Cruise Concierge Magazine January 2014

THE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE FROM WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS (UK) LTD JAN/FEB 2014 EDITION

Cruise Concierge CRYSTAL SERENITY

WHAT MAKES THIS LUXURY SHIP SO SPECIAL?

CRUISE PLUS

FIND YOUR PERFECT CRUISE PACKAGE

DIVE INTO THE CARIBBEAN

EXPERIENCE THE CAPTIVATING CULTURE, BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE OF THE CARIBBEAN

PLUS • WHAT’S NEW IN 2014 • INTERVIEW WITH BEN FOGLE • VENICE • WORLD’S BEST NATIONAL PARKS • CRUISE KITCHEN • RIVER VOYAGES

.co.uk

Contents Jan/Feb 2014

Inside Cruise

5 I

All the news from the world of cruising.

What's New

8 I

A look at new ships, and new-look ones 28 I too, set to hit the ocean waves in 2014.

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22 I

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26 I

Ship review: Crystal Serenity

We step aboard one of Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxury vessels.

Cruise Plus

Find out all about our exciting new campaign and how we can help you to 38 I build the perfect cruise.

Interview

We talk travel with Celebrity Cruises’ destination expert Ben Fogle.

Cruise Concierge

Port Guide: Venice Be enchanted by the timeless allure of the city on the water.

D estination focus: The Caribbean Discover why the Caribbean’s winning combination of sun, fun and colonial history makes it one of the most popular cruise destinations.

W orld's Best This issue, we take you on a journey to some of the world’s best national parks you can visit while on a cruise.

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C ruise tech

State-of-the-art ships, face recognition, getting on-line, must-have apps – it’s all here in our round-up of cruise ship technology.

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CONTENTS

F

irst of all I’d like to wish you Happy New Year and welcome you to the latest edition of Cruise Concierge magazine. If you’ve been lucky enough to brush away some of those winter blues with a festive cruise, then I hope you had a good holiday. If not, then this is the perfect time to look ahead and book your escape for 2014. With the whole year ahead of you, there’s literally a world of choice when it comes to destinations.

With that in mind, I’m delighted to announce that from this issue onwards, we’ll be going bi-monthly. This means that we’ll be able to bring you all the latest news, features and articles six times a year, giving you more inspiration and ideas when it comes to booking your perfect cruise. It’s not just our primary website Cruise118.com though. Just as we did last issue, we’ll continue to bring you offers from across all our brands within these pages. So whether it’s an ultra-luxury escape you’re after with Six Star Cruises.co.uk or a scenic river cruise with RiverVoyages.com, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and offers. If it’s a land-based escape you’re after, then be sure to check out SixStar Holidays.co.uk, while for the perfect luxury hotel, look no further than CrispWhiteSheets.com.

This issue, we’ll be setting sail for the sun-kissed Caribbean for our in-depth destination focus, Venice, the legendary city on the water, gets our port guide treatment, while we sample a little of the luxurious with our ship review of the Crystal Serenity. With the help of our new and expanded team of writers, we’re introducing some great new features too, such as our World’s Best series, Cruise Kitchen and a new-look section dedicated to river cruising.

If you like the magazine but want to keep up with our writers’ more regular observations, articles and opinions as well, then be sure to check out our blogs, which you can find on the respective websites for our brands. We hope you enjoy the magazine and please do keep sending us your stories and feedback.

Best wishes,

James Cole Director, WTH (UK) Limited

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Cruise Concierge

Unit 4 Moorland Gate Business Park, Cowling Road, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 9FE

The holidays featured in this magazine are ABTA (L3743). Though we strive for accuracy, we cannot accept responsibility for information, such as prices and availability, that are subject to change.

Editor: Simon Brotherton editor@worldtravelholdings.co.uk Design: Dan Fletcher & Graham Slater

Meet the Concierge

56 I Health & Beauty

Q&A

58 I

L ights, Camera, Cruise

59 I

H oliday reading

60 I

Q uiz Time

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S ix Star Holidays

They’re here to help you with all aspects of your booking but who are they?

Our Cruise Concierge answer your questions about all aspects of cruises and cruising.

River voyages

We look at landmarks, destinations, dishes and the wonderful world of river cruising in general.

Cruise Kitchen

A mouth-watering celebrity chef profiles, recipes and words of wisdom from our resident wine and cocktail experts.

A look at one of the cruising world’s most popular and successful spas, the Canyon Ranch Spa Club.

We take a look at forthcoming films and the cruise destinations they’re shooting in. This issue, New York.

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We review two top tomes to take with you on a cruise.

Fun questions, puzzles and picture quizzes.

A look at non-cruise escapes with our dedicated land holiday brand.

Cruise Concierge

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Whether you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, or just a chance to relax with the people closest to you, the moments you’ll enjoy on Royal Caribbean International’s award-winning ships will stay with you forever.

Central Mediterranean

Italian Mediterranean

15 nights • 8 May 2014

14 nights • 12 July 2014

Adventure of the Seas®

Independence of the Seas®

Southampton > Cadiz > Barcelona > Nice > Livorno> Civitavecchia (Rome) > Sardinia > Gibraltar > Lisbon > Southampton

Southampton > Gibraltar > Cartagena > Rome (Civitavecchia) > Florence/Pisa > Provence (Toulon) > Seville (Cadiz) > Lisbon> Vigo > Southampton

Save up to £500 per stateroom, receive a FREE kids soda package and FREE car parking

Save up to £300 per stateroom, receive a FREE kids soda package and FREE car parking

INTERIOR FROM

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OCEANVIEW from

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Iceland & Norway

Ocean Voyage on Oasis

12 nights • 31 August 2014

12 nights • 15 October 2014

Adventure of the Seas®

Oasis of the Seas®

Southampton > Reykjavik (overnight on-board) > Akureyri > Trondheim > Alesund > Olden > Stavanger > Southampton

Southampton > Vigo (Santiago De Compostela) > Fort Lauderdale

Save up to £300 per stateroom, receive a FREE kids soda package and FREE car parking

FREE premium beverage package worth $55 per person per day!

INTERIOR FROM

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INTERIOR FROM

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OCEANVIEW from

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To book, call your Cruise Concierge on...

0800 072 3117

Terms & Conditions: These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Prices are in pounds sterling per person based on three sharing the stateroom category specified and include transfers between airport and ship/hotel.

Fares based on flights from selected London airports. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other promotional or discounted offer. For details of what’s included and full booking conditions please refer to Disney Cruise Lines latest brochure. A booking fee of £27.50 applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 (part of WTH (UK) Ltd) acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 9am to 9pm

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions: In a recent survey 9 out of 10 guests said they would recommend Royal Caribbean International. Surveymonkey No 2012. 94% of 8054 guests agreed. The free car parking and soda package terms is valid on Adventure, Independence and Brilliance sailings from the UK only for 6 nights or more. Guests must prebook their free car parking by 7th March 2014. It is the responsibility of the customer, not Royal Caribbean International or Cruise118, to book their car parking directly with AB Ports on 0844 8806848 or Harwich International Port on 01255 242000. Only one free space per booking subject to availability. The children’s Fountain Soda Package will be automatically added to any guests aged between 3 years and 17 years at the start of the cruise itinerary. Please refer to Royal Caribbean’s website for full terms and conditions.

ABTA No.L3743

Inside Cruise

The latest news in the big wide world of cruise

Cruise lines united in Typhoon aid effort

CUNARD FLEET TO SAIL INTO LIVERPOOL IN 2015 Cunard has announced that it will sail its entire fleet into the port for the very first time in 2015. The year marks the 175th anniversary of Cunard and the line’s three vessels, the flagship Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, which will all sail into the port on May 25, 2015. The vessels will pass the historic Cunard Building on Liverpool’s Pier Head during their visit to the port, which was the line’s headquarters from 1917 to 1967.

Commenting on the occasion, Cunard

Marketing Director Angus Struthers said: “Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard.

Until 1967 the company was based in Liverpool, and it was from Liverpool that Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing was made.

We are therefore delighted to celebrate our 175th anniversary in 2015 with two historic events in Liverpool: a meeting of our fleet of Queens on the Mersey in May 2015 and a repeat of the original transatlantic crossing to Halifax and Boston on July 4 2015.”

P&O Cruises announces Alfie Boe show P&O Cruises has just revealed that it is to host classical singer Alfie Boe on one of its justannounced short break voyages next year.

The star will perform on P&O Cruises’ Azura during her four-night cruise break, which

departs from Southampton during the May

half-term holiday. The ship sets sail on May 26 and calls at Belgium and Guernsey. It’s one of four short break sailings which P&O Cruises

has scheduled for 2014. The other voyages take place on the Aurora on October 11, for a threenight journey to Belgium, with both Oriana

and Oceana sailing to Amsterdam and Belgium for four nights on November 6 and December 13 respectively.

The devastation caused in the Philippines

by Typhoon Haiyan last November is no doubt still in our minds and many of us contributed in our own ways to the aid effort. The world’s biggest cruise lines were certainly no exception, including Royal Caribbean, which currently employs a higher percentage of Filipino staff than any other cruise line. Royal made efforts to help anxious crew members contact relatives back home and held a special meeting on-board Vision of the Seas. Along with its partner lines Azamara and Celebrity Cruises, Royal set up a relief fund online, which was expected to raise a million dollars in relief funds.

Norwegian Cruise Line operated a similar support network and also set up a dedicated relief fund, while Carnival Cruises, as well as providing support and assistance, joined together with the Miami heat basketball team to pledge over a million dollars of support. Princess Cruises donated a total of 110 million dollars to three different related charities.

The UK cruise lines contributed too, with Cunard, Fred.Olsen and P&O Cruises holding a joint auction for a total of 22 cabins, with all the money raised donated to Mission to Seafarers. The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation also provided a 100,000 dollar donation.

Seabourn to launch new ship

Ultra-luxury line Seabourn has recently confirmed that it has plans to launch a fourth mid-scale vessel.

The as yet un-named ship, which is due to hit the ocean waves in the latter half of 2016, is set to be modelled after the three newest vessels in line’s fleet – Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Soujourn and Seabourn Quest – and will share their standards and technical solutions as well as many of their successful features.

Cruise Concierge

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INSIDE CRUISE

Southampton to be home for Royal's Anthem and P&O's Britannia

Royal Caribbean recently announced that the Anthem of the Seas will call Southampton its home port when it makes its debut in 2015.

The year will certainly be an exciting one

for the cruise industry in general, with P&O

Cruises’ newest vessel Britannia also set to sail from Southampton in 2015.

At a special press conference event, Royal

Caribbean UK and Ireland Managing Director Stuart Leven said of the decision: “Bringing a ship like Anthem of the Seas to Southampton

is proof of how close we are working with our trade partners ... the deployment of Anthem to the UK will mean we’ll develop an even stronger relationship.”

Construction began on the Anthem of the Seas late last year during the ship’s keel-laying ceremony, while as we reported last issue

P&O’s new vessel, Britannia began to take shape back in April.

MSC to stretch Lirica class vessels Italian line MSC Cruises has recently announced that it has plans to extend its fleet – literally – with a refit of the four vessels in its Lirica class. MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Opera will each be cut and stretched, with around 800 new cabins expected to be added across the fleet.

The four ships are also the line’s oldest and the refit plans are a sign that line is ensuring that its existing vessels are up to the highest standard possible, rather than expanding the fleet by adding new ones.

It is thought that the line will not launch any new cruise ships in the next three years, though it is expected to place orders for new vessels which will launch after that time.

Princess Cruises announces new 2015 world cruise Princess Cruises has just revealed the details of its 2015 World Cruise. The epic voyage which takes place on-board the line’s Sea Princess vessel, visits 41 different destinations in 28 countries on a 104-night journey which will circumnavigate the globe and depart from Sydney, Melbourne or Freemantle and continuing with the Australian theme, includes a maiden stop at the country’s wine-rich Margaret River region.

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Cruise Concierge

There are more South American cruise destinations than have ever previously been visited by a line in one cruise, with calls at a number of ports in the region including Cartagena and Pisco. The cruise also stops at Rome, Istanbul, Athens, New York, Venice and Easter Island.

Holland America 2014 cruises to get bluesier Passengers on Holland America 2014 cruises are set to get the blues (but in a good way) thanks to the addition of the BB King Blues Club on four more of the line’s vessels next year.

The successful club franchise, which began in 1991 with the advent of the first club in the spiritual home of the blues, Memphis, saw its first cruise ship club opening on Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam vessel last year. However, as of March, passengers on ms Noordam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam can also enjoy the hospitality and music offered by the club, named after the King of the Blues himself.

INSIDE CRUISE Round-Up Oceania cruises announces second 2015 world cruise

Oceania Cruises has added a second departure date to its 2015 world cruise schedule. The cruise will depart on July 8 for another 180day trip that will depart Miami and cross the Atlantic, via Greenland and Iceland for the midnight sun, to the Mediterranean. Asia and Africa follows before island-hopping along the Caribbean on the return leg. Oceania Cruises president Kunal Kamlani said: “The 180-Day World Odyssey starts in July, allowing us to create and deliver the most unique global-cruise itinerary ever offered.”

Windstar’s food and wine-themed cruise

Italy to ban large cruise ships in Venice Italian governmental officials have put an

ships weighing more than 96,000 tons will be

96,000 tons from crossing the Venice Lagoon.

cruise ship traffic will be rerouted through the

order in place to stop ships of more than

The Italian government has also put a limit on the number of smaller ships sailing in the area

and has called for a reduction in the number of ships weighing over 40,000 tons.

The two-stage process started this month

(January), when the number of cruise ships weighing 40,000 tons or more sailing in the

lagoon was reduced by 20 per cent and will be completed in November 2014, when no cruise

permitted in the lagoon. It is expected that

Contorta Sant’Angelo Canal, which lies further away from the most popular parts of the city.

There have long been arguments put forward by environmentalists that large cruise ships

are damaging to the ecosystem of the Venice Lagoon as well as many of the city’s iconic

landmarks, such as St Mark’s Square, which lies very close to where many large cruise vessels pass by.

Crystal announces guest speakers for 2014 Ultra-luxury line Crystal Cruises has recently announced three of the celebrities and public figures who will be guest speakers on two of its voyages for 2014.

Former MP Edwina Currie, author Kathy Reichs and broadcaster Sue MacGregor will all speak on-board the line’s Crystal

Serenity vessel in March and April 2014.

Edwina Currie will join the March 10

Temples and Safaris voyage, travelling

between Singapore and Capetown, while

Kathy Reichs and Sue MacGregor will step aboard the vessel on March 28 in time for

the All-Alluring Africa sailing, which travels from Cape Town to Southampton.

Windstar Cruises has just announced that it is to offer a second special food and wine-themed voyage in 2014, following the popularity of its April Culinary & Wine Delights of Spain sailing.

The voyage will take place on-board Windstar Cruises flagship vessel, Wind Surf, and is set to depart from Barcelona on November 15, 2014 and will call at such Mediterranean ports as Valencia, Cartagena, Cadiz and Malaga, ending in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.

Regent reveals Voyager’s new look

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Voyager has completed her time in drydock, emerging with brand-new interior décor as well as a refreshed set of exterior decks. Part of the refurbishment involved an extensive makeover of all the ship’s Penthouse Suites, meaning they received custom-crafted furnishings, wall coverings, curtains, carpets and original artwork. A makeover of the public areas was a key part of the dry dock too, with the ship’s nightclub and bar, Horizons, and her Observation Lounge being completely transformed by new bars, furnishings and lighting.

Silversea’s streaming at sea

Luxury line Silversea is continuing to ride the growing digital wave by building on the success of the streaming service it launched on its Silver Cloud vessel in 2013, by introducing it on four more of its ships. Guests on Silver Shadow, Whisper, Wind and Galapagos are now able to watch TV programmes, select ondemand movies and read newspapers on their laptops and mobile devices, providing they are wi-fi-enabled.

NCL ships to adopt Wii U games console

▪ Edwina Currie

▪ Kathy Reichs

▪ Sue MacGregor

Already known for its giant-screen Nintendo Wii experience, Norwegian Cruise Lines has announced an upgrade to the more recent console, the Wii U. A console is being added to every ship where it can be played in the Atrium and the teen centres. The cruise line will also host various tournaments, both to celebrate this new extended partnership and regularly for guests on-board.

Cruise Concierge

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What's new for

by Simon Brotherton

With the cruise industry ever expanding, more passengers means more ships and 2014 is certainly no exception. Just to give you an idea, expert industry analysts Cruise Market Watch recently estimated that almost 21 million passengers travelled on cruise ships last year, a figure which is expected to rise by well over half a million during 2014.

With new ships, new features and new itineraries all coming this year, 2014 is set be the most exciting yet when it comes to cruising. Here’s a look at what we can expect to see over the coming months.

MAIDEN VOYAGE

JANUARY

2014

Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Getaway

MAY

2014

Princess Cruises, Regal Princess

NOVEMBER

2014

Royal Caribbean, Quantum of the Seas

Depending on exactly when you’re reading

Following fast in the wake of last year’s

Quantum of the Seas is the first of Royal’s

latest vessel could well have already

course, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge

set to offer a host of features, many of which

your copy of Cruise Concierge, NCL’s hit the waves.

Welcoming 4,028 passengers, the second Project Breakaway vessel from NCL will

call the port of Miami home and boast such all-new features as the Illusionarium magic show, a Grammy Museum, an Ice Bar and

Royal Princess, whose godmother was of comes her sister ship the Regal Princess.

The vessel, which will cater for 3,600 guests will share many of the Royal Princess’ features, including the Seawalk – an

enclosed glass walkway which extends 28 feet beyond the ship.

will also host the Broadway show Legally

Passengers will also be able to rent out

Caribbean cruises from her home port she’ll

if they’ve booked an outside cabin, they’ll

Blonde. Though the Getaway will operate be visiting our shores before she gets to

work and of course, we’ve made sure that

we’ll be on-board to get a look for ourselves, so expect the low-down next issue.

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Cruise Concierge

their own private pool-side cabanas and be guaranteed a balcony, too. With most accommodations offering balconies, the

Regal Princess is one vessel on which you’ll

have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the view.

three planned Quantum Class vessels and is have never before been seen at sea.

Though she’ll cater for 4,180 passengers, the idea with the Quantum is not about

upping the occupancy, as was the case with

Royal’s previous Oasis class ships, but more about offering brand-new experiences.

The Quantum of the Seas will feature a sky-diving simulator, bumper cars and an extending viewing pod, christened

the North Star. Those who can’t stretch to

balcony cabins will also be able to enjoy the

view, thanks to the ships’ ‘virtual balconies’ which will display an outside ship view.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Norwegian Jewel - May 2014 The first of Norwegian Cruise Line’s

Jewel-class vessels to go under the knife, the Norwegian Jewel is set to undergo a significant revamp of its Horizon

and Observation lounges, as well as a

redecoration of all Penthouse suites. There will also be new furnishings, artwork and furniture added to the ship.

