fail to amaze you. Then there’s the on-board activities - whatever your interests, you can indulge them aboard Azamara. Enrich yourself with an informative lecture, shop leisurely in the boutiques, or add to your art collection (or start one) during an on board art auction – the choices really are endless. Feeling lucky?

Step into the casino. Keen to work off another great dinner? Head to the gym. Fancy a pampering? The Spa is sensational. The choices on board really are endless.

Who’s hungry?

Of course our article would not be complete without a mention of the simply stunning dining options on board you’ll work up an appetite just thinking about Azamara’s wonderful restaurants. Dining options range from casual to elegant, with menus featuring classic to modern cuisine from the world’s great culinary destinations. Prepared by renowned chefs, each culinary delight is made fresh, using only the finest ingredients, and there are choices sure to please even those with a most discerning palate.

www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

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All-Inclusive Greece Stay and Easy Med Cruise 5* All-inclusive cruise$ 2 Nights 4* Athens hotel & tour+ FREE tour+ & Azamazing shore experience+

Cruise & Stay

Departs 22 Oct* 2014

VIP Day

Cruise

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Ref: TCC009 VIP Day

Escorted Cruise

nights 10 Cruise ++ from * £2,329pp Escorted Cruise

A pre-cruise stay in an Athens hotel is followed by an eight-night cruise taking in Greece and Turkey on board Azamara Club Cruise’s all-inclusive Azamara Quest.

Your fly, stay and cruise adventure begins in the heart of ancient Athens. Famed as a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy, the city offers a multitude of sightseeing opportunities including the ancient Acropolis, the iconic Parthenon and the enormous Theatre of Dionysus.

On board you’ll experience absolute opulence. Azamara Quest is boutique luxury cruising at its finest with spacious accommodation, gourmet food and selected alcoholic beverages all included, as are your tips for the staff on board. The itinerary is magical and takes in a combination of picturesque smaller islands and ancient archaeological sites including ancient Ephesus. Before disembarkation you’ll spend the night on board in Istanbul, ‘the Gateway to the East’ boasts a huge selection of attractions both sides of the Bosporus including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Aya Sofya.

Itinerary:

What’s included:

Day 1 Fly direct UK > Athens (Greece). Transfer to hotel. 2

nights 4* Athens hotel Day 2 FREE Athens sightseeing tour Day 3 Transfer to port. Embark Azamara Club Cruise’s

‘Azamara Quest’ for 8 nights’ cruising Day 4 Patmos (Greece) Day 5 Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey) Day 6 Dikili (Turkey) Day 7 Volos (Greece) Day 8 Skiathos (Greece) Day 9 Kavala (Greece) Day 10 Istanbul (Turkey). Overnight on board Day 11 Istanbul (Turkey). Disembark. Transfer to airport.

Fly direct Istanbul > UK

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Type

-

Prices from pp

Club Interior

Fr £2,329pp

Club Oceanview Club Balcony

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2 nights stay in 4* Athens hotel FREE ancient Athens tour+ Overnight on board in Istanbul FREE evening dining experience at overnight port of call 8 nights on board Azamara Club Cruises ‘Azamara Quest’ FREE welcome bottle of wine & chocolate dipped strawberries All-inclusive cruising+ - selected spirits, beers, wines selection, gourmet dining & soft drinks Tips for housekeeping, dining & bar staff, English butler service for suite guests Direct return flights from the UK All overseas transfers included

Fr £2,449pp Fr £2,949pp

Only pay a deposit today!

www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

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VIP Day

6* All-Inclusive Italian Intermezzo 6* All-inclusive cruise FREE $400 on-board spend^ FREE Shore excursions

Cruise

++

Departs 9 Jul * 2014

Ref: TCC012 Escorted Cruise

10 nights from * £4,399pp Enjoy a luxurious 6* all-inclusive cruise on board Regent Seven Sea’s Mariner taking in the highlights of Monte Carlo, Italy & the Eastern Med Enjoy the most inclusive luxury cruise experience ever. This is cruising as it was meant to be — a world where everything is included, without exception and without compromise. Personal service soars into the sublime aboard our elegant ships, liberating you to follow your heart, fulfil your desires, and explore exciting new places in complete and absolute comfort.

Expect gratifying luxuries. Anticipate the world’s most exotic destinations. Indulge in world-class cuisine. Trust that your voyage will be enlightening in ways you never imagined. Regent Seven Seas Cruises promises an extraordinary experience.

Enjoy … It’s all included.

6* All-Inc Seven Seas Mariner

The world’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship, Seven Seas Mariner features four gourmet restaurants with open seating.

Hallmarks include generous amenities and a welcome spaciousness. Catering to only 700 guests, her staff-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.6 ensures the absolutely highest level of personal service.

