Cruise Concierge Magazine March/April 2014 by WTH (UK) Ltd

THE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE FROM WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS (UK) LTD MARCH/APRIL 2014 EDITION

Cruise Concierge NORWEGIAN GETAWAY We set sail on NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE's brand-new vessel

SIX STAR CRUISES

PLUS

Celebrating our dedicated luxury brand

• WHAT’S NEW IN 2014 • INTERVIEW WITH REGENT

THE BEAUTY OF THE BLACK SEA Enjoy breatH-taking coastlines and fascinating history on a voyage around the beautiful Black Sea region

.co.uk

SEVEN SEAS CRUISES MD GRAHAM SADLER • ISTANBUL • WORLD’S BEST UNESCO SITES • RIVER VOYAGES • HEALTHY EATING

Contents March/April 2014

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 Advertising artwork: Adam Arkinstall On the cover: Old fortress, Odessa region

Inside Cruise All the news from the world of cruising.

8 What's New

A look at new ships set to hit the ocean and Europe’s rivers in 2014.

11 Ship review: The Norwegian Getaway We recently cruised on-board Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new vessel.

17 The Six Star Experience

It's Six Star Cruises' birthday. We explain its history and the Six Star difference.

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20 Special Events

An update on the special events we host throughout the year.

22 Interview

We catch up with MD of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Graham Sadler.

26 Port Guide: Istanbul

Explore hundreds of years of history in Turkey’s enchanting capital.

28 Destination focus: The Black Sea The wonderful climate of the Med,

without the overwhelming crowds.

38 The World's Best

Some of the most memorable UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can visit.

43 Through the Porthole

Preparing for a South American and Antarctic voyage.

45 Meet the Concierge

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

46 Q&A

Our Cruise Concierge answer your

questions about all aspects of cruising.

contents

elcome to the latest edition of Cruise Concierge magazine, our second of the year. I hope you enjoyed last issue and that you will find this one just as entertaining. As always, it’s been a very busy January in the cruise world, with many of you

eager to get your holiday booked for 2014. Here at Cruise Concierge, we got in on the cruising action early too, when one of our writers sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new

vessel, Norwegian Getaway. (For the full report, turn to page 11). You may have been lucky

enough to embark on a cruise already this year but if you’re still looking forward to your next one or are perhaps looking for some inspiration, I hope you’ll find some in these pages.

In this issue, we continue to bring you all the latest news, features and articles from the world of cruising. This means that as well as keeping you updated and entertained with regard to

everything mainstream, ultra-luxurious escapes and river voyages are also on our radar. We’ll continue to bring you offers from across all our brands too, so wherever and however you want to travel, you’re sure to find plenty of inspiration.

Even if you’d prefer to take a break from cruising, we’ve got it covered with SixStarHolidays.

co.uk, while for the perfect boutique hotel escape, look no further than CrispWhiteSheets.com. This issue, the beautiful Black Sea region is the subject of our destination focus, while we give you the in-depth low-down one of its most iconic cities, Istanbul, in our cruise port guide.

It’s UNESCO World Heritage sites which get the World’s Best treatment, while there’s more

words of wisdom from our resident wine and cocktail experts over in the Cruise Kitchen. And to celebrate the fifth birthday of our luxury brand Six Star Cruises, we’ll be telling you a little about its history, the experience and some of the special events we hold throughout the year. 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,

28 49 River voyages

Spotlight on Cologne and the finest

museums on a Danube river voyage.

54 Health and Beauty

A look at how cruise ship dining can be

James Cole

Director, WTH (UK) Limited

59 Holiday reading

We review a new top tome to take

with you on a cruise and take a look at some popular favourites and off-beat titles, too.

good for you.

60 Quiz corner

56 Cruise Kitchen

quizzes.

Words of wisdom from our resident wine and cocktail experts.

58 Lights, Camera, Cruise

Fun questions, puzzles and picture

62 Six Star Holidays

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

This issue, Robert De Niro films in

popular cruise destination, Panama. Cruise Concierge

I 3

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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 Monday - friday: 9aM To 8pM saTurday: 9aM To 7pM sunday: 10aM To 7pM

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. All fares shown are subject to availability. The Upgrade promotion is applicable to new bookings made between 18th February 2014 and 31st March 2014 (OF & BK Status). Receive the Upgrade promotion on selected 2014 Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean & European itineraries departing between 01st May and 15th December 2014. The Upgrade promotion is applicable to selected stateroom categories, where the promotional rate of the higher stateroom category matches the standard rate of the lower stateroom category. The Upgrade promotion offer is not combinable with any other offer. The Upgrade promotion will apply to new individual bookings only. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

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Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

Inside Cruise

The latest news in the big wide world of cruise

The number of people cruising in 2013 continues to rise

The number of travellers choosing to take to

impressive 14 per cent year on year, with an

a record 1.79 million British holidaymakers

launch in 2014.

the seas for their holidays has increased, with embarking on cruise getaways last year. An extra 89,000 British passengers chose ocean voyages over traditional holidays in 2013, which pushed booking figures up by five

per cent from the previous year. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has

also stated that the global number of cruise

passengers is set to reach 21.7 million in 2014.

The demand for river cruising also grew by an

additional ten new river cruise vessels due to

The luxurious spas will include such features as a spa, beauty salon and a host of exclusive, SpaClub treatments tailored to the needs of the individual cruiser, including yoga, meditation, facials and body wraps. Michael Bayley, Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO, said: “We are passionate about providing our guests with unforgettable experiences, and this collaboration with Canyon Ranch is an important milestone in our drive to elevating guests’ modern luxury vacations.”

on-board facilities is believed to have raised

interest amongst holidaymakers, with many of the larger cruise lines boasting a range of

brand new and innovative features. In reaction to the latest figures, Director of CLIA UK and

Ireland Andy Harmer said: “Many of CLIA’s 63 members are revitalising and investing in ships of varying sizes designed to cater for all ages.”

Luxury line Compagnie du Ponant has recently announced details of its newest vessel, due to launch in the spring of 2015, including her name.

The new vessel will have fewer staterooms than her sister ships Le Soleal, L’Austral and

Celebrity Cruises has recently announced that it intends to feature Canyon Ranch SpaClub facilities on 10 of its vessels.

The continued expansion and development of

Compagnie du Ponant names new ship

The vessel will be the fourth in the line’s Boreal class and will be called Le Lyrial; a reference to the Lyra constellation which can be seen in the northern hemisphere and which bears one of the very brightest stars in the northern sky, Vega. It is believed the decision was made to name the ship after the constellation due to her planned exploration of the south polar regions.

Celebrity Cruises to feature Canyon Ranch Spas

Le Boreal due to the inclusion of larger suites, meaning a total of 122 rooms as opposed to the other vessels’ 132. Though she will eventually explore Antarctica, Lyra will spend her inaugural season taking cruisers to such popular Mediterranean destinations as Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Viking River Cruises begin record 2014 ship launch

Already operating more ships than any other river cruise line, Viking River Cruises began a year which will see 14 further new Longships with a multi-ship launch in March. During the launch ceremony, all 14 ships were christened, with the Viking Buri, Viking Delling, Viking Heimdal, Viking Hermod, Viking Ingvi, Viking Lif, Viking Hemming and Viking Torgil all setting sail. All the ships feature an Aquavit Terrace at the bow – an indoor and outdoor space with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Cruise Concierge

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INSIDE CRUISE

Carnival Cruises announces line-up for Live Concert Series Carnival Cruise Lines has revealed details of its new Carnival Live Concert Series, announcing that acts including Jennifer Hudson, LeAnn Rimes and Olivia Newton John will feature amongst the line-up. Several bands will also take to the stage, including big names such as Daughtry and Foreigner. A total of 15 chart-toppers are set to perform for passengers across 49 concert dates, with shows taking place aboard eight of Carnival’s fleet whilst the ships are docked in the ports of

Cozumel, Nassau and Catalina Island. The average ticket will be priced at around $30, alongside a limited number of VIP tickets costing approximately $100 - $150, which include a meet and greet with the artists, a photo opportunity and seating in the three front rows. Carnival Cruise Line’s Senior Vice President of Guest Operations Mark Tamis said: “Our guests will enjoy an exclusive performance with one of their favourite artists for extraordinary value.”

NCL plan to retrofit popular pub across entire fleet Norwegian Cruise Line has announced plans to retrofit O’Sheehan’s pub across its entire fleet, following the huge success of the venue aboard the Norwegian Epic, Breakaway and Getaway. Speaking at a news conference on-board the line’s latest vessel, the Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Sheehan confirmed the decision, saying: “O’Sheehan’s has proved to be such a centre point of the ship for people to gather and socialise, that we have decided to put it on all the ships.”

Crystal Cruises introduces free Wi-Fi for past passengers

ons for Crystal Cruises has revealed plans to introduce free Wi-Fi connecti will be s Member Society. Crystal the club, members of its frequent cruiser er Septemb this starting day, per entitled to 60 minutes of free internet access October in and Canada when the Crystal Serenity sails to New England and new aboard the Crystal Symphony as it navigates the Panama Canal. This to perk comes after the line recently upgraded its vessel’s Wi-Fi systems public all across signals better and users of number allow for an increased areas and accommodation.

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Royal Caribbean's Galveston port deal Royal Caribbean has made an agreement with the Texan port of Galveston to add a further 30 calls in 2014 and 2015. Galveston is already home port to the line’s Navigator of the Seas and is set to improve one of its terminals to accommodate larger vessels and more passengers. The renovations will mean the possibility of larger Royal Caribbean vessels visiting the port in the future. The agreement is an important one for the line, as Galveston is one of the world’s 20 top cruise ports.

Avalon Waterways launch new ships March saw the launch of three brand-new vessels from award-winning river cruise line Avalon Waterways. Avalon Poetry II will accommodate 122 passengers, while the other two new vessels - Avalon Impression and Avalon Illumination - will accommodate 166. All three vessels are new additions to the line’s Suite Class, with two decks of each ship boasting wall-to-wall panoramic windows.

INSIDE CRUISE Round-Up Oceania Following initial news of a massive refurbishment of Oceania’s R class vessels last year, it’s almost time for the ships’ transformations to begin. Next month sees the dry docks commence, with April 26 the scheduled date for work on the vessels get underway. The most extensive refurbishment in the line’s history will see public areas, suites and staterooms receive a make-over to bring the ships into line with Oceania’s newest vessels.

Holland America Line’s wine policy change

Britannia funnels are first peek at new P&O look P&O recently gave eager cruisers a sneak peek of their forthcoming new vessel Britannia, due

The blue funnels on Britannia are part of a

fleet-wide new look for P&O’s vessels, which sees the line changing its livery to reflect its

British heritage more strongly. As well as the

blue funnels, each ship will bear a Union flag,

painted on its bow and when Britannia unveils hers, she’ll be in possession of the world’s largest union flag, at over 393 feet.

to hit the waves in 2015, when the line released

The line’s Chief Executive, David Dingle, said:

The first thing seasoned P&O cruisers noticed

Britain's most distinctive symbol, the Union

funnels have always been yellow but the new

P&O Britannia recently left dry dock and was

logo, which will be illuminated.

work on her will continue.

pictures of her funnels being put in place.

“Our ships will proudly carry on their bow

was the change of colour. Traditionally, P&O

Flag, to all corners of the globe”.

ones are blue and bear the line’s ‘rising sun’

floated out the water for the first time, where

AmaWaterways to commence river cruises in Burma AmaWaterways has unveiled plans to enter the Burma (Myanmar) river cruise market with a new ship scheduled to launch in October 2014. The new 56-passenger vessel, named the AmaPura, will navigate the Irrawaddy River calling at ports including Yangon and Mandalay. Commenting on the announcement, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst said: “My own experiences in Myanmar have been absolutely amazing. Our new cruises there will immerse our guests in a place that has long been shut off from the rest of the world, and that's an opportunity no world traveller will want to pass up.”

After initially introducing a new wine policy last summer which limited passengers to one bottle of carry-on wine, Holland America Line has recently launched a new policy. Now, passengers who are aged 21 or above are permitted to bring an unlimited number of bottles, each no larger than 750ml, aboard. The first bottle is not subject to a corkage fee providing it is consumed within a cabin, while each subsequent bottle will be subject to an $18 corkage fee.

MSC to pull out of UK in 2015 Italian line MSC Cruises has recently announced that it will not offer any ex-UK sailings in 2015. According to the line, the decision was made after it became clear that refurbishments to its UK-based MSC Opera would put the ship out of action for the first half of the 2015 summer season. It’s possible the line could return to the UK in 2016, with UK Managing Director Giles Hawke saying: “Ex-UK remains desirable. It's the second biggest cruise market in the world, but we need to think of the whole fleet and all the ships worldwide.”

Cruise & Maritime to take over TransOcean Kreuzfahrten British-based cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages has announced a take-over of German cruise operator TransOcean Kreuzfahrten and its five vessels, entering into the growing German market. Although the ships will continue to operate under the reputable German-speaking TransOcean brand, Cruise & Maritime will take control of the 620-passenger, 20,000-ton Astor ocean cruise ship alongside four of the line’s additional river vessels, which vary in capacity from 80 to 176 passengers.

Fred.Olsen launches new mini-cruises for 2014 Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines has created seven new mini-cruises for the 2014/2015 season, including a two-night introductory voyage, allowing firsttime cruisers a taste of life at sea. The two and three-night mini-cruises will include trips to cities such as Paris and Dublin aboard one of the line’s four vessels. Guests travelling aboard the Black Watch will also get a first look at the ship’s new Morning Light Pub, a venue already featured on the rest of Fred.Olsen’s fleet.

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What's new for Last issue, I looked at some of the forthcoming cruise ships which are due to hit the waves this year, as well as others which were set to undergo a revamp. It’s not just ocean-going mega-cruise vessels setting sail for the first time in 2014, however. As well as two new additions to the world of luxury cruising, in this edition, I’m going to give you the low-down on some of the new river cruise ships launching over the coming months. by Simon Brotherton

MAIDEN VOYAGE Ama Waterways

APRIL

2014

AMA Waterways has two new vessels launching in April – AmaReina and Ama Sonata.

Following hot on the heels of the line’s AmaPrima, AmeBello, AmaVerde and AmaCerto vessels, the two new ships

will each welcome 164 passengers. The AmaSonata is the sister ship to the Lounge Bar

AmaCerto and boasts some truly innovative

Ms William Shakespeare

design features, such as Twin Balconies,

Viking River Cruises With a total of seven new vessels already launched in March, Viking River Cruises

is set to keep up the pace for April, with a

further five vessels scheduled to launch in the month.

Viking Alsvin, Viking Bestla, Viking Eistla, Viking Gullveig and Viking Kvasir will

all offer five categories of cabin, including

expansive, 445-square foot Explorer Suites for those in search of a little more space.

These suites, along with Veranda Suites, will all feature full balconies as well as

French balconies in bedrooms. All the ships will feature the Aquavit Terrace, which

functions as an indoor or outdoor public space, thanks to its retractable floor-toceiling glass doors. 8 I

Cruise Concierge

which comprise a French Balcony along

with a separate exterior balcony. Another feature which the vessel shares with the

AmaReina is a heated sun deck swimming

pool with a handy swim-up bar while both vessels also feature ship-wide Wi-Fi and a fleet of bicycles.

Riviera - Ms William Shakespeare Something of a novelty when it comes to ship names, Riviera’s Ms William

Shakespeare will be one of the few vessels

bearing a masculine name when it hits the Rhine in April.

The line promises one of the finest river cruise ships in the world, offering a

combination of style and innovation.

The Ms William Shakespeare has been

constructed using sustainably-sourced hardwoods, wrought iron, brass and deep-pile carpets for a classic yet

environmentally-conscious look. 140 passengers will have the run of four

spacious and stylish decks, each named

after some of the Bard’s most memorable and iconic characters.

What'S NEW

Viking River Cruises - Aquavit Terrace

Cruise and Maritime - Vienna 1

Windstar Cruises - Star Pride

Established ocean line Cruise and Maritime

The suite-only Star Pride is Windstar’s

is branching out into the river cruise market

newest vessel and the first of its three

this year with the line’s new Vienna 1

‘power yachts’ and will set sail from Rome

offering a number of exciting seven and

on May 11th on its first passenger voyage.

14-night itineraries along the Rhine and

Indeed, the feel of a private yacht is very

Danube rivers.

The first of the CMV Signature River

Cruises takes place in May – a seven-night Magical Rhine adventure which departs

from Nuremburg, with a further six sailings scheduled throughout the rest of May and June. Vienna I is a premium plus river

cruise vessel which caters for just 164 guests and offers them fine cuisine and panoramic views in the on-board restaurant, excellent

service and a number of on-board facilities

including a fitness area, hair salon and shop.