Norwegian Gem - November 2014 The Norwegian Gem will be granted all

the upgrades and refurbishments that the Norwegian Jewel is set to receive in May.

DRY DOCK ROYAL CARIBBEAN Navigator of the Seas is set to receive in February. New dining experiences

include the Chef’s Table, the Park Café and Giovannis Table. Suite passengers

will also have use of a Concierge Lounge, while Diamond reward club members

Navigator of the Seas - February 2014

will have their own lounge too. Also new for the vessel will be the Royal Babies &

It’s a busy year for overhauls when it

Tots Nursery.

starts next month (February) on the first

Voyager of the Seas - May 2014

receive a make-over, the Navigator of the

is set to receive the same treatment as her

comes to Royal Caribbean and the work of the line’s Voyager Class vessels to

Seas. She’ll emerge with a number of new

dining venues and also the line’s signature surf simulator, FlowRider. There’ll be

The namesake ship of the Voyager Class

sister ships during her overhaul, save for the addition of virtual balconies.

CELEBRITY CRUISES Century - February 2014 The oldest vessel in the Celebrity fleet will receive an extensive February make-over, contrary to some rumours which were

circulating that she would be sold along

with her sister vessels Galaxy and Mercury which retired from service with the line in 2009 and 2011 respectively. As a result of

the dry dock, Celebrity Century will receive a number of new staterooms as well as new luxury suites.

all-new digital signage and interestingly,

she’ll be the first Royal ship to feature the

line’s all-new virtual balconies, which will feature on the Quantum of the Seas when it launches later in the year.

Adventure of the Seas - April 2014 The second RC vessel to receive an

overhaul will emerge with most of the same features which her sister vessel

Cruise Concierge

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1

cOmpLImENtaRY DRINks packagE worth up to $1400

2

ONBOaRD spEND Up to $300

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gRatUItIEs INcLUDED Reward 1st class service

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Mediterranean

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Celebrity Eclipse® | 10 May 2014 | 14 Nights

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Southampton > Malaga > Cannes > Rome (Civitavecchia) > Florence/Pisa (Livorno) > Genoa > Gibraltar > Lisbon > Southampton Book an Oceanview stateroom or above and choose 2 Extras! FREE drinks, $300 on-board spend or FREE gratuities

Iceland & Fjords

INtERIOR

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Celebrity Eclipse® | 5 July 2014 | 14 Nights

£1,199pp

FREE UpGRADE to BAlcony

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Southampton > Reykjavik (overnight on-board) > Akureyri > Klaksvik > Geiranger > Alesund > Olden > Stavanger > Southampton Book an Oceanview stateroom or above and choose 2 Extras! FREE drinks, $300 on-board spend or FREE gratuities

Mediterranean

INtERIOR

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Southampton > Gibraltar > Nice (Villefranche) > Civitavecchia > Florence/Pisa (Livorno) > Genoa > Malaga > Lisbon > Southampton Book an Oceanview stateroom or above and choose 2 Extras! FREE drinks, $300 on-board spend or FREE gratuities

Southern caribbean

INtERIOR

OcEaNvIEw

BaLcONY

Celebrity Summit® | 5 December 2014 | 9 Nights

£1,199pp

£1,299pp

£1,449pp

Fly UK/San Juan > St. Croix (U.S.V.I) > Basseterre, St. Kitts > Roseau, Dominica > St. George´s, Grenada > Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas > San Juan/Fly UK Book an Oceanview stateroom or above and choose 1 Extra! FREE drinks, up to $200 on-board spend or FREE gratuities

To book, call your Cruise Concierge on...

0800 072 3117 Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 9am to 9pm

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions apply: The 123Go! promotion is valid for new bookings created between 29th November 2013 and 28th February 2014. The promotion is valid for selected sailings departing in 2014-15. Guests can choose from one of: Free Classic Alcoholic beverage package, Free Onboard Spend or Free Gratuities. Guests can choose from two of these for European sailings. The promotion is applicable to the 1st & 2nd guest in the stateroom. Additional guests within the same stateroom (passengers 3 and 4) will receive complimentary a classic non-alcoholic beverage package and free 38 minutes internet usage. Internet usage is per cruise, has no cash value and is not redeemable for cash. The promotion is applicable to Oceanview stateroom categories and above. Interior staterooms are not applicable to the promotion. The promotion is not applicable to transatlantic, transpacific or Galapagos sailings. This is a legal requirement and we reserve the right to withdraw the package if guests do not meet the qualifying criteria. Offer is subject to availability. prices correct at time of going to print (08.01.2014) The full terms & conditions please refer to the Celebrity Cruises 2014-15 brochure or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk. All fly-cruise holidays are ATOL protected. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

ABTA No.L3743

SHIP REVIEW

In search

of

Serenity Redesigned in 2013, the award-winning Crystal Serenity boasts some of the most luxurious public spaces and accommodation at sea, combined with an all-new ‘classic modern’ style.

With characteristic daring, we braved this comfortable, elegant environment to bring you this full report. by Andrew Hall

fact file Inaugural Year: 2003

Gross Tonnage: 68,870

Passengers: 1,070 guests Length: 820 feet

Cruise Speed: 21 knots

C

ondé Nast readers voted Crystal

crew members were incredibly friendly;

sized cruise ships in the world in

too much trouble. This, we found out,

Cruises’ vessels the best medium-

professional to a fault, and nothing was

2013. Crystal have been winning awards

was the difference between reading about

Crystal Serenity has a reputation as one of

commitment to excellent service) and

know just what magics were happening on-

We had a seamless check-in in the airy,

for excellence for the last 20 years and the

the cruise line’s ‘Crystal Difference’ (their

world’s best cruise ships – so we wanted to

actually experiencing it.

board to deserve these accolades.

First impressions Well, Crystal Cruises clearly understand that first impressions count, because

from the moment we boarded we were practically treated like royalty. The

elegant Crystal Cove lounge, and our

luggage was stored and delivered to our

room for us. It felt like there was something else we needed to do before we could

start enjoying ourselves but it was just

that everything had been taken care of so quickly and easily. 

Cruise Concierge

I 11

SHIP REVIEW Accommodation People often compare cruise ships to hotels at sea, but this was more like a whole luxury resort. Everywhere we looked we saw modern décor and facilities –

traditional class, but with a contemporary twist. We were glad the crew had taken

our suitcases when we boarded, because we probably would have dropped them

Deluxe Stateroom with Large Picture Window Features a sitting area with leather sofa, fantastic ocean views, a bathroom with both shower and bathtub, a queensize bed or twin beds, a twice-daily housekeeping and turndown service and complimentary wine and spirits when you embark.

Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

on our toes when we looked inside our

penthouse suite. The ship’s stylish new looks continued into our room, and

popping our heads inside the generously-

proportioned bathroom revealed a full-size

Jacuzzi alongside the shower. The suite was beautifully furnished, with a gigantic bed

Enjoy all the benefits of a Deluxe Stateroom, but with incredible vistas from your room’s private verandah.

Complete with Wi-Fi access, Schott Zwiesel glassware and Aveda bath products.

PURE® Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

and a comfy living area straight out of a showroom.

Nor could we fault the friendly service of our personal butler, or indeed the chilled champagne he had waiting for us when

we arrived (it’s not every day that you get to say ‘more champagne?’ on a private

Deluxe Staterooms with new antiallergy features – systems and treatments which regularly purify your room’s air and surfaces, for complete comfort during your stay.

Penthouse with Verandah Travel in real style in the Serenity’s penthouse accommodation – featuring a spacious verandah, Jacuzzi bathtub, walk-in wardrobe, butler service, queen-size bed and priority reservations in the Crystal Dining Room.

Penthouse Suite with Verandah Revamped following the ship’s stylish redesign, these suites offer separate bedrooms and living and dining areas – plus all the benefits of a Penthouse, as listed above.

Crystal Penthouse with Verandah See the world in real style in some of the best accommodation at sea.

Here you can enjoy spectacular ocean views from your Jacuzzi in the master bathroom – and you’ll also find a workout area, guest bathroom, library and pantry, on top of all the benefits of a Penthouse Suite.

veranda overlooking the sea). But it was

only once we’d done a thorough nosingaround in our room that we realised just

how much emphasis there was on quality, especially in the small things. We found

Aveda toiletries in the bathroom, and soft Frette bathrobes and slippers waiting for

us; and there was a cavernous amount of storage space to fit our luggage in.

It’s hard to put into words how well we

were treated during our time on the Crystal Serenity. The housekeeping service came twice a day (not that we could

entertain the thought of leaving a suite like this in a state), and our laundry and

pressing were all taken care of. Every day we had an entertainment

programme delivered, and the fruit basket in

our room was re-filled

(we like our fruit) – and every night, we had

canapés delivered to our

door. Needless to say, we could get used to that.

12 I

Cruise Concierge

top tip

Pre-book drinks and dining Great places to eat and drink can get busy, so we’d recommend booking seats in a restaurant as far in advance as you can.

In order to be served a drink prior to a nightly show, be sure to get to the lounge twenty minutes before the show starts.

Crystal Dining Room

SHIP REVIEW

top tip

Make the most of it Don’t be afraid to make the most of your time on board, especially if you’ve booked a luxury experience. Private butlers, room service and nightly canapés aren’t a common occurrence for many of us, so just remember to take advantage of any all-inclusive benefits!

Penthouse Suite with Verandah

Dining We liked the Crystal Cove lounge so much that we immediately gravitated back there

before we went for our evening meal. There were more people around now, having

cocktails and meeting up with their friends, but it was so peaceful and un-crowded

that we couldn’t believe we were sharing

the ship with more than a thousand other passengers.

Crystal Dining Room

Prego and Silk Road It was a tough choice between the Italian

– and because they serve up dishes all day,

specialized in Asian fusion food. Everyone

spots on the ship. Even better, the central

recommended their choices so highly that

back and the sunlight pours in – and takes

restaurant, Prego, and Silk Road, which

this quickly became one of our favourite

we asked had their favourite, but they all

pool changes completely once the roof rolls

we soon decided that we’d have to try

both. The service was first-class in both

restaurants, and the food was dangerously good. Prego serves up delicious ravioli,

carpaccio and risotto, and Silk Road offers set dishes as well as an elegant sushi bar

There was a huge choice of dining on the

with its own seating. Again, reserving

we wanted to eat. We had a fantastic meal

suggest trying to pre-book your table in

although we’d highly recommend making a

travel, so as not to be left with less-ideal

The tables here are mainly larger and each

Tastes

Serenity, whatever time of day or night

your table is highly recommended – we’d

in the classical Crystal Dining Room,

the ship’s speciality restaurants before you

reservation here as it can get busy at times.

timings too early or too late in the evening.

seat several people, although reserving

beforehand does seem to guarantee a table for two – especially if you can reserve a

table for 7–8pm, when the restaurant is less crowded.

made this casual dining with a difference

The next day we had a later breakfast at

Tastes around the Neptune Pool, which is kind of halfway between a bistro and an

ornamental public space. The dining here

was reservation-free, and the waiter service

on a different, more elegant character again once night falls.

Scoops and The Bistro For daytime dining, we highly recommend The Bistro. After a dip in either one of the ship’s pools, we’d often come here for a light bite, and a cup of speciality tea or

coffee. Later on, The Bistro specialises in

a range of meats and cheeses, and serves

wine and champagne for some perfect light dining in the afternoon or evening. We also spent more time in Scoops ice cream bar than we probably should have, but with

so many flavours on offer and the smell of freshly-made cookies pulling us in by the nose, it was very hard not to take a look

when we happened to be passing by (we

‘happened to be passing by’ quite a lot).  Cruise Concierge

I 13

SHIP REVIEW

Facilities at a glance • Perfect Choice dining options • Galaxy Lounge stage shows • Ultra-modern boutiques • IT classes on 27” iMacs • Creative learning in The Studio • Butler service available

Galaxy Lounge

• Crystal Salon & Fitness Centre • Crystal Spa • Seahorse Pool with pod beds

Entertainment & facilities It was a choice between the ship’s

has a tennis court, and plenty of space for

entertainment, and we opted for a live

centre, if you feel the need to work off some

cinema and the theatre for our nightly

show in the Galaxy Lounge on our first

night – which took ‘all singing, all dancing’ and just ran with it, in spectacular fashion.

Wherever we looked for entertainment,

we were equally bowled over by the sheer variety of the facilities on board.

Sporty types will love their time aboard the Serenity. We had a look around the deck

to see what was on offer, and we weren’t disappointed. The golfing facilities on board don’t just give you the

walking or exercise – and notably a fitness

also get advice from a PGA

professional.

The ship also

Seahorse Pool Pods

• Cinema with Dolby surround sound • Full on-board casino

of that delicious food from the night before.

• Golf facilities & PGA-pro guidance

in the beautiful, ultra-modern Crystal Spa

• Choice of restaurants

After a workout, we found that some time

• European-style bistro

made the perfect way to relax.

The Crystal Casino had everything we’d

expect to see in a much larger casino – and the glamour of the place really lends itself to the feel of a luxury cruise. We weren’t

particularly lucky at the slots or the tables, but we were suitably impressed

with the sheer style of the

chance to perfect your swing – here you can

• Neptune Pool with retractable roof

top tip

Reserve on shore excursions A cruise holiday is a fantastic way to see the world, especially when your cruise line gives you the chance to step ashore on a shore excursion around the destinations you’ve always wanted to see. Whatever shore excursions you’re opting for, be sure to pre-book early to guarantee your place.

place – and how much it felt like a casino, complete with a cashier desk,

roulette and

poker tables.

After our defeat at the tables we relaxed for a while in the Avenue Saloon, another of

our favourite spots on the ship to unwind with a drink – especially because of the

lively atmosphere here, and the range of live piano music which was in full flow every time we went in.

All in all, we had an amazing time on board. If we weren’t stretched out in

one of the ingenious pod beds by the

main Seahorse pool, we were wandering the modern shops – which had all the

big names that you’d expect to see in a

boutique or a department store. If we’d

had more time, we would have loved to

have taken a seat for one of the Serenity’s

computer classes; here passengers can learn anything from the basics of standard office software, to designing websites or a film or photo presentation to document your time ashore. Crystal Cruises put a lot of

emphasis on enrichment, and the ship even has a creative learning studio for those

who love to learn at every opportunity. We

wish we could say that this was us, but the tempting smell of fresh popcorn, and the lure of a spacious cinema with first-class

surround sound, was just too tempting a

prospect for these film lovers to ignore. ■ 14 I

Cruise Concierge

Enjoy the award-winning Crystal Experience®

SAVE UP TO

2,324

£

per stateroom

Indochine Discovery Departs 27 January 2015 Crystal Symphony - 15 nights Save up to £2,322 per stateroom

• Luxurious staterooms and suites • Complimentary drinks including

Fly from the UK to Singapore (overnight hotel stay) (overnight on-board) > Koh Samui > Bangkok/Laem Chabang > Sihanoukville > Ho Chi Minh (overnight on-board) > Chan May > Sanya > Hong Kong (overnight on-board)/Fly UK (overnight)

fine wines and premium spirits in all

Oceanview

restaurants, bars and lounges plus

£4,358pp

complimentary pre-paid gratuities • Up to seven dining venues including gourmet cuisine designed by chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio • Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa • Aerobics, pilates and yoga classes, golf driving nets and putting greens, paddle tennis courts and outdoor lap pool • Creative Learning Institute classes, Crystal Visions enrichment lectures,

WINE & FOOD THEMED CRUISE

was £5,519

Fly from the UK to Tokyo (overnight hotel stay) (overnight on-board) > Aomori > Otaru > Korsakov > Petropavlovsk > Dutch Harbor > Kodiak > Seward > Ketchikan > Vancouver/ Fly UK (overnight)

£5,648pp

£4,489pp

Save up to £998 per stateroom

BEST SELLING CRUISE FOR 2013

Fly from the UK to Lisbon > Portimao > Gibraltar > Barcelona > St Tropez > Monte Carlo (2 nights on-board for the Grand Prix) > Portofino > Florence/ Pisa (Livorno) > Bonifacio > Sorrento (overnight on-board) > Rome (Civitavecchia)/Fly UK

£4,169 pp

Save up to £2,324 per stateroom

Oceanview

Departs 17 May 2015 Crystal Serenity - 14 nights

was £4,797

Departs 21 April 2015 Crystal Symphony - 21 nights

Balcony

was £6,809

Passion De Grand Prix

Oceanview

Pagodas & Puffins

was £5,654

£5,489pp

Vistas of the Black Sea Departs 13 September 2015 Crystal Serenity - 7 nights Save up to £886 per stateroom Fly from the UK to Istanbul (overnight on-board) > Burgas > Constanta > Yalta > Odessa (overnight on-board) > Istanbul/ Fly UK

Balcony

Oceanview

£5,429pp

£2,699pp

was £5,928

Balcony

was £6,654

was £3,151

Balcony

was £3,822

£3,379pp

Computer University@sea and worldclass entertainment • Crystal Adventures ® Shore Excursion Programme • Fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal instructors • Supervised Junior Activities programme

To book, please call your specialist Cruise Concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Sun: 9am-9pm or visit

.co.uk

sixstarcruises.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are in pounds sterling per person based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of stateroom category specified including flights from London and return transfers. These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer. For full booking conditions please refer to Crystal Cruises latest brochure. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only.

ABTA No.L3743

NORWEgIANS MAkE THE BEST MEMORIES

Save up to £500 per stateroom* Baltic Capitals

Western Mediterranean from Rome

Eastern Mediterranean

Norwegian Star - 9 Nights 12 July 2014

Norwegian Epic - 7 Nights 20 August 2014

Norwegian Jade - 7 Nights 27 September 2014

Itinerary: Copenhagen > Warnemunde > Tallinn > St. Petersburg (overnight on-board) > Helsinki >Stockholm > Copenhagen

Itinerary: Civitavecchia (Rome) > Livorno > Cannes > Palma > Barcelona > Naples > Civitavecchia

Itinerary: Venice > Dubrovnik > Piraeus (Athens) > Izmir > Split > Venice

Save up to £500 per stateroom*

Flights based on London departure other airports available** Oceanview

Inside

1,219

£

pp

1,369pp

Save up to £500 per stateroom*

Flights based on Manchester departure other airports available**

£

Inside

Balcony

£

1,629pp

£

1,159

To book, call your Cruise Concierge on...

0800 072 3117 Mon - Sun 9am to 9pm

Balcony

pp

1,379pp

Save up to £500 per stateroom*

Flights based on Edinburgh departure other airports available**

£

Inside

Mini Suite

£

1,549pp

£

Oceanview

839

pp

919pp

£

Balcony

1,159pp

£

ABTA No.L3743

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions apply: Fares are guideline prices, subject to availability and can change at any time. Savings are applicable to new bookings only made from 05 December 2013 to 17 February 2014. Savings are applicable to selected sailings from April 2014 to April 2015 excluding all Norwegian Sky sailings. All fares shown are per person based on £GBP, based on double/twin occupancy of an inside stateroom including government fees and taxes with flights from London (unless stated). Other fees/charges may be applicable and can be viewed with the full terms and conditions at www.ncl.co.uk. All fly/cruise holidays are ATOL protected. An administration fee applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 acts as agent for ATOL protected cruise operators only. ** Other airports available supplements may apply.