Your suite is a wonderful place to refresh, relax and plan your next adventure ashore, offering such a multitude of rewards and privileges as all of our accommodations are ocean-view. Within these serene havens of repose, guests feel immensely at home, as every imaginable amenity has been included

Itinerary: Day 1 Fly direct UK > Rome (Italy). Transfer to port. Embark Regent Seven Sea’s 6* all-inclusive Mariner for 10 nights’ cruising Day 2 Monte Carlo (Monaco) Day 3 Florence/Pisa (Livorno, Italy) Day 4 Sorrento/Capri (Italy) Day 5 Taormina (Sicily, Italy) Day 6 Argostoli (Greece) Day 7 Durres (Tirana, Albania) Day 8 Split (Croatia) Day 9 Koper (Slovenia) Day 10 Venice (Italy). Overnight on board Day 11 Disembark. Transfer to airport. Fly direct Venice > UK Type

Prices from pp

Deluxe Suite Concierge Suite Penthouse Suite

£3,399pp* £5,139pp £7,069pp

Only pay a deposit today!

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www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

What’s included: - FREE $400 on-board spend per suite^ - 10 nights on board Regent Seven Sea’s 6* all-inclusive Mariner - FREE shore excursions on board - All gourmet meals including alternative dining options and in-suite dining - All drinks including in-suite mini-bar - Pre-paid gratuities on board - Direct return flights from the UK - All overseas transfers

Costa Rica Tall-Ship Cruise & Rainforest Tour Door-to-door chauffeur transfers% 12-day Costa Rica World of Nature tour+ 7- night exotic tall ship cruise

VIP Day

Cruise & Stay

Departs 25 Jan* 2014

Cruise

++

Ref: TCC001B VIP Day

Escorted Cruise

2++0 nights from * £3,699pp

Cruise

Escorted Cruise

A seven night -cruise exploring the tropics of Costa Rica and Nicaragua on board Star Flyer is followed by a once-in-a-lifetime 12 - day tour of Costa Rica

Your holiday begins from your very own front door. We’ve arranged private chauffeur transfers to take you and your luggage directly to the airport - now how’s that for service? Following you’re flight you’ll be transferred to your four-star hotel in San Jose where you can catch some much-needed rest ahead of your cruise in the morning. Your home for the next seven nights is the magnificent Star Flyer - picture thousands of square feet of sails in cream billowing above you, the feel of warm teak under your feet, and the gentle splash of the waves against the hull as you explore the tropical paradise of Costa Rica in absolute luxury.

12-day Costa Rican rainforest tour Selected experiences you’ll enjoy include a two night stay in Tortugero National Park - a living Eden, overflowing with flora and fauna; a horseback ride to the imposing Arena Volcano; a trip to the mythical Monteverde cloud forest; plus exotic boat trips; visits to local schools, a coffee plantation tour; a rainforest zip-line canopy tour and so much more - plus selected meals are included and you’ll be escorted for the duration by a team of local experts.

Itinerary:

What’s included:

Door-to-door chauffeur transfer%. Fly UK > San Jose (Costa Rica) Transfer to hotel. 1 night in 4* San José hotel Day 2 Transfer to port. Embark Star Flyer for 7 nights’ cruising Day 4 San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua) Day 5 Playas Del Coco (Costa Rica) Day 6 Santa Rosa National Park (Costa Rica) Day 7 Bahia Potrero (Flamingo, Costa Rica) Day 8 Islas Tortugas/ Curu (Costa Rica). Overnight on board Day 9 Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica). Disembark 12-day World of Nature tour begins Day 10 – 19 World of Nature tour Visits to Tortuguero National Park, the Sarapiquí region, Arenal volcano, Tárcoles and the Manuel Antonio National Park. Highlights include eco-lodge accommodation, the Green Turtle research station, wildlife excursions, bird spotting, boat rides, biological presentations, pristine beaches and much more including the option of a zip-line tour of the rainforest canopy!

Day 20 San José (Costa Rica). Tour ends. Transfer to airport. Fly San José > UK. Overnight Day 21 Arrive UK. Door-to-door chauffeur transfer home%

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Day 1

Type

Prices from pp

Inside

£3,699pp*

Oceanview

£3,849pp

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Door-to-door chauffeur transfers% 2 nights 4* San José hotel 7 nights’ cruising on board Star Flyer 12-day Comprehensive fully escorted tour of Costa Rica+ Stays in San José, Puerto Caldera, Sarapiqui, Arenal & Tarcoles Explore Tortuguero National Park & the Arenal Volcano+ 24 meals included on tour (11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 9 dinners) Return flights from the UK All overseas transfers included

Only pay a deposit today!

www.thecruiseclub.co.uk

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