MAY

2014

Silver Discoverer

Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer

APRIL

2014

The newest addition to Silversea’s fleet and to the line’s specialist Expeditions arm, the Silver Discoverer, sets sail in

April with an inaugural voyage exploring

the spectacular Kimberley coast departing on April 2.

The sleek and stylish vessel will

much what the line is going for, as the

ship will cater for just 212 guests. Despite the intimate feel, the ship boasts a real

sense of space, with plenty of stylish and completely renovated public areas in

which to relax. All of the 106 suites will

have an ocean view, and Owner’s Suites

and Classic Suites will also boast private verandas. The luxurious ship will spend

the year exploring the Mediterranean and the Far East.

MAY

accommodate 120 passengers, taking

2014

them on a journey to the Pacific’s most captivating islands and archipelagos.

The ship comes equipped with its own fleet of Zodiacs, so guests can explore the most secluded of shores, and also

boasts a glass-bottomed boat for a truly immersive experience. Destinations

include Southeast Asia, Australia and Vienna 1

New Zealand, Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia and the Russian Far East.

Star Pride

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Iceland & Fjords

Interior

Oceanview

Balcony

Celebrity Eclipse® | 5 July 2014 | 14 Nights

£1,099pp

£1,749pp

£1,849pp

Southampton > Reykjavik (overnight on-board) > Akureyri > Klaksvik > Geiranger > Alesund > Olden > Stavanger > Southampton Martini Bar and Canyon Ranch SpaClub® on-board

Mediterranean

Interior

Oceanview

Balcony

Celebrity Eclipse® | 2 August 2014 | 14 Nights

£1,199pp

£1,799pp

£1,949pp

Southampton > Gibraltar > Nice (Villefranche) > Civitavecchia (Rome) > Florence/Pisa (Livorno) > Genoa > Malaga > Lisbon > Southampton Stateroom upgrades for less than £4 per night

Greek Isles

Interior

Oceanview

Balcony

Celebrity Silhouette® | 10 August 2014 | 7 Nights

£1,199pp

£1,399pp

£1,449pp

France & Iberian Discovery

Interior

Oceanview

Balcony

Celebrity Infinity® | 19 September 2014 | 12 Nights

£729pp

£1,399pp

£1,799pp

Venice > Kotor > Santorini > Athens (Piraeus) > Katakolon > Venice Includes return flights to the UK

Harwich > Paris (Le Havre, overnight on-board) > Bordeaux (La Rochelle, overnight on-board) > Bilbao (overnight on-board) > Vigo > Porto (Leixoes) > Harwich Cruise for less than £62 per night. Oz Clarke will be on-board between 21st & 25th Sept. Masterclasses & workshops will be available to purchase, subject to availability

To book, call your cruise concierge on...

0800 072 3117 open 7 days a week Monday - friday: 9aM To 8pM saTurday: 9aM To 7pM sunday: 10aM To 7pM

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions apply: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. All fares shown are subject to availability. The Celebrity ‘Choose & Cruise’ promotion is valid for new bookings created and confirmed between 3rd March - 30th April 2014. The Celebrity ‘Choose & Cruise’ promotion is valid for selected sailings departing from May 2014 to March 2015. All Values are based on duration and is applicable to the 1st & 2nd guest in the stateroom. The Celebrity ‘Choose & Cruise’ promotion is applicable to Oceanview stateroom categories and above. Interior staterooms are not applicable to the promotion. The Celebrity ‘Choose & Cruise’ promotion not combinable with any other promotion and is subject to availability. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

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Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

SHIP REVIEW

The perfect

Getaway Even though it only embarked on its inaugural voyage in January, the Norwegian Getaway has already become an iconic part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet. Considering the hype that surrounded the Breakaway’s younger sibling pre-launch, cruisers will be pleased to know that the newest member of the Norwegian family has risen to the challenge. And then some. by James Taylor

fact file Inaugural Year: 2014

Gross Tonnage: 146,600

Passengers: 4,028 guests Length: 1,063 feet

Cruise Speed: 22 knots

hen the Norwegian Breakaway was first launched in 2013, it instantly became a darling of the cruise world, winning

critical acclaim, the adoration of cruisers and a plethora of

awards. The Getaway had some revered shoes to fill. The blessing and perhaps the curse for the new ship was that it was destined to be the sibling to the beloved Breakaway. How could it manage to innovate

if it was going to be based on its sister ship? The answer came from a steadfast dedication to keeping in with the now-classic styling of the Breakaway while more than expressing its own distinct character.

First Impressions The first thing that strikes you about the Norwegian Getaway is the

sheer size – compared to the ship, the Southampton Cruise Terminal was made to look tiny. The second thing is the unbelievable motif

that decorates its exterior, a suitably sun-kissed and stylish looking Miami scene courtesy of revered graphic designer David ‘LEBO’ le Batard. Upon first stepping into the ship’s interior, you could

immediately tell it was a combination of the two – impressive size and gorgeous aesthetic.

We didn’t realise it then, but the stairways leading to each set of

accommodation represented the finest features of the Getaway in miniscule – an abundance of staff waiting to cater for your every Aqua Park

need, elegant design, and everywhere a sense of unending space;

that you had stepped into a luxury resort rather than a cruise ship.  Cruise Concierge

I 11

SHIP REVIEW Accommodation At full capacity, the Norwegian Getaway

done a fine job of implementing ergonomic

expect, these good people are going

every bit count. The television, for example

can host over 4,000 guests. As you might to need rooms, and that is something

which is, let’s say… catered for. There

were times walking the hallways of the

Getaway’s accommodation decks that the

suites at the other end were almost specks in the distance.

It’s good news then, that even when

amongst a multitude, our suite felt like it

had character. It was the little touches that definitely tied the room together – the fact

that staff had laid out a mat on the bed upon which we could unpack, a personalised

features into the rooms in order to make had its own alcove it slotted into neatly, even if it was more than ample in size. The layout of the bathroom was the

perfect example of this. A huge sink, a roomy shower (take it from someone

who is six foot four) and spotless tiles all fitted beautifully into the suite. It’s the

attention to detail, even in terms of things like considering a customer unpacking that makes the accommodation on the

Norwegian Getaway something special.

letter welcoming us to the ship, and even a state-of-the-art coffee machine.

Even without being in the Owner’s Suite, the amount of space felt brilliant. The

designers at Norwegian Cruise Line have

The Haven Courtyard

Suite Types The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony This is the ultimate in cruise accommodation. At 932 square feet, it’s ridiculously roomy, but it’s what fills that space that makes it so special. Floor to ceiling mirrors, a pillow-top mattress and marble bathrooms are just the start of the luxury. Not only does this suite have its own dressing area, but you can expect 24-hour butler service to boot.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony This massive suite can accommodate up to three guests, so the living area is top-notch. A full-size writing desk, two vanity sinks and exclusive key card access to the Haven Courtyard, where guests have access to a private restaurant and lounge.

The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony A suite which is perfect for those looking to be pampered while cruising. As if easy access to the Mandara Spa and the fitness centre wasn’t enough, guests in this suite also have complimentary access to the 12 I

Cruise Concierge

Thermal Spa Suite, as well as an in-suite whirlpool.

Large Balcony Massive panoramic views and a built-in vanity area make for a balcony room with a superb difference. The private panoramic views and its closeness to the Waterfront make it an absolute must for balcony lovers.

Oceanview with Large Picture Window Contemporary design, clean lines and modern features are a winning combination, and luckily for cruisers, Oceanview rooms have all three down to a tee. Tons of storage space and a Queen size bed means you’ll be travelling in style.

Studio Single Cruisers have often been short changed in terms of room quality, but the Getaway is putting paid to that. Studio rooms are perfectly designed for the solo cruiser, with a full-size bed and an exclusive studio lounge adding tons of charm to the cabins.

SHIP REVIEW Dining If there is a criticism that can be levelled at

Getaway. The size of the café was what

it’s that I didn’t have enough time (or

the grandeur of buffet dining, the designers

the restaurants on the Norwegian Getaway, inhuman appetite) to sample all of them. To be fair to the Getaway, I don’t think I could have sampled everything in two

weeks, considering the range of culinary excellence on-board.

You would think all the choice would be

confusing, but that definitely wasn’t the case.

The layout of the Getaway is designed so that finding your new favourite isn’t just easy, but an hourly occurrence. The diverse eateries

hit all the bases – from gourmet specialities

to complimentary buffets – but even with a

thoroughly broad appeal in place, the dining on the Getaway manages to be special.

The garden café on the 15th deck was my first port of call, and what a way for my

taste buds to be introduced to dining on the Deluxe Owner's Suite, living room

delighted me at first – rather than restrict had created an expansive and elegant

space that could easily be mistaken for a speciality restaurant.

The food however, was all about variety – entrees such as freshly-baked bread and a

smorgasbord of cheeses were complimented by row upon row of regional dishes ready to be served up at a moment’s notice.

The best thing? This is all just one part of complimentary dining on the Getaway.

There’s a complete roster of restaurants

with superb menus all included in the price of your fare. From the roaring atmosphere of O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill to the grand ballroom stylings of the Tropicana room, delectable comes as standard.

Onward then, to where the Norwegian

Getaway has innovated dining to an even

greater extent – the speciality restaurants. It was a difficult choice to narrow down the

Tropicana Room

top tip Book early for dinner While I was on board, the speciality

restaurants were packed. If you want

to sample the best cuisine at sea, don’t leave it until the last minute – book in advance so you can indulge in gourmet stress-free.

plethora of specialist dining experiences on the Norwegian Getaway to just one, but in the end, Cagney’s Steakhouse won out.

Having heard rave reviews from those who have had the chance to dine at Cagney’s on the Breakaway, I couldn’t wait to sample

the menu. It didn’t disappoint. The service was completely on point for everything

I needed, I would place down an empty

water glass only to have it filled, and no request was too much.

top tip

Of course, they had stiff competition from the

Go to the Illusionarium

from Wagyu beef sliders to Green salads,

dishes themselves. We ordered everything

and once the food arrived, the conversation was replaced with content murmurs as we

Steak and Magic.

appreciated the taste.

Enough said.

The ship revealed plenty more unique

restaurants packed to the rafters; Teppanyaki, the Illusionarium and Le Bistro all had their fair share of satisfied customers and Ocean Blue was of course, booked out before we

even stepped onto the ship – the work of top The Illusionarium

chef Geoffrey Zakarian proving irresistible to many cruisers. 

Cruise Concierge

I 13

SHIP REVIEW

top tip Don’t rush As tempting as it might be to try and

678 Ocean Place

explore everything on the Getaway in one night, this ship is massive to say the least. To get the most out of your experience

Entertainment & Facilities

on-board, it’s more than acceptable

The hub for the Norwegian Getaway’s

One more, a top floor of bars, live music

Place. At its centre is a luminescent

with people here to see the Getaway. What

entertainment is undoubtedly 678 Ocean chandelier which changed its colour

spectrum every hour we spent enjoying the atmosphere of the Getaway. What has been

achieved with 678 Ocean Place is a complex which manages to combine three floors of bars and entertainment.

That chandelier I mentioned earlier?

Well, it happens to mark the chic winding glass staircase which links three of the

and an exclusive sushi eatery were filled

never feel isolated from the rest of the

passengers on board – just the spectacle of

people leaving Le Bistro, ordering drinks at the blackjack tables and heading towards

the Tropicana room in full ballroom regalia was enough to make the spread of decks hum with excitement.

this beautiful and vibrant area, the design

decks. Hidden in a corner of 678 Ocean

immediately iconic, yet indebted to classic cruising.

more widespread than just those three

Place was the Svedka and Inniskillin Ice

bar, complete with a concierge handing out

With the chandelier glittering overhead, I

spent a night touring the three floors, each

one more exciting than the next. At the very bottom of 678 Ocean Place, the Headliners Bar welcomes cruisers to the main atrium. Rather than just serving up Mojitos for thirsty customers however, this trendy

hangout is destined to be the main hub for

the musical entertainment on the Getaway, becoming home to Howl at the Moon, but that night, Grammy winner Nestor Torres

was entertaining a packed venue. Just one

deck up, a casino floor filled with gold leaf

slot machines, row upon row of card tables

and talented croupiers was up and running. 14 I

Cruise Concierge

each night.

area where you could stay at one bar and

The facilities on-board however, were far

creates the impression of something

of one part of the ship

678 Ocean Place represented was a common

ship’s decks seamlessly. Having introduced the vaulted atrium in which to expand

to soak up the atmosphere

Svedka and Inniskillin Ice Bar

long, fur-lined coats and gloves. At below freezing, the ice bar was to put it mildly, a bit chilly but the sumptuous cocktails

served up by a barman as trussed up in

fur as we were certaintly helped. It was an experience to be sure, and just one of the touches that manages to distinguish the Getaway from its acclaimed sister ship.

With special events taking place throughout the Grammy Experience and the

Illusionarium, there’s little sibling rivalry to be had between the two. ■

CRUISE HOLIDAYS WITH FREEDOM, FUN AND FLEXIBILITY

Adriatic & Italy

Baltic Capitals

Grand Mediterranean

Panama Canal

Norwegian Jade - 7 Nights 3 May 2014

Norwegian Star - 9 Nights 12 July 2014

Norwegian Spirit - 12 Nights 22 August 2014

Norwegian Sun - 15 Nights 11 October 2014

Itinerary:

Civitavecchia (Rome) > Naples > Messina >

Copenhagen > Berlin (Warnemunde) > Tal-

Kotor > Split > Koper > Venice

linn > St. Petersburg (overnight on-board) >

Barcelona > Provence (Toulon) > Livorno (Florence/Pisa) > Civitavecchia (Rome) > Naples > Mykonos > Istanbul > Izmir > Piraeus (Athens) > Venice (overnight on-board)

Los Angeles > Puerto Vallarta > Huatulco > Puerto Chiapas > Puntarenas > Transit Panama Canal > Cartagena > Tampa

Includes return flights from Manchester

Upgrade to an Oceanview stateroom for under £10 per night

Helsinki > Stockholm > Copenhagen

Includes return flights from Manchester

Inside

£839pp

Oceanview £ pp

939

Balcony £

1169pp

Sightseeing tour of St Petersburg from just £68pp

Inside

£1239pp

Oceanview £ pp

1379

Balcony £

1699pp

Inside

£1119pp

Oceanview £ pp

1199

Balcony £

1549pp

Inside

£1829pp

Oceanview £ pp

1969

Balcony £

2469pp

To book, call your cruise concierge on...

0800 072 3117 open 7 days a week Monday - friday: 9aM To 8pM saTurday: 9aM To 7pM sunday: 10aM To 7pM

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions apply: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. Itinerary doesn’t display days at sea. All savings and discounts are already included in the prices advertised. Offers doesn’t have monetary value and is non-transferable. Studio, Inside, and Oceanview categories are excluded from the offer. The Ultimate Beverage package includes a 15% gratuity per person per day. Applicable taxes, US and VAT may apply based on certain destinations. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

ABTA No.L3743

Cruise Concierge

I 15

FREE Cheers drinks package and FREE parking at Southampton available

Baltic Discovery

Belgium, Netherlands & France

Italy, France & Spain

Greece, Montenegro & Croatia

MSC Opera 26 May 2014 | 12 Nights

MSC Magnifica 17 September 2014 | 7 Nights

MSC Lirica 28*, 12, 21 July 2014 | 7 Nights

MSC Armonia 1, 8*,15, 22 August 2014 | 7 Nights

Southampton > Ijmuiden > Tallinn > St. Petersburg (overnight on-board) > Helsinki > Stockholm > Copenhagen > Southampton

Southampton > Zeebrugge > Amsterdam (overnight on-board) > Hamburg > Le Havre > Southampton

Florence/Pisa (Laspezia) > Provence (Marseille) > Palma De Mallorca (overnight on-board) > Valletta > Trapani > Civitavecchia (Rome) > Florence/Pisa (Laspezia)

Venice > Ancona >Santorini > Mykonos (overnight on-board) > Kotor > Split > Venice

Upgrade from inside to oceanview from just £21 per night

Includes FREE Cheers drinks package plus FREE parking at Southampton

Upgrade from inside to oceanview from just £10 per night

Upgrade from inside to oceanview from just £25 per night

Inside

799pp

Oceanview

£1,149pp

Inside

Balcony

£2,939pp

529 pp

Oceanview

£659pp

Inside

Balcony

£819pp

699pp*

Oceanview

£769pp

Inside

Balcony

£979pp

749pp*

Oceanview

£919pp Balcony

£1,049pp

To book, call your cruise concierge on...