16 I

Cruise Concierge

Enhancing Introducing your Holiday WE BUILD YOUR CRUISE YOUR WAY

We’re really excited about our Cruise Plus deals that you can book this year. This is our brand-new collection of great cruise packages that include a range of optional extras to help you tailor the perfect holiday, whilst enjoying fantastic savings too. What more could you want?

I

t’s all very simple too. We’ve used our expertise to

Our Cruise Concierge team recommend booking a Cruise

put together a selection of cruises with some of the

Plus deal because you end up saving by pre-booking things

top cruise lines, and found ways to enhance them

like your drinks and your excursions, and you don’t have

by adding in extra touches such as all-inclusive drinks

to think about them further down the line when your

packages and excursions, with savings helping to drive the

holiday is approaching, or while you’re on-board. That’s

price down for you.

why our expert team are ready to advise you, but we’ll

But these deals are all customisable too. You decide what you want your holiday to include, and we’ll do all the work in putting it together for you. It’s so easy, and you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay, exactly what you’re getting

build the cruise that you want, to your specifications.

Take a look through the next couple of pages to learn all about Cruise Plus, and why it makes sense to book one of these great deals.

for that money and exactly how much you’ve saved.

Cruise Concierge

I 17

CRUISE

Cruise Line Guide FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES Fred.Olsen offers a variety of exciting cruises, departing from ports across the UK, to exotic destinations around the world including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Norway and the Baltic states. The cruise line’s fleet comprises four fabulous vessels; the Balmoral, Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar, each packed with a range of excellent features, designed to keep guests happy and comfortable, whether they voyage from one of nine ports in Britain or select a fantastic fly-cruise.

Once on-board a Fred.Olsen vessel, guests can enjoy an array of wonderful facilities and first-rate entertainment, from relaxing massages and reinvigorating spa treatments to dazzling shows and fun-filled theme nights. When passengers are not docked in one of the 240 ports around the world which Fred.Olsen visit, every day at sea is brimming potential activities, whether that includes enjoying a delicious meal, playing sports and games or simply relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sun.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN Cruising with Royal Caribbean is great way to explore a plethora of fascinating destinations around the world from the comfort and luxury of one of over 20 elegant cruise ships. Each vessel boasts an extensive selection of activities and facilities for guests to enjoy during their time on the open water, such as exquisite fine-dining and spectacular entertainment as well as a variety of fitness programmes and spa treatments.

Experience diverse cultures and captivating locations with Royal Caribbean and sail to a variety of ports around the world, from bustling and lively metropolises to secluded and tranquil havens. After a long day in port, guests will be glad to come back to one of the many spacious cabins and suites, where they can put their feet up and relax in comfort. Alternatively, passengers can explore their ship and enjoy a range of tremendous on-board features, including sports, games and live entertainment.

CELEBRITY CRUISES Celebrity Cruises offer travellers the holiday of a lifetime, sailing in the upmost style and comfort to an assortment of colourful world-wide destinations. A fleet of 11 vessels are available to provide guests with the definitive cruise experience, offering luxury and sophistication at every turn alongside a wide range of marvellous facilities, activities and entertainment. Every spacious suite and stateroom is packed with great amenities and comfortable furnishings, designed to help passengers settle into their accommodation and instantly feel at home.

Celebrity takes pride in the quality of its service, catering for guests every need, whenever and wherever possible. Dine at one of the exquisite on-board restaurants, unwind with a drink in the warm and friendly bars and lounges, spend an exhilarating night in the casino or head to the spa to receive a range of revitalising treatments. Whatever your preference, Celebrity has the potential to provide you with the ultimate all-inclusive cruise getaway.

MSC CRUISES MSC specialises in fun-filled family cruises, incorporating a range of tremendous facilities and entertainment for people of all ages. Sailing from ports both in the UK and abroad, guests can select an itinerary that suits them, voyaging to a variety of the world’s best holiday destinations, from famous cities steeped in history and culture to remote islands with miles of golden sandy beaches. When they are not exploring new and exciting locations across the globe, guests will also find plenty to keep them occupied aboard one of MSC’s astounding vessels.

MSC’s family-friendly philosophy is showcased at the many fantastic facilities and leisure activities aimed directly at younger passengers. A range of programmes and activities, led by enthusiastic entertainment staff, will keep kids and teens occupied and delighted throughout their voyage. There are plenty of options for adults too whilst at sea, from rejuvenating spa treatments and on-board shopping to splendid fine-dining, casino gaming, bars and lounges.

18 I

Cruise Concierge

CRUISE

OFFERS

FRED OLSEN Ex - UK cruise

Fjords

Fred Olsen Braemar

10 Aug 2014 8 Nights

Adventure of the Seas

31 Aug 2014 12 Nights

3 Port excursion package

was £899 was £232 was £130

£809

ROYAL CARIBBEAN Iceland & Norway

All-Inclusive drinks package

£80

£110

was £12161

£909

SAVE pepresron £262

FAMILY OF 4 PRICE

All-Inclusive 4 Port excursion was £4481 Ex - UK drinks package package cruise was £2746 was £805 was £930 SAVE fapmerily £802

£3679

£2446 £708 £525

CELEBRITY CRUISES Alaska

Celebrity Solstice

23 May 2014 7 Nights

Fly-cruise

MSC Opera

19 Jul 2014 10 Nights

3 Port excursion package

was £2191 was £223 was £195

£1919 FREE £140

MSC CRUISES Europe

All-Inclusive drinks package

was £2606

£2059 SAVE pepresron £550

FAMILY OF 3 PRICE

Ex - UK cruise was £2268

All-Inclusive drinks package

5 Port excursion package

was £594

£1918 £500 £391

was £3362

£2809 SAVE £553

per family

T&C Offers apply to new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offer. All offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. ‘Was’ prices are based on full brochure prices. Excursion ‘was’ prices are based on buying the excursions separately with the cruise line. The port excursion packages are based on a package pre-chosen by Cruise118 - should you wish to book alternative excursions extra charges may apply For full details of what is included in the all-inclusive drinks package please see cruise line’s website. E&EO. Cruise Concierge

I 19

Grand Cascade at Perterhof Palace

WHY ? e v i s u l c n i go all

An all-inclusive holiday ties up the loose ends before you begin. You’ve paid every cost before your holiday - giving you more time to enjoy yourself without the hassles, big or small, eating into your relaxation.

Essentially, an all-inclusive holiday is one where you can have a great time even if you forget your wallet or purse. You won’t be patting your pockets to tip the staff, or reaching for your card for your next day trip – all gratuities, excursions, dining and entertainment can be covered in the price when you book.

YOU WILL GET MORE HOLIDAY ON YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY Imagine your next family holiday, or your next romantic getaway for two. You booked it for delicious food, incredible destinations and a great room to relax in – you didn’t book it for settling restaurant bills, waiting in line to pay for shore trips or organising payments for more TV channels and a restocked mini-bar. Granted, these may be minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things but added up over a few days, they can start to take the gloss off your holiday.

With all-inclusive holidays though, you can avoid the minor hassles and just skip straight to the good bits – meaning more time for more good bits.

20 I

Cruise Concierge

YOU WILL SAVE TIME

YOU WILL HAVE LESS ON YOUR MIND

Our time is the most valuable thing we have, and after months of hard work a week or two of holiday time is sacred. But the hassles have a way of eating into that time, even when you thought you’d escaped for a few days – whether it’s the stress of getting to and from your new dream destination, or even just having to settle the bill at the restaurant before you can enjoy the rest of your night.

With an all-inclusive package, you’ve already organised the practicalities weeks or months before, when you’re still in holidayorganising mode – so that when you’re away, you don’t need to organise a thing.

Planning ahead is instinctual. It feels good to be prepared, and to know that whatever comes up already has a solution.

We’ve planned ahead for our families, our health and our property – so why not our downtime, relaxation and new experiences?

Opt for an all-inclusive way to see the world and you’ve already taken care of the practicalities. Don’t just enjoy the security of forward planning when it comes to the serious stuff – why not up the ease and convenience when it comes to the fun stuff too?

YOU WILL SAVE MONEY Going all-inclusive is the holiday equivalent of buying in bulk – you could be making a great saving on your next getaway by booking in advance for all the things you’d like to enjoy on your trip. As much fine dining, world-class entertainment and exciting adventures ashore as you can fit into your time away – and all the costs already taken care of before you go.

YOU WILL HAVE SHINIER MEMORIES It’s corny, but it’s true – holidays are about creating memories, for yourself and the people you love. You’ve got the fine dining and the beautiful weather for a few days, but the thought of them stays with you for life. We’ve all had holidays to remember, and plenty with parts we’d sooner forget. But with an all-inclusive holiday, you’ve already paid for great experiences before you start – so there’s likely to be more fond memories, and less of the not-so-fond to go with them.

longer staYs. more oVerNights. night touriNg. MADeirA & the CANArieS azamara Journey® • 16th November 2014 • 11 nights

Staterooms selling fast Fly from the UK to Malaga > Madeira (Funchal) (overnight on-board) > Tenerife (overnight on-board) > La Palma > La Gomera > Lanzarote > Gibraltar > Malaga (overnight on-board)/ Fly UK

Club Balcony Stateroom

£3,159pp

spiCe route Azamara Quest® • 13th November 2014 • 14 nights

Staterooms selling fast Fly from the UK to Mumbai (overnight on-board) > Goa > Cochin (overnight on-board) > Kuda Bandos > Colombo > Galle > Chennai (overnight on-board)/ Fly UK ®

Club Oceanview Stateroom

£3,929pp

Christmas & New Year VoYage azamara Journey® • 22nd December 2014 • 14 nights

Book early for Christmas Fly from the UK to Buenos Aires (overnight on-board) > Montevideo > Punta Del Este (overnight on-board) > Ilhabela > Paraty (overnight on-board)/ Ilha Grande > Copacabana (overnight on-board) > Buzios > Rio De Janeiro (overnight on-board)/Fly UK

Club Balcony Stateroom

£5,359pp

To book, please call your specialist Cruise Concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm or visit

.co.uk

sixstarcruises.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: Prices are in pounds sterling per person based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of stateroom category specified including return flights from London. These offers are subject to availability and maybe changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer. All fly/cruise holidays are ATOL protected. For full booking conditions and what’s included please refer to Azamara Club Cruises’s latest brochure. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only.

An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only.

ABTA No.L3743

Celebrity

Interview Kings Wharf - Bermuda

P

resenter and writer Ben Fogle first entered the

collective public consciousness after appearing

in Castaway 2000, a BBC show which placed 36

people on a remote Scottish island for a year to build their

own community. Since taking part in the show, Ben’s been busy in the broadcasting world, hosting such shows as

Countryfile, Crufts, Wild in Africa and Harbour Lives. As well as writing six books, he also found the time to take

part in the Atlantic Rowing Race with Olympic oarsman Featureflash m Shutterstock.co

James Cracknell. It is Ben’s love of travel and thirst for adventure which makes him continue to explore the

world, something which made him a natural choice for

Celebrity Cruises when the line made him its destinations expert. We caught up with him to find out more.

22 I

Cruise Concierge

featured deal Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Xpedition 04 Jan 2015 7-Nights from £2599 Sun 04 Jan 2015 Baltra (Galapagos) 02:00 PM Boarding Sun 04 Jan 2015 Daphne Island, Galapagos Mon 05 Jan 2015 Puerto Egas, Isla Santiago Rabida Island Tue 06 Jan 2015 Elizabeth Bay (Isabela) Tue 06 Jan 2015 Tagus Cove, Isla Isabela Wed 07 Jan 2015 Sullivan Bay, Santiag Bartolome Island

Fjords - Norway

What made you get involved in travel?

I first became hooked on travel after my father took me to visit his native Canada.

I loved the excitement and adventure. Travel is the opportunity to explore and

enhance your own life’s experiences through other cultures...it’s the excitement of change and the thrill of the new.

You've seen a quite a few places on your travels. Any which particularly stand out?

There are too many. Tristan da Cunha in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a pretty

special place. It’s home to just 300 hardy souls and is, geographically, a ten-day boat

Thu 08 Jan 2015 Las Bachas, Isla Santa Cruz North Seymour Island Fri 09 Jan 2015 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristoba Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Fri 09 Jan 2015 Kicker Rock (San Cristobal) Sat 10 Jan 2015 Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cru Sun 11 Jan 2015 Baltra (Galapagos) Prices advertised are cruise only For flight prices and more information please contact Cruise 118 on 0800 072 3117

ride from Cape Town. Without an airport it’s frozen in time.

I remember the first time I visited the Norwegian fjords, too. Cliffs which soar

thousands of feet from the Ocean below and you’re dwarfed in your little boat…

it feels like you’ve stepped into a novel. The Caribbean … it’s a popular destination because of its weather and beaches but if you explore some of the lesser-visited

islands – for example Bermuda – you have a little bit of the UK in the Atlantic Ocean.

Alaska is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a huge wilderness and a lesser-visited area of North America, full of polar bears, forests and incredible cultures. Go to Alaska and you’ll never forget the experience.

Why cruise ships? At first glance, they don't seem as 'get up and go' as perhaps the public perception of you suggests.

Often, we think about jumping on a plane to get from point A to point B. For me,

it’s about the journey – how you get there. There’s always been a timeless romance to ocean travel and of course, there’s so many places to see. Perhaps cruising will

change my own preconceptions and open my eyes to a whole new world. I have an assumption that cruises are for an older generation. I want to learn, discover and

I remember the first time I visited the Norwegian fjords, too. Cliffs which soar thousands of feet from the Ocean below and you're dwarfed in your little boat. it feels like you've stepped into a novel.

explore all there is about life on one of these remarkable ships.

Cruise Concierge

I 23

We need to take more care of our oceans. We once thought they were unpollutable but we've sadly proved that a myth. Man's impact can be seen everywhere.

How would you advise people to pick the destination which is perfect for them?

There’s so many aspects to a destination to consider. It may be the

culture, the people, the architecture or the heritage. Pick a location that ticks many of your boxes but try to avoid the clichés of travel.

Be brave. Your journey can begin at home on the Internet ocean.

Do you have a particular favourite city which people can explore on a cruise?

St Peterburg - Russia

St Petersburg, which is famed for its magnificent buildings and beautiful, otherworldly architecture. It’s a city waiting to be explored.

Despite having travelled all over the globe, there must be places you still want to see?

Outside of work, what are your most important past times? Are there any hobbies that your fans wouldn't know about?

I’ve still never been to China. I also dream of Mongolia. I’ve never

I Iove interior design. I think it’s a symptom of being away so much

been to the Faroe Islands and I’d love to visit the Eastern seaboard of Canada.

that I crave home and want to create the perfect nest. I’m currently building a little reclaimed shack in the garden. Partly based on my

As an ambassador of WWF and Tusk you must believe strongly in nature conservation. Is there anything you believe we can do on a day-to-day basis to help protect the seas?

visit to Captain Scott’s hut in Antarctica but with a children’s twist.

We need to take more care of our oceans. We once thought they

I’m proud of rowing the Atlantic Ocean with my friend James

were unpollutable but we’ve sadly proved that a myth. Man’s

impact can be seen everywhere. You can start by thinking carefully

about what you flush down the loo. It should only be human waste and organic paper. Everything else makes its way into the oceans and has a devastating impact. Next time you’re walking along a beach and you see some litter – pick it up. Thanks!

24 I

Cruise Concierge

It has little towers and a fireman’s pole on the roof.

What is your biggest achievement to date? Is there anything you've not done yet, which is on your list?

Cracknell. That and trekking to the South Pole. I still have

ambitions to be the first to swim from New York to Cornwall.

Watch this space.

Interview sourced with thanks to Celebrity Cruises

Save up to 30% on your cruise

EXPERIENCE THE FRED.OLSEN DIFFERENCE Whether new to cruising or a regular, you’re sure to appreciate the Fred. Olsen difference, and this year the more you book the more you’ll save. Book a cruise and save 10%, but book two and you’ll save 20% on both cruises. Book three, and it’s 30% off all three.

Baltic Festivals

Fjords & Coastal Towns of Norway

Dover > Kiel > Travemunde > Stockholm > St. Petersburg (overnight on-board) > Tallinn > Copenhagen > Kiel Canal Transit > Dover

Newcastle> Alesund> Olden >Flam> Bergen> Newcastle

10% saving applied to this cruise

Reduced of no single occupancy fees

Braemar • 26 June 2014 • 14 nights

Black Watch • 13 July 2014 • 7 nights

itions apply

Terms & Cond

What’s included with Fred. Olsen?

• Comfortable ensuite cabins • Fine dining, informal buffets and late night snacks throughout cruise • Complimentary tea and coffee

Inside cabins Outside cabins Superior Outside

Was £1299 Now £1,169pp Was £1499 Now £1,349pp Was £1869 Now £1,679pp

Inside cabins Outside cabins Superior Outside

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Tangier & Seductive Spain

Exploring the Ports of Columbus

Liverpool > Vigo > Cadiz > Tangier > Gibraltar > Lisbon > Leixoes (for Oporto) > Liverpool

Liverpool > Praia Da Vitoria > Vila Do Porto > Madeira > Tenerife > Gran Canaria > Tangier > Cadiz > Liverpool

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Book now and receive FREE door to door transport

Boudicca • 21 July 2014 • 12 nights

Boudicca • 24 November 2014 • 16 nights

throughout day and early evening • All evening entertainment • Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet • Onboard leisure facilities including gym and swimming pools • Daily onboard activities and lectures • Vistas special interest programmes and headline entertainment on

Inside cabins Outside cabins Superior Outside

Now SOLD Was £1339 Now £1,199pp Was £1539 Now £1,379 pp

Inside cabins Outside cabins Superior Outside

£1,099pp £1,199pp £1,499pp

selected cruises • All UK port and airport taxes

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0800 072 3117

Open 7 days week Terms & Conditions: Thesea offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Prices are in pounds sterling per person based on three sharing the stateroom category specified andExceptional include transfers between airport ship/hotel. as and Standard

Fares based on flights fromto selected London airports. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other promotional or discounted offer. For details of what’s included and full booking conditions please refer to Disney Cruise Lines Mon - Sun 9am 9pm latest brochure. A booking fee of £27.50 applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 (part of WTH (UK) Ltd) acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

Terms & Conditions: *All offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, cannot be combined, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. All Inclusive upgrade offer covers selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability, and all meals.

Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. Enjoyment Promise: The Enjoyment Promise is only applicable to guests who have not cruised on a Fred. Olsen ABTA No.L3743 Cruise Lines (“FOCL”) ship before and for those booked on Freedom/Brochure Fares. It excludes cruises of 6 nights or less and cruises with a duration greater than 36 nights. Only applies to bookings made between 1st December 2013 and 28th February 2014, for departures more than 14 weeks ahead.

You will need to inform Guest Relations within 48 hours of embarkation that you wish to leave the ship based on the Enjoyment Promise. FOCL will arrange and pay for a scheduled flight and transport back to the UK, as soon as practical and reasonable, subject to the vessel’s itinerary, with baggage allowance of 20kg. This promise is for first time guests in the unlikely event that they are not enjoying the cruise and wish to return to the UK. If you do not return to the UK on the flight organised by FOCL and/or do not inform Guest Relations within 48 hours of embarkation, then we reserve the right not to refund you the cost of the cruise. Your return flight may be to any UK airport. FOCL is not responsible for any further onward costs to your home or originating port. Those unwilling or unable to fly will not receive any refund and FOCL is not liable to find alternative transport. The Enjoyment Promise only applies to guests who are contracted with FOCL and excludes bookings with 3rd party operators. FOCL will refund the cruise cost only (and flight costs if booked via FOCL only), but will not refund other costs including but not limited to transfers, insurance, car parking, on board expenditure and any other costs related to your holiday. Enjoyment Promise and 10% discount available on brochure and Freedom Fares only. Singles offer: These Solo Cruising terms and conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions and apply to all bookings. Fred. Olsen’s full set of Terms and Conditions are available on our website, www.fredolsencruises.com and on request. We advise all passengers to review these before booking. Information shown is correct at time of going to press (November 2013) Solo offers are not combinable with any other offer (except the Enjoyment Promise if applicable) and only apply to specific cruises and selected cabin grades. Subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice. Offers end 28th February 2014. 10/20/30 offer: The Cruise Sale discount is only valid for bookings confirmed between 02/12/13 and 28/02/14 inclusive and only on 2014 and 2015 cruises of 6 nights or more. Offer excludes suites and only applies to the cruise only fare. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice and cannot be extended. All cruises need to be made in the same transaction for the discounts to apply. If more than 3 cruises are booked in the same transaction, a discount of 30% will be applied. The 30% off will be off brochure fare, not advertised prices. Discount cannot be applied retrospectively or combined with other Fred. Olsen promotional offer (except the Fred. Olsen Enjoyment Promise), including Anchor fares. Oceans discount is applicable. If any of the booked All fly-cruise holidays are ATOL protected. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

Grand Cascade at Perterhof Palace

Venice T

A look at what makes the City of Water one of Europe’s most popular, inspiring and romantic ports. by James Taylor

he revered philosopher Friedrich

Of course, this has always been a fragile city,

The Basilica di San Marco crowns the very

despairing view of the world. The

of its buildings sinking as much as a few

which glimmer in the sunlight. The Palazzo

Nietzsche was a man known for his

creator of Nihilism however, did have some

exceptions. One of which was a certain canal city upon the Italian peninsula.

“When I seek another word for music,” said

the curmudgeonly genius, “I never find any other word than Venice.”

Such is the eternal allure of this floating

city, that a man who has given up on almost

everything might reserve a place for it in his

heart. A grand sentiment it might have been, but Nietzsche was right when it came to the music of Venice.

often at the whim of the tide. With some

millimetres each year, the city of Venice has taken it upon itself to limit the number of

massive cruise ships docking near the central island. As much as the boon of finding

the heart of Venice from the moment you

leave the ship has been lost, it’s much more preferable to losing out on the monuments,

architecture and landmarks that make Venice ... well, Venice.

You’ve no doubt seen countless images of

Piazza San Marco, along with the countless

tourists who populate it. As much as flocks of pigeons might try and dominate the frame,

To visit the city is to experience a harmony of

it’s the flocks of jet-setters who you’re most

canals merge with a living, breathing history.

And it’s no wonder they swarm to this

the grand and the subtle, as the narrowest of It may seem suspect, but it’s true. Venice

embraces the wonders of its past just as much as the modern tourism that has (literally) kept it afloat.

26 I

Cruise Concierge

likely to see immortalised in travel brochures. square, especially during the bright sunshine of the summer months. In just a single

piazza, you have the Venice of the postcards, the artworks, and the cinema.

end of the plaza with its Duomo spires, Ducale, centre of Venetian power for

generations, sits nestled amongst gelato

stalls and small cafes brimming with life.

It’s as if the three pillars of Venice’s sterling

reputation have been stitched together – the magnificent religious history, the political intrigue, and the fervent adoration of its visitors.

If the Piazza San Marco is the grand altar

at which Venice devotees worship, then the

outer islands are definitely the side chapels; smaller and quainter, but beautiful in their seclusion.

If you happen to stroll by any vegetable stall in Venice, you’ll probably see the

mark of Sant’Erasmo proudly displayed

on the produce. Known as the Garden of Venice, this is the largest island upon the

entire lagoon, with fields of market gardens stretching as a far as the eye can see. Within

VENICE

featured offer St. Marks Church

Venice & Adriatic Delights with Regent Seven Seas 23 Sep 2014 Deluxe Veranda Suite £4899 Venice > Ravenna > Split > Dubrovnik > Kotor > Durres (Tirana) > Corfu > Taormina, Sicily, Italy > Sorrento, Italy > Amalfi, Italy > Rome (Civitavecchia) For more information please contact Six Star Cruises on 0800 280 2610

The Winter Palace

this rural community is a sense of tranquillity

Venice’s favourite art form because of fire

the locals. Vivid in colour, and inviting in

piazzas and canals of the central island. It

families of glassblowers coming to refine

and Murano are superb foils to the fast-pace

that you might not find within the busy

might be a thrill to move with the crowds in San Marco, but it’s hard to pass up the

chance to laze in the shade of Sant’Erasmo’s fig trees as the flowers of Venice bloom

around you. Flowery the description may

be, but Sant’Erasmo really is that inspiring – the secluded monasteries and churches, untouched for hundreds of years and the

charm of the island’s people make the boat ride well worth it.

Not that the islands offshore from Venice

proper are entirely rural. At just a mile across, the isle of Murano is a patchwork of terraced

districts, spread over 7 islands and connected only by bridges. Narrow waterways weave in and out of markets, hotels and private

terraces, but what truly defines Murano is the pastime of glassmaking.

Since the 13th century, this tiny island originally became the main hub for

hazard risks, but later flourished, with

the practice over generations. So revered

were these artisans, many of them married into the Venetian nobility, were allowed to carry swords, and were even immune to

prosecution. Today, the fervour is strong in

spirit, as the main street of Murano is filled

with the bright green awnings which denote the shop of a master glassmaker, each one

crafting pieces destined for storefronts on the Piazza San Marco.

Close in name and nature to Murano, Burano is similarly revered for a crafting tradition –

its lace. The green waters of its canals reflect an endless series of coloured houses, row

upon row of bright hues, from neon pink to the lightest blue. Cloistered within the tiny

streets are families superbly designing lace

atmosphere, the serene pleasures of Burano of the central Venetian island.

Writers, poets and nobility have all travelled to Venice over the years, each in search of

inspiration, sanctuary, or both. As much as

Nietzsche may have defined it as music, the

enchantment of Venice is one that ultimately means something unique to each visitor.

Truman Capote had a rather different idea

of what the magic of this rare city entailed, at least compared to the grand symphony it represented to Nietzsche. ‘Venice,’ said the author, ‘is like eating an entire box of

chocolate liqueurs in one go’. To some, it is

indulgence, to others, it is music, but there’s no doubt that the magic of this floating

masterpiece will endure for years to come. ■

garments, flower shops displays brimming with tulips and roses and small cafes

rowdy with the passionate conversation of Cruise Concierge

I 27

28 I

Cruise Concierge

Dive into the colourful Caribbean The Caribbean is one of the most popular and iconic cruise destinations in the world, famous for its picture-perfect island landscapes and serene ambience. Here’s a look at some of the essential ports and attractions to be found across this beautiful archipelago.

by Mark Haldon

T

he Caribbean’s laid-back lifestyle offers tourists a chance to experience a

tranquil existence, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern living.

Wherever you go, you are greeted by verdant scenery, white sandy

beaches and an inspiring, tranquil environment. The region’s vibrant and friendly local people take pride in creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for the throngs of visitors who descend upon the archipelago every year.

The fantastic tropical climate that spans the Caribbean islands is also a major tourist draw and plays a huge role in the diverse cultures that dominate the

archipelago. Even during the wetter and wintery months, the sun still shines

down bright on the Caribbean, allowing the area’s biodiversity to flourish and supporting an array of fascinating species, some of which are unique to the islands.

When you are considering booking your next Caribbean cruise, be aware that a range of options are available. You can opt for a fly cruise and embark on your

voyage from a location within or nearby to the Caribbean, including Barbados, Miami or Fort Lauderdale, which is a quicker way to start discovering the

wonders of the Caribbean. Alternatively, you may decide to cruise from UK ports, such as Southampton or Dover, and journey across the Atlantic Ocean before

arriving in the Caribbean. This option is often more convenient and allows you Krabi, Thailand

extra time to explore and grow accustomed to your cruise ship before you begin your exciting shore excursions at a selection of exotic Caribbean destinations.  Cruise Concierge

I 29

Mediterranean Dream

26th April 2014 ms Noordam • 11 nights Fly UK/Venice > Katakolon > Nafplion > Piraeus (Athens) > Kusadasi (Ephesus) > Mykonos > Rhodes > Santorini > Naples > Civitavecchia (Rome)/Fly UK

Cruise from £109 per night including return flights and transfers to the UK

Mediterranean Tapestry

4th August 2014 ms Nieuw Amsterdam • 12 nights Fly UK/Barcelona > Marseille> Monte Carlo > Livorno > Civitavecchia (Rome) > Naples > Strait of Messina > Taormina > Corfu > Kotor > Dubrovnik > Venice (overnight on-board)/Fly UK

Reduced selected shore excursions available

Interior from

£1,199pp Oceanview from

£1,299pp Balcony from

£1,499pp Interior from

£1,589pp Oceanview from

£1,789pp Balcony from

£1,989pp

Norwegian Fjords

Interior from

£549pp

10th May 2014 ms Ryndam • 6 nights Dover > Oslo > Kristiansand > Stavanger > Ulvik > Dover

Reduced selected shore excursions and FREE car parking available

Eastern Caribbean

Oceanview from

£649pp Suite from

£1,299pp Interior from

£1,269pp

16th Nov 2014 ms Eurodam • 7 nights

Oceanview from

Fly UK/Fort Lauderdale > Grand Turk > San Juan > St. Thomas > Half Moon Cay > Fort Lauderdale/ Fly UK

£1,319pp

Includes return flights and transfers to the UK

£1,469pp

Balcony from

To book, call your Cruise Concierge on...

0800 072 3117

Terms & Conditions: These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Prices are in pounds sterling per person based on three sharing the stateroom category specified and include transfers between airport and ship/hotel.

Fares based on flights from selected London airports. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other promotional or discounted offer. For details of what’s included and full booking conditions please refer to Disney Cruise Lines latest brochure. A booking fee of £27.50 applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 (part of WTH (UK) Ltd) acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 9am to 9pm

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions: Offers apply to new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offer, are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Holland America cruises terms and conditions apply, please see their website for further details. Some ports may be at anchor. All fly-cruise holidays are ATOL protected. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 acts as agents for ATOL

protected operators only.

30 I cruise Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

THE CARIBBEAN

The Great Wall of China

Shanghai

The Bahamas is one of the most well-known

and colourful reefs cover the island and

ocean waters along the island’s spectacular

This stunning archipelago within an

to discover the region’s diverse and fertile

which to relax and soak up the sun, or

and popular Caribbean cruise destinations.

archipelago is home to an array of fabulous attractions and incredible sightseeing

opportunities. The nation’s largest and

most populated island is New Providence and visiting cruise ships will dock in

the capital city of Nassau, where there is plenty to see and do. A range of historic

landmarks, including Fort Fincastle and the

its coastline, offering you the opportunity ecosystems.

The tranquil and secluded beaches found along the coastline of the Bahamas are

an astonishing attraction in themselves

and the perfect place to relax on the sun-

drenched shores of this glorious Caribbean destination.

many colonial buildings found in the area’s

Barbados is famous as a beautiful and

the region’s rich heritage. Also, calling

stunning scenery and many intriguing

Old Town are worth visiting to appreciate at modern developments, including the

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre and the tremendous nearby

waterpark at Atlantis Paradise Island, is a great way to spend a day.

Grand Bahama Island is the place to be

for tourists interested in the ecology and

natural wonders of the Bahamas. A number of lush national parks, limestone caves

tropical Caribbean island, brimming with sights and locations. Tourists flock to the island for its deluxe resorts, incredible

landscape and peaceful ambience. This

tiny Caribbean nation boasts a collection of extraordinary areas of natural beauty, including the vast and enchanting

Harrison’s Cave as well as the delightful Flower Forest and Andromeda Gardens.

White sandy beaches meet crystal clear

coastline, creating the ideal setting in

try a variety of coastal activities such as

snorkelling, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing and scuba diving. Make sure you make time to appreciate at least a few of Barbados’

world famous beaches and experience their blissful charm.

Located to the north west of Barbados is the island of St Lucia, an exotic haven and one of the most environmentally impressive,

ecologically beautiful and diverse regions of the Caribbean. Your cruise will mostly likely dock in the port town of Castries, however, to the south of the town of

Soufriere are St Lucia’s Sulphur Springs,

one of the islands most popular tourist hot spots. A few hundred yards downstream from the springs, the water temperature remains quite warm, but is cool enough

for you to climb into and treat yourself to a reinvigorating mud bath. 

Cruise Concierge

I 31

THE CARIBBEAN

Hong Kong

St Lucia’s natural landscape creates a

captivating atmosphere and environment, wherever you go on the island. Hike

through the vast rainforests or climb the

The Caribbean’s laid-back lifestyle offers tourists a chance to experience a tranquil existence, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern living.

Wherever you go, you are greeted by verdant scenery, white sandy beaches and an inspiring, tranquil environment.

imposing volcanic Pitons, which offer

spectacular views across St Lucia and the surrounding islands. For another terrific excursion, head north to Pigeon Island

National Park. This picturesque part of

St Lucia was once separated from the rest of the island, until 1972 when an artificial causeway was constructed, allowing everyone easier access.

Jamaica is a particularly iconic Caribbean

destination, synonymous with the laid-back lifestyle of the archipelago and world32 I

Cruise Concierge

famous within popular culture. Jamaica’s

village of Nine Mile, where Marley was

Marley, whose legacy still draws intrigued

buried after his untimely death.

most famous son was the late great Bob

tourists and fans from all over the world.

The Bob Marley Mausoleum is a great

born, began his musical career and was

The Jamaican nation also boasts a plethora

place to learn more about the reggae star’s

of other natural and man-made attractions

singer’s family and contains a plethora

the island, meet the local people and

including guitars, photographs and awards.

close to Ocho Rios is the Dunn’s River

life and times, as it is managed by the

to keep tourists enthralled as they explore

of fascinating artefacts from his career,

experience the vibrant culture. Situated

The mausoleum is located in the Jamaican

Falls waterfall, a wonderful natural feature

THE CARIBBEAN

Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko

Singapore at night

where water flows elegantly over large

dynamic and effervescent locations, at

Rico’s rich heritage, as the area contains a

drawing thousands of tourists every year.

local culture. Many fantastic outdoor

buildings including the marvellous forts

craggy steps into a series of lagoons,

Also near Ocho Rios are the aptly named

Enchanted Gardens, an incredibly beautiful site featuring an impressive river gorge

with a number of majestic waterfalls. The

area is also home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna including an array of rare birds. Alternatively, on the north coast of

the island at Discovery Bay, you can explore the magnificent Green Grotto Caves, named

as such due to the green algae that thrive on its walls.

Moving on to the lively island nation of Puerto Rico, you will find a plethora of

which you can immerse yourself in the excursions are available across the island, complimented by the area’s wonderfully warm tropical climate. Scuba dive in

the clear ocean waters, hike through the untouched rainforest or across the vast

mountainous regions, visit a fascinating plantation or enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits such as golf and tennis.

Puerto Rico also has a long and illustrious history, which is on display across the

island in the form of historic structures and fortresses. Old San Juan is the best place

to appreciate and learn more about Puerto

collection of 16th, 17th and 18th century

of San Felipe del Morro, San Cristóbal and

San Juan de la Cruz, all of which have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Antigua is famous for its 365 beaches,

one for every day of the year. All of the

hundreds of splendid beaches that stretch along the island’s idyllic coastline are

open to the public and offer an excellent variety of activities, from snorkelling to

sun-bathing. Antigua embodies the tranquil spirit of the Caribbean, whilst also offering tourists the chance to enjoy a collection of excellent shops, bars and restaurants.  Cruise Concierge

I 33

memories MAKE NEW

3rd/4th passenger fares from just £99pp

Western Caribbean

Mediterranean Medley

Norwegian Fjords

Western Caribbean

Caribbean Princess - 7 June 2014 7 nights ...

Itinerary

Emerald Princess - 12 July 2014 14 nights ...

Itinerary

Emerald Princess - 9 August 2014 7 nights ...

Itinerary

Emerald Princess - 16 Nov 2014 7 nights ...

Itinerary

...

...

Fly UK/Fort Lauderdale > Princess Cays > Ocho Rios > Grand Cayman > Island Of Cozumel > Fort Lauderdale/Fly UK

...

Southampton > Barcelona > Ajjaccio > Civitavecchia (Rome) > Livorno > Genoa > Monte Carlo > Gibraltar > Southampton

Inside

1,499pp

£

Outside FREE UPGRADE tO BALCONy

Balcony

£1,559pp

FREE balcony upgrade, shore excursion credit and a FREE formal photograph and frame

Southampton > Stavanger > Skjolden/ Sognefjord > Alesund > Bergen > Southampton

Inside

Outside

Balcony

£1,669pp

FREE balcony upgrade, shore excursion credit and a FREE formal photograph and frame

...

Inside

1,219pp

£

FREE UPGRADE

Fly UK/Houston > Roatan > Belize > Cozumel > Houston/Fly UK

£

Inside

799pp

Outside FREE UPGRADE

1,249pp

£ Balcony

£999pp

FREE balcony upgrade, shore excursion credit and a FREE formal photograph and frame

Outside FREE UPGRADE

Balcony

£1,389pp

FREE balcony upgrade, shore excursion credit and a FREE formal photograph and frame

To book, call your Cruise Concierge on...

0800 072 3117 Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 9am to 9pm

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions apply: All fares displayed will be correct at time of going to print and subject to availability.Free balcony upgrade is based on lowest unobstructed Oceanview and lowest Balcony grade being the same fare. Please select the balcony grade you wish. 3/4th passengers from £99 is based on select voyages.Free Shore Excursion Credit is up to $200 per couple based on Japan voyages. Free Portrait Photograph and Frame is redeemable on board and not transferrable. For voyages within 320 days, passengers are able to select their carrier and route via Flight Select. For voyages more than 320 days, Princess will allocate passengers flights. Variations are on request and are subject to airline fees. All fly-cruise holidays are ATOL protected. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

ABTA No.L3743

THE CARIBBEAN

scenery and live salsa music. Alternatively, old Havana is one of the best-preserved

colonial areas in the Americas, well-known for its historic narrow streets and stunning

plazas. The old town of Trinidad is another great place to learn more about Cuba’s

heritage and culture, as it is home to an

array of colonial religious structures and

mansions linked by quaint cobbled streets and town squares.

Exploring Cuba’s areas of natural beauty is essential whilst staying on the island.

La Plata Mountain Trail brings together scenic and historical aspects of Cuba,

offering the opportunity to uncover Fidel

Castro’s hidden revolutionary base camps

whilst trekking through the region’s thick,

verdant and mountainous jungle. Baracoa’s

countryside on the eastern side of the island is a marvellous place to explore the lush

rainforest and observe the striking flora and The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

The island’s subtle mix of peaceful,

secluded beaches alongside lively streets and plazas generates an archetypal Caribbean cruise destination.

brimming with fabulous attractions,

shops, bars and areas of natural beauty.

Cuba’s extraordinary history as well as

its fascinating modern culture is on show

There are several great ways to experience

at various locations around the island,

escort you to a selection of the island’s

encapsulates the essence of Cuba with its

Antigua, such as the guided tours that

especially along Havana’s Malecón, which

most popular landmarks, which include

majestic but decaying buildings, coastal

Nelson’s Dockyard at the English Harbour

fauna within this spectacular ecosystem.

Alternatively, you can head underground

to discover the incredible Caverna de Santo Tomás, filled with glistening pools and

narrow rocky chambers. Also, don’t forget to spend time on the miles of stunning

beaches and cays located along the coastline of Cuba, many of which boast pristine

white sand and crystal blue ocean waters,

perfect for swimming, paddling or simply relaxing. 

and Betty’s Hope, a renovated plantation

and functioning windmill. Scenic tours of

Antigua are also available, taking you along trails through the island’s back-country

and along the stunning coastline. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even arrange a rainforest canopy tour and navigates a

series of zip lines and suspended walkways in the tree tops of the forest, providing an amazing way to observe Antigua’s incredible flora and fauna.

Covering an area of over 40,000 square

miles, Cuba is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is also famous for its

upbeat atmosphere and buoyant character,

Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Cruise Concierge

I 35

THE CARIBBEAN

featured offer Caribbean Dreams with Silversea 12 Dec 2014 Vista Suite £3169 Fly from the UK to Bridgetown > St. Lucia > Dominica > St Bart’s > Spanish Virgin Gorda > Fort Lauderdale/ Fly from the UK For more information please contact Six Star Cruises on 0800 280 2610

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

Around 90 miles south of Cuba are the

group together in the shallow waters off the

and beautiful destination and consisting

ride is required to reach them, but once you

Cayman Islands, renowned as an isolated of three islands, Grand Cayman, Little

Cayman and Cayman Brac. Cruise ships

will dock at Grand Cayman, the largest and most populated island, where the capital city of George Town and vast majority

of attractions are based. This sleepy and peaceful Caribbean nation is home to a

number of idyllic and secluded beaches, where you can relax and appreciate the

island’s tropical climate and astounding coastal environment.

northern coast of the island, so a short boat arrive at Stingray City, you can get into the water to feed them and take photographs.

There is no need to worry about personal

safety on this excursion, as the rays are used to having large numbers of people around and are very friendly once they have

been fed. A wide range of other fabulous natural and man-made attractions are

located across Grand Cayman, including

an assortment of quaint villages, botanical parks and historic buildings.

Staying on the coast, one of Grand

There are so many delightful islands

is found in the ocean to the north of the

throughout the Caribbean Sea, it is

Cayman’s most popular tourist attractions island at Stingray City. Stingray City is a remarkable place where tourists can get up close to and feed a number of wild

southern stingrays. The stingrays often 36 I

Cruise Concierge

and charming destinations distributed impossible to see them all on one cruise or mention them all within this guide.

Grenada, Montserrat, Dominica, Martinique and Trinidad are just some of the exotic

locations not included in this article, but

still offer the same serene, tropical getaway, typical of the Caribbean archipelago. Be

sure to think carefully about which cruise itinerary is right for you, incorporating

your ideal selection of destinations. Once you have decided on your itinerary, you are ready to embark of the adventure of a lifetime to the Caribbean, where the

weather is wonderful, the surroundings are stunning and life is a beach. ■

All Silversea Voyages include:

Intimate Cruising.

Ultimate Luxury.

Spacious ocean-view suites, most with private verandas butler service for all suites Complimentary beverages served throughout the ship Up to six dining options open-seating restaurants with menus by relais & Châteaux Complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service Superlative service, staff:guest ratio nearly 1 to 1 fares include all onboard gratuities Silver Perspectives enrichment programme and entertainment Complimentary transportation into town in most ports.

Silvers Suites available from £5059 per person

Enjoy 2 nights on-board in manaus

includes 1 night pre-cruise stay in barbados

Enjoy 2 nights on-board in yangon

Carefree Caribbean

South American Serenade

Caribbean Dreams

Enchanting East

7 Nights - Silver Cloud 5th December 2014

9 Nights - Silver Spirit 12th March 2014

11 Nights - Silver Shadow 27th February 2015

17 Nights - Silver Wind 19th March 2015

Fly from the UK to Fort Lauderdale (overnight hotel stay) > Cozumel > Costa Maya > Belize > Key West > Fort Lauderdale

Fly UK to Fort Lauderdale (overnight hotel stay) > Cozumel > Costa Maya > Belize > Key West > Fort Lauderdale / Fly UK (overnight)

Fly from the UK to Barbados (overnight hotel stay) > Grenada > Curacao > Aruba > Bonaire > Dominican Republic > Turk & Caicos > Nassau > Fort Lauderdale/ Fly UK

Fly from the UK to Singapore (overnight hotel stay) > Kuala Lumpur > Penang > Phuket > Yangon (2 nights on-board) > Colombo > Cochin > Mumbai (Bombay) > Muscat/Fly UK

Vista Suite

Vista Suite

£2,859

£6,429

per person

per person

Vista Suite

£4,529

per person

Vista Suite

£5,568 per person

UnforgEtAblE DEStinAtionS - UltimAtE lUxUry To book, please call your specialist Cruise Concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm or visit

.co.uk

sixstarcruises.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are in pounds sterling per person based on two adults sharing the suite category specified including return flights from London. These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. All fly/cruise holidays are ATOL protected. For full booking conditions and what’s included please refer to Silversea’s latest brochure. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only.

L3743 / Y2579

National The World's Best

Time spent in a national park is time away from human influence, where awe and perspective replace stress and routine. There’s nothing like walking through a wild landscape to give you a sense of the grand scheme of things – where for every beautiful and fascinating thing ever built or shaped by human hands, the natural world can match with ancient treasures and monuments of its own. by Andrew Hall

Man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard.

C

ruise holidays are a great way to see some of the world’s most fascinating civilisations – from the ancient ruins of the Mayans and the Greeks, to the modern cityscapes

of Barcelona, New York and Singapore. But with almost seven

thousand national parks all over the globe, a cruise can also be a gateway to some of the world’s most striking natural beauty. A

cruise-and-stay option can turn a quick shore excursion into an Standing Bear

adventure spanning several days, creating an experience of the natural world that could stay with you for the rest of your life.

Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska Much of Alaska’s climate and geography aren’t exactly

conducive to human settlement, but this does make for a range of spectacular national parks in its place. As Alaska’s largest

national park, Wrangell-St Elias combines all the best parts of

Alaska’s frozen beauty – vast alpine forest, fast-flowing rivers and snow-covered mountain ranges; and alien landscapes

created by towering bodies of blue and white glacier ice. Coarse heath teems with robins, sparrows and rock ptarmigans; bright

red grosbeaks perch on show-covered branches, and bald eagles soar over the Copper River, diving down to snatch salmon

from the water. The national park covers an area larger than

Switzerland, so a cruise-and-stay holiday is highly recommended if you want to see everything that this wild countryside has to Wrangell-St Elias National Park

38 I

Cruise Concierge

offer – the perfect opportunity for a helicopter tour. 

Parks Maddalena National Park, Sardinia Think of the Mediterranean coast and an image instantly springs to mind – bright white sand, electric-blue sea, and dense dark scrub scattered on dry surrounding hills. You’ll find some of the finest

coast around the Maddalena Archipelago, a cluster of islands just

off the north side of Sardinia, where the waters teem with colourful marine life. Spend some time here during your cruise in the

Mediterranean and you’ll get all of the beach with none of the resort – the islands are very sparsely populated, and strict regulations

around the parkland have prevented human interference. Here,

secluded historic buildings and quiet visitor centres take the place of shops and busy tourist attractions – environmentalists have

fought hard to keep this patch of the Mediterranean untouched, allowing the native birds, reptiles, insects and fish to thrive. 

Virgin Islands National Park, Caribbean There’s relatively little urban development in the Caribbean, but

for a truly secluded slice of paradise you may want to spend your Caribbean holiday around the US Virgin Islands National Park.

At 7,000 acres, the park covers over half the island of St John, and

almost all of Hassel Island off the coast of neighbouring Charlotte Amalie. Imagine wandering on a beach without a hint of tourism

in sight – where all you can hear is the rustle of the blowing palms, and waves clear as glass washing against the shore. If you’ve ever fantasised about snorkelling or scuba diving in a vivid turquoise sea, you couldn’t pick a better spot – here the waters teem with turtles, silver shoals, colourful and chaotic coral reefs and stark

black and white lion fish. Spend some time ashore, and you could

wander on forest paths along the Reef Bay Trail, see the remains of

the old plantations dotted around Cinnamon Bay, or search out the swirling, ancient rock art of the Taino people, cut into cave walls and boulders surrounding cool freshwater pools.

Cruise Concierge

I 39

THE WORLD'S BEST

South America Passage, Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls Holland America Line • MS Zaandam 04 November 2014 • 19 Nights

Save up to £460 per stateroom Includes FREE Iguazu Falls excursion

Iguazu National Park, Argentina The great Iguazu River creates the winding border between Brazil and Argentina, running through the dense jungle of

Iguazu National Park. At its heart you’ll find an enormous crescent-shaped waterfall – a succession of hypnotic,

tumbling falls that cover the forest below in drifting clouds

of spray. Wander the paths through the tangle of bushes and

Inside stateroom

Oceanview

Suite

Was £3229

Was £3509

Now £3379

Was £4329

Now £2999

Now £4149

04 Nov Fly UK to Buenos Aires 05 Nov Transfer to 5* Eurostars Claridge hotel for 2 nights 07 Nov Transfer to airport and fly to Iguazu. Enjoy 3 nights at the 5* Iguazu Grand Resort. Whilst here we have included a full day IGUAZU FALLS excursion 10 Nov Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to Holland America MS Zanndam for a 19 night South American cruise 11 Nov Overnight on-board in Buenos Aires 12 Nov Montevideo 15 Nov Port Stanley 16 Nov Strait of Magellan 17 Nov Punta Arenas 18 Nov Ushuaia 20 Nov Canal Sarmiento 21 Nov hilean Fjords 22 Nov Puerto Montt 24 Nov Santiago 25 Nov Disembark in Santiago and transfer to airport for return flight home For more information please contact Cruise118 on 0800 072 3117

Waterfalls of the Iguazu River, Iguaza National Park

40 I

Cruise Concierge

trees and you’ll be deep in the natural habitat of ocelots,

capuchin monkeys, tapirs and enormous harpy eagles; a

wild world to rival the heart of the Amazon rainforest far to the north. Visitors to this national park also have the option to take a five-mile train tour during their time here, with

the view from the open-sided carriages making the perfect way to see all the best parts of the forest and its wildlife. A cruise-and-stay holiday gives you the chance to escape to

this ultimate natural retreat – one of the most beautiful of Argentina’s 33 national parks – and to see some of South America’s most popular cities and beaches during your voyage.

THE WORLD'S BEST Litchfield National Park, Australia Lying 100km from the city of Darwin on the coast of

Australia’s Northern Territory, Litchfield National Park

combines some of the country’s most varied landscape with a wealth of native wildlife. There’s so much to see here

that a day trip might not give you nearly enough time – a

Sydney, Perth & The Top End of Australia Royal Caribbean International Radiance of the Seas 14 October 2014 • 26 Nights

Save up to £280 per stateroom

cruise-and-stay holiday could be a better option if you

want to really explore. The national park is marked out in particular by towering termite mounds, filling the grassy

landscape with surreal, alien forms. Across the park you’ll

find a range of beautiful waterfalls too, cascading down the sides of red rocky outcrops and feeding into spectacular

Inside stateroom

Oceanview stateroom

Balcony stateroom

Was £2479

Was 2829

Was £3239

Now £2379

Now £2699

Now £3099

swimming spots below. Patches of rainforest and acres of

green bushland teem with bright bee-eaters and spangled drongo birds, and wallaroos sun themselves and graze in

the park’s wide grasslands. Tours here can take visitors on a

four-wheel drive down dirt roads to the Blyth homestead, or the remarkable stacked rock formations of the Lost City. The Tolmer Falls are essential viewing if you spend some time

here; and the caves close by are home to rare, striking orange horseshoe bats.

14 Oct Fly UK to Sydney 16 Oct Arrive Sydney and transfer to 4* Mercure hotel for 4 night stay 20 Oct Transfer to Radiance of the Seas for 16 night Top end of Australia cruise 22 Oct Brisbane 24 Oct Airlie Beach 28 Oct Darwin 31 Oct Benoa, Bali 02 Nov Port Hedland 04 Nov Geraldton 05 Nov Disembark in Perth and transfer to 4* Pensione hotel for 3 night stay 08 Nov Transfer to airport for return flight home For more information please contact Cruise118 on 0800 072 3117

Litchfield National Park, Australia

Cruise Concierge

I 41

The Regent Experience Enjoy, it’s ALL included† l coMPliMentary flights

and transfers

l COMPLIMENTARY unlimited

shore excursions*

l COMPLIMENTARY pre-cruise

luxury hotel stay**

l All drinks including wines and

premium brands

l All fine dining including

speciality restaurants

l All gratuities...

and so much more!

Pink sands & PalMs

Pristine French Polynesia

ancient discoveries oF east

FroM sea to shining sea

SEvEn SEAS nAviGAToR 11 niGHTS • 16TH JAnuARy 2015

SEvEn SEAS MARinER 10 niGHTS • 3Rd FEbRuARy 2015

SEvEn SEAS voyAGER 18 niGHTS • 26TH MARCH 2015

SEvEn SEAS nAviGAToR 18 niGHTS • 13TH APRiL 2015

Fly from the uK to Miami (overnight hotel stay) | nassau | San Juan | St barts | Antigua | St Lucia | Philipsburg | Miami/ Fly back to the uK

Fly from the uK to Papeete (overnight onboard) | Moorea | Fakarava | Rangiroa | bora bora (2 nights on-board) | Raiatea | Huahine | Papeete/Fly back to the uK

Fly from the uK to Hong Kong (overnight hotel stay) | Taipei (Keelung) | Kaoshiung | Manila | boracay | Kota Kinabalu | Muara | nha Trang | Ho Chi Minh (overnight onboard) | Sihanoukville | Singapore/ Fly back to the uK

Fly from the uK to Miami (overnight hotel stay) | Key West | Cartagena | Transit Panama Canal | Punta Arenas | Guatamala | Puerto Chiapas | Cabo San Lucas | San diego | San Francisco/ Fly back to the uK

Window Suite

£3,439pp

Choose from up to

36

EXCLUSIVE $400 on-board spend per suite

Complimentary

shore excursions

deluxe veranda Suite

£5,599pp EXCLUSIVE $400 on-board spend per suite

Choose from up to

39

Complimentary

shore excursions

deluxe veranda Suite

£8,139pp EXCLUSIVE $500 on-board spend per suite

Choose from up to

26

Complimentary

shore excursions

Window Suite

£5,779pp EXCLUSIVE $500 on-board spend per suite

To book, please call your specialist Cruise Concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm or visit

40

Complimentary

shore excursions

.co.uk

sixstarcruises.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are in Pounds Sterling based on two adults sharing the suite category specified including return flights from London. These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer. **Complimentary 1 night pre-cruise hotel for bookings in Concierge Suites and above. Complimentary unlimited shore excursions are capacity controlled based on first come first served basis.

Requested excursions may be not available at time of booking (other terms and conditions apply). †Spa, laundry, casino, telephone and internet usage are not included in all-inclusive fares. For full booking conditions and what’s included please refer to Regent Seven Seas Cruises latest brochure. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

42 I

Choose from up to

Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

Cruise Tech As a society, we seem to be becoming more and more fixated with gadgets and technology. For many it’s all about the latest ‘must-haves’ to make our lives a little easier, or at least a little more interesting, but quite often, what may seem like small technological advancements can make a big difference.

So how does this transfer to the world of cruising? Surely, the most important aspect of a cruise is the places we visit. Does it really matter to us if our journey from one place to another is enhanced by on-board gadgetry or are some of these technological developments key to the experience, playing a major role? Here’s a look at some inventions and innovations which are making waves.

by Simon Brotherton

have made ipad menus available in their

The Internet

Qsine restaurants on such ships as Celebrity

How did we live without it? Well, however

Eclipse and Celebrity Summit, enabling

you answer, there’s no denying that it’s

passengers to check out dishes and even

now central to our lives. Even when at sea,

create their own cocktails. On such Royal

the internet’s never far away and long gone

Caribbean vessels as the Allure of the Seas,

are the days when we were incommunicado

there’s an interactive wine menu, while the

while off on holiday. In the world of

line’s Splendour of the Seas offers ipads in

cruising, we had no choice than to be

every cabin, allowing passengers to check

offline until 1999, when Norwegian Cruise

out itineraries and activities, too.