0800 072 3117

open 7 days a week Monday - friday: 9aM To 8pM saTurday: 9aM To 7pM sunday: 10aM To 7pM

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. Offers are valid on new bookings only. Prices and flights are subject to availability. Offers are not combinable with any other offer and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Free Upgrade from Bella to Fantastica Experience is valid only within the same cabin category. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

16 I

Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

SIX STAR EXPERIENCE

Celebrating five years of

Six Star success

Beautiful tranquil beach sun rise in southern Belize

EUROPE

The most popular region of the world

for cruises that we’ve sold is Europe – with 70 per cent of all bookings made with us for this continent.

History of SixStarCruises

How it all began

2014 sees us enjoying the fifth birthday of

SixStarCruises.co.uk was formed in

many successes that we’ve enjoyed along

concierge service offered on-board cruises

SixStarCruises.co.uk and celebrating the the way. Our actual birthday fell back in

February but we’re still reflecting on how far we’ve come in our first five years and how proud we are of the service and standards

that we offer today. What’s also exciting is looking ahead to our next five years, and

how we know we’ll be able to reflect on this

GROWTH

540%

We’ve grown by over 540 per cent in our bookings since our first full year of trading.

year for our 10th birthday with pride at how we’ve again continued to grow.

2009 when we realised that the luxury

themselves wasn’t matched by the booking experience offered by luxury cruise agents at the time. We felt that this was a gap we could fill by working with the best cruise lines and offering customers the highest

standards of service, to give them the allround quality experience they deserved.

Year-on-year, we’ve seen a steady growth as existing customers came back to

We’ve continued to adapt to our customers’

book again and we continued to draw

we develop our services and continue to

magnificent packages that were available

customer service, a position we fully intend

every need. That’s what has helped us get

needs, learning as we grow to make sure

new people in, once they learned of the

be a market leader for luxury cruises and

to book and how we would care for their

to keep as we look ahead to our tenth

to where we are today. 

birthday in 2019 and beyond.

Cruise Concierge

I 17

SIX STAR EXPERIENCE

Silvesea Bulter Service

SixStarCruises today So what makes SixStarCruises stand out as the leading agent for luxury cruises?

What makes us the UK’s number one ultra-

luxury cruise specialist? We’re here to make your cruise the best experience it could be, to do all the work for you so that you can focus on relaxing.

We offer award-winning service through our specialist Cruise Concierge team. Call us and you’ll be assigned your

own personal concierge. They’ll be your

dedicated point of contact and will listen to

your needs and wishes and help you to find your perfect cruise, with recommendations based on years of experience. We provide

a flexible and friendly service to keep you completely at ease.

We specialise in exclusive offers with all the top cruise lines. We want to give you the

THE SIX STAR CRUISES.CO.UK DIFFERENCE

best choice of cruises, as we truly believe in matching people with the best option

for them. We won’t simply fill staterooms – we’ll spend time learning about what

Ultra-luxury specialist

Exclusive offers

ABTA bonded

AwardWinning

you want, and then we’ll turn to our wide selection of luxury itineraries to find the perfect option.

Regent Seven Seas Voyager in Sydney

And when you book with SixStarCruises

Monaco, Grand Prix

you can be assured that we’re fully

protected, which means you are too. We’re

Crystal Symphony, Pool Deck

fully bonded ABTA members, and flights

are ATOL protected, so if anything were to

go wrong, your money would be safe. But, as we’re part of the world’s largest cruise

distributor - World Travel Holdings - that isn’t a concern anyway, and we’re simply

committed to delivering the best experience for every single person we speak to. ■

£1MILLION CRUISE

We really got people talking when we launched our million pound cruise at the start of 2012. A 124-day sailing, it included visits to 28

countries, private helicopter transfers and flowing champagne, at a cost of over £8,000 per day.

18 I

Cruise Concierge

WEBSITE VISITS

1,003,362 We’ve had over one million visits to SixStarCruises.co.uk since the website first launched.

HONEYMOONS

374

We’ve booked 374 honeymoons –

including the honeymoon of our own Managing Director!

Enjoy thE award-winning Crystal ExpEriEnCE® • Luxurious staterooms and suites • Complimentary drinks including fine wines and premium spirits in all restaurants, bars and lounges plus 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, Computer University@sea and world-class entertainment • Crystal Adventures ® Shore Excursion Programme • Fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal instructors • Supervised Junior Activities programme

Light Background: Landscape Version

Six Star Cruises the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Light Background: Stacked Version

Six Star Cruises

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

BaltiC rEflECtionS

EuropEan CaChEt

Crystal Symphony 7 August 2014 | 10 nights

Crystal Serenity 24 August 2014 | 12 nights

CariBBEan SunriSE

Light Background: URL version

SixStarCruises

Crystal Serenity Crystal Serenity .co.uk 29 November 2014 | 12 nights 8 december 2014 | specialist 14 nights the ultra-luxury cruise

INCLUdES A PRIVAtE 2 dAy tOUR OF St PEtERSBURG

INCLUdES COMPLIMENtARy BUSINESS CLASS FLIGhtS

oceanview Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

£3,879pp

£4,489pp

tropiCal hidEawayS

Six Star Cruises

INCLUdES SAVINGS OF £1,064 the ultra-luxury INCLUdES COMPLIMENtARy StAy cruisehOtEL specialist PER StAtEROOM ANd ExCURSIONS Dark Background: Stacked Version oceanview

Stateroom

oceanview Stateroom

£3,799 Six Star Cruises

£3,979pp

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

tO BOOK, PLEASE CALL yOUR SPECIALISt CRUISE CONCIERGE ON

0800 280 2610 MON - FRI: 9AM - 8PM SAt: 9AM - 7PM SUN: 10AM - 7PM OR VISIt SIxStARCRUISES.CO.UK

Dark Background: URL version

SixStarCruises.co.uk the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

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 Cruise Concierge I 19

The Manor House

very month, we host a range of events for Cruise118, Six Star Cruises and River Voyages, where you can come along and exclusively meet one of our Cruise

Concierge. Our events take place in locations across the UK which makes finding

out about the fantastic cruises we have on offer even more convenient for you. Each event is different and held in a variety of locations, from boutique city-centre hotels such as The

Arch in central London to beautiful countryside hotels such as The Manor House near Bath or Gilpin Lodge in the Lake District.

The Arch

Sometimes we even host events on-board

always positive too – we’re delighted to

prove to be extremely popular because you

it useful – leading to a number of customers

the cruise ships themselves. These events

get to see everything the cruise ship has to

offer, from the fine cuisine to the spectacular range of staterooms and suites. Typically,

presentations explaining what we do, what to

rest of 2014, with more being added to our

and representatives of a cruise line, with

We’ve even more events planned for the

expect from a cruise line and the key features

calendar all the time. You could attend a

central London at The Arch Hotel on 27th

May, or perhaps you’d rather see the ships

on-board spend, additional complimentary

chance to tour one of the Regent Seven Seas

at every event with our compliments.

Southampton, with refreshments included.

Past events

do require a small cover charge for you to

which can vary from discounted fares to

themselves – we’re able to offer you the

gifts and more. We also serve refreshments

ships in August in Belfast, Weymouth and

we’ve already held 10 events in 2014 alone, in hotels from North Yorkshire to Devon. We’ve been delighted to welcome guests to enjoy presentations from ocean cruise

lines including Silversea Cruises, Oceania

Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Holland America Line, and

river cruise lines such as Ama Waterways. We were also delighted to welcome a

number of people on-board the brand-new

Norwegian Getaway ship for a taster cruise event, a memorable experience that was enjoyed by all who attended.

Cruise Concierge

Regent Seven Seas Cruises presentation in

exclusive deals on the day that you attend,

At the time of this magazine going to print,

20 I

advantage of our exclusive offers available.

Upcoming events

And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy

Norwegian Getaway

booking their next cruise on the day, taking

you’ll be greeted both by our own team

of the deals you’re most interested in.

Kevin Anderson

know that our guests enjoy the day and find

At each of these events we’ve been able

to offer exclusive prices for cruises to our

guests that they would not be able to enjoy anywhere else. Feedback on the events is

Unlike our usual events, these ship visits

experience the outstanding food and service on-board, but this is completely refundable if you decide you want to book a cruise within two weeks of the visit.

This is just a small taster of the events we have lined up. I am currently finalising

details on events for April, May and June and there could well be one near to you

very soon, so look out for your exclusive

invitation which I will send to you via email. If you think you’ll be interested in attending, just give me a call or send me an email.

I’ll be happy to hear from you, and I look

forward to meeting you at our next event!

Kevin Anderson

Events Manager kevin.anderson@cruise118.com

longer StayS. more oVernightS. night touring. SPain to french riViera

azamara Quest® • 27 Jul 2014 • 7 nights

Club Balcony Stateroom

£1,699pp

Vatican to the BoSPhoruS

azamara Quest® • 10 August 2014 • 10 nights

Staterooms selling fast

Club Oceanview Stateroom

£2,699pp

Journey of St. Paul Voyage

azamara Quest® • 12 October 2014 • 12 nights Light Background: Landscape Version

Six Star Cruises the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Enjoy some Winter Light Background: Stacked Version

sunshine

Club Balcony Stateroom

Six Star £3,699pp Cruises

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist Light Background: URL version

To book, please call your specialisT cruise concierge on

0800 280 2610

SixStarCruises.co.uk the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Mon - Fri: 9aM - 8pM saT: 9aM - 7pM sun: 10aM - 7pM or visiT sixsTarcruises.co.uk

Dark Background: Landscape Version Terms & Conditions: Itineraries do not include days at sea. 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 promotions. All fly/cruise holidays are ATOL protected. For full booking conditions and what’s included please refer to Azamara Club 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

Six Star Cruises Cruise Concierge

I 21

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Sailing the seven seas Tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved with RSSC

What's your personal favourite destination?

I am 55 going on 40 with a partner and five

Japan. I love the people, the honour and the

for 40 years from a Saturday and holiday

And cruise port?

children. I have been in the travel business job, retail agency, business house and tour

amazing scenery.

operating. In the 90s, I was a director of

I am probably not the best person to ask,

selling a lot of cruises and chartering ships.

The sail in and sail out is so spectacular and

to develop sales for Radisson (Regent

love are Stockholm, New York, Sydney and

Seas Cruises) and they made me an offer I

experienced cruisers who will have their

ride ever since.

a specialist tour operator, called Carlson,

but for me I still think Venice is hard to beat.

They wanted to open an office in the UK

the city itself is just magical. Other 'sail ins' I

were formerly known as Radisson Seven

Hong Kong. However there are so many

couldn’t refuse. It's been a fun rollercoaster

own favourite.

What is it about the world of cruising that you love?

How important do you think it is to offer cuisine which is relevant to the destination?

It’s sexy. I know that this seems an odd

Not very. It is nice to have the odd regional

moving, growing at a fast pace and we are

important for our amazing chefs to be able

meet some lovely people from all over the

and to use these to create wonderful dishes

statement but it really is. It is dynamic, fast

dish on the menu, but it is far more

creating lifetime memories. And I get to

to go ashore and source fresh local produce

world whether that's an agent, past guests or

where they can excel.

This business is hard work but great fun.

Do you agree with the more relaxed dinner dress codes which some other cruise lines operate?

people looking to find a ‘home from home’.

Tell us about what makes RSSC different from other luxury cruise lines

Graham Sadler Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Yes I do. We have moved with the times

Seven Seas Voyager in Tahiti

distinctions. Firstly, ambiance. Regent

course, relaxing formal dress codes doesn’t

Japan, Graham's favourite destination

comfortable and at home. The service is

more relaxed code and dress with style.

evokes a feeling of ‘I want more’. Secondly,

spend a wonderful day ashore seeing some

to ports, with our free shore excursion

dickie-bow on in the evening to eat... no

Philosophy and two very simple

and listened to what our guests want. Of

creates an atmosphere where guests feel

mean go scruffy. Our guests respect the

warm and unobtrusive and the luxury

Personally, I don't see why you would

enrichment. Regent doesn’t just take you

beautiful sights and then have to put a

programme, we show you the destination, creating wonderful experiences and life

long memories. A Regent cruise is perfect for people who really want to explore destinations, see the world in many

different ways, and do it in style and luxury. 22 I

Cruise Concierge

thanks. It’s enough of a trial to get me to shave whilst on holiday. And of course

ever-reducing airline baggage allowances means something has got to stay behind!

The days of rigid formality every evening is becoming confined to Pathe News. 

INTERVIEW

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Managing Director Graham Sadler on destinations, dress codes, ship refurbs and novel ways to keep the kids occupied.

featured deals Royal Temples & Glimmering Tower 10th March 2015 • 17 nights • Seven Seas Voyager

Deluxe Veranda Suite £8,789pp

Italian Splendour 30th April 2015 • 10 nights • Seven Seas Mariner

Deluxe Veranda Suite £3,489pp

Includes up to 28 complimentary shore excursions

Regent creates an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable and at home. The service is warm and unobtrusive and the luxury evokes a feeling of ‘I want more’.

Welcome aboard with Regent

Cruise Concierge

I 23

INTERVIEW returned to the laughs and screams of our

In your experience, which areas of the ship are the most popular?

Any more future plans for RSSC?

This very much depends on the time of day.

our product offering and to include more

had mesmerised them with his magic and

value. The new Concierge benefits for 2014

making strange objects from the napkins.

and the new inclusive Wi-Fi for 2014 are just two examples where we are always asking

If you could pass on one piece of advice to a potential customer, what would it be?

Meal times will mean the restaurants are

busy and following dinner, the Theatre is a big attraction. Our bars are very different and our guests can choose to listen to a

lively band, to ballroom dancing or our

Observation Lounge to have quiet to review the days’ highlights with friends. During the day, our guests are off exploring and

having adventures, while those that choose to have a quiet day can wander their own deserted private yacht!

What would you say to a first-time cruiser to encourage them to give it a try? If you are interested in seeing a variety of places in one trip and you like meeting people, then cruising is a must.

What are you particularly looking forward to in 2014 both for Regent and in general? Well, there's the refurbishment of Seven

Seas Mariner in the spring and the debut of four brand new theatre production shows.

But I'm most excited about our return to the South Pacific and Africa later in the year.

The itineraries are simply stunning. I'm also looking forward to hearing more details

We are always looking for ways to improve

ourselves how can we get better? I guess,

this is one of the key factors why Regent is so successful.

Do you have a favourite story from your time working at RSSC? I took my five children on Navigator

a couple of years ago and on the first

night, we decided to go to dinner in the Compass Rose. My youngest was eight months and the twins were just three,

so a table with bunches of knives to the

right, forks to the left, a plethora of spoons

kids suggesting we go back for another. He

Establish your total holiday budget. What the holiday costs in the first place, then estimate what you are likely to spend

on-board for excursions, drinks, wine,

entertaining, the odd snack or ice cream, teas and coffees, tips and gratuities,

entertaining etc (it will be much more than

you think). Put these two costs together and this is the total spend. Now go and check

this against Regent where EVERYTHING is included. I think you will be surprised.

and expensive water, red and white wine

If you could change one thing about the cruise industry, what would it be?

scattered. Well, it looked like a children's

I’d like to see a better way to differentiate

nightmare with three unusually excitable

Hotels seem to be so much easier for the

came over and suggested to Cecilia and I

and indeed the rating. I think potential

to relax a bit. So, Franco took charge of

good agent who can pick their way through

glasses protruding upright, just ready to be playground!! Following a two-hour dining

one cruise ship or cruise line with another.

and mischievous children, the Maitre’d

guest to understand the qualities and values

that we pop up to the bar for a coffee and

cruisers are very confused and they need a

the children. 10 minutes later, we gingerly

the various ships and lines. ■

as they are released throughout the year

about our new ship Seven Seas Explorer, scheduled for launch in 2016.

Could you tell us a little more about it? The ship will also be our third all-suite,

all-balcony vessel accommodating just 738 guests but at 54,000 gross-registered tons, will be the largest vessel in the fleet. As

always with Regent, the accommodations on-board will be spacious and

sophisticated, with suites ranging from 300 square feet to 3,500 feet and interiors in the top suites styled by a top-brand designer.

There will also be ultra-elegant public areas with a nine-deck atrium, a wide-range

of open-seating gourmet dining options

including an Asian-inspired dining venue,

never to be seen on a Regent ship before, as

well as boutiques and an expansive Canyon Ranch SpaClub®.