Line became the first company to open an

internet café on-board one of its NCL ships

IPad and apps

Recognition technology

pioneered at-sea techno-savvy, becoming

We’ve already seen the internet scaled

Once the preserve of paranoid (but often

whole fleet in 2002. As one of the world’s

and then, scaled slightly up to cater for

recognition technology is now a reality in

cruise lines have not been slow to join in

now a part of your cruise experience, so

– the Norwegian Sky. Since then, the line’s the first to offer Wi-Fi access across its biggest cruise lines, Royal Caribbean

is certainly no slouch when it comes to

cutting-edge internet service, offering an enhanced bandwidth on all its ships.

down to palm size on our mobile devices

eerily clairvoyant!) 1960’s science fiction,

the middle ground tablet market, and the

everyday life. Indeed, facial recognition is

the i-revolution. Knowing how important cuisine is to cruisers, Celebrity Cruises

that the photos taken of you before you embark are used to link you to your 

Cruise Concierge

I 43

CRUISE TECH room key and to help improve security on the ship. On Disney Cruise Line’s Disney

Best cruising apps

by Ian Lewis

Dream, this ingenious technology is used to an altogether lighter effect. The ship

On Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas,

These days there is an app for pretty much everything. From childish games designed to pass the time, to full software packages that allow you to work from your phone, there’s plenty to keep you informed, entertained and safe. Travel apps are a big business, so I’ve picked out seven app types that you might find useful when you’re on a luxury cruise.

which use biometrics to study foot traffic

Translator

boasts enchanted art pieces which come to life when a passenger stands in front

of them, but the technology ensures that

they’ll never see the same animation twice. there are even shape recognition cameras,

system, which offers LCD and plasma touch

Translator apps are great when you’re in a foreign country and you’re a bit lost, or you want to ask for information, and you aren’t fluent. These days you can get apps where you speak in English, and your phone will not only display a translation, but also read it back in the translated language.

need to pack, along with general tips of what you might have missed from your list, so you’ll never arrive on-board and curse yourself for forgetting that tablet charger or phone charger or perfume bottle.

Oasis of the Seas. Guests can find out all

Lens Translator

Currency converter

and contribute to reducing queuing at the buffets.

In-cabin and public area technology Again, it’s Royal Caribbean leading the

way with innovation, with their way finder screen signage throughout the Allure and

Line’s Carnival Breeze offers nothing less

An extension of translation apps, these let you hold your phone up to something – a road sign, a menu – and using the camera it will translate it for you live into English (or your chosen language). These are very useful when you stop off at a wine bar before returning to your ship and you want to order a drink or a snack.

further enhanced by vibrating seats and

Flight Tracker

they need to know about activities and get

directions to anywhere on the ship. Sparing a thought for those who haven’t been able to secure a sea view, Disney Cruise Line’s interior staterooms feature a ‘magical

porthole’ which offers a real-time view outside the ship, while Carnival Cruise than a 5D Theatre, where 3D films are

special effects such as bubbles and water.

If you need to catch a flight to your port, a flight tracker app will give you real-time updates if there are any delays or changes, meaning you can easily find out what’s happening to your flight without having to scan through lists of others.

Packing help Apps are available to download which help with keeping track of what you

Simple enough – don’t leave yourself the stress of working out how much that glass of wine or those souvenirs are costing in your own currency, let an app do all the hard work for you.

Toilet finder This one’s a bit more obscure, but it could definitely be useful. These apps, usually community-driven, let you find a public toilet nearby, so if you’re exploring a town or city you won’t ever be left panicking.

E-reader app You don’t need to own a Kindle or other devoted e-reader to read whilst away. Your mobile phone or tablet can install the required software to access your library, so you can read on deck while sunbathing or in bed at the end of the day.

Going green Some technology is of course, not just

lights. Indeed, a number of cruise lines now

it can have a positive impact on the

vessels, which can drastically reduce the

beneficial to the cruise line or the cruiser; environment, too. We’ve all seen solar

panels on the roofs of houses and now

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean

are introducing such panels on some of

their newest ships to power lifts and LED 44 I

Cruise Concierge

feature LED lighting on a number of their amount of energy consumed on the ship,

while shore-side electricity ports mean that

ships don’t have to rely on their own diesel engines when docked, thus reducing air pollution. ■

Meet

the Cruise Concierge

Across all of our brands, our dedicated and award-winning Cruise Concierge are here to take you through every stage of your booking. But who are they? Each issue, we’re going to turn the spotlight on some of them to find out.

Kevin Anderson Which brand (s) do you work for?

Mainly it’s Six Star Cruises and River Voyages but help out on Cruise118 when needed.

What's your all-time favourite cruise ship?

My Favourite Ship is the Crystal Serenity followed closely by the Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera.

What's your favourite cruise port and why?

Venice. I love the hustle and bustle. Although very busy during the day, at around sunset, the island seems to empty as all the day visitors leave and the city belongs to those that are staying overnight. You can stand in

St Mark’s square at dawn and be the only person there and it is truly magical, knowing that in a matter of moments the place will be flooded with tourists again.

What's your favourite thing to do on a cruise ship?

I like to find a comfy seat and with a good book and mojito, sit back and watch my fellow passengers go by.

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m 38 and have been selling holidays since I was 16. I like reading, (autobiographies are my favourite), travelling, going to the theatre, gardening and fine dining.

Katy Porter Which brand do you particularly enjoy selling?

I feel like I sell Celebrity well as it is always easier to sell something you have been on and experienced, as I have been on a Celebrity ship and done a sailing with them. I am more passionate about selling celebrity because they are probably one of my favourite cruise lines.

We already know your favourite cruise line, but what's your favourite ship?

My favourite ship would definitely have to be the Celebrity Eclipse as I fell in love with it when I went on it two years ago

Elizabeth Pratt

What's your favourite port?

Oporto, in Portugal.

What's your favourite thing to do on a cruise ship?

My favourite thing to do a cruise ship is to go into the spa area (if there is one) and just totally un-wind and relax and take advantage of the spa services which they have. I also love the on-board dining and trying new dishes.

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to go to the gym when I have the time and almost always go shopping!!

What's your favourite thing to do on a cruise ship?

The brand I mainly sell on is Fred Olsen.

Which brand (s) do you sell?

Sample the cocktail menu. Well, it would be rude not to.

So, that answers the question of your favourite cruise line, but what's your favourite ship?

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time?

It has to be the Balmoral, because it’s the best ship at sea according to many customers. Plus it has a pub on-board!

Read, go shooting, watch the racing and a casual browse round the shops is also required, as well as a stop at a coffee shop.

What is your favourite cruise port and why?

Funchal, Maderia. I just like the name FUNchal - seems like a start to a FUN holiday! (see what you did there, Elizabeth!)

Cruise Concierge

I 45

Q&A

Your cruise questions answered

One thing’s for sure, there are certainly a lot of questions when it comes to cruising, with passengers curious about everything from the type of things they are permitted take on-board their ships to what they can do in their port of call. If anyone has the answers, it’s our expert Cruise Concierge, because it’s just these kinds of questions that they are asked by our customers every day. With that in mind, each issue, we thought it would be a good idea to share some of these questions and answers with you. There’s every chance you’ll see some of your own questions answered and you’ll also be able to see just how well informed our Cruise Concierge are when it comes to cruising.

Q

Does my European Health Card EHIC cover me on a European cruise?

Q

What's the best value way to travel to and from port stops in the Med?

An EHIC will cover some illnesses and

No matter where you are in the Mediterranean, the best value

port in EU countries, but it won’t

some instances, your cruise port may be relatively close to the

emergencies during your time in cover you at sea and it won’t

cover you for major emergencies.

Therefore it’s vital that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.

Q

What is the tipping policy on Independence of the Seas?

way to travel is always on foot, as it will cost you nothing. In

town or city you are visiting, so for some smaller ports of call,

this is certainly a realistic option. If you don’t feel like walking,

the distance is too great, or you’d rather spend as much time as possible in your destination, then free public shuttle services offer just as much value, but it’s important to note that these are not always available. Many cruise lines offer excursion

packages where all transfers are included as part of the price,

Officially, all tips or ‘gratuities’ are discretionary, though it isn’t

so it’s worth checking with your line as to what they offer for

of the Seas, there are a number of ways you can tip. There’ s

ports which serve larger towns and cities in the Mediterranean

cheaper, and you can easily have this option added to your

cheaper, though taking longer. There are almost always pay-for

automatically pay $12 per day, or $14.25 if you’re in a Grand

you directly by bus to your destination for the day, though they

generally accepted cruise practice not to tip. On Independence

each port of call. Public transport is the next cheapest option and

an option to pay your gratuities up front, which can work out

always enjoy good bus and rail links, with buses being generally

booking before you sail. If you choose not to do this, you’ll

shuttle services provided for cruise passengers, which will take

Suite. Alternatively, you can ‘do it the old-fashioned way’, that

generally prove more expensive than regular public transport.

is, pay cash directly to the crew members you’d like to recognize for their good service. Royal Caribbean does state that, due to

the discretionary nature of the gratuities, you’re free to decrease or remove them during your cruise if you are unhappy with the

service you are receiving. Similarly, if you’re particularly happy, you can increase them, too.

GOT A QUESTION? Why not email it us at: editor@worldtravelholdings.co.uk

46 I

Cruise Concierge

a world of value without compromise

EXCLUSIVE on-board spend of up to $300 per stateroom & complimentary pre-paid gratuities on selected dates

Oceania Cruises offers a refined and sophisticated cruising experience for discerning travellers looking for a little bit more from their holiday.

Their ships radiate warmth, character and true elegance. Boasting exquisite appointments and details, the ships have everything you’d expect to find in a luxurious, private estate. Dining is a delight on board with menus created by worldwide renowned chefs and Oceania Cruises offers wonderful itineraries to the most sought after destinations on earth.

Amazon Odyssey

South African Holiday

25 night fly-cruise 3rd November 2014 on-board Regatta

16 NIGHT FLy-CRUISe 21st December 2014 on-board Nautica

Fly from the UK to Miami (overnight hotel stay) > St Barts > St Lucia > Tobago > Santarem > Boca De Valeria > Manaus (2 nights on-board) > Parintins > Devils Island > Barbados > Roseau > Tortola > San Juan > Miami/ Fly UK (overnight)

Fly from the UK to South Africa (overnight hotel stay) > Mossel Bay > Maputo > Richards Bay > Durban > east London > Port elizabeth > Walvis Bay (overnight on-board) > Cape Town (overnight on-board)/Fly UK (overnight)

Balcony Stateroom £6,249pp Penthouse Suite £7,569pp

Balcony Stateroom £6,389pp Penthouse Suite £8,329pp

Exclusive complimentary pre-paid gratuities

Exclusive complimentary pre-paid gratuities

Pacific Splendours

Mayan Mystique

33 night fly-cruise 11th February 2015 on-board Marina Fly from the UK (2 nights) to Sydney (overnight hotel stay) > Melbourne > Geelong > Hobart > Cruising the Fjords of Milford > Port Chalmers > Akaroa > Wellington > Napier > Tauranga > Bay of Islands > Noumea > Suva > Lautoka > Apia > Pago Pago > Bora Bora (overnight on-board) > Moorea > Papeete (overnight on-board)/ Fly UK (overnight)

11 NIGHT FLy-CRUISe 4th March 2015 on-board Riviera Fly from the UK to Miami (overnight on-board) > Belize City > Roatan > Costa Maya > George Town > Miami/ Fly UK (overnight)

Balcony Stateroom £9,479pp

Balcony Stateroom £3,159pp Penthouse Suite £4,189pp

EXCLUSIVE $300 on-board spend per stateroom

EXCLUSIVE $200 on-board spend per stateroom and complimentary gratuities

To book, please call your specialist Cruise Concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm or visit

.co.uk

sixstarcruises.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: On-board spend is per stateroom based on two adults sharing. Prices shown are in Pounds Sterling based on two adults sharing the suite category specified. These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer. All fly/cruise holidays are ATOL protected. For full booking conditions and what’s included please refer to Oceania Cruises’ latest brochure. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only.

ABTA No.L3743

SeAbOurn SignATure SAiLingS

Light Background: Landscape Version

Six Star Cruises the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Light Background: Stacked Version

Six Star Cruises

Empires of the Sun Seabourn Odyssey 4th October 2014 • 18 nights

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist Includes a Includes a Mediterranean Isles complimentary complimentary Seabourn Sojourn Light Background: URL version upgrade to a upgrade to a 20th October 2014 • 10 nights balcony suite balcony suite

SixStarCruises.co.uk

Fly uK to Athens (Piraeus) > Aghios nikolaos > Haifa >

Fly uK to Athens (Piraeus) > ephesus (Kusadasi) >

Ashdod > Hurghada > Aqaba > Safaga (overnight on-board)

bodrum > Souda bay > Katakolon > Kerkira > Crotone >

> Salalah > Mumbai/Fly uK

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4,579

bALCOnY SuiTe

PP

Atlantic & Caribbean Isles Seabourn Spirit 1st November 2014 • 21 nights

Fly uK to barcelona > Valencia > Cartagena > Funchal > St Maarten > Jost Van Dyke b.V.i > St barts > St Kitts >

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Six Star Cruises Balcony suite upgrades Seabourn Sojourn the ultra-luxury cruise specialist available from th 12 November 2014 • 7 nights £300 per person

Mediterranean Jewels

Fly uK to Monte Carlo > elba (Portoferraio) > Propriano

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> Marseille > Palma De Mallorca > Valencia > barcelona/

Six Star 3,049 2,749Cruises

guadeloupe > St Lucia > Mayreau/ Fly uK

Fly uK

OCeAnView SuiTe

OCeAnView SuiTe

bALCOnY SuiTe

£

£

£

4,499

PP

To book, please call your specialist Cruise Concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm or visit

PP

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the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

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sixstarcruises.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: Prices are in pounds sterling per person based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of stateroom category specified including return flights from London. These offers are subject to availability and maybe changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer. All fly/cruise holidays are ATOL protected. For full booking conditions and what’s included please refer to Azamara Club Cruises’s latest brochure. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Six Star Cruises acts as agents for ATOL protect cruise operators only.

48 I

Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

Horburg Palace

River Voyages

RIVER VOYAGES

By Andrew Hall

Vienna

See Vienna as it was meant to be seen on a river cruise down the beautiful Danube. Many river cruises here include sightseeing trips ashore, giving you the chance to really experience this magnificent city.

Vienna enjoys a legacy of vast wealth and

A tour of the city will more than likely give

landmarks in Vienna. Wander beneath

some of the ancient Roman foundations still

State Opera House, completed in 1869 in

surrounded by walls and windows that

prosperity as an imperial city, and even now stand – along with numerous monuments and public spaces added and improved

upon through the centuries. But the city’s

heritage goes deeper than towering palaces and monumental architecture: as the

historic seat of the Habsburg court, one of

Europe’s foremost royal houses, Vienna has always had a pervading sense of politeness and formality about it – combined with

a contrasting outlook of progression and

modernity, to create a completely unique cultural destination.

Step ashore in Vienna and your excursion might well include a drive down the

grandiose Ringstrasse (ring road) - a wide boulevard which was built in the 1800s

where the impressive city walls once stood.

you the opportunity to see the incredible magnificent neo-classical style – a palace of grand golden halls, soaring archways and elegant marble statues. Even more

impressive is the fact that the opera house as it stands has been faithfully rebuilt and restored, having sustained heavy damage during American bombardment in the Second World War.

Hofburg Palace is another magnificent attraction for visitors to Vienna – the

impossibly grandiose former residence of Austria’s imperial power from the 1400s, right up until 1918. Visitors will find St

Stephen’s Cathedral equally impressive; a building which combines gothic and Romanesque architecture into a single

fantastical structure – one of the best-known

the web-like vaulted ceiling, and you’ll be were saved from total destruction during

the Second World War – thanks to a German captain, who refused the orders of his

superior officer when he was told to raze the cathedral to the ground.

Elsewhere in the Innere Stadt, the historic heart of Vienna, you’ll find the equally

palatial Natural History Museum. This is

home to countless comprehensive exhibits from prehistory, particularly the iconic

‘Woman of Willendorf’ – a figurine thought to be the likeness of a fertility goddess,

carved from stone more than 24 thousand years ago. Schönbrunn Palace is another

unforgettable landmark to visit during your time in Vienna, and the city’s most popular tourist attraction.

Cruise Concierge

I 49

RIVER VOYAGES

Vienna This colossal manor is set in sprawling grounds and ornate

gardens, complete with the world’s oldest zoo. Tours inside will reveal countless period treasures and halls packed with golden Baroque design – from a time in history which gloriously

disregarded all subtlety and understatement. An adventure in

Vienna wouldn’t be complete without a taste of classical music, and the city enjoys a rich tradition of concerts and opera. Time your visit right, and you might even be able to take a seat in

Hofburg Palace or the grand Festival Hall to hear the music of Strauss, or an operatic performance of Mozart.

There’s more to Vienna than just its classical past, however; spend any amount of time around the city during a river

Vienna Museum of Natural History

cruise excursion and you’ll soon discover that the locals take an immense amount of pride in their city and its culture.

Nor will you need to look for very long before the city’s

‘kaffeehauskultur’ becomes apparent – this a city of coffee

lovers, and you’ll find no shortage of places to relax with a cup of fresh-ground coffee and a slice of sweet, powdered

kugelhopf or rich, dark sachertorte. Coffee houses in Vienna range from modern, softly-lit alcoves to enormous, pillared

institutions from the 19th century, which often enjoy as much

cultural history as some of the city’s more obvious landmarks.

In keeping with its love of culture and entertainment, Vienna also plays host to several open-air film festivals during the

summer months. Take a seat and enjoy a movie around the

Karlsplatz area, against the backdrop of the nostaligic Prater

amusement park, or in the ultra-modern city centre surrounds of the Urban-Loritz-Platz. A wander around the city can

reveal a wealth of markets here too – there are 21 markets

in all around Vienna, filled predominantly with street food stalls, butchers, bakers and ubiquitous coffee vendors. The

city’s squares really come alive in November and December,

when the brightly-lit Christmas markets take over. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt is perhaps the best known in the city, filling

the main town square with light and sound when it sets up in the public space between the Burgtheater and the Rathaus. If

you’re visiting during the winter months, be sure to make your way here for a cup of mulled wine. With so many tempting

Viennese specialities for sale on the stalls, from a huge choice of freshly-baked delicacies to delicious veal Wiener-schnitzel, it’s entirely possible that you might never want to leave.

50 I

Cruise Concierge

Schoenbrunn Palace

The Rhine

RIVER VOYAGES By Mark Haldon

UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Rhine

Kinderdijk

River cruises along the Rhine are a great way to experience the rich European culture and heritage of nations including Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Many fascinating and historic ports sit on the banks of the River Rhine, each boasting a collection of stunning architecture and ancient structures. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is dedicated to preserving the world’s most culturally and historically significant areas and buildings by naming them as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many of these astounding sites can be found along the Rhine and this guide will tell you where to find them.

Rhine Gorge

Grande Île

Cologne Cathedral

The Rhine Gorge is a 65km stretch of the

The Grande Île (Big Island) is the historic

The construction of the Cologne Cathedral

of Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz. This

Strasbourg in eastern France. The area is

until 1880, over seven centuries later. As

river connecting the historic German towns stunning area is famous for its majestic

castles, tranquil vineyards and incredible natural landscape, which has served as inspiration for many renowned artists, writers and composers.

Speyer Cathedral

centrepiece of the beautiful city of

home to a number of ancient monuments, constructed between the 15th and 18th

centuries, situated within close proximity to each other, including the Palais Rohan, the cathedral and four other historically significant churches.

Located in the German city of Speyer, this

Kinderdijk

when it was founded by Conrad II. The

located in the Netherlands, as the Rhine

magnificent cathedral dates back to 1030,

The beautiful village of Kinderdijk is

structure is a terrific example of classic

splits and meanders into the North Sea.

Romanesque architecture, consisting of four imposing towers and two large domes, and was the burial place of German emperors for nearly 300 years.

began in 1248 but was not completed

the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern

Europe, it dominates the skyline of Cologne with its grand and impressive spires.

hedral Cologne Cat

The area contains the largest collection

of historic windmills in the country, built

around 1740, and remains operational in the present day.

Cruise Concierge

I 51

y a w e h t g n i d a e L t o t h e be st rive r d ea ls

TULiP TiME cRUiSE AVAILABLE DATES:

THE EncHanTing RHinE AVAILABLE DATES:

DurATIon:

8*, 15*, 23 & 29 april 2014 ShIpS:

amaPrima & amaSonata

8 Days

23 Jun*, 3 Jul, 28 Aug, 20 Oct+ 2014

JournEy:

ShIpS:

DurATIon:

8 Days

JournEy:

amacello & amaDolce

amsterdam - amsterdam

amsterdam - Basel+

Day Destination

Day Destination

Day Destination

Day Destination

1

Amsterdam Welcome cocktail & Dinner

6

1

Amsterdam Welcome cocktail & Dinner

7

2

Amsterdam canal cruise and city Tour Volendam Walking tour Edam Walking tour

Willemstad Private organ recital Kinderdijk Kinderdijk windmills

2

Amsterdam city tour & canal cruise

Breisach Riquewihr walking tour OR Breisach & Freiburg excursion

8

7

Utrecht Keukenhof garden Tour

3

Basel Disembarkation

8

Amsterdam Disembarkation

Cologne city tour & cathedral visit OR guided bicycle tour

3

Arnhem airborne Museum OR Het Loo Palace Nijmegen city tour

4

Antwerp Walking tour OR Rubens Tour, Optional tour to Brussels

5

4

SAVE UP TO

£424

PER COUPLE

Ghent Walking tour Brugges Optional tour to Brugges

1,599*

1,811

+

Itinerary operates in reverse

Rhine Gorge cruise past Rhine castles Rüdesheim Wine tasting, Siegfried’s Music Museum OR Rudesheim coffee tasting

5

Speyer Heidelberg excursion OR Speyer excursion

6

Strasbourg Walking tour

1,959*

SAVE UP TO

£156

PER COUPLE

2,037

Fly-cruise: £

cruise only: £

Fly-cruise: £

cruise only: £

INCLUDES FREE FLIGHTS

Flights available from London, Liverpool & Edinburgh

INCLUDES FREE FLIGHTS

Flights available from London, Liverpool & Edinburgh

Please call

0800 197 3426

Monday - Sunday 9a m to 9pm

or visit us online at...

The UK's River Cruise Specialist

Fre e hts Flig

ALL offErS IncLuDE • 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom • Free flights and transfers in resort

sav e o up t 2 £4 4

• Life enriching tours and excursions daily • State-of-the-art infotainment System in all staterooms • complimentary Wi-Fi access on board • gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise • Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours - capacity controlled

MELODiES OF THE DanUBE AVAILABLE DATES:

PROvEncE AVAILABLE DATES:

8 Days

8 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul*, 9 Oct 2014

DurATIon:

JournEy:

ShIpS:

JournEy:

DurATIon:

20 May, 17 Jun, 8 Oct* 2014 ShIpS:

amaPrima & amaSonata

amaDagio

Budapest - vislhofen

Day Destination

Day Destination

Day Destination

1

Budapest Welcome cocktail & Dinner “illuminations cruise”

6

1

Arles Welcome cocktail and dinner

2

2

Budapest city tour

Arles Les Baux excursion & olive farm visit OR “impressionist Experience” tour arles walking tour

3

Avignon Walking tour & Papal Palace OR Pont du gard & Uze excursion Viviers ghost walk

4

Viviers grignan excursion; truffle farm visit

5

Tournon chocolate and red wine pairing

3

4

5

Bratislava Walking tour OR communist history tour Vienna viennese Wine & Music Evening

Linz gmunden excursion, OR cesky Krumlov excursion OR Salzburg excursion

7

Passau Walking tour Vilshofen ”Oktoberfest”

8

Vilshofen Disembarkation

Vienna city tour, optional Schönbrunn Palace excursion, optional Mozart & Strauss concert

SAVE UP TO

£330

PER COUPLE

Dürnstein Walking tour & wine tasting Melk Benedictine abbey

2,059*

8 Days

arles - Lyon 6

Vienne Walking tour Lyon city tour

7

Lyon Free time Collonges Beaujolais excursion

8

Lyon Disembarkation

LImITED avaILabILITy

Day Destination

2,224

2,199*

2,214

Fly-cruise: £

cruise only: £

Fly-cruise: £

cruise only: £

INCLUDES FREE FLIGHTS

Flights available from London

INCLUDES FREE FLIGHTS

Flights available from London

Terms & Conditions: All fares are in Pounds Sterling, per person, based on two people sharing the lowest grade in the stateroom/suite category specified. Fares include flights from where specified. All prices where correct at the time of going to print (09 Jan 2014) Offers apply to new bookings, are not combinable with any other offer, are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time.

The Danube itinerary the inclusions of the guided bicycle tours are capacity controlled. This embarkation port is subject to water conditions. Free flights promotion is not combinable with any other promotions or discounts.

All fly/cruises are ATOL protected. River Voyages (ABTA L3743 & Y2579, ATOL 5534), acting as the agents for AmaWaterways. Please refer to the latest brochure or website for full booking conditions.

An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge or 2.5% applies

10531

ABTA No.Y2579

Spotlig on Mar ht c Pierre o White

Cruise Kitchen

by James Taylor

Famed not just for his food but for his TV stardom as the face of ITV’s Hell’s Kitchen, Marco Pierre White has revolutionised modern cuisine within his restaurants, often creating inspired versions of classic dishes, as well as exquisite French cuisine.

Try it at home - Marco Pierre White's spring vegetable risotto recipe • 1 stock cube/’pot’ • 1 tbsp olive oil pped • 1 shallot, very finely cho • 0.5 orange or red pepper,

The youngest Briton to be awarded three Michelin stars, and the youngest ever to receive two, he has now turned his expertise to P&O Cruises, joining the line’s star line up of celebrity hosts.

Across the P&O Cruises fleet, you can find exclusive restaurants designed by the man himself, inviting you to indulge in a menu tailor-made to provide the unique flair only a Pierre White restaurant can provide. On certain days of the voyages, diners will even have the exciting opportunity to have their meal hosted by the famous chef, providing an insight into how each first-class meal is cooked and prepared. The White Room, Café Jardin, the Café Bourdeaux, and the Ocean Grill all have tantalising menus created from start to finish by Chef Pierre White, intended to offer uncomplicated, yet elegant dishes based on classic Italian fare.

For starters, you can expect a blend of prime seafood staples and more than a few surprise delicacies thrown in. At the Ocean Grill, for example, there’s the classic Prawn Cocktail, served with homemade Marie Rose dressing and wholemeal bread, alongside noveau cuisine with an international flavour, such as Gourmet Thai Fishcakes with Hollandaise sauce.

For main, be prepared for meals as nutritious as they are delectable.

Think the gourmet styling of Supreme of Halibut served with citrus fruits and baby fennel, alongside such traditional offerings like a full roast rack of lamb, marinated with herbs, and served with garlic baby potatoes.

And of course, dessert. Keeping with the classic Italian aesthetic, you can choose from a wealth of mascarpone tarts, crème brulee and walnut tart. For a special treat, order the Tiramisu MPW, a classic dessert redefined by the famous chef and served exclusively in his restaurants.

54 I

Cruise Concierge

very finely • 175 g (6.2oz) risotto rice te wine • 100 ml (3.5fl oz) dry whi • 0.5 carrot, finely diced

beans, • 75 g (2.6oz) baby broad ed thaw and en fresh or froz d • 0.5 courgette, finely dice , tips gus ara asp oz) • 50 g (1.8 chopped • 50 g (1.8oz) peas cheese • 2 tbsp grated parmesan er butt oz) • 15 g (0.5

At a glance Cuisine Italian | Recipe Type Main | Difficulty Easy Preparation time 15 mins | Cooking time 20 mins Serves 2 people

Ingredients 1. F irst make your stock by dissolving the cube/pot in 500ml of boiling water, stirring until thoroughly dissolved.

2. H eat the olive oil in a saucepan or casserole dish. Add in the shallot and orange pepper and fry very gently for 3 minutes, stirring often, so that it softens but without browning at all.

3. Add in the risotto rice, and mix in thoroughly, coating with the olive oil.

4. P our in the white wine and bring to the boil, allowing it to boil for 2 minutes to remove its acidity. Work your rice as it cooks, to ensure even cooking.

5. Add in around 100ml of the stock and stir in the carrots and broad beans. Cook, stirring for 3 minutes more, then add another 100ml of the stock and cook stirring for 3 minutes more. Lastly, add in another 100ml and cook stirring for 3 minutes more.

6. Add the asparagus and courgettes, together with the remaining stock and cook, stirring and working the rice, until it is tender, for around 4-6 minutes.

7. Once the rice is cooked to your taste, mix in the peas and remove from direct heat.

8. S prinkle in the parmesan and add the butter in pieces, allow to stand for a few seconds to allow the parmesan and butter to melt, then mix in thoroughly.

Cruising and Cocktails

with Mike Green

It’s the iconic image of a cruise; standing on deck watching the sun set over a favourite port of call with your favourite cocktail or a gin and tonic in hand.

Cocktails are fashionable again. Indeed, some argue that they never went out of fashion, but what makes a great cocktail? The formal definition of a cocktail first printed in 1806 in a New York publication called The Balance states: “A cocktail is a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters...It renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head.”

There are a plethora of nautical-themed cocktails, from the Sea Breeze, Dark and Stormy and Pina Colada to name but a few, but which are in vogue?

If cruising the Caribbean, your cocktail should contain rum. One great example is a Mojito, a blend of white rum, sugar, lime juice, ice, fresh mint and soda water served in a highball glass. For those looking for a great aperitif, why not try a Daiquiri, named after a town in Cuba? It comprises white

rum, lime juice and sugar syrup shaken over ice. Simple, yet stunningly refreshing. If you have a sweeter tooth, ask your bartender for a strawberry Daiquiri. Then there is the Pina Colada, a blend of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice either shaken over ice or blended and if you are lucky, served in a hollowed-out pineapple.

firm favourite with the ladies this cocktail

If you are visiting Mexico, it has to be tequila, although you don’t have to go there to request one of these two great cocktails.

First off, there is the famous Tequila Sunrise commonly made with tequila, grenadine syrup and orange juice. The Margarita is popular too, a combination of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice shaken and served in a salt-rimmed glass.

the drink made famous by James Bond.

If the Mediterranean or Europe is your destination you have so much choice. If the French Riviera is on the itinerary, then how about a cosmopolitan or Cosmo? Again, a

combines vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice and cranberry juice shaken with ice.

There is of course the Martini, drunk the

world over, your choice of vodka or gin with dry vermouth and usually served with an

olive or a twist of lemon. A Martini is not for the faint-hearted, which is perhaps why it’s

Wherever your next port of call is, the chances are that bars there will have their own local spirit. Ask your bartender to recommend something for you, let them know if you prefer sweet or sour, long or short. Your

bartender is well trained and knowledgeable and will be more than happy to show you

their skills. Whatever you choose, enjoy it, and don’t forget to tell the Bartender and other guests just how good it was.

Is the sun setting on Cloudy Bay? A good bottle of wine is a vital ingredient for many people’s cruises. With that in mind, our resident wine expert Tom Jones turns his finely-tuned palate to the fascinating world of wine. This issue, he looks at the history and future of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc changed the way we drink wine in this country. Thirty years ago you couldn’t buy a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the UK, now you are unlikely to walk into a bar or restaurant without finding one. NZ Sauvignon Blanc is the UK wine customer’s safe bet but is the wine responsible for all this still leading the pack?

First produced in 1985, this Sauvignon Blanc hit UK wine critics and the wine-drinking public like a cattle prod.

Hugely aromatic with pungent tropical fruit and fresh green pepper vegetal notes, lashings of gooseberry, grapefruit and elderflower on the palate, it tasted nothing like any of the other Sauvignon Blancs available at the time. Over the next two decades, the reputation for Cloudy Bay grew and by the early 2000’s if you weren’t on your wine merchants ‘reserved’ list for Cloudy Bay, you couldn’t get a bottle for your dinner party. As demand grew so did the price. Now at £20+ a bottle, the question begs is Cloudy Bay still the benchmark for New Zealand Sauvignon?

One of the major factors driving the success of Cloudy Bay in previous years was its scarcity, however as its success grew, by 2009, production had hit 100,000 cases. The worry

for us as a wine merchants is that the biggest purchasers in the country - the supermarkets - will at some point be offering Cloudy Bay at buy-one-get-one-free and ruin a great wine for good.

So to alternatives. The immediate contender is Greywacke Sauvignon, as it’s made by original Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd. This Sauvignon is bright, elegant and selling out fast. A top contender here at The Whalley Wine Shop is the Mahi Sauvignon. With a touch of oak to the wine and a portion of natural yeast fermentation, it’s textured, rich and intense. If you prefer your Sauvignon with bags of pure grapefruit and gooseberry flavour, then look no further than the superb Nautilus If you see Sauvignon, which offers everything you’d want Cham premium vin p tage from Marlborough Sauvignon at a fraction of the discou agne with g ood n price of Cloudy Bay. Reaso t then snap it up. ns wh you ne y will be with The conclusion? Cloudy Bay is good, and if xt editio n. you’ve never tried a bottle then do pick one up.

Tom' for Jansu Tip ary

If you can’t, just ask any decent wine merchant for an alternative, as there’s a half-dozen that are worth your time, money and attention.

Cruise Concierge

I 55

Canyon Ranch SpaClub A look at the history, facilities and treatments of one of the cruise industry’s most renowned and successful spas. by Mark Haldon

Canyon Ranch was founded by Mel and Enid

to help unknot tired muscles after a workout

were motivated to set up a spa and health

a private sun deck or visit the salon to receive

Zuckerman in 1979 in Tuscan, Arizona, who club following Mel’s successful efforts to

improve his own health. In the time since the club’s origins, they have received numerous awards and accolades for their pioneering approach to health and fitness and for the

soothing and reinvigorating spa treatments that they provide.

In 1999, Canyon Ranch SpaClubs began

springing up in various locations, including aboard a number of cruise ships. The cruise lines that currently boast a Canyon Ranch SpaClub on-board all of their vessels are Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, whilst Cunard have opened one aboard their

flagship vessel, the Queen Mary 2. These

excellent spa facilities offer a wide range of

wonderfully rejuvenating treatments to help guests feel refreshed as they voyage across the globe.

The facilities and treatments offered by the Canyon Ranch SpaClub can sometimes

vary, depending on the ship, as the different vessels may carry different services.

However, all of these superb on-board spas

will allow guests access to an aromatic steam room with plant essence infused steam,

designed to benefit the skin health of the

user. A thalassotherapy pool is also available, 56 I

Cruise Concierge

or before a massage. Clients can also relax on a range of beauty treatments, including manicures and pedicures.

Canyon Ranch SpaClubs specialise in

splendid spa treatments, offering over 40

different services suitable for both men and women as well as couples. A wide range

of facial and body treatments are available,

including the ageless oxygen boosts, eyelash and brow tinting as well as detoxifying and revitalizing rituals. Keep your skin silky smooth and in top condition by taking

advantage of the various body scrubs and

body wraps also available at Canyon Ranch.

Seasoned professionals will use a selection of

tried and tested natural products and holistic remedies to help you feel at your best.

If it’s a relaxing and healing massage you are after, the experienced massage therapists at

Canyon Ranch offer an array of therapeutic

massages and treatments from the east, such as reflexology, acupuncture and abhyanga.

Alternatively, join a class and participate in Pilates, aerobics and yoga amongst many other fitness activities. A daily timetable

of fitness classes, led by expert instructors, allows guests to take part in exhilarating

group classes or opt for one to one intensive sessions.

The people at Canyon Ranch know the best ways to care for your body on the inside as

well as the outside, which is why they offer a variety of health-conscious and delicious

dining options while you cruise. The award-

winning dishes, found on the Canyon Ranch section of your menu, have been created by knowledgeable nutritionists and chefs to

focus your diet in the right direction, taking

into account the carbohydrate, fibre, protein, fat and salt content of your food, to make

sure your are eating the meals that will keep you healthy and happy.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub understands that health and fitness is paramount and will

always strive to ensure that all of their guests leave feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Why not try the Canyon Ranch Spa out for yourself on one of these four luxurious cruises?

HISTORIC HOLY LANDS Oceania Cruises Riviera 10 Nights • 05 May 2014

Fly from the UK to Istanbul (overnight on-board) > Ephesus (Kusadasi) > Rhodes > Limassol > Haifa > Haifa (2 nights) > Patmos > Athens (Piraeus)/Fly UK

BALCONY STATEROOM WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN DISCOVERIES

Regent Seven Seas Seven Seas Mariner

Includes $100 on-board spend per stateroom, complimentary gratuities and internet

ANCIENT WONDERS Regent Seven Seas Seven Seas Mariner

10 Nights • 29 July 2014 Fly from the UK to Istanbul (overnight on-board) > Ephesus (Kusadasi) > Rhodes > Limassol > Haifa (2 nights on-board) > Patmos > Athens (Piraeus)

£2219

DELUXE BALCONY SUITE

Includes up to 20 complimentary shore excursions

MEDITERRANEAN PATHWAYS Oceania Cruises Riviera

Includes up to 33 complimentary shore excursion

£4299 Includes complimentary gratuities

10 Nights • 22 Aug 2014

7 Nights • 15 Jun 2014 Fly from the UK to Rome (Civitavecchia) > Sorrento > Trapani > Cagliari > Palma de Mallorca > Barcelona > Provence (Toulon) > Monte Carlo/Fly UK

Rome (Civitavecchia) > Florence/Pisa (Livorno) > Portofino > Monte Carlo > St Tropez > Marseille > Barcelona > Palma de Mallorca > Amalfi > Rome (Civitavecchia)/Fly UK

DELUXE VERANDA SUITE

BALCONY STATEROOM

£2899

£2669

Cruise Concierge

I 57

featured deal

Lights, Camera, Cruise

Inaugural Cruise of Quantum of the Seas plus New York Cruise Royal Caribbean International Quantum of the Seas 2 November 2014

Inside Stateroom Was £1449 Now £1389 Oceanview Stateroom Was £1539 Now £1479

For any director, finding the perfect location in which to shoot their latest film is key to their vision and its success. Luckily, with so many spectacular destinations around the world, there’s no shortage of possible places to get the cameras rolling. Each issue, we’ll keep you updated with some of the latest film location news and of course an amazing shot to remind you of why you should visit for yourself.