24 I

Cruise Concierge

Horizon Lounge Deck

The RegenT expeRience E

n j

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Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are in Pounds Sterling based on two adults sharing the suite category specified including return flights from London. offers are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. These offers are for DarkThese Background: Landscape Version 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. Cruise

Six Star Cruises Concierge I 25 ABTA No.L3743

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Unearthing the treasures of

Istanbul by James Taylor

A timeless bridge between Eastern and Western culture, Istanbul is a scintillating blend of bustling bazaars, epic architecture and historical prestige.

Istanbul Sunset Panorama

stanbul has had many names

It’s the culmination of thousands of years

dusk. When the twilight sets in, the spires,

by the occupiers at the time.

copy, spread over seven hills in an attempt

become part of one silhouette – stitched

throughout the centuries – often chosen

The heritage of the city is so tumultuous,

not to mention intriguing, that the cultural definition of Istanbul has been warped

over thousands of years. When the Roman Empire eventually dissolved into two

of work. Constantinople began as a crude to emulate the titan of the western world,

Rome. To this day, with a good pair of eyes

and enough determination, you can see the best of Istanbul arrayed on the slopes, still iconic after all this time.

states, the Eastern powers made their home

Points of history seem to criss-cross at every

centre of commerce, artistry and diplomacy

of where the ancient city of Byzantium

at what they christened Constantinople –a that was unmatched anywhere else in the Middle East. It struggled with civil wars, invasions and natural disasters but still became the heart of the legendary Silk

Road. Today, that burgeoning little state is Istanbul.

Rapid change has never seemed to effect

the city – in fact, the seeming centre of the

peak of the city. Within walking distance

was founded are the Hagia Sophia and the Topkaki Palace. The second hill is home

26 I

Cruise Concierge

marking the site of the Byzantine Empire’s proudest achievement. For nearly a

thousand years, the Hagia Sophia was

the largest cathedral in the world and no

journey to Istanbul is complete without a closer look at the interior.

Church of the Holy Apostles is but a stone’s

a testament to the timeless craftsmanship

the religious, artistic and architectural

shape of the Hagia Sophia has influenced

cathedral is as cavernous as it is ornate – it’s

throw from the Faith Mosque. In Istanbul,

that the carvings, paintings, even the basic

beauty of entire cultures sit side-by-side.

architecture for nigh on a millennium. At

Istanbul, there are two things you will

survived, but thrived.

the Hagia Sophia, four pronged towers

Roman Pillar of Constantine. The Catholic

the Ottoman Empire, and now the impetus the landscape – and its character hasn’t just

The second is bound to be the outline of

The massive dome at the centre of the

The remnants of this endless cycle of

of a fast-paced modern world terraform

together in a gorgeous kind of discord.

to both the Ottoman Grand Bazaar and the

world tends to flourish under the weight

of the burden. It’s seen the Roman Empire,

steeples and stone facades of Istanbul

regeneration are fantastic. Upon reaching notice immediately. The first will probably be the skyline – especially if you have the good fortune to arrive in the low light of

the height of the day, the inlays just beneath the dome reflect the sunlight, making it seem like the crest of the roof of the

buildings is balancing on a ring of gold. The sense of sheer scale upon first stepping into the stone interior is jaw-dropping.

Galata Tower

ISTANBUL

our top deals The Grand Bazaar

Hagia Sophia

Justinian, the emperor whose enormous

is abundant. They lack character however,

was known for boasting to his friends

enough of to attract between 250,000 and

personal fortune financed the construction, that he had outdone the legendary King Solomon. He might not have deserved

the bragging rights, but the people who

transported the materials definitely did – the halls of the Hagia Sophia are made up of

pillars from Ephesus temples, polished stone from Egypt, and even green marble from the coast of Thessaly.

There’s enough history in Istanbul to fill a thousand epic tomes, but this is, after all,

still a city with modern thrills to back up its

rich heritage. The best thing? You don’t have to pick between them.

The Grand Bazaar is a perfect example of this delicate balance. A covered market

of indomitable size, what’s for sale in the

Grand Bazaar might have changed, but the structure has remained the same since the middle of the 15th century.

Its lifeblood is 3,000 shops spread out over 61 streets, all of them connected. This is a

real-life Aladdin’s cave packed with wares of every shape, size and origin – all of it

clustered together for what seems like miles.

The effect is startling at first, but once you’ve been thrown in at the deep end, the sense

that you are discovering something at once surprising and iconic never really lets up. There are of course, modern shopping

centres in the suburbs of Istanbul, where

the big brands compete with each other, the layout is simple, and the air-conditioning

something which the Grand Bazaar has 300,000 visitors daily.

To put that in perspective – that’s triple the attendance of the average NFL Superbowl. The rarities of the Bazaar bring people

pouring in time after time, and a recent

restoration project has acquired enough momentum to keep its marble pillars standing for years to come.

Central Istanbul can be at once confusing

Black Sea Experience with MSC Cruises 14th October 2014 from £1,039pp This stunning 11-night voyage on-board the MSC Orchestra is a round-trip from the timelessly romantic city of Venice, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore such iconic sights as the Grand Canal and the Doge’s Palace. Of course, you’ll call at Turkey’s astounding capital on your travels, as well as such memorable ports as picturesque Odessa and ancient Gythion. Upgrade your stateroom from just £14 per night For more information please contact Cruise118 on 0800 072 3117

Ancient Wonders with Regent Seven Seas 29th July 2014 from £4,299pp Departing from iconic Istanbul on-board the Seven Seas Mariner, you’ll unearth the wonders of the Greek Isles on this luxurious 10-night cruise on which you’ll experience the ancient city of Ephesus, the beautiful island of Rhodes and the age-old capital Athens. With two nights on-board docked in the captivating Israeli city of Haifa too, this is a truly unforgettable voyage. Includes up to 33 complimentary shore excursions and a saving of £1,600 per suite. For more information please contact Six Star Cruises on 0800 280 2610

and exciting – the streets are narrow, the

traffic frenetic, and the roadways hilly, but

make no mistake, the locals are not adverse to a dose of relaxation.

In the middle of the noise and crowds of the

In the summer months, these small

madrasah tea gardens, rooftop terrace cafes,

in Istanbul. Buyukada, also known as the

water pipes and the smell of good food.

many Istanbullians who often make their

though, sailing to the Princes’ Islands just 20

picnic spot. Where they should be heading is

choice you could make.

set between two slopes and overlooking

city, there are tiny idylls like 18th century

communities become as vibrant as anywhere

and small bars awash with the vapour of

Great Island, is a home away from home for

If you do have the urge to escape the city

way into the hills in search of the perfect

km from the docks of Istanbul is the finest

actually the Greek Monastery of St George,

In central Istanbul, traffic is a way of life,

as embedded in the city as the tarmac that

paves the roads. After a day in the Princes’

an electric blue lake – the ideal place to see

the entire island, as well as the cityscape of Istanbul proper glittering in the distance.

Islands, you’ll find yourself listening to a

Istanbul is a bridging point for everything

the islands, but there are definitely people;

guarantee you’ll be doing a lot more there

strange sound – silence. There are no cars on 15,000 residents spread out over a series of nine islands filled with pine forests, tiny beaches and villages that seem to have

stemmed from another time and place.

from cultures to continents but you can

than navigating the Silk Road. It might be thousands of years old, but this truly rare

travel experience deserves to be a priority for cruisers for many years more. ■

Cruise Concierge

I 27

Experience the beauty of the Black Sea Experience the wonderful climate of the Mediterranean, without the overwhelming crowds, on a luxurious Black Sea cruise. by Mark Haldon

28 I

Cruise Concierge

THE BLACK SEA

Yalta, Ukraine

ocated in south-eastern Europe, the Black Sea is an inland

Many Black Sea cruises will embark from Istanbul, a port already

and fascinating, Black Sea cruises offer travellers the

available to travellers on a cruise across the Black Sea. Travellers

body of water bordered by six famous nations. Fun-filled

opportunity to call at a splendid collection of eastern European

port towns and cities in Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia and Georgia as they cruise in style aboard their chosen vessel.

The region is quickly becoming a firm favourite amongst intrepid cruisers, not only due to its warm Mediterranean weather, but

also because of the captivating culture, scenery and heritage just

waiting to be discovered. In addition, the ancient and recent history on display along the Black Sea coast, at a series of enchanting and diverse ports, draws curious tourists from across the world.

discussed earlier in this edition, but this is not the only Turkish port arriving in the Turkish port of Trabzon will be greeted by ancient

architecture dotted across a dramatic landscape of verdant forests and

craggy hills and mountains. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Sümela Monastery, is situated within the woodland to the south, perched upon the narrow ledge of a sheer cliff face. This astonishing structure was completed during the fourth century by two priests

from Athens and is immersed in local legend and intrigue. Tours of

the monastery are a fantastic way to explore this ancient structure and learn more about its mysterious history and origins. 

Cruise Concierge

I 29

Inside Stateroom pp £

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Includes return flights to the UK

To book, call your cruise concierge on...

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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 cruise operators only.

30 I

Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

THE BLACK SEA

Burgas, Bulgaria

Another Turkish port often incorporated

trying to haggle for a bargain is always

species that inhabit the Black Sea, alongside

delightful town of Amasra, best known for

ports of Turkey are a great place to enjoy

across the world. Alternatively, the Varna

within a cruise of the Black Sea coast is the its rich architectural heritage and superb beaches. Travellers can choose to either

relax by the scenic coastline or explore the local historic sites, including the ancient

Amasra Castle and Bird’s Rock Monument, both of which were originally constructed during the Roman era. The nearby town of Safranbolu is also a popular tourist

attraction, boasting many wonderfullypreserved ancient Ottoman houses for

visitors to explore whilst in the historic old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its obvious historical significance.

a memorable experience. The Black Sea

the nation’s unique culture, whether that is through the local gastronomy, the ancient architecture or the bustling bazaars.

Situated to the west of the Black Sea is Bulgaria, an excellent but often

monuments celebrating some of Bulgaria’s

Several enchanting ports are located along

Bulgaria’s second-largest port, Burgas, is

historical landmarks and monuments.

most prominent figureheads.

Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline including Varna, the country’s largest coastal city.

Varna is one of Bulgaria’s most popular

tourist destinations, boasting a combination

natural beauty. The Varna Archaeological

fabulous local dishes such as kuzen, a

relics, is well worth a visit. The museum

across the country. Make sure to sample

Museum, home to over 100,000 ancient

also operates two open-air archaeological sites, the medieval cavern of Aladzha

Monastery at the Golden Sands Nature

Park and the impressive Roman baths in the centre of the city.

of Turkey is also an exciting prospect.

The Varna Aquarium provides guests

streets that connect the lively bazaars and

marine exhibits focusing on the many

Attempting to navigate the narrow, winding

can also spend time at the region’s oldest

contemporary attractions and interesting

through the authentic local cuisine available

A trip to the vibrant shopping districts

to thrill the throngs of guests. Visitors

terrarium alongside a number of historic

the Turkish culture during a short stay is

as a multitude of tempting fish-based meals.

over 1000 people and puts on regular shows

providing tourists with a mix of

the-art developments and areas of stunning

made with special bread and cheese, as well

attraction. This entertaining arena seats

park, the Sea Garden, home to a zoo and

of attention-grabbing museums, state-of-

merguez sausage, or pide, a type of pizza

Dolphinarium is an exceptionally popular

underappreciated cruise destination,

One of the best ways to truly experience

scrumptious kebab-like wrap filled with

tanks featuring fish from other oceans

with the chance to see a range of fabulous

famed for its scenic beauty and surrounded by three majestic lakes, the Vaya,

Atanasovsko and Mandrensko Lake. The

Vaya is Bulgaria’s largest natural lake and a popular fishing spot, sited to the west of Burgas. The area is also well-known amongst bird-watchers, as more than

250 avian species pass over the during

the migration season. Atanasovsko and

Mandrensko Lake, located to the north and south of the city, are also home to an array of colourful species of birds. Elsewhere, in

the summer months, the beaches of Burgas are a fantastic place to try a number of

exhilarating water sports, including surfing, diving and kite-surfing, with professional instructors on-hand to help beginners.  Cruise Concierge

I 31

THE BLACK SEA

Nessebar, Bulgaria

Constanta Casino, Romania

Show at the Dolphinarium In Constanta Romania

The ancient town of Nessebar is another

shops and bars. History comes to life in

an ecologically-rich micro-delta, home to

within Black Sea cruise itineraries. The

class museums scattered across the

Alternatively, consider taking a stroll

beautiful Bulgarian port often included many medieval churches distributed

across the town, connected by narrow,

cobbled streets, create a charming ambience and have earned Nessebar its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area contains a total of 40 historic churches,

dating from the 5th up to the 19th century, each with its own distinctive architecture and design.

the city of Constanta at the many worldregion. The National Museum of History and Archaeology houses an astounding collection of artefacts from the Greek

and Roman eras guaranteed to delight enthusiastic history-buffs. Also, make

sure to check out the Navy Museum, Sea

Museum and Great Mosque, located nearby, to learn more about the area’s illustrious religious and seafaring past.

Sharing a border with Bulgaria to the

For a more contemporary and informative

on the Black Sea, the city of Constanta.

Sciences Museum Complex is the ideal

south, Romania possesses the largest port Founded around 600BC, this vast and

entrancing city contains a plethora of things to see and do, from historic structures and absorbing museums to lush parks and

gardens alongside first-rate restaurants, 32 I

Cruise Concierge

experience, a trip to Constanta’s Natural excursion. This spacious site contains a number of educational and engrossing attractions including Romania’s first dolphinarium, an awe-inspiring

planetarium, an exotic bird exhibition and

a profusion of bird and mammal species. through one of the city’s many tranquil

parks, down by the gorgeous marina or

across the golden, sandy beaches that stretch along the region’s Black Sea coastline.

Constanta’s marvellous shopping districts are the perfect place to pick up gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back

home. Most of the larger, opulent shopping

centres, such as the Tomis Mall, are situated on Stefan cel Mare Street. However, the

bigger and more modern department store, City Park Mall, is located within Tabacarie Park. In addition, a large number of

sophisticated but affordable restaurants and bars are littered across the centre of the city, serving a range of local dishes as well as more familiar international cuisine. 

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To book, call your cruise concierge on...

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Terms & Conditions: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. All fares shown are subject to availability. Itinerary doesn’t display days at sea. All savings and discounts are already included in the prices advertised. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website. ABTA No.L3743

Cruise Concierge

I 33

Free drinks package available

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Terms & Conditions apply: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. All fares shown are subject to availability. Passengers may choose one of two offers with their booking, and all passengers on the same booking must select the same offer - both offers cannot be combined on one booking for any reason. Both offers apply to the first two passengers per stateroom only. Flight savings of up to £300 per couple based on cruise nos. A438, 3439, 9423, B424A, R445A, 2433 and R441. All offers are subject to availability on new bookings. Offer is available from 1st March – 30th April 2014 only. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

34 I

Cruise Concierge

ABTA No.L3743

THE BLACK SEA The city of Batumi in Georgia is perhaps one of the Black Sea’s lesser known

ports but is still a wonderfully intriguing destination. The city’s warm, tropical climate and coastal location create a

tremendous tourist hotspot, often referred to as the party capital of the region,

attracting world-famous DJs from across the globe to its trendy bars and clubs. Batumi’s beaches are amongst one of the city’s most popular attractions, boasting soft golden

sands and clean pleasant waters, perfect for swimming or simply soaking up the area’s

abundant sunshine. The promenade is also home to a selection of splendid shops and restaurants at which to purchase various

local gifts and souvenirs or sit down for a

delicious meal whilst looking out over the spectacular shoreline.

Batumi also offers visitors the opportunity to experience the region’s rich culture and heritage at a number of historic buildings

Batumi, Georgia

and landmarks. Several intriguing religious sites are distributed across the Batumi, including a collection of Catholic and

The town is surrounded by imposing

the Black Sea; this decorative castle

old mosque. The archaeological jewel in

generates an almost magical ambience,

fairy tale. Another terrific example of

ancient remains of the Gonio Fortress,

tourists who pass through each year.

Orthodox churches, as well as a beautiful

mountains covered with lush forest, which

Batumi’s crown, however, is probably the

capturing the imagination of the many

which offers visitors fascinating historical

insights as well as spectacular coastal views. Black Sea cruises sailing to Ukraine may

call at one of a number of captivating ports, including the resort town of Yalta, which

lies on the site of an ancient Greek colony.

looks like something straight out of a

intricate architecture can be found at the glorious Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Whilst Yalta’s natural beauty is legendary,

This colourful cathedral, built in 1902,

structures dating back centuries. The

towering spires and vivid domes. Other

postcard image of the region, perched

missed, include the grand Livadia Palace

the town itself contains equally impressive

dominates the Yalta skyline with its

picturesque Swallow’s Nest provides a

notable historic structures, not to be

on top of a high cliff overlooking

and the iconic Lenin Statue. 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta

Cruise Concierge

I 35

THE BLACK SEA

our top deals Black Sea & Greek Isles with Celebrity Cruises nd 2 October 2014 from £1,139 You’ll step board the fabulous Celebrity Constellation in the captivating city of Istanbul, where European and Eastern cultures meet to stunning effect. On this 12-night round-trip, you’ll experience the best of what the Black Sea and the Greek Isles offer, with stops at such memorable ports as Sevastopol, Athens and Kusadasi. Add on an Athens sightseeing tour from just £20pp. For more information please contact Cruise118 on 0800 072 3117

A Week in the Black Sea with Azamara Club Cruises 1st September 2014 from £1,799pp Step aboard the intimate and stylish Azamara Quest on an unforgettable seven-night journey around the beautiful Black Sea region. Your voyage begins and ends in Turkey’s historic capital Istanbul, and along the way you’ll call at such ports as sun-kissed Nesebur in Bulgaria and the captivating resort city of Yalta in southern Ukraine. Balcony stateroom upgrades available from £100 per person. For more information please contact Six Star Cruises on 0800 280 2610

Sochi, Russia

On the western side of Ukraine’s southern

the country’s wine culture. A series of

Odessa. Odessa is a delightful city in

be found within Novorossiysk, including

Black Sea coast is the major seaport of

which to take a stroll down quaint, treelined boulevards, observing the various styles of architecture and visiting some of the city’s popular museums, which

house displays celebrating the region’s archaeological, maritime and cultural

history. Alternatively, the city’s attractive

beaches are a fabulous place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and simply relax by the sea.

The enormous nation of Russia also has a

stretch of Black Sea coastline, which allows Black Sea cruises to dock in its captivating ports. Russia’s main Black Sea port is

Novorossiyk, famous for its history of wine production. The nearby wineries of AbrauDyurso were set up by Tsar Alexander III in 1870 and are a fabulous place to enjoy 36 I

Cruise Concierge

other compelling tourist attractions can

a number of museums and art galleries as

also provide tourists with brilliant

Soviet Navy Cruiser.

wandering around the serene parks and

well as the remarkable Mikhail Kutuzov

Also situated on Russia’s Black Sea coast is the port city of Sochi, often referred to as the Summer Capital of Russia or the

Black Sea Pearl. The city attracts millions of travellers every year with its miles of

excursion opportunities. Spend time

gardens or visit one of the many animal

expositions open around the city, including the Monkey Nursery Centre or Russia’s

largest oceanarium, the Sochi Discovery World Aquarium.

pebbly beaches, mountainous coastal

The charming and diverse ports situated

A plethora of historical landmarks are

enchanting nations, each boast their own

scenery and warm, subtropical climate. located within the city, including the

fourth century Godlik Fortress and the

Byzantine-era Loo Temple. The region is also home to a collection of memorials,

monuments and museums charting Sochi’s renowned and fascinating history. Several wonderful parks and wildlife exhibitions

along the coast of the Black Sea, across six distinctive and captivating ambience by

combining ancient architecture, spectacular natural beauty and vibrant culture. Black Sea cruises are an ideal getaway for

travellers hoping to escape to a beautiful Mediterranean climate without fighting through the crowds. ■

IntImate CruIsIng. ultImate luxury. all sIlversea voyages InClude: 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

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£4,049 per person

£4,650 per person

To booK, PleaSe call yoUR SPecIalIST cRUISe coNcIeRge oN

0800 280 2610 moN - FRI: 9am - 8Pm SaT: 9am - 7Pm SUN: 10am - 7Pm oR VISIT SIXSTaRcRUISeS.co.UK

Light Background: URL version

greCIan delIghts

CarIBBean treasures

SixStarCruises.co.uk

9 Nights - Silver Spirit the ultra-luxury 7 Nightscruise - Silver Whisper specialist th th 8 oct 2014 12 dec 2014 Dark Background: Version Fly from theLandscape UK to Istanbul | Kavala | Volos | mykonos

Six Star Cruises

RecommeNded eXcURSIoN the ultra-luxury lUXURy cruise cRUISINg specialist PRIVaTe ToUR - HoUSe oF maRy, VIllage, eNJoy THe UlTImaTe eXPedITIoN aNcIeNT ePHeSUS & TemPle ToUR cRUISe IN all-INclUSIVe lUXURy Dark Background: Stacked Version FRom £65 PeR PeRSoN

Six Star £3,750 £2,689 Cruises Veranda Suite

Vista Suite

per person per person the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Dark Background: URL version

SixStarCruises.co.uk the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Terms & Conditions: Prices are correct at the time of going to print (17.03.14). 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

Cruise Concierge

I 37

The World's - Best -

UNESCO

There are some places in the world that have become household names in travel. These are the bucketlist destinations, the places people visit on once-in-a-lifetime getaways. To protect and preserve them for future generations, these locations have been given UNESCO status as World Heritage Sites – and as of 2013, there are just under a thousand of these sites in the world. Wherever you’d like to cruise in the world, there’s a UNESCO site to suit you... by Andrew Hall

Galapagos Islands The volcanic Galapagos are synonymous with Charles Darwin and his theory of

natural selection, thanks to the rich and varied wildlife that he observed during his

time there. Be sure to bring your camera if you’re heading ashore – the birds, reptiles and sea life make up the real sightseeing in this lava-rock landscape. Much of the

shore along the archipelago is dark and bare, but there are also grasslands and white sandy beaches to be found too. The clear, pale sea teems with fish, seahorses, stark orange crabs and golden sea lions – and remarkable marine iguanas, diving into

the surf. 1959 saw much of the Galapagos declared as national parkland to protect

the unique wildlife here, especially the islands’ famous giant tortoises. Look out for finches flitting around in the Galapagos, too – the unique species of birds whose

particular differences inspired Darwin’s thoughts on specialisation and evolution.

Blue Footed Boobies, Galapagos Islands

38 I

Cruise Concierge

Heritage Sites Petra The Treasury, ancient city of Petra

Jordan’s famous rock city, or ‘Rose City’ owing to the colour of its stone, is one of the most popular tourist attractions

for visitors to the Middle East. The city’s buildings range

from simple caves and hovels to the magnificent treasury, all cut out of solid rock by the ancient Nabataeans who

thrived before the spread of the Roman Empire. Cruises

to visit Petra will take you to the port of Aqaba, a gateway city which presents its visitors with a spectacular modern resort set against arid mountains beyond. It’s Petra that’s the real attraction here, though – this ancient city boasts

over 1000 stone monuments cut, hollowed and smoothed

from the twisting grain of the local sandstone. Petra makes unforgettable viewing during the day, under the same

searing sun that Lawrence of Arabia once saw here – but it

only becomes truly enchanting once night falls, and countless candles light the stone buildings and winding desert paths. 

Old Quebec Quebec has a monumental historic quarter at its heart, a remnant

Chateau Frontenac Grand Hotel

from its French colonial beginnings. Sights include the Chateau

Frontenac grand hotel and the spellbinding golden interior of Notre Dame Cathedral; both essential sights on a cruise here. Quebec is a place of historic wealth dating back to the 1600s, but also a

lively modern city which takes on an entirely different character once night falls over the lights of the bay. Historically, Quebec’s

old fortified walls limited the growth of the city in decades past,

and there were once calls to demolish them – but with resistance

to the plans, the city retained its grand historic centre. You’ll find a

variety of parks and museums in and around the old Lower Town,

which was once the province of artists, merchants and the working class. The Upper Town, on the other hand, was once reserved for

the clergy and the nobility. Here, you’ll be able to wander cobbled streets past period shops and restaurants, within sight of palatial

chateaus and towering government buildings that show off some outstanding colonial architecture.

Cruise Concierge

I 39

THE WORLD's BEST

Machu Picchu Meaning ‘old peak’, the lost city of the Incas

was built for Emperor Pachacuti – something of a Peruvian Julius Caesar 600 years ago. Travel to Machu Picchu and you’ll find a

complex of around 200 homes and religious buildings, surrounded by views of forested mountains and cloaked in drifting cloud. The people here grew food on irrigated

terrace fields, built into the natural lay of

the mountain 8,000 feet above sea level. The

round wall of the observatory gives perhaps the greatest insight into Incan culture – this was a city built under the worship of the

sun god, Inti. The Spanish conquistadors

invaded Peru but never found this mountain city – it wasn’t discovered until 1911. Since

then, these magnificent restored ruins have become Peru’s biggest tourist attraction.

Machu Picchu, Peru

JOURNEY THROUGH THE AMERICAS, LIMA & MACHU PICCHU This unforgettable and immersive Americas experience begins with three nights in Peru’s colourful capital Lima. From the luxury of your five star hotel, you’ll be able to experience the best the city has to offer before heading off to behold first-hand the breathtaking lost city of Machu Picchu, with the beautiful city of Cuzco as your home for two further nights. Then, it’s time to explore the length of the coastline on a 16-night voyage northwards which calls at such memorable ports as Quito in Ecuador, Puerto Limon in Costa Rica and Cozumel, Mexico. You’ll end your voyage in New York, from where you’ll fly home with your memories of a truly amazing holiday.

1 May

Fly UK to Lima. Transfer to 5H Hilton Lima for 3 nights stay

4 May

Fly Lima to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Take time to rest to ensure you get acclimatised to the altitude before joining your guide for a fabulous tour of this beautiful city including Koricancha, Cuzco Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman ruins and much more. This evening enjoy a dinner and colourful folklore show. Stay at the Monasterio Cuzco in a deluxe room.

1 May 2014 | Marina | 22 Nights Interior Stateroom

was £5,179 now

£4,689

5 May

Transfer to Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley and take the train to Machu Picchu. Travel through dramatic scenery and along the beautiful Urubamba River to the vibrant village of Aguas Calientes then by bus to the entrance of the Lost City. Your guide will bring these awesome ruins back to life and will explain the history of the amazing Inca civilisation. You will have plenty of time to explore the ruins for yourself before returning to Cuzco.

6 May

Transfer to airport for flight back to Lima. Transfer to Oceania Marina for 16 night cruise

7 May

Salaverry (Peru)

8 May

Cruising The Pacific

Oceanview Stateroom PP

9 May

was £5,389 now

£4,899

Quito (Manta), Ecuador

10 May Cruising The Pacific

11 May Panama Canal Transit, Panama 12 May Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

13 May Cruising The Caribbean Sea 14 May Santo Tomas 15 May Belize

16 May Cozumel

17 May Cruising The Straits Of Florida 18 May Key West, Florida

19 May Cruising The Atlantic Ocean 20 May Charleston

21 May Cruising The Atlantic Ocean 22 May New York/ Fly UK

Save up to £1000 per stateroom Balcony Stateroom PP

was £5,649 now

£5,159

To book or for more information please contact Six Star Cruises on 0800 280 2610 40 I

Cruise Concierge

THE WORLD'S BEST

Great Barrier Reef The world’s largest coral reef is made up of more

than 3,000 smaller reefs, creating spectacular islands

GREAT BARRIER REEF, SYDNEY & SOUTH AUSTRALIA CRUISE

with the native turtles off Heron Island, or escape

The spectacular natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef are yours to behold on this sun-kissed cruise and stay. Begin your holiday with three days in Port Douglas’ beautiful Ramada Resort and take an excursion out to the Great Barrier Reef. Then, you’ll spend three nights in a four-star Sydney hotel, giving you plenty of time to see such iconic sights as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You’ll then set sail on a round-trip cruise to some of Australia’s most memorable coastal destinations, such as Melbourne and Adelaide, with days at sea included so you can relax and enjoy the many facilities of the stunning co-flagship of the whole Celebrity fleet.

seclusion on these tropical islands. In the turquoise

14 October 2014 | Celebrity Century | 16 Nights

and white sand bars in Queensland’s bright blue tie-

dye waters. A cruise to the town of Cairns, or simply an excursion to the reef itself, might give you the

chance to snorkel or scuba among the coral’s vivid colours and alien shapes. Visitors here can swim to Bedarra or Haggerstone and enjoy complete deep, bright orange clownfish hide among the

drifting tentacles of giant sea anemones; huge clams gape open at the sun that shines down through the rippling surface; and rays, sea snakes and schools

of fish weave in and out of the coral outcrops. The

Great Barrier Marine Park covers much of the reef’s area, allowing the billions of coral structures and

native wildlife to thrive here in the warm waters.

Day 1

Fly UK/Cairns

Day 3

Arrive Cairns and transfer to 4H Ramada Resort Port Douglas for 3 night stay

Day 5

Full day excursion to Outer Barrier Reef

Day 6

Fly Cairns to Sydney and transfer to 4H Mercure Hotel for 3 nights stay

Day 9

Transfer to Celebrity Century for 8 night South Australian Cruise

Day 10 Day at Sea Day 11

Melbourne, Australia

Day 12 Day at Sea Day 13 Adelaide Day 14 Port Lincoln Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Day 15 Day at Sea

INCLUDES OUTER BARRIER REEF EXCURSION

Day 16 Day at Sea Day 17 Disembark and transfer to Sydney for return flight to UK

Old red roofs in Tallinn Estonia

Interior Stateroom

was

£3,089

now

£2,939

Oceanview Stateroom

was

£3,239

now

£3,079

Balcony Stateroom

was

£3,449

now

£3,279

To book or for more information please contact Cruise118 on 0800 072 3117

Tallinn Historic Centre Estonia’s historic capital is one of the most beautiful destinations in

the Baltic, and the perfect cruise destination to whet your appetite for the grandeur of St Petersburg. As well as enjoying some of the best-

preserved fortifications in Europe, Tallinn is also one of the foremost

Digital Cities in the world – a destination embracing technology and

connectivity, as well as the charm of its medieval past. The ice-cream pink of Toompea Palace is one of the most remarkable attractions here, seating the Estonian Parliament since 1922; but the fairytale

spires of the city’s red-tiled defence towers are an equally popular photo opportunity. You don’t need to journey to St Petersburg to

see domed churches, though – Tallinn’s own St Alexander Nevsky

Cathedral makes for an eye-popping landmark in white and orange, lovingly restored since Estonia won independence from the Soviet

Union in 1991. Plenty of cafes here give you the chance to relax and enjoy life in Tallinn – the perfect way to see this enchanting World Heritage city on your next cruise. ■

Cruise Concierge

I 41

Cruising from £599pp

EXPERIENCE THE FRED.OLSEN DIFFERENCE Norway’s Beautiful Western Fjords

Fjords & Coastal Towns of Norway

Dover > Stavanger > Flam > Eidford > Dover

Southampton > Flam > Olden > Bergen > Stavanger > Southampton

Upgrade your cabin for less than £17 per night

Upgrade to all inclusive for just £10 per night

Braemar • 8 June 2014 • 6 nights

Inside cabin

599pp

699pp Superior Outside £849pp Outside cabin £

Balmoral • 12 July 2014 • 8 nights

Inside cabin

899pp

1089pp Superior Outside £1379pp Outside cabin £

Canary Islands

Liverpool > Gdynia > Visby > Tallinn > St. Petersburg > Riga > Kiel Canal Transit > Liverpool

Newcastle > Lisbon > Arrecife (Lanzarote) > Gran Canaria > Tenerife > Madeira > La Coruna > Newcastle

Upgrade your cabin for less than £13 per night

Inside cabin

1599pp

1789pp Superior Outside £2169pp Outside cabin £

Upgrade to all inclusive for just £10 per night

SOLD

• Fine dining, informal buffets and late night snacks throughout your cruis • Complimentary tea and coffee throughout day and early evening • All evening entertainment • Captain’s Drinks Party and • Onboard leisure facilities including

Black Watch • 19 October 2014 • 15 nights

Inside cabin

• Comfortable ensuite cabins

Gala Buffet

Medieval Cities of Eastern Europe

Boudicca • 2 August 2014 • 15 nights

What’s included with Fred. Olsen?

1299pp Superior Outside £1549pp Outside cabin £

gym and swimming pools • Daily onboard activities and lectures • Vistas special interest programmes and headline entertainment on selected cruises • All UK port and airport taxes

To book, call your cruise concierge on...