Balcony Stateroom Was £1669 Now £1589 2 - 8 November 2014 Depart from Southampton At Sea

New 'Annie' heads up New York filming schedule There’s always someone and something filming every single day in New York but last month saw a flurry of activity, with one of the most high-profile forthcoming movies being the latest screen version of much-loved stage musical Annie filming scenes in the city. Due to be released in time to hit the cinemas for Christmas 2014, this version sees 10-year old Quvenzhané Wallis take the title role, with support from Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan and Jamie Foxx as Benjamin Stacks. New York is of course the destination and sometimes starting point of choice for many transatlantic cruises and perfect for cruise and stay holidays too, as there’s so much to explore in the city before you set sail, or after you arrive.

9 November Disembark in New York and transfer to 4* The New Yorker hotel for a 3 night stay 10 November Day at leisure 11 November Day at leisure 12 November Depart for airport for return flight home Prices advertised are cruise only For more information please contact Cruise 118 on 0800 072 3117

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Cruise Concierge

Holiday Reading

by Andrew Hall

A cruise holiday is all about rest and relaxation, and a great book can make the perfect companion.

If you’re stuck for ideas for your next holiday read, have a look over our new favourites...

The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is one of those rare books that reinterprets a genre. Not only does it successfully bridge the divide between action and romance, it does so in a way that enchants – enough to inspire a cult following of fans who mirror the dress code of the story’s own circus-goers, known as reveurs.

Dip into the first few pages on your next cruise, and before long you might want to don the uniform yourself.

Morgenstern writes the novel’s varied cast so intimately and so convincingly, that it’s impossible not to take the hand of at least one character and follow them down into the story. The book sees two supernaturally talented apprentice illusionists, Marco and Celia, pitted against one another in a lifelong duel by their mysterious instructors.

Meanwhile, an eccentric genius of Victorian showmanship dreams of putting on the ultimate travelling attraction: a fantastical circus, which only opens once night falls –bringing together a multitalented team to help him execute his otherworldly vision. I won’t reveal any more of the plot, but rest assured that everything you hope will happen does happen – and infinitely more besides.

The book is instantly accessible holiday reading – perhaps better suited for autumn and winter, rather than a summertime read – but it isn’t just a quick, easy fiction to throw away once you’re done. Quite the opposite really; the story is eminently re-readable, and even the cover might have too much sentimental value when you’re finished for you to simply get rid of it. It even opened my mind to a good romance – and I was raised on superheroes and eighties action movies.

The Night Circus combines several riveting, intertwining plots with immensely likeable characters, even the ones you’re not necessarily supposed to like. The story shifts in and out of believability, with just enough of each to strike a balance – being set in a time in history when magic and superstition were being displaced by a love of theatrics and a mastery of the mechanical.

The result is a plot which treads a fine line between the plausible and the fantastical; a rare read which doesn’t just hint at magic and mystery but drags you headlong inside, haunting and fascinating in equal measure until you, the cast and the two main stars get tangled and caught in an explosive closing act. There are even rumours of a movie on the horizon, with Harry Potter producer David Heyman hinted at to work his magic on the as-yet unconfirmed big-screen interpretation.

If The Night Circus has passed you by before now, give the first page a quick look over – and get ready to have a new favourite book.

Doctor Sleep Stephen King

King’s latest novel is the much-awaited sequel to The Shining, following the lives of Jack Torrance’s widow and their son, Danny. Wendy and Danny may have left the events of The Overlook Hotel far behind, but Danny’s gift is only growing stronger – and even after moving into a small apartment far away, there are still more than just bad memories haunting the eight-year-old boy. Luckily The Overlook’s head chef, Dick, is still on call to help Danny cope with his abilities – and has a few tricks to teach him too.

King intended Doctor Sleep to be a return to his classic horror style, and the book was actually the result of a reader poll. He raised the idea of a sequel with his considerable audience before starting out, which won the vote over a new addition to his Dark Tower series. Doctor Sleep was only released in September, but has garnered widespread acclaim in the last couple of months – little surprise given King’s reputation – but no small feat either, considering he had to top the mass appeal of The Shining.

Fans of Stephen King will know that he’s not given over to lighthearted tales, and Doctor Sleep is no different. Even the first few pages deal with some very dark subject matter, and there’s no let up for young Danny. But there’s something there that will grip you even more than the horrifying events of the main characters’ back stories: their victories over those who prey on them. I hate to give away anything more than what’s alluded to on a book’s back cover – and with Doctor Sleep, it’s incredibly hard not to want to say more.

The most satisfying element to the story, and the thing most likely to keep you reading, is the way Danny shakes off the horrors of his past and comes into his own. The boy who was once little more than a conduit for the supernatural grows up beyond the legacy of his hard-drinking, violent father and develops a mastery over his abilities. Following years of life as a drifter, Dan eventually finds work in a nursing home where he helps to comfort the dying with the help of his gift – becoming ‘Doctor Sleep’. But when a young girl arrives on the scene who shares the ‘shining’, Dan finds himself thrown into a very different series of events than the more mellow middle age he’d hoped for.

Doctor Sleep is dangerously gripping reading. If you’re thinking about diving into Stephen King’s latest novel on your next cruise holiday, prepare yourself for an unputdownable read. And just pray that the sound of ghostly fingernails on doors stays confined to the pages.

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QuizTime Which destination is this?

Take the test

Where in Europe should you cruise?

1) How important is topping up the tan on your holiday?

A – Utterly vital B – Don’t really mind, as long as there’s plenty to do C – Don’t care at all, it’s all about the view

3) What kind of shops do you like visiting?

A – Modern fashion boutiques B – A mix of the high street and the off-beat C – Small, local gift shops 4) How much time do you want to spend off the ship?

A – I want to be out and about every day B – Plenty to keep me entertained, but a couple of sea days is fine C – I’m happy unwinding on-board 5) How active do you like your excursions?

A – Positively sedate B – Active but relaxed C – Let’s go hiking!

6) What’s your favourite dance style?

A – Flamenco B – Ballet C – Halling (local folk dance) 7) And your favourite architectural style?

A – Baroque B – Pomeranian C – Nordic 8) When you visit a museum, you like to see lots of: A – Art B – Gold C – Boats 9) If you had to pick one staple of a diet, you would go for: A – Oils and olives B – Potatoes C – Seafood 10) What’s your favourite type of scenery?

A – Beautiful coastlines B – Historic cities C – Mountains and valleys

Mostly A’s – The Mediterranean You’re all about the glamour and sunny settings of the Med, whether it’s the glorious coastlines of the Cote d’Azur and Amalfi regions or the history of Barcelona and Rome. You want to take it all in but relaxing and sunbathing is high on the agenda too.

Mostly B’s – The Baltics It’s the rich heritage and culture of the Baltics that you should be looking at for your holiday.

You don’t mind a bit of downtime, but the cathedrals, palaces and museums are right up your street, with quaint cities that have a relaxed atmosphere.

Mostly C’s – The Norwegian Fjords Breath-taking beauty, a calm serenity – you and the Fjords were made for each other. Seeing the rural sights of pleasant towns and witnessing the majesty of nature, you’ll be right at home amongst the towering valleys and mountains of this incredible region.

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Cruise Concierge

QuestionTime 1. W hich cruise line allows you to speed around the ice on an indoor skating rink?

2. W hich NCL ship is larger: the 2010 Epic, or the 2013 Breakaway?

3. O f the three Cunard Line ships currently in operation, which is the newest?

4. N ame the MSC mascot character that can be found in the on-board kids clubs.

5. W hich world famous Japanese chef has restaurants on the Crystal Cruises ships?

6. T rue or False: The Balmoral is the newest ship in the Fred. Olsen fleet.

7. I n which year will the P&O Britannia launch?

8. A zamara Club Cruises is one of the youngest cruise lines in operation. In which year was it founded?

9. W hich Princess Cruises ship played the role of the Love Boat in the TV series of the same name?

10. I n March, Viking River Cruises set a Guinness World Record for the most number of ships launched at one time. How many ships were involved?

Question Time Answers 1) Royal Caribbean 2) Epic 3) (Queen Elizabeth, 2010 4) Doremi 5) Nobu Matsuhisa 6) False – she joined the fleet most recently, but is five years older than the Braemar 7) 2015 8) 2007 9) Pacific Princess 10) 10

2) How many different countries and cultures do you want to experience?

A – Loads!

B – A few, as long as there’s some variety C – It doesn’t matter

Russia, Poland & Denmark 16 May 2014 Arcadia • 14 nights

Southampton > Bruges > Gdynia > Klaipeda > St.Petersburg (overnight on-board) > Tallin > Copenhagen > Southampton

300 off the Brochure fare

£

Italy & Croatia 6 August 2014 Ventura • 7 nights

Fly UK/Genoa > Florence > Naples > Dubrovnik > Venice (overnight on-board)/Fly UK

Interior was £1199pp

899pp

Now £

Oceanview was £1329pp

999pp

Now £

Balcony was £1749pp

1149pp

Now £

Interior was £1049pp

879pp

Now £

Oceanview was £1129pp

899pp

Now £

170 off the Brochure fare

£

Balcony was £1349pp

1099pp

Now £

St Petersburg and Baltic Discovery Queen Victoria • 6 July 2014 • 14 Nights

Southampton > Stockholm > Tallinn > St. Petersburg (overnight on-board) > Warnemunde > Copenhagen > Kristiansand > Southampton Inside

£1,649pp

Oceanview

£1,799pp

Balcony

£2,149pp

Receive $1000 on-board spend and choose from an extra $120 on-board spend, FREE valet parking or FREE transfers

Greek Isles Interlude

Queen Elizabeth • 8 August 2014 • 7 Nights Fly UK/ Piraeus (Athens) > Dardanelles And Bosporus > Istanbul > Dardanelles And Bosporus > Volos > Mykonos > Piraeus (Athens) /Fly UK Inside

£1,249pp

Oceanview

£1,349pp

Balcony

£1,499pp

Receive $475 on-board spend and choose from an extra $80 on-board spend, FREE valet parking or FREE transfers

To book, call your Cruise Concierge on...

0800 072 3117

Terms & Conditions: These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Prices are in pounds sterling per person based on three sharing the stateroom category specified and include transfers between airport and ship/hotel.

Fares based on flights from selected London airports. These offers are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other promotional or discounted offer. For details of what’s included and full booking conditions please refer to Disney Cruise Lines latest brochure. A booking fee of £27.50 applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 (part of WTH (UK) Ltd) acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

Open 7 days a week Mon - Sun 9am to 9pm

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions: P&O: Prices are based on P&O Select fares. Itinerary doesn’t display days at sea. All savings and discounts are already included in the prices advertised.

Cunard: Applicable to passengers 1 & 2 only in the cabin (no age restriction). Single passengers travelling in a twin cabin and paying a single occupancy supplement will receive double on-board spend. Double on-board spend does not apply to single passengers travelling in single cabins. Applies to new bookings only. Combinable with UK fares only. Combinable with Free Onboard Spending Money, Free Coach Transfer or Free Airport Car Parking. Combinable with the Cunard Fare only. Not combinable with Early Saver fares or Net Rates.Combinable with Past Passenger & Welcome Home offers. For full terms and conditions please see P&O and Cunard’s website, or their latest brochure. All fly-cruise holidays are ATOL protected. An administration charge applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. Cruise118 acts as agents for ATOL protected cruise operators only.

ABTA No.L3743

We don’t do nice holidays...

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Call us now for our new luxury brochure www.sixstarholidays.co.uk | 020 7980 1768 62 I

Watch out for our Six Star Holidays App, available soon on Cruise Concierge

SIX STAR HOLIDAYS

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Cruise Concierge

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Mediterranean

Sun

Top Summer Destinations for 2014

Sagres Lighthouse

Discerning travellers seeking some much-needed sun after a bleak winter period will find solace in the array of options at Six Star Holidays for a summer holiday in 2014. The Mediterranean in particular offers a wealth of sun-kissed destinations suitable for action- packed family adventure as much as cossetted romantic escape.

The gleaming white hues of the residences dotting the overarching volcanic caldera of the heavenly Santorini, alongside the pristine beach locations of the Algarve and Cyprus as an amalgamation of the finest services and cuisine available in the Mediterranean, are just some of the options available to travellers looking to bask in the radiant sunshine of a region offering both supreme relaxation and watersports havens for the actively inclined.

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Cruise Concierge

Starry-eyed Santorini

Algarve Beach Bliss

Santorini is the largest island of a small circular archipelago some 200 kilometres southeast of the Greek mainland, immediately attracting the wondrous gaze of first-time visitors to its shores with the towering cliffs harbouring whitewashed village residences throughout as an arresting initial glimpse into the mystical intrigue of this endlessly fascinating, crescent-shaped landscape.

The Algarve is home to a wealth of notable summer retreats, including Vilamoura, Praia da Rocha and Sagres, alluding to the Portuguese’ southernmost region as a sunkissed beach getaway suitable for couples, groups and families alike to enjoy a range of land and water based activities during the summer months.

The divine beauty of Santorini lies ensconced within the gleaming cobalt hues of the Aegean Sea makes for a supreme romantic getaway for couples and honeymooners to bask in unadulterated luxury, incorporating hotels such as the Hotel Katikies and San Antonio evoking secluded tranquillity overlooking the ethereal expanse of the translucent sea waters for an unforgettable summertime break.

Romantic inclinations burn brighter than ever in the scenic town of Oia, internationally regarded as having some of the finest sunset views in the world, seeing the dazzling sun slowly ebb away from the seascape horizon as a fantastic backdrop to quixotic meals.

World-famous beaches include the watersports sanctuary of Sao Roque, seeing an array of facilities available as an indication of the Algarve’s reputation as a pinnacle watersports destination, which both seasoned experts and novices alike flock towards.

Primary hotel stays for couples or honeymooners on the Algarve include the Conrad Hotel as a leading example of firstclass Portuguese hotel service, portraying a modern design aesthetic overlooking the Quinta Do Lago resort for a grandiose summer retreat.

Couples desiring isolated beaches may wish to travel outside the school holiday periods in the months of May and June, whereby sunshine is as plentiful as any leading Californian beach destination and the usually crowded tourist spots are much sparser.

Lefkara Village

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COVER

supplied on separate document Six Star Holidays

Many summer visitors prefer residing within the coastal resorts, offering a degree of coolness away from the baking heat of the inland terrain, making the destination ideal for sunbathing and watersports, alongside basking in the exuberant sunshine burning through the atmosphere from cloudless skies.

2014 Ultra Luxury Holidays

Scenic beach expanses and palm tree-laden mountains reflect a diverse landscape, seeing activities range between traversing through the breathtaking mountain range vistas and delving into the glistening Mediterranean Sea - an aquatic oasis primed for snorkelling and diving.

The beach resort locale of Tha Anassa Hotel rests on the western coast of Cyprus for a sublime family summer getaway alluding to peaceful relaxation, transporting guests from a hectic lifestyle and into surrounds of inexorable equanimity.

Mediterranean Marvels The Mediterranean will remain a top summer destination for 2014 and beyond, seeing the alluring mixture of vibrant coastal resorts, sandy beaches, ancient and cultural excursions, and secluded romantic hideaways provide a getaway in guaranteed sunshine that can be enjoyed by all when looking to escape another erratic summertime back home.

Santorini

Cruise Concierge

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Looking for a better hotel?

Look no further

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Cruise Concierge

Stay. Park. Sail Here at Crisp White Sheets we ensure your holiday starts before you even board the cruise. Let us arrange your pre or post stay at some of our fabulous hotels in the South.

You can take advantage of their relaxing facilities, stunning bedrooms, delicious breakfast and complimentary parking…stay in style and sail stress free.

Call us on 01254 830122 Email enquiry to: Rebecca.ireland@crispwhitesheets.com or Jennifer.medcalf@crispwhitesheets.com Lainston House Hotel

Chewton Glen

New Park Manor

Winchester, Hampshire

New Milton, Hampshire

New Forest, Hampshire

Lainston House Hotel is a great place for travellers to spend an evening, either pre or post cruise, when sailing from Southampton Docks. Plus, you can even leave your car at the hotel, knowing that it will be secure upon your return.

For the perfect pre or post cruise hotel break in one of Hampshire’s most wonderful five star hotels, Chewton Glen is conveniently located only 35 minutes from Southampton.

Stay and cruise in style.

Located in the New Forest, this hotel offers a fabulous pre or post cruise stay for all the family when you sail from Southampton Docks. Ensure you start and end your holiday stress free.

Overnight accommodation, full English breakfast, transfers to and from Southampton Cruise Terminal and complimentary parking.

Overnight accommodation, continental breakfast, return private chauffeur transfer to Southampton Cruise Terminal, complimentary parking and full use of spa facilities.

Overnight accommodation, breakfast and complimentary parking for the duration of your cruise, plus full use of facilities.

Prices per room from

Prices per room from

Prices per room from

£380

£475

£115

Cruise Concierge

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World Travel Holdings UK Ltd is part of the world’s largest cruise retailer.

In the UK, WTH UK boasts the following exclusive brands:

✆ 0800 072 3117 Cruise118 created the unique concept of the ‘Cruise Concierge’, an award-winning service which sets the brand apart from its rivals. Each dedicated Cruise Concierge is trained to deliver superior levels of service with the ability and expertise to personalise cruise holidays to suit specific requirements and tailor them to the cruiser’s individual needs.

.co.uk

✆ 0800 280 2610

Six Star Cruises offers the finest cruising experiences, drawn from among the world’s ultimate luxury cruise companies. Whatever your choice, you can be sure of sumptuously-appointed suites and staterooms, exquisite food and drink, and the most attentive yet unobtrusive service you could possibly imagine.

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✆ 0800 197 3426

River Voyages are true experts in the world of river cruising, offering incredible cruise fares from the world’s leading river cruise lines. With River Voyages, however it’s about more than just great fares, because customers are assigned their very own personal River Cruise Concierge who will assist with everything leading up to the journey and ensure that every package is individually suited to them.

✆ 020 7138 8302 Six Star Holidays is a luxury travel company specialising in bespoke holidays on land where each experience is unique and the level of service is of the very highest standard. From family holidays and honeymoons to cultural escapes and wildlife adventures, the company’s expert Concierge are always eager to share their firsthand knowledge of every destination, and to create the perfect tailor-made holiday for every traveller.

✆ 01254 830122 The Crisp White Sheets team are specialists when it comes to all sorts of luxury accommodation throughout the UK. From the finest city chic hotels to boutique offerings, spa resorts, charming cottages and restaurants with rooms, Crisp White Sheets offers a comprehensive guide to all the most stylish places to stay.