0800 072 3117

open 7 days a week Monday - friday: 9aM To 8pM saTurday: 9aM To 7pM sunday: 10aM To 7pM

Exceptional as Standard ABTA No.L3743

Terms & Conditions apply: Fares shown are subject to availability on the departure dates specified. Fares are correct at the time of page going to print and may go up or down. All fares shown are subject to availability. Itinerary doesn’t display days at sea. All savings and discounts are already included in the prices advertised. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

42 I

Cruise Concierge

A Glimpse Just Beyond the Horizon

THROUGH THE PORTHOLE by Rose Williams

Minus 12 conditions, baggage restrictions and long-john dilemmas – Rose Williams shares her experiences of preparing for a South American and Antarctic cruise.

hat quote from a travel writer born on the edge of the Arctic Circle reflects perfectly my emotions

about mine and Charlie’s trip to Argentina,

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Our “glimpse just beyond the

horizon” was, and there is no other word for it, wondrous. I was reminded of the

“folly and the glory of wanting something

Human nature, at its best, had always been based on a deep heroic restlessness, on wanting something-something else, something more, whether it be true love or a glimpse just beyond the horizon. It was the promise of happiness, not the attainment of it, that had driven the entire engine, the folly and glory of who we are.

else, something more” when watching the

predicament of the MVAcademik Shokalskiy in December. Also, the growing popularity of expeditions to the ends of the Earth

prompted me to revisit our experiences and to share with you hints and tips

garnered from our experiences on our trip to Argentina and the bottom of the world.

I am sure many readers have experience

of packing for a cruise involving climatic variations. For instance, cruises that sail from Hawaii to the Arctic Circle as well

Will Ferguson, Happiness

as those involving a few days in wintery

New York before sailing to the heat of the Caribbean. On this expedition/cruise, the difference was the impact of the

strict enforcement of the limited baggage

allowance on the internal flights to Ushuaia in Argentina. 

Cruise Concierge

I 43

THROUGH THE PORTHOLE

Ushuaia Harbor

Plaza De Mayo, May Square, Buenos Aires

Antarctic Iceberg

My first packing tip relates to the specialist

with temperatures of -12 and a chill factor

having replaced the said bag with a lovely

Concierge -Preparation, Preparation,

comfort and warmth.

main shopping street in Buenos Aires.

gear. In a previous article written for Cruise Preparation, written before our trip, I

said that we needed two sets of long-john underwear each. This was a misguided

supposition on my part. The experienced

salesman at the specialist outdoor pursuits shop assured us we would only need one set of underwear each. He explained that the material had been developed so that

it wouldn’t smell or hold moisture; there are no public lavatories on the Antarctic

Peninsula! I have to admit he was correct one set would have done the job. I felt

better about my spending folly when a

fellow passenger told me she had insisted that she and her partner had three sets of

underwear each. Keep your eyes out online for sales of expensive merino wool vests

and long johns. The paraphernalia of layers of insulated trousers and jackets, gloves,

balaclavas and bobble hats, back pack and

goggles and walking boots was light to pack but bulky. So, save on the underwear but

don’t be tempted to cut back on outer layers: 44 I

Cruise Concierge

of 1-25, layered clothing is imperative for Our expedition took part in the British

winter when I had settled into cosy boots,

jeans and jumpers – clothes that would not be suitable for the heat of Buenos Aires. A

trip to the spare room wardrobe to review the summer uniform was called for, for

me, not Charlie. He doesn’t differentiate between the seasons, other than to wear

shorts in the garden – if it is sweltering. Tip two; leave the summer clear-out until after

the expedition. The clothes that are wearable but destined for the charity shop I suggest could be worn in Buenos Aires and then

leather bag bought in Avenue Florida, the Our pre-expedition review of the cruise websites and blogs was useful and

informative. However, one piece of advice was redundant. The writer of one blog advised that the snacks on-board the

expedition ship are limited and those that are available in the shop are expensive. I stashed lots of lovely chocolate biscuits

in the luggage but we ended up leaving the majority for the cabin staff because

homemade biscuits and cakes were available 24 hours a day.

left behind. We spent the evening before

Trips to the end of the world to satiate that

reduce the weight to the limit for the flight

cheap and are not for the faint-hearted. I

to jettison led to a spot of marital tension. In

but for Charlie’s life-long interest in Robert

shorts, three T-shirts of indeterminate age

experience will stay with me for the rest

light I managed to get everything packed!

taking me to that “glimpse just beyond the

we left the hotel weighing the luggage to

“deep heroic restlessness” do not come

to Ushuaia. Deciding which of our clothes

would never have chosen this experience

the end, Charlie lost a pair of his boyscout

Falcon Scott. The “folly and glory” of the

and a long sleeve shirt. My clothes were so

of my life. Thank you to Charlie – for

However, I did leave behind a handbag

horizon.” ■

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. Which brand (s) do you sell?

I mainly sell Fred.Olsen Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Which brand (s) do you sell?

What’s your favourite cruise line and your favourite ship?

Six Star and River Voyages are my main brands but I can work on any brand if I need to.

What’s your favourite cruise line and your favourite ship?

Royal Caribbean is my favourite cruise line and Anthem of the Seas is my favourite ship. I’m really looking forward to sailing on Anthem of the seas will be looking to get on-board some time during summer 2015!

What is your favourite cruise port and could you tell us why?

Ann Smith

I absolutely love Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity and love Seabourn, so I couldn’t split them really. I have enjoyed most of the Six Star ships for different reasons on different itineraries.

What is your favourite cruise port and could you tell us why?

Barcelona. There is so much to do - culture, shopping or you can get out to the beach and if the ship is in port overnight, it’s great to see the Barcelona in the evening.

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

I love to just make the most of the facilities day and nights, relax on a sea day with a book, enjoy a nice evening meal and then a show. I like meeting new people, too.

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

I have been in travel now for over 30 years and been lucky to experience so much travelling both for pleasure and for work. Family time is important. We all like to ski in the winter and relax on the beach in summer if we are not cruising but all of us enjoy cruising and being able to see so many places on one holiday there is somewhere for everyone. I also love to read and listen to music and as a family, we all do different voluntary work and fund-raising for charities local to us.

Barcelona is my favourite port due to its central location and that it’s such a vibrant city with lots to do for people of all ages and tastes.

Paul Bolton

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

I love food, so the chance to eat at different restaurants is always at the top of my list.

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

Spare time? What’s that again?! When I do get some, I like to socialise with friends, spend time with my family and head up to Rivington (visible from the Cruise Concierge offices!) for a spot of mountain biking when I can.

Which brand (s) do you sell?

Mainstream cruises so Cruise118 and Cheapcruises. com. That means cruise lines such as Fred Olsen, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and P&O.

What is your favourite cruise port and could you tell us why? I am a big fan of Asia, so I would like to travel to Thailand or Vietnam. Any of those ports I would really enjoy. Also a cruise down the Amazon would be superb.

Amber Park

What’s your favourite cruise line and your favourite ship?

I have only experienced a Fred Olsen Cruise – on the Boudicca – so that’s my favourite ship at the moment. I really enjoyed it and the customers who I sell Fred Olsen to are great. The Fred Olsen system is really easy to use as well. I would love to go on a Celebrity Cruise and experience the modern luxury and a bigger cruise ship.

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

I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing the ship’s facilities, the dining and the different bars.

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

I am quite a social person so I enjoy time spent with friends and family. It’s important to me to have this time spent with loved ones, be this having a cup of tea and a good catch up, a planned big night out or a day trip out. 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 to 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.

Where can I find out about visa requirements? We're cruising through several countries and need to find out what visas we need.

For many countries, particularly in Europe, you won’t need a visa to visit. However, if you do need a visa for one or more countries on your itinerary, after your cruise is

Helsinki, Finland

We are cruising soon through the Baltics. What are the best tours to take? Are there any better local tour companies?

booked, your Cruise Concierge will run through any visa requirements you may have.

Baltics cruises typically visit a great deal of

fee for the visa and service, but this cruise visa will usually only cover you if you explore

the best tours to take depend a lot on your

In many cases, your cruise line will take care of the arrangements and charge you a flat your destination with your line’s chosen tour operator. To find out more about visa requirements, visit www.fco.gov.uk.

Europe’s oldest and most historic cities and interests. If you’re unfamiliar with a city on your itinerary, no matter which cruise line

you travel with, you’ll have the opportunity

Please could you advise me on which currency to take when going on a Far East cruise?

Which currency you take with you on your Far East cruise depends on exactly which countries you are visiting, so here’s a look at some of the currencies you’ll need for different destinations in the Far East.

of a guided city tour, which is the best way to get a feel for your destination. If you’ve a particular interest in food or drink, then there are often excursions to culinary

places of interest, while if you have a more adventurous streak or are a fan of nature and the outdoors, seek out an excursion which ventures a little further afield.

There will always be a choice of local tour companies offering a range of excursions

and though their rates may be competitive, China Yuan

Hong Kong Hong Kong Dollar

Japan Yen

South Korea South Korean Won

they won’t have the endorsement of your

cruise line, meaning you’ll be responsible for your own safety, managing your time

effectively and making sure you get back to the ship before she sets sail. Cambodia Riel

Singapore Singapore Dollar

GOT A QUESTION? 46 I

Cruise Concierge

Thailand Baht

Vietnam Dong

Why not email it to us at: editor@worldtravelholdings.co.uk

Discover a worlD without compromise classic continental

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.

Includes complimentary gratuities Balcony Stateroom

£2,799pp

Penthouse Suite

£3,649pp

Includes complimentary gratuities Balcony Stateroom

£2,559pp

Penthouse Suite

£3,199pp

Includes complimentary gratuities Balcony Stateroom

£2,139pp

Penthouse Suite

£2,549pp

Light Background: Landscape Version

mayan mystique

Six Star Cruises Insignia 30 October 2014 | 11 nights

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Light Background: Stacked Version

Six Star Cruises £2,479pp £2,889pp

Includes complimentary gratuities Balcony Stateroom

Penthouse Suite

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

To book, please call your specialisT cruise concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Fri: 9aM - 8pM saT: 9aM - 7pM sun: 10aM - 7pM or visiT sixsTarcruises.co.uk

Light Background: URL version

SixStarCruises.co.uk the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Terms & Conditions: 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 Dark30Background: bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer. Fares include overseas transfers Departure date for Insignia October refersLandscape to departureVersion from UK, cruise starts 1 November and the total number of nights includes the 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay. Offers expire 31 March 2014. 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 Cruise Concierge I 47

Six Star Cruises the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Seabourn Signature SailingS

Light Background: Landscape Version

Six Star Cruises the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Light Background: Stacked Version

St PeterSburg & balticS Seabourn Quest 29th June 2014 • 7 nights

Upgrade to a veranda sUite from £400 per person

Fly from the UK to Copenhagen | Tallinn | St. Petersburg (2 nights on-board) | Helsinki | Stockholm/Fly UK

Six Star Cruises

Upgrade to a veranda sUite from £200 Seabourn Sojourn per person ultra-luxury cruise specialist 12th July 2014 •the 7 nights

Mediterranean JewelS

SixStarCruises.co.uk

Oceanview Suite

2,799PP

venice & adriatic treaSureS Seabourn Spirit 28th July 2014 • 10 nights

3,299PP the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Dark Background: Landscape Version inclUdes Upgrade to a adriatic & savings of veranda sUite greek iSleS £1800 from £300 Seabourn Odyssey per sUite per person 23th August 2014 • 7 nightsthe ultra-luxury cruise specialist

Six Star Cruises

Oceanview Suite

2,899PP

Six Star Cruises

2,999PP

the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

To book, please call your specialisT cruise concierge on

0800 280 2610 Mon - Fri: 9aM - 8pM saT: 9aM - 7pM sun: 10aM - 7pM or visiT sixsTarcruises.co.uk

Dark Background: URL version

SixStarCruises.co.uk the ultra-luxury cruise specialist

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

RIVER VOYAGES

Cologne

Experience the beauty and culture of Cologne from the comfort of a Rhine river cruise on which you’ll be able to discover the famous sights and rich heritage of this wonderful city.

by Mark Haldon

ologne appeals to a wide range

historic architecture is the exceptionally

today, including the Cologne City Hall,

mixture of sights and attractions,

Cathedral, which is the first building you

of the area. Much of the city however, was

of travellers, due to its unique

combining truly astounding examples of historic architecture with contemporary developments alongside areas of

tranquillity and natural beauty. Cologne’s

architectural diversity is unrivalled across

Europe, creating a unique ambience which

attracts visitors from across the world who are hoping to experience the fascinating

culture and heritage of Germany’s fourthlargest city. The city’s wonderful ancient architecture may dominate they skyline, but it is not Cologne’s only attractive

quality. Often referred to as Germany’s

most liberal city, visitors are welcomed by

a sea of friendly faces, most of whom speak excellent English and will not hesitate to

assist the throngs of tourists who descend on the city every year.

A sightseeing tour of the city is the perfect

way to gain a greater insight into Cologne’s illustrious past by visiting some of the

area’s most historically significant and

culturally intriguing structures. Arguably the region’s most famous example of

intricate and stunningly beautiful Cologne will notice upon arrival in the centre of

the city. The staggered construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted

in 1473, leaving the structure unfinished for centuries. Building work eventually

resumed in 1800, keeping to the original specifications. Upon completion, the

which is well worth visiting during a tour

destroyed during the allied bombing raids

of the Second World War; so many historic structures were rebuilt during the 1950s,

including the Cologne Opera House, which is now viewed as a prime example of the city’s contemporary architecture.

cathedral’s majestic spires stood over 150

Aside from Cologne’s ancient architecture,

church in Northern Europe. During the

heritage is through the many fascinating

was struck by numerous bombs but

the centre of town. A profusion of historic

everything around it crumbled. In 1996

Museum, the Roman-Germanic Museum

metres tall, creating the largest Gothic

another great way to discover the city’s rich

Second World War, Cologne Cathedral

museums and galleries scattered across

miraculously stayed standing while

artefacts can be found at the Cologne City

the cathedral was named as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site, due to its considerable historical importance.

and the Cathedral Treasury, whilst fabulous pieces of artwork from both renowned

current artists and historic painters are

Cologne is also home to a large number of

located within the city’s main galleries,

including 12 stunning Romanesque

the Museum of Applied Arts. A collection

boasting incredible architecture and

the public, such as the mouth-watering

gates also still remain standing in the city

upbeat Dance Museum. 

other impressive and imposing structures,

which include the Museum Ludwig and

churches and a remarkable synagogue

of quirkier museums are also open to

design. A series of medieval houses and

Chocolate Museum and the consistently-

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RIVER VOYAGES Cologne’s charm, however, is not limited to its distinguished history, as the city is also a bustling hub of activity, brimming with

excellent shops, bars and restaurants. The

city centre is a shopper’s paradise, whether you want to browse for high-street fashion down the popular Schildergasse or pick

up your holiday gifts and souvenirs at the

many specialist outlets along Hohe Straße. Don’t forget to sample some local dishes

at the many authentic Kölsch restaurants

distributed across the city, or alternatively, tuck into an assortment of familiar

international cuisine available in a plethora of first-rate eateries and casual fast food establishments.

There are so many sights to see and

Cologne's Kölner Dom Cathedral

wonders to experience in Cologne, that it

may be difficult to fit everything into one short sojourn in the city. Make the most

of your time in this beautiful and historic

metropolis by wandering through the city

streets, parks and quaint districts, observing the abundance of inspiring architecture and soaking up the area’s distinctive culture.

Cologne is universally recognised as one of the jewels of the Rhine River, creating

unforgettable memories in the hearts and minds of all those lucky enough to spend time in the city. ■

Schildergasse, Cologne

Cologne

of the Rhine by Mark Haldon

Germany contains a total of 13 major wine

ever-popular Riesling white wine, well-

quality and refreshing wines. A collection

taste. River cruises along the majestic

districts, renowned for producing high-

of celebrated vineyards are situated on the banks of the country’s most prominent

waterway, the Rhine River. The vineyards of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

are famous for producing Germany’s

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Cruise Concierge

known for its dry, sweet and often fruity Rhine River offer guests an excellent

opportunity to observe the picturesque

vine-clad hillsides of the Rhine Valley and see where the grapes for their favourite German Riesling wines are harvested.

If you’ve a special interest in wine or want to get more acquainted with it, then turn to page 56, where our resident wine expert Tom Jones is waiting to tell you more.

RIVER VOYAGES

Best Museums on the Danube W

River cruises along the Danube offer passengers the chance to call on a wonderful selection of historic port cities, each brimming with rich and captivating culture and heritage. by Mark Haldon

hilst many these famous destinations are revered for

and house a profusion of intriguing and informative relics and

the best ways to gain a fascinating insight into their

river cruises along the Danube, providing visitors with the perfect

their ancient and well-preserved architecture, one of

enchanting history and charming customs is through their excellent museums, many of which address a wide range of subject matter

exhibits. The following world-class museums can all be found on

way to uncover fresh knowledge and discover a stunning collection of ancient and contemporary artefacts.

Bratislava City Museum, Bratislava

Hungarian National Museum

National History Museum, Vienna

The Bratislava City Museum was founded in 1868 and is located near to the main square of the city’s historic old town. This superb establishment is the oldest of its kind in

Slovakia, operating a large main museum

displaying archaeological discoveries and historical documents alongside several

Hungarian National Museum, Budapest

smaller specialised repositories.

Founded more than 200 years ago in 1802,

Bratislava City Museum

the Hungarian National Museum celebrates an extensive range of subjects, including Hungarian art, archaeology and history as well as the culture of nearby regions

historically associated with the country,

such as Transylvania. One of the museum’s

most prized exhibits is the Roman Lapidary display, an assortment of ancient Roman

National History Museum, Vienna Established within an extravagant palace,

Vienna’s Natural History Museum covers an extensive range of topics from the origins of the solar system to evolution of plants and

animals. As of 2011, the building housed an

astonishing 30 million artefacts over an area

of nearly 9000 square metres to create one of Vienna’s most impressive museums.

stone carvings.

Memorium Nuremberg Trials, Nuremberg

National Technical Museum, Prague

Opened very recently in 2010, the Memorium Nuremberg Trials

This absorbing museum is dedicated to the history of technology

war crime trials took place in 1946. Visitors will learn more about

and archives. The museum is also home to a range of large

is situated within the city’s Palace of Justice, where the original the conditions,

development and ramifications of

in the Czech Republic, preserving a wealth of fascinating artefacts exhibits, including aeroplanes,

Memorium Nuremberg Trials

trains, cars and

the trials; although

historic mining

access to the famous

equipment.

Courtroom 600 is

limited as it is still an active court.

National Technical Museum, Prague

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I 51

NEW CMV I a n n ie V re u t a n Sig

Magical Rhine AVAILABLE DATES:

19th, 26th May & 16th June 2014 ShIpS: Vienna i

Majestic Danube

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9th June 2014

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Amsterdam to Budapest

inCLudeS HOuSe Wine, BeeR & SOFT dRinkS WiTH LunCH & dinneR

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Includes half day tours in Cologne, Rudesheim, Vienna & Budapest

Includes half day tours in Vienna & Budapest

Please call

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or visit us online at... Mon - Fri 9a m - 8pm Sat 9a m - 7pm Sun 10a m - 7pm

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The UK's River Cruise Specialist

Fre e s ht Flig or r ai l

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

the enchanting Rhine AVAILABLE DATES:

AVAILABLE DATES:

DurATIon:

23 Jun, 3 Jul, 28 Aug, 20 Oct* 2014 ShIpS:

amacello & amaDolce

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Flights available from London, Liverpool & Edinburgh

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arles - lyon LImITED AVAILABILITy

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1,799

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Price based on 8th May sailing

Save £498 per couple and includes free flights

SAVe uP TO

1,999

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Price based on 20th May & 17th June

pRoVence AVAILABLE DATES:

budapest - Vislhofen

cruise only: £

Price based on 23rd June

8 May, 19 jun, 17 jul, 9 oct 2014

8 Days

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cruise only: £

Save £396 per couple and includes free flights

amaprima & amasonata

DurATIon:

Flights available from London

Saving £1,410 per couple and includes free Eurostar rail option

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 (17 Mar 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. Free flights promotion with Amawaterways 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

Flights available from London

10531

ABTA No.Y2579 Cruise Concierge

I 53

Restart your nutrition on a healthy-eating cruise by Andrew Hall

Good health is the cumulative result of small, healthy habits. It can be hard to break the old, unhealthy ones though, especially when it comes to food – which is why a cruise could be the perfect time to stop and rethink what we eat, and to take some healthier food habits away with us when we head home.

f we eat better, we feel better. It’s a

steak. For breakfast, try starting the day

Dining options include chilled seafood

the good-food habit when there are so

or a low-fat yoghurt smoothie.

mushroom pasta or baby poached

simple premise, but it’s hard to stay in

many more convenient, unhealthy options around us. A cruise can be the perfect

with a vitamin-boosting fruit juice combo,

Celebrity Cruises

opportunity to replace an unhealthy eating

Along with more traditional steakhouse,

it could even pave the way for healthier

Celebrity ships also provide lower-

lines specialise in healthier gourmet meal

Blu restaurant aboard ships featuring

routine with delicious alternatives, and

European and East-Asian dining options,

eating habits in the future. Many cruise

calorie ‘clean cuisine’ options at their

options in their ship restaurants.

AquaClass® accommodations.

Silversea The Wellness Program is Silversea’s

comprehensive wellbeing cruise option. As well as activities and talks on health

and fitness, the program also incorporates a full range of healthy eating choices.

Passengers looking for healthier meals

can opt for three alternative menus: light,

low-carb or vegetarian and vegan. The light menu makes it easy to control calories –

choose from a variety of lean meats, fresh fish and fruits and veggies, and end with a satisfying sugar-free dessert. The low-

carb menu favours protein-rich foods like salmon and veal; and the gourmet veggie and vegan options include steamed roast

Mediterranean vegetables, or teriyaki tofu 54 I

Cruise Concierge

CruiseLite Dining from Silversea

carpaccio, grilled pesto salmon, porcini vegetables; or wake up to a bowl of

muesli already laid out beside your table. If you’re really not the muesli type, you

could opt for an addictive fruit smoothie instead – packed with vitamins. This is a fantastic start to the day and a great

breakfast habit to get into once you get back home.

HEALTH-EATING SeaDream Yacht Club There are numerous healthy eating options to

enjoy on a SeaDream cruise, from grilled organic salmon to crab and tofu soup – even a raw-food menu. The first of its kind at sea, this menu

offers meals made exclusively with uncooked,

vegan ingredients. The science is simple – where cooked foods lose much of their vitamins,

enzymes and micronutrients, raw fruits and

vegetables retain these beneficial ‘living food’

VERANDA SUITE

£3,450

EXCLUSIVE $500 on-board spend per suite

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properties. The raw vegan diet has had a huge impact on people’s health in recent years, and

it was for this reason that SeaDream wanted to offer this dining option on its cruises. Try raw

cashew curry salad; vegan lasagne made with

spinach, cauliflower and sundried tomatoes; or

a lemon cheesecake made with almond milk and coconut butter.

Many other cruise lines also recognise the

importance of offering healthy dining options

aboard their ships. Regent Seven Seas specialise in ‘health-conscious gourmet’ with their Spa

VERANDA SUITE

£3,550

£4,250

Silver suites available from £6050pp

Club cruise option, promising tasty eats that

go light on fats, carbohydrates and less healthy proteins. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships

offer diners the Solarium Café, where the menu is filled with low-calorie breakfasts, buffet

lunches and bistro dinners. Wherever you’re

cruising, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to good, nutritious eating during your time

aboard – the perfect way to start as you mean to

go on if you’re looking to adopt a healthier diet. ■

£1,149

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. Hippocrates

OCEANVIEW

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Cruise Concierge

I 55

Cruise Kitchen This issue, our resident wine guru Tom Jones turns his attention to that most renowned of luxury champagnes, Dom Perignon. As he discovers however, it’s not the only vintage in town when it comes to the famous celebratory tipple…

Cheap Dom Perignon anyone?

t this time of year, wine merchants

often dislike heavily tannic reds.

looking to clear out overstocks left

super-wealthy soon be looking to

(ourselves included!) are often

over from Christmas.

All of a sudden those superb-looking

bottles of Grand Marque Champagne from

Will the wives of the Chinese

luxury Champagne brands to host

parties with? Who knows, but I for one don't think it’s a bad bet.

the likes of Dom Perignon, Cristal, Krug

Why a ‘safe’ investment you

expensive luxury tying up valuable cash.

falling shares. If the price

and a host of others may start to feel like an As shops need money to restock, it is often these luxury items that have their prices

slashed and bargains for the savvy wine shopper are around to be snapped up. But why buy luxury Champagne at

all? Well I, personally view it as a 'safe'

investment. I am no financial advisor so

give no professional view on this and as

with any investment, the price can easily go down as well as up.

However, the fine wine market has been

pretty robust over the last few years giving good returns on well-bought wines. This has mostly been the trade in premium Bordeaux and Burgundy wines and

primarily driven by demand from the super wealthy in Asia where luxury red wines are viewed somewhat as a status symbol.

However, with the inherent love of luxury brands that exists in the East how soon is it until the Asian market switches to top Champagne?

The big tannins in classic French reds are often difficult for Asian palates. Women

drinkers (a generalisation, granted) also 56 I

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may ask? You can’t drink

doesn’t go up on these wines there is still no feeling

quite like sitting down

and celebrating a special

occasion - be it a birthday,

special anniversary, birth of a child or grandchild or anything else for that matter - with a bottle of premium vintage

Champagne

that you've had

tucked away for the last decade

that no one else can now get hold of.

top tip What to buy... Taittinger Comtes des Champagne 2005

£99.95 a bottle from

The Whalley Wine Shop until March 31st

CRUISE KITCHEN In this issue of Cruise Concierge I want to inspire you to go and make a great drink for yourself and your friends. It doesn’t have to be difficult and you don’t need lots of technical bar tools to do it either.

with Mike Gre en

One of the most important ingredients in a great drink, if not the most important, is the ice! Ice gives us the required amount of dilution to a

drink. The dilution from the ice also helps combine the flavours in the

drink together so that it's balanced. The ice also chills the drink to make it more palatable and refreshing. The aim is to have a great tasting, well balanced drink that is consistent throughout.

How about we start off with the

classic

Gin and Tonic? 1. Take a clean tall glass. 2. Fill it FULL of ice. t garnish, usually 3. Squeeze over your desired frui both. lemon but try a wedge of lime or drink try adding a. To add new dimensions to the r. mbe cucu of a couple of slices 4. Now pour over a good measure gin (35ml – 50ml). 5. Pour over good quality tonic top of the glass.

of a good quality

water almost to the

6. Take another piece of your fruit and gently glide it around the rim of the glass and then drop onto the top of the drink.

7. Finally give the drink a stir, raising the spoon up and down whilst stirring. This will ensure a consistent taste throughout your drink.

Fancy something with a little more of a cruise theme?

Let’s try a Sea Breeze 1. Follow points 1 -3 as left, but without cucumber.

2. Substitute the gin for vodka. 3. Fill rest of glass to ¾ full with cranberry juice. 4. Fill remains of glass with grap efruit juice (use Pineapple juice to create a Hawaiian Breeze). 5. Stir the drink to combine the flavours. 6. Sit back, dream about that next cruise destination and then call one of the great team at Cruise 118.

For more cocktail inspiration why not visit www.mixxit.co.uk Cruise Concierge

I 57

Lights, Camera, Cruise 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 news of a forthcoming film, its destination and of course, an amazing shot to remind you of why you should visit for yourself.

featured deal Boston in the Fall with Panama Canal

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De Niro dons the gloves again in Panama Screen legend and notorious method-acting aficionado Robert de Niro has recently been in Panama filming scenes for his forthcoming boxing movie

Hands of Stone. De Niro plays acclaimed boxing trainer Ray Arcel and the

movie concerns his relationship with Panama’s Roberto Duran, regarded by many as one of the world’s greatest lightweight boxers. Arcel worked with

a host of respected pugilists during his 70-year career and of course De Niro brings previous experience of the noble art to his role. He famously trained with the real Jake La Motta to prepare for his portrayal of the troubled

middleweight in Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull and recently co-starred with

fellow screen heavyweight Sylvester Stallone in Grudge Match, a tale of two veterans who enter the ring once more.

Panama City

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Cruise Concierge

Holiday Reading by Andrew Hall

A good book can be devoured whatever the time, whatever the place. But we often feel much more invested in our read on a holiday when there’s no pressing business, no meals to cook and, for a little while at least, no one else to think about but ourselves. Here’s a few reads to whet your appetite then, in time for your next cruise...

The Classic Notes From a Small Island is Bill Bryson’s

much-loved classic, a kindhearted literary

Our Other Favourites

mirror held up to the British mentality.

Bryson’s appeal lies in his unique brand of

acerbic warmth, and Notes From a Small

Island is, I think, the best example of his

style. As an American living in England for two

decades, Bryson has seen enough of British life to

make some excellent commentary – like the way

The Book of Fires Jane Borodale

any two men in any given pub can be given any two places in the country, and be relied on to discuss (at

length) the merits and pitfalls of the various ways to

I’m not normally one for period reads,

drive between them. Excellent reading on a cruise

Every once in a while there’s a story

nations might perceive their British visitors.

but The Book of Fires is an exception. that stands out for me, from the time of the powdered wigs: Quills; The

Libertine; and Perfume: The Story of

holiday, and an enlightening look at how other

The Epic

a Murderer. I suppose I’m attracted

The Prince of Thorns is the first in a fantasy trilogy by Mark

Book of Fires is not a story about a bad guy, but our protagonist

it’s a really, really good one, but you’ll have to read the books to

to stories about the bad guy, then. The

Agnes shares many of their traits: ambition, determination and a

certain brilliance for what she sets her mind to. And what she sets her mind to is the manufacture of fireworks – at a time when it was more lethal art than a safe and certain science.

After falling pregnant, Agnes runs away from her village in rural Sussex. She’s determined to start a new life in London – but

has no idea where to start. By pure chance she finds work as

an apprentice to John Blacklock, purveyor of fireworks to the

Lawrence, though it’s a fantasy with a twist. It’s a huge twist, and find out – it’s too much of a spoiler. This is the first of the Broken Empire books, which follows the dark fortunes

of the eponymous prince – a grim prodigy with a

talent for violence. He’s got some grand designs on

uniting the land, as you may have guessed from the name of the trilogy; but he goes about it in a very unorthodox way. Highly infectious reading, with

more gory pay-offs than an action movie montage.

upper class. She turns her hands from lowly weaving work to the

business of mixing toxic concoctions into dazzling explosives – all while trying to hide her ever-growing problem from her stern, enigmatic new employer and his nosy housemaids.

One thing stands out in particular about this novel; the amount of observation that Jane Borodale has layered into the story. Georgian London jumps off the page in all its grimy glory. The ugly realities of life drag you into the tale. Characters’

mannerisms and flashes of London life build up, word by word, to form not just a good yarn but a vivid walk into the past.

There’s an honest humanity and a believable hardiness about Agnes that gripped me, and pulled me through a plot and a

setting that I first thought I’d struggle to engage with. A few

pages in however, I was hooked. And when a book can turn your expectations on their head like that, I think it’s a very good sign.

The Alternative Astrotruckers by Mikael Niemi is so off-the-cuff it’s detached

itself from the shirt entirely, and has ended up floating around

in its own weird vision of outer space. This endearing tangle of

science fiction tales explores alien relations and laws of probability; characters growing worlds from scratch and venturing spacewards past the point of no return. Niemi’s prose deals in short, sharp

bursts of smell and colour; painting light and meaning on to the strangest scenes with a warmth and familiarity

that makes these tales eminently believable. You’ll find no sci-fi formality here – in Niemi’s universe there are robot comedians, bizarre human-alien

relationships, and even the planets and asteroids have rude names.

Cruise Concierge

I 59

QUIZ

Which destination is this?

TIME! with Ian Lewis

1) What’s the ideal weather for your holiday? A - It has to be sunny and warm. B - If it’s a bit cooler, that’s fine with me. C - The weather isn’t important, it’s what’s there that counts 2) You’re sat on the deck of your ship, nursing… A - A glass of fine wine B - A quality beer C - Something exotic 3) What level of activity are you looking for from your excursions? A - Something quite gentle B - Something pretty active amongst historic streets C - Something in the middle – a walk is fine but not too tiring 4) How much time do you want to spend on-board your ship? A - A week or so B - A bit longer, maybe a fortnight C - I’d rather enjoy a mixed holiday with a few days on-board 5) When you’re on holiday, do you like to eat… A - A few new dishes, tasty European fare B - Something wholesome and filling, like home-cooking C - Varied, exciting cuisine with plenty of new things to try 6) You’re treated to a live performance during a port visit. You’re hoping it’s… A - An exciting dance number B - Classical music C - Cultural theatre 7) First stop on your tour for the day and you’re looking forward to seeing… A - A vineyard, with plenty of tasting! B - A stunning castle or ruin C - An ancient temple 8) And then next stop it’s a museum dedicated to which period of history? A - Medieval B - Modern C - Ancient 9) Saturday night and you’re on the sofa watching a film from your favourite genre, A - Romance B - Subtitled Arthouse C - Martial Arts 10) Finally, at the end of your holiday with cheesy souvenir are you most likely to bring home? A - Castanets B - A beer stein C - A paper fan

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Cruise Concierge

1. Name both of the Azamara Club Cruises ships. 2. L’Austral, Le Boreal, Le Ponant and Le Soleal are the ships which make up the fleet of which cruise line?

3. Name the Italian restaurant you can find on both ships in the Crystal Cruises fleet?

4. Legendary chef Jacques Pepin is the Executive Culinary Director for which cruise line?

5. Which cruise line shares the name of a famous French artist?

6. Can you name the new ship joining the Regent Seven Seas fleet in 2016?

7. True or False: In its formative years, Seabourn Cruise Line

ordered a ship but then couldn’t afford it – and had to buy

it back 6 years later than planned from another cruise line? 8. Which are there more of on a SeaDream yacht – crew members, or passenger staterooms?

9. Name any of the two ships currently sailing as part of the Silversea Expeditions arm of Silversea Cruises?

10. Windstar Cruises has purchased three ships from Seabourn, with the first to join the fleet in May. What will she now be named?

Name the destination Last issue - Tokyo This issue - Dubrovnik

So, you’ve decided you’d like to try a river cruise. But where will you go? Our handy quiz will help you find the perfect destination!

QuestionTime

Question Time Answers 1) Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest 2) Compagnie du Ponant 3) Prego 4) Oceania Cruises 5) Paul Gauguin Cruises 6) Seven Seas Explorer 7) True – Seabourn Odyssey 8) Crew members – 95 to 56 staterooms 9) Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos 10) Star Pride

Take the test

So how did you do? Mostly A’s – You’re someone who likes a relaxing and scenic holiday in the west of Europe. Consider exploring the Douro River, through Portugal and some of Spain, or perhaps head to the tranquil locales of the south of France on the Rhone and/or Saone rivers. Mostly B’s – The Rhine and the Danube are the perfect rivers for your next holiday. They’re the most popular for a reason – you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained, and a cross-Europe cruise that incorporates both would be the dream escape packed with good food and fascinating history. Mostly C’s – You’re destined for something a bit further afield, with the Mekong and Yangtze rivers of the Far East calling to you. Both China and Vietnam offer ancient temples and serene, breath-taking landscapes but with distinctive feels, so choose wisely…or choose both!

Spain, Gibraltar & Portugal

Interior

1,029pp

7 August 2014 Oceana • 10 nights

Southampton > La Coruna > Cadiz > Malaga > Gibraltar > Lisbon > Southampton

Oceanview

1,299pp

Southampton roundtrip Queen Victoria • 20 July 2014 • 7 Nights Southampton > Bergen > Andalsnes > Olden > Stavanger > Southampton

Balcony

Receive up to £200 M&S vouchers and choose from £100 on-board spend, FREE transfers or FREE car parking

Canaries, Portugal & Madeira

Interior

1,529pp 1,199pp

11 August 2014 Aurora • 12 nights

Southampton > Madeira > Las Palmas > Tenerife > Lanzarote > Lisbon > Southampton

Oceanview

Receive up to £200 M&S vouchers and choose from £120 on-board spend, FREE transfers or FREE car parking

Fjords and Waterfalls

1,499pp

Inside

£899pp

Oceanview

Balcony

£999pp

£1179pp

Receive up to £280 John Lewis vouchers and choose from $160 on-board spend, FREE transfers or FREE car parking

Westbound Transatlantic Crossing

Southampton to New York Queen Mary 2 • 8 September 2014 • 7 Nights Southampton > New York

Balcony £

1,899pp

Inside

£1,199pp

Oceanview

£1,499pp

Balcony

£1,899pp

Receive up to £280 John Lewis vouchers and choose from $160 on-board spend, FREE transfers or FREE car parking

To book, call your cruise concierge on...

0800 072 3117

open 7 days a week Monday - friday: 9aM To 8pM saTurday: 9aM To 7pM sunday: 10aM To 7pM

Exceptional as Standard

Terms & Conditions: Cunard: tinerary doesn’t display days at sea. All savings and discounts are already included in the prices advertised. Gift voucher amounts are per cabin and vary by cabin and cruise duration on selected departures on new Cunard Fare bookings of seven nights or more between 05 June 2014 and 25thApril 2015. Gift vouchers will be sent to the lead passenger’s address prior to departure and passengers should ensure their address details are up-to-date on their booking as vouchers cannot be reissued. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website. P&O: Itinerary doesn’t display days at sea. All savings and discounts are already included in the prices advertised. Voucher amounts are per cabin on selected departures on new P&O Cruises Select Price bookings of seven nights or more between 01 June 2014 and 23 April 2015. Vouchers will be sent to the lead passenger’s address prior to departure and passengers should ensure their address details are up-to-date on their booking as vouchers cannot be reissued. Voucher offer applies to bookings on selected cruises made between 03 March and 30 April 2014. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. For full terms and conditions please see the relevant cruise lines latest brochure or website.

Cruise Concierge

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ABTA No.L3743

Top Luxury Resorts for 2014 and here’s the reasons why…

Whether you are planning an expedition across the globe or looking for a leisurely Mediterranean jaunt, we at Six Star Holidays specialise in tailor-making a luxury experience that is personal to you. Our concierge specialise in providing extravagant comfort in locations all over the world, utilising their sensitivity to assemble a desirable holiday for the most selective of patrons. We have worked with our own specialists to assemble a list of the Top Luxury Resorts for 2014, based on their popularity and quality, as well as recommendations from our concierge on their own personal tips for the must-visit properties of 2014.

Domes of Elounda – Crete A superb retreat for families looking to unwind in a child friendly and relaxing environment, The Domes of Elounda sits proudly at the pinnacle of luxury accommodation in Crete. Separate, villastyle accommodation looks out on to the unending beauty of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Parents can enjoy cocktail service whilst reclining on the beach and plenty of kids’ activities ensure that the little ones get as much out of their holiday as the adults do. An elegant and serene spa sanctuary is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life, and a wealth of dining options allow for plenty of gastronomic selectivity throughout your stay. The surrounding area provides plenty of opportunity to get out of the hotel and the peaceful village of Plaka is within walking distance.

Open plan suite with outdoor Jacuzzi 7 nights - June

from

£999pp

inc flights & transfers

One & Only Royal Mirage – Dubai Call Middle East Specialists NOW for the best prices 0207 980 2848

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Cruise Concierge

Situated between the sun scorched desert and the inviting Persian Gulf, this opulent hotel sprawls majestically along a palm-fringed coastline that overlooks the glistening metropolis of Dubai. The Royal Mirage combines a traditional Arabic aesthetic with modern and contemporary charm. Archways, domes and minarets rise elegantly above the architecture and extravagant interiors create an environment of unkempt magnificence. Guests have the choice of staying in The Palace, the Arabian Court, or The Residence, each offering its own secluded ambiance. The resort’s facilities are second to none, with a host of restaurants serving gourmet cuisine in romantic and mesmerising locations. The resort is situated at the heart of Dubai, allowing guests to experience the wonders and delights of one of the most lavish and sumptuous cities on Earth.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel - Algarve Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is a superb year round destination perched on the Algarve coast of Portugal; a superb destination with plenty of fresh and exciting activities for families to enjoy. The resort lies within a beautiful national park which offers picture perfect scenery. Renowned for its wide variety of activities, you will never run out of interests to pursue at Martinhal. A water sports centre is situated on the beach and supplies equipment for windsurfing, snorkelling and kayaking amongst a host of other pursuits. On land, sporting facilities include tennis courts and bike rentals and the resort also contains a superb spa, allowing guests to enjoy equal doses of excitement and relaxation during their stay.

Beach Room 7 nights – May Bed & Breakfast

from

£769pp

inc flights & transfers

Komandoo – Maldives Call

No list of top luxury resorts would be complete without an Indian Ocean destination, and this exquisite private island resort is the perfect addition. Komandoo is just a 45-minute journey from the Maldivian capital of Malé and offers travellers a haven of tranquillity perfect for those looking to totally unwind during their break. The Maldives is a year-round destination making it ideal for escaping winter’s frost and the showers of spring. For unparalleled luxury, the resort’s water villas allow guests to stay directly over the ocean with access to the turquoise lagoon that surrounds the island. A wide range of water sports are available including PADI certified diving, which offers guests a privileged insight into the depths.

Indian Ocean Specialists NOW for the best prices 0207 980 2846

Verdura Golf Spa Resort – Sicily Famed for its beautiful climate and vibrant culture, Sicily is a superb destination for travellers looking to ease gracefully into a relaxing Italian vibe. Sicily is renowned for its fresh and simple cuisine, prepared with local produce, making it a haven for gourmands. The Verdura Resort epitomises this Sicilian state of mind, providing a peaceful coastal spot tailored to offer rest and tranquillity. A haven for golf lovers, guests can enjoy a choice of courses, with PGA pros on hand to help improve and refine your approach. Exquisite spa facilities and superb dining options make this resort fantastic for couples looking to indulge their interests and unwind.

Deluxe Room 7 nights – May

from

£1,199pp inc flights & transfers

Qualia - Hamilton Island, Australia Call Australian Specialists NOW for the best prices 0207 980 8434

A world-renowned resort on the Whitsunday islands of Australia, Qualia is a secluded refuge of comfort and calm. The word Qualia means ‘a collection of deeper sensory experiences’ and this is exactly what the hotel aims to provide, with spacious ocean facing pavilions, beach front dining, and a host of experiences available. Diving and snorkelling are popular pursuits at the resort, and keen golfers can be delivered by helicopter to the Hamilton Island Golf Club. Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef run daily from the island, allowing guests to view its supreme beauty up close and personal. The island is well connected with transport links, making it a fantastic stop-off on a longer tour.

Cruise Concierge

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Kenya

The New Destination for Luxury Travel

wildlife nce the

Experie

A destination that effortlessly synthesises elegant natural beauty, spirited local culture and the promise of unforgettable adventure, Kenya is fast becoming a must-visit destination for travellers looking to incorporate a more intrepid flavour into the traditional luxury experience. Heavy investment in tourism from the Kenyan government and a rise in standards of infrastructure and accommodation quality over the last decade have precipitated a steep increase in the popularity of the East African idyll. This has led to a diverse and welcoming environment that is well equipped to provide a captivating set of experiences for even the most selective and upscale clientele. From serene beach stays to enchanting African safaris, the mystical ability to enamour and thrill that the landscape possesses ensures that a Kenyan expedition will forge a host of contented memories that will linger long after your return.

Why Kenya? Sprawled across the Eastern side of equatorial Africa, with the tranquil Indian Ocean on one side and the serene expanses of Lake Victoria on the other, Kenya provides a myriad of different eco systems and terrains, creating the ideal situation for travellers looking to experience a diverse and fascinating landscape. The cultural backdrop of the area is as interesting as its geography, with the bustling and vibrant capital of Nairobi juxtaposed against the simple and tribal existences that can be experienced on the endless Kenyan Savannahs. The wealth of choice leads many visitors to experience more than one location during their time in Kenya, tagging a relaxing beach stay on the end of a trip to one of Kenya’s vast and plentiful safari parks, or stopping off in Nairobi to experience the countries cultural hub. Direct flights arrive directly from London 64 I

Cruise Concierge

airports, making the country accessible, with connecting flights to many of the more remote areas of the country. Alternatively, a connection in the Middle East provides the perfect opportunity to experience a spot of Arabian luxury before embarking on your African adventure.

Where in Kenya? The heart of Kenya’s appeal lies within its breath-taking wildernesses, with a host of safari lodges offering a chance to glimpse the ‘The Big Five’ animals of Africa. One such lodge is the Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, situated upon an outcrop of the Estoit Olooloo Escarpment on the edge of the Kenyan Ravine forest. The lodge provides elegant tented accommodation that delivers an earthy and natural feel befitting of the organic surroundings. Two game drives a day ensure that guests have the best chance of seeing the plethora of incredible wildlife within their natural habitats, and visitors travelling July through October will have a chance to witness the great wildebeest migration, as they make their majestic journey across the Masai Mara. Alongside the incredible safari locations that reside within Kenya, the country also plays host to a selection of serene and idyllic beach side refuges of relaxation and calm. The Mara Engai Indian Ocean retreat is the perfect example of this, situated just 60 minutes from Mombasa. Hemingway’s Watamu and the Medina Palms also provide opulent coastal retreats with direct access to Watamu Beach.

The M

asai

Mara

What to do? A key ingredient of Kenya’s allure is its capacity for variety. Vast Savannahs play host to roaming herds of majestic wild life, verdant forestry and jungle areas allow for an almost tropical feel and beautiful sunkissed beaches provide unrivalled settings for relaxation. Snow-topped mountain ranges rear up proudly at the centre of the country and scorched deserts provide further opportunities for adventure in this most astounding of nations. A visit to one of Kenya’s breath taking national parks is a must, with each one providing a different outpost to gaze upon the native wildlife of the region. The beaches of Mombasa and Watamu provide typical Indian Ocean relaxation with a distinctly African vibe with hotels such as the Kinondo Kwetu providing the quintessential luxury experience, with a wide array of spa treatments as well as sumptuous location dining in house. The Capital of Nairobi allows travellers to experience the cultural heart of Kenya, with plenty of museums and landmarks to experience. The safari park just out of town is a fantastic location to view zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and rhinos and a short excursion allows travellers to witness the incredible ‘Fourteen Falls’ waterfalls that are situated a little further out of town. The superb character of Kenya is apparent throughout every one of its nuances, guaranteeing that where ever you choose to spend your time you will be met with an authentic and unforgettable experience.

LUXURY KENYA TOUR 7 nights – Prices from around £2,349 per person Day 2: Nairobi to Aberdares

Day 1: Arrival Guests will be met and transferred to Hemingways Nairobi Hotel. Take lunch at the Talisman Restaurant, Karon District, Nairobi (at own expense.) After lunch relax at leisure at the superb, exclusive boutique hotel that is Hemingways Nairobi. A visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is also recommended.

Day 1: H eming

ways, N airobi

s – the re! Treetop he Day 2: rself stayed he Queen

After breakfast depart Nairobi and head north, passing Thika which boasts the world’s third largest pineapple plantation and home to Del Monte. Enjoy a bounteous buffet at Outspan and then transfer on to the famous ‘Treetops’.

Day 3: Aberdares - Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club After breakfast drive to Mount Kenya Safari Club arriving at the club in time for lunch.

Day 4: Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club

e call th hardly n a c u : Yo ry! Day 5 r luxu Shee ! s t n te

Enjoy game drives from expert guides and be amazed by spotting the ‘BIG 5’! Return to nature surrounded by all its wonders. With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmount Safari Club’s 115 luxuriously apppointed guest rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure.

Days 3 & 4: E njoyed game v some w iewing at Fair onderf Kenya mount M ul Safar ount i Club.

Day 6: Governors Camp Governor’s Camp lies on the banks of the Mara River in the west of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is in a spot once reserved for the colonial governors of Kenya and their royal visitors. In this tented camp, tents are carefully positioned for uninterrupted views from their verandas and are stylishly decorated.

Day 5: Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club - Governors Camp Transfer after breakfast to Nanyuki Airport for a scheduled flight to the Masai Mara. Upon arrival at Nanyuki, the team from Governors will meet you and look after you for the following two days.

Day 7

Day 6: W e spotted these tod ay!

Call our African Specialists on 0207 980 8433 www.sixstarholidays.co.uk

After an early morning game drive, followed by breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for the flight to Nairobi.

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We feature the finest collection of UK hotels, from country house to small and quirky. We select each and every hotel, making sure that our high standards are always met. We offer a personal concierge service to ensure that the finer details are taken care of. Call us today to discuss:

Minimoon breaks Spa weekends Perfect hotels for proposals Child friendly stays Hotels that welcome dogs Corporate away days Inspiring locations

E: info@crispwhitesheets.com T: 01254 830122 66 I

Cruise Concierge

Spa Weekends Seaham hall Seaham Hall is a contemporary cliff top hotel with an incredible spa

Minimoon Breaks Yorebridge House Deep in the Dales, Yorebridge House is a romantic retreat with a selection of rooms with private hot tubs.

Child friendly stays Thornbury Castle An atmospheric Tudor Castle with fun for the children and no compromise on luxury

Perfect for proposals Gilpin Lake House With its own private lake, there are plenty of idyllic spots to ask the question

Corporate away days Peckforton Castle Try inspiring team building activities such as duck-herding and archery

Hotels that welcome dogs Raithwaite Hall Pamper yourself and your pet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at Raithwaite Hall you will find a spa for dogs 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. From the moment of your first enquiry, your dedicated Cruise Concierge will begin taking care of your every need, proposing the perfect destinations, cruise lines and itineraries for you.

The UK’s leading river cruise specialist

✆ 